Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Combined Drug Therapy Shows Promise Against Childhood Brain Cancer
Scientists in Australia found a new way to fight a very serious brain cancer in kids.
They used two medicines together instead of just one.
This combination worked better in the lab and in mice, making the cancer cells die and slowing down the growth of the tumours.
The medicines target special proteins in the cancer cells.
The treatment also helps the body's own immune system recognise and attack the cancer.
The researchers think this could lead to even better treatments in the future, like using special immune cells.
Both medicines are already being tested in people.
Australian researchers tested a combined therapy approach on diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) in the lab.
The combination of two drugs targeting proteins FACT and BET was more effective than either drug alone.
The treatment slowed tumour growth and extended lifespan in mice, and activated immune system signals.
Researchers suggest that adding immune-based treatments like CAR T-cell therapy could enhance effectiveness.
Both drugs are already in clinical trials for patient use.
- Who
- Researchers from the Children's Cancer Institute and University of New South Wales
- What
- A study on combined drug therapy for childhood brain cancer
- When
- The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To find a more effective treatment for aggressive childhood brain cancers like DIPG
- Study Journal
- Science Translational Medicine
- Research Institutions
- Children's Cancer Institute and University of New South Wales
- Targeted Cancer Type
- Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG)
- Key Proteins Targeted
- FACT and BET
- Treatment Effect on Mice
- Slowed tumour growth and extended lifespan
- Potential Future Treatment
- Immune-based treatment like CAR T-cell therapy
- Current Status of Drugs
- In clinical trials
