The Australian Brain Cancer Mission (ABCM) was established in 2017 by the Federal Government, and brings together funding partners from philanthropy, other governments, industry and the private sector. ABCM has the goal of doubling survival rates and improving the quality of life of people living with brain cancer over the next decade to 2027, with the longer term aim of defeating brain cancer.
One of the early strategic activities for the ABCM was to enhance the capacity of ANZCHOG to facilitate access to international clinical trials for Australian children with brain cancer.
The ANZCHOG-ABCM Grant supports three key areas of activity:
- The identification, start-up and conduct of innovative, international clinical trials for paediatric neuro-oncology patients;
- Targeted projects to examine barriers impeding efficient activation, access and participation in international trials;
- A framework to maximise knowledge translation and capacity building through collaboration, education, mentoring and communication with key national and international paediatric neuro-oncology stakeholders.
Expanding our portfolio of brain cancer trials for Australian children
ANZCHOG has exceeded our principle target of opening five new brain cancer trials in Australia, developed by leading international trial consortia (more information can be found below). Importantly, we have been able to capitalise on opportunities for trial involvement as they emerge, rapidly activating trials to maximise the time they are available for Australian children.
Targeted projects to increase access to clinical trials
We are undertaking a number of targeted projects including:
- Expediting the start-up phase for brain cancer trials
- Real time data on paediatric brain tumours in Australia
Further updates will be provided in the future.
Building ANZCHOG’s future capacity
We have established a multi-faceted framework to enhance knowledge translation and capacity building through collaboration, education, mentoring and communication. This includes activities and policies such as:
- Providing funding for leading researchers to attend key neuro-oncology meetings
- Create opportunities for emerging researchers to be a part of Trial Leadership teams
- Strengthen our ties with COGNO
- Leverage our existing ANZCHOG CNS Tumours Group to facilitate new trial discussions, review of trial data, and translation into clinical care.
- Further engage with key national and international stakeholders, including philanthropy and other funders, consumer groups and trial consortia.