"World-first trial" could change brain cancer treatment

Brain Tumour Research

5 min read

The launch of a "world-first trial" that could change how we treat brain cancer in the UK, was announced today.

The next-Generation aGile Genomically Guided Glioma platform trial, also known as the 5G platform trial, will test multiple new treatments for people living with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma (GBM), the most common type of primary brain cancer in adults. It will use a unique and flexible approach to test multiple drugs, with each patient's treatment being based on the specific genetics of their cancer.

Dr Juanita Lopez, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, and Chief Investigator of the trial said: “We have seen progress made in better treating many types of cancer in recent decades, but less so in brain cancers like glioblastoma.

“The 5G platform trial presents a unique opportunity to work in new and exciting ways to find better treatment options for this patient population."

How will the trial work?

The trial involves several steps, including enrolling patients, sequencing their genomes (which determines their genetic makeup), and assigning treatments based on genetic information. Patients will be closely monitored, and adjustments can be made if a treatment is not effective.

What makes this trial different?

This trial is different because it uses an adaptive design and whole genome sequencing for every patient. The drug combinations given to patients can be changed as real-time data is collected, allowing researchers to try multiple treatment options across different groups of patients. This approach increases the likelihood of finding a treatment plan that works best for each patient.

Additionally, looking at the DNA of participants can provide clues on how their cancers may have developed and how they behave.

The trial also allows drugs made for other cancers to be tested on brain cancer patients for the first time.

Why is this study important?

Because of the biology of the brain, finding new treatments for glioblastoma has been difficult. Over the past two decades there have been 1,000 brain cancer clinical trials, but none has resulted in significant breakthroughs.

To help address this, Cancer Research UK and the Minderoo Foundation have each committed £1.68 million (£3.36 million total) to fund the 5G platform trial.

Experts hope the trial will help speed up the development of new treatments while benefitting patients.

Dr Karen Noble, our Director of Research, Policy and Innovation, said: “The 5G platform trial has the potential to be a significant advancement for brain tumour patients. By tailoring treatments to the genetic profile of each individual’s cancer, this trial could lead to a personalised treatment strategy.

“We wish those at the heart of this endeavour good luck, and we are hopeful that this innovative strategy will lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for those battling glioblastoma.”

Where is the trial taking place?

The first 5G platform trial sites opened in August this year, recruiting patients aged 16 and above. Further sites are planned across the UK as the study progresses.

The 5G platform trial is sponsored by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and run by the Joint Drug Development Unit at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).