Developing a new treatment for children with brain cancer

Cancers of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are the most common form of solid tumour in New Zealand children, and the greatest contributors to cancer-related deaths. Children with Glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain tumour, survive on average less than 2 years after diagnosis. The treatment regimen used in adults is not effective for children.

The growth of Glioblastoma multiforme cancer cells has been linked to a protein called Bcl-2. Bcl-2 is overexpressed in children who have Glioblastoma multiforme. The protein has been linked to tumour recurrence and poor prognosis.

These researchers have identified a compound that binds to Bcl-2, can cross the blood-brain barrier, and can kill adult cancer cells. The aim of this project is to develop a new treatment based on this Bcl-2 inhibitor, for children who have Glioblastoma multiforme. The researchers plan to generate derivatives of this compound which can be targeted to cancer cells in the brain. The treatment could be used alone or together with other medications, to offer a treatment option for children with devastating forms of brain cancer.