Clinical trialUNITERAREApr 3
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are testing a drug called entrectinib to treat very young children (under 3 years old) who have brain or spinal cord tumors caused by changes in specific genes called NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, or ROS1. This is a Phase 2 trial, meaning they've already tested the drug in a small group and now want to see if it works well in more patients. The trial is now accepting new patients and is expected to start in April 2026.
WHY IT MATTERSThis trial offers a targeted treatment option specifically designed for infants and toddlers with NTRK- or ROS1-fused CNS tumors, a group that has historically had very limited treatment options and poor outcomes.
Clinical trialCLINICALTRIALSMar 26
Researchers at Emory University are testing a new combination of medicines for children whose cancer has come back or stopped responding to previous treatments. The study combines three drugs: sirolimus (which slows cell growth), celecoxib (an anti-inflammatory), and two chemotherapy drugs given in low doses. The goal is to see if this combination works better than standard treatments for solid tumors and brain cancers in children.
WHY IT MATTERSThis trial offers a potential new treatment option for children with recurrent or refractory cancers who have limited alternatives, though enrollment is currently closed.
ResearchCLINICALTRIALSMar 26
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute completed a study of 326 people with rare brain and spine tumors, including meningioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, and other types. The study collected health information and genetic data to understand what causes these tumors to develop and what factors increase the risk of getting them. These tumors are very uncommon, affecting fewer than 2,000 people per year in the United States.
WHY IT MATTERSThis completed study provides researchers with genetic and health data from 326 patients that could lead to better understanding of why these rare brain tumors develop, potentially informing future treatment options and risk screening for patients with these conditions.