News

A New Way to “Switch Off” DMG: How Dr. Tsai Is Targeting FOXR2

This article originally appeared on DIPG.org Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are among the most aggressive pediatric brain tumors—and they’re notoriously difficult to treat. But thanks to new research led by Dr. Jessica Tsai at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, scientists are exploring a way to “switch off” the cancer itself—right at the source. What’s Being Targeted? FOXR2 At the heart of this breakthrough is a gene called FOXR2. This gene normally stays off in healthy brain tissue—but in DM

Research Update: The intrinsic and microenvironmental features of diffuse midline glioma: Implications for the development of effective immunotherapeutic treatment strategies

The following study was funded in part by the DIPG/DMG Collaborative: Abstract Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including those of the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), are pediatric tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Recognized as the most lethal of all childhood cancers, palliative radiotherapy remains the only proven treatment option, however, even for those that respond, survival is only temporarily extended. DMG harbor an immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME)

Research Update: Volumetric endpoints in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: comparison to cross-sectional measures and outcome correlations in the International DIPG/DMG Registry

The following study was funded in part by the DIPG/DMG Collaborative: Background Cross-sectional tumor measures are traditional clinical trial endpoints; however volumetric measures may better assess tumor growth. We determined the correlation and compared the prognostic impact of cross-sectional and volumetric measures of progressive disease (PD) among patients with DIPG. Methods Imaging and clinical data were abstracted from the International DIPG Registry. Tumor volume and cross-sectional pro

Preclinical and clinical evaluation of German-sourced ONC201 for the treatment of H3K27M-mutant diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

In a study funded by the DIPG/DMG Collaborative, Dr. Dun discusses the initial effects of differing formulations of ONC201. Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a fatal childhood brainstem tumor for which radiation is the only treatment. Case studies report a clinical response to ONC201 for patients with H3K27M-mutant gliomas. Oncoceutics (ONC201) is only available in the United States and Japan; however, in Germany, DIPG patients can be prescribed and dispensed a locally produc

The H2A.Z-nuclesome code in mammals: emerging functions

A recent publication in Trends in Genomics highlighted Dr. Valdes-Mora's investigation into the functions and role of histone variations in cancers. This helps to define relevant targets not only in DIPG but also other cancers for the next group of trials. This investigation was funded by The Cure Starts Now and the DIPG/DMG Collaborative. Highlights The histone variant H2A.Z has been involved in many diverse and contrasting functions. H2A.Z complex biology, including different post-translat

Pharmaco-proteogenomic profiling of pediatric diffuse midline glioma to inform future treatment strategies

Dr. Dun’s latest research helps to outline key attributes between DIPG and DMGs and how we might best find complementary strategies to attack DMG to improve prognoses.  This, when combined with further genetic analysis, will lead to improved outcomes for children fighting these brain tumors. Abstract Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a deadly pediatric and adolescent central nervous system (CNS) tumor localized along the midline structures of the brain atop the spinal cord. With a median overall s

Dual targeting of the epigenome via FACT complex and histone deacetylase is a potent treatment strategy for DIPG

In 2019 Dr. Maria Tsoli and Dr. David Ziegler of Children’s Cancer Institute proposed developing new epigenetic combination treatments against DIPG. This project was approved for funding by the DIPG/DMG Collaborative and here are the results: Abstract Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive and incurable childhood brain tumor for which new treatments are needed. CBL0137 is an anti-cancer compound developed from quinacrine that targets facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT),

Australian Researchers Find New Way to Target Deadly Childhood Cancer With CBL0137

The following work was supported by grants from the DIPG/DMG Collaborative. Research by Australian scientists could pave the way to a new treatment for a currently incurable brain cancer in children called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG. Affecting about 150-300 children in US each year, DIPG is a devastating disease with a median survival range of 8-11 months, according to DIPG.org. The research, led by scientists at Children’s Cancer Institute and published this week in the internati

Research Update: A Pilot Radiogenomic Study of DIPG Reveals Distinct Subgroups With Unique Clinical Trajectories and Therapeutic Targets

This project was approved for funding by the DIPG/DMG Collaborative and here are the results: Quote from Dr. Rachid Drissi: “This is the first study to apply an approach combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and genomics in patients with DIPG in order to (1) investigate relationships between MRI characteristics at post-radiotherapy time points with tumor molecular profiles identified through extensive genome-wide sequencing analyses, and (2) further explore the radiographic, clinic