Brain Cancer Canada Awards $68,000 Research Grant for Life-Changing Anti-Cancer Vaccine

Strategic Insights -

Brain Cancer Canada is pleased to announce the awarding of a $68,000 research grant to Dr. Aru Narendran and Dr. Patrick Sipila at The University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital, marking a significant step towards developing a novel immunotherapy approach for the most aggressive childhood brain cancers. This innovative project, focusing on a neoantigen-based anti-cancer vaccine, aims to improve current outcomes for children affected by DIPG, a devastating pediatric brain tumour with fewer than 10% survival rate two years post-diagnosis. The research team is led by Dr. Narendran, a renowned expert in brain cancer research, who emphasizes the importance of philanthropic support, saying "Philanthropic organizations such as the Brain Cancer Canada give true hope for children fighting brain cancer, granting the crucial support needed to advance translational research and the preparation of innovative treatment protocols for the future."

Key Takeaways:

  • The project, "Biological Correlative Studies to Improve Current Outcomes of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Risk Brain Tumours with a Neoantigen-Based Anti-Cancer Vaccine in Clinical Trial," is led by Dr. Aru Narendran, MD, PhD, and Dr. Patrick Sipila, PhD, at The University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital.
  • The research grant, worth $68,000, is awarded by Brain Cancer Canada to support the development of a novel immunotherapy approach for childhood brain cancers, specifically targeting DIPG.
  • The neoantigen-based anti-cancer vaccine aims to train a patient's immune system to recognize and eliminate tumour cells, with the goal of improving current outcomes for children affected by DIPG.
  • Current treatment options for DIPG include radiation therapy and chemotherapy, yielding only temporary or limited benefit, with survival rates largely unchanged for decades, despite broader advances in cancer research.
  • Brain Cancer Canada has directed over 2.4 million dollars to brain cancer research since 2015, supporting 25 projects at nine institutions, research centres, and hospitals across Canada.
  • The research team believes that philanthropic support is crucial in advancing translational research and developing innovative treatment protocols for the future.

Statistics:

  • $68,000 - The value of the research grant awarded by Brain Cancer Canada to support the development of the anti-cancer vaccine.
  • 10% - The survival rate for children two years post-diagnosis of DIPG.
  • 2.4 million dollars - The total amount of research funding directed by Brain Cancer Canada since 2015, supporting 25 projects at nine institutions, research centres, and hospitals across Canada.
  • 2015 - The year Brain Cancer Canada began directing research funding, focusing on improving the lives of those affected by primary malignant brain tumours.

Sources:

  • Globe Newswire - "Brain Cancer Canada Awards $68,000 Research Grant for Clinical Trial of Anti-Cancer Vaccine Targeting DIPG, the Most Aggressive Pediatric Brain Cancer"
  • Brain Cancer Canada - "About Brain Cancer Canada"
  • Brain Cancer Canada - "Annual Reports"
  • Dr. Aru Narendran - Researcher and Professor, University of Calgary
  • Dr. Patrick Sipila - Researcher and Professor, University of Calgary
  • Trinity's Army - A grassroots fundraiser supporting Brain Cancer Canada
  • The $9 Challenge - A fundraiser supporting Brain Cancer Canada
  • Dr. Surya's 8th Charity Raffle - A fundraiser supporting Brain Cancer Canada.