Project description
Paediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are devastating brain tumours that impact the lives of infants and children. These tumours are caused by genetic changes that disrupt normal cell growth, leading to rapid and uncontrollable spread of tumour cells. Treating pHGGs is incredibly challenging because they are often located in parts of the brain where surgery is not possible. While radiation therapy (RT) is commonly used, it typically provides only temporary relief, with most children living just 9-15 months after diagnosis. Moreover, pHGGs suppress the immune system and immunotherapy, which holds a great promise, is not effective.
HIT-GLIO is an international, multidisciplinary consortium devoted to find a cure and improve the lives of children affected by pHGG. We use the most advanced technologies such as single-cell and protein sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and multimodal imaging to explore how these tumours interact with the immune cells in the brain. Our mission is to uncover new treatment options, better ways of drug delivery and immunotherapy responses. We hope the deeper understanding of tumour-host interactions will lead to discovering new targets for therapy. We aim to find new ways to eradicate mutated tumour cells, improve efficacy of radiotherapy and reinvigorate anti-tumour immunity boosting the body’s immune response to better fight the tumour. We will assess neurodevelopmental alterations and psychological consequences of disease and foster psychological approaches developed to increase quality-of-life of patients and caregivers. The expected outcomes of HIT-GLIO would ultimately pave the way for new clinical trials to improve the way these deadly tumours are treated.
Future goals
At HIT-GLIO, we are deeply committed to advancing the fight against paediatric high-grade gliomas. Our future goals reflect our dedication to pioneering research, innovative treatments, and holistic patient care. In the coming years, we will focus on these key areas to bring hope and better outcomes for children and their families:
1. Cutting-Edge Research
Using the latest technologies to uncover the complexities of pHGGs and find new treatment targets.
2. Innovative Treatments
Developing and testing new therapies and drug carriers that can effectively combat these aggressive tumors.
3. Holistic Patient Care
Supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of patients and their families, ensuring they receive compassionate care throughout their journey.
Here are the key areas we aim to focus on in the coming years:
Advanced Analysis
Use of cutting-edge single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies and advanced imaging to study the interactions between tumour and immune cells in pHGG patient samples.
Model Development
Creating clinically relevant cellular and animal models, such as human glioma-microglia co-cultures, tumour- derived organoids and genetically modified mouse models. These models will help us understand the disease mechanisms and test new drugs.
Targeted Treatments
Testing new targeted therapies to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
Drug Delivery Systems
Developing specialized nanocarriers that can target immune or tumour cells and deliver drugs into the brain.
Enhanced Immunotherapy
Improving CAR-T cell therapy to boost the immune system's ability to fight the tumor, in combination with other treatments.
Patient Support
Assessing the impact of pHGGs on brain development and mental health, and promoting psychological support to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
The outcomes of the HIT-GLIO project are expected to lead to new clinical trials and better treatment options for pHGGs. This project is part of a larger effort to understand and treat cancer by focusing on the interactions between tumors and their host environments.