Some of the brightest minds in paediatric brain cancer research have secured their future of crucial work, with the Federal Government awarding a total of $20 million over seven years through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), to support multiple projects aimed at tackling some of the deadliest childhood brain cancers.

The core of the investment is $14 million to establish CoACT-Brain Cancer, as a national clinical trial consortium. Leading paediatric oncologist, Affiliate Professor Jordan Hansford is a key collaborator in the consortium, which brings together experts from more than 30 institutions to accelerate clinical trials and improve access to cutting-edge treatments for children and adolescents with brain cancer.

Paediatric Oncologist, SAHMRI’s Affiliate Professor Hansford, says this investment is a critical step forward in improving survival rates and quality of life for children diagnosed with brain cancer.

“Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in young Australians,” Professor Hansford said.

“This funding will allow us to build on years of research, bring new treatments to the clinic faster, and ultimately provide hope to families facing these devastating diagnoses.”

Implementing CoACT will ensure that Australian children have access to the most promising global clinical trials; with the consortium facilitating collaboration between clinicians, researchers and patient advocacy groups to drive innovation and improve long-term outcomes.

The project is also supporting other related projects, including the University of Newcastle’s AI-driven treatment regimen to personalise therapies for children with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare cancer located deep in the brainstem. The scheme will also fund researchers at the University of Western Australia to develop safer and more effective treatments for rare brain cancers in infants, all of whom Prof Hansford is collaborating with.

Further solidifying Australia as a world-leader in paediatric brain cancer research, the funding will support Affiliate Professor Hansford and his collaborators to continue their vital work for years to come, ensuring Australian children can benefit from the latest advancements in treatment and research.