October has been a busy month for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation’s Head of Research, Dr. Hamza Anwer, who has attended the 16th annual Scientific Meeting of the Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology (COGNO) in Melbourne and the 19th annual European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) meeting in Glasgow.
Dr. Anwer says, “It’s so important for the Foundation to stay on the forefront of new research and discoveries about brain cancer from across the world. It’s about learning from the world’s leading researchers and using that knowledge to shape cutting-edge work in Australia. Ultimately, this is what will help find a cure for brain cancer and I’m excited to share these updates with our network.”
Scientific Meeting of the Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology (COGNO)
From 13-15 October, the COGNO Conference took place in Melbourne, sparking some inspiring discussions and debates from leading neuro-oncology researchers.
First off was the exciting topic of precision medicine. We learned about some fascinating research which involves whole genome sequencing to identify druggable targets in glioblastoma, which could lead to more effective, tailored treatments for patients. The presentation also explored how IDH mutations are emerging as key targets, particularly in lower-grade gliomas, and how this molecular understanding is transforming the way we grade and treat these tumours.
Another interesting talk came from research on childhood diffuse midline gliomas or DMG, a devastating type of paediatric brain cancer. Researchers discovered highly immunogenic neoantigens that could be harnessed to make immunotherapy a viable option for these young patients, providing new hope where few treatments have succeeded before.
Quiescent glioma stem cells—those tricky, resistant cells that often cause cancer to return even after aggressive treatment–proved to be an interesting topic. One particularly exciting approach involves “reawakening” these stem cells during chemotherapy and radiotherapy to make them more vulnerable to treatment, before driving them back into dormancy. This could dramatically improve the effectiveness of current therapies.
There were also important findings from the ANZ patterns of care study in low-grade gliomas (LGG). The study underscored the variation in how LGGs are managed across different sites and highlighted the challenges in applying clinical data into clinical practice. These insights will be vital as we work to standardize and improve care for LGG patients across Australia and New Zealand. Other talks also centred on assessing quality of life in brain tumour patients, as well as tailored interventions for cognitive impairment in patients with primary brain tumours.
The COGNO meeting was also an opportunity to hear updates from real clinical trials. One of the most promising was the Multi-Arm GlioblastoMa Australasia (MAGMA) trial, which is testing new hypotheses in real-world settings to improve survival for people with glioblastoma (GBM).
EANO Annual Meeting 2024: A Global Forum of Progress in Neuro-Oncology
The European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) hosted its 19th Annual Meeting in Glasgow from 18-20 October, drawing leading minds in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, and radiology from around the world. This influential congress, dedicated to advancing our understanding of central nervous system tumors, emphasized collaborative, multidisciplinary research with notable focus areas including experimental therapies, precision imaging, and patient-centered care.
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) was highlighted as a critical element, with discussions on integrating patient perspectives in research design to improve relevance and impact. Updates were given on groundbreaking clinical trials, including the INDIGO trial, the adaptive GBM AGILE and N2M2 trials. Advancements were showcased in DNA repair and IDH inhibitors and experts shared developments in molecular diagnostics, DNA damage response inhibitors, and emerging therapeutic targets like telomerase and ATR inhibitors.
The event concluded with insights on translating preclinical successes into clinical trials and the establishment of patient-derived drug-screening platforms, paving the way for more personalized treatment options.
In summary
Dr. Anwer says, “The insights gained from both conferences will be invaluable as we continue shaping Brain Cancer Foundation’s strategic direction. We will always ensure our research aligns with community needs and the latest in global neuro-oncology advancements.
I’m committed to translating what we’ve learned into real-world impact —whether it’s exploring new therapeutic targets, advancing clinical trials, or pushing the boundaries of precision medicine. Together, we’re making progress towards our ultimate goal of curing brain cancer.”
