Australia Pioneers World’s First Personalized mRNA Vaccine for Kids’ Brain Cancer

A new hope is emerging for children battling deadly brain cancer. The world’s first clinical trial will test a personalized mRNA-based vaccine designed specifically to target each patient’s cancer cells. The program will roll out across eight hospitals throughout Australia starting late this year.

The four-year trial will involve about 70 children with very poor prognoses or who have exhausted all other treatment options. Researchers aim to evaluate both the safety and effectiveness of the experimental vaccine, which harnesses the body’s immune system.

The vaccine is engineered to trigger the body to produce killer T cells—think of them as “medical missiles”—that recognize and destroy tumors.

Tailored Vaccines for Each Child

Lead researcher from the University of Queensland, Professor Brandon Wainwright, explained that a small tumor sample from each child will undergo genetic analysis. From there, scientists identify unique cancer markers that can serve as therapy targets.

Based on those results, a custom vaccine will be produced in about eight weeks after the patient joins the trial.

Each child will receive eight arm injections spaced two weeks apart, followed by booster doses several months later.

Professor Wainwright, who has studied childhood brain cancer for 30 years, said the trial targets patients with no other treatment options left.

“Because this disease is so serious, we could see treatment responses within 12 months of starting therapy,” he said.

Researchers hope the therapy won’t just extend life expectancy but also improve quality of life.

“These children suffer severe symptoms. If we can reduce disease severity and prolong their lives, that’s a major breakthrough that was previously impossible,” Wainwright added.

Brain Cancer: Australia’s Deadliest Child Killer

In Australia, around 40 children die each year from brain cancer—making it the deadliest cancer for kids. Survival rates for the worst types are unfortunately almost nonexistent.

The vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, the same proven effective in COVID-19 vaccines.

Previously, personalized mRNA cancer vaccines have shown promising results in adult patients with pancreatic cancer and melanoma.

According to Wainwright, childhood brain cancer often “hides” from the immune system. This vaccine helps the immune system recognize cancer marker proteins on tumor cell surfaces, enabling the body to attack them.

No Placebos for Ethical Reasons

Professor Jordan Hansford, a pediatric oncologist and clinical lead for the trial at Women’s and Children’s Hospital Adelaide, stressed that all participants will receive the vaccine.

“We’re not using placebos. That’s unethical for children with such serious conditions,” he said.

The initial phase will test safety and optimal dosing in the first 7–10 patients before moving to the second phase for effectiveness assessment.

Backed by Bereaved Families

The trial also has strong support from patients’ families. One is Marisa Rosin, mother of Marcus, who died from brain cancer at age nine after years of fighting.

Through the Marcus Rosin Fund, her family is helping fund the research.

“I’m sad this didn’t come sooner, but if Marcus were still here, I’d enroll him in this trial 110 percent!” she said.

Potential for Broader Cancer Applications

Biotech firm Southern RNA will produce the personalized vaccines, while the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group oversees the study.

Professor Nigel McMillan from Griffith University, not directly involved, called the approach highly promising.

He likened the vaccine to giving the immune system a “photo ID” of the cancer, helping it distinguish healthy cells from cancerous ones.

“This technology has potential for many types of cancer in the future,” he said.

Indonesianpost.com | Kumparan