DIPG National Brain Tumor Board
Award: $10,000 over 1 year (2022-2023)
Principal Investigators: Dr. Sabine Mueller, University of California San Francisco
Funding Partners: DIPG DMG Research Funding Alliance (DDRFA)
The National DIPG Tumor Board serves children and AYA patients diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DMG / DIPG). Significant advancements have been achieved over the past few years in understanding the underlying biology of this tumor type that have yet to be translated into better therapies. However, we now understand that despite a fairly homogenous clinical course, the molecular make-up of these tumors varies widely. Therefore, a tailored approach for each individual patient, with options constructed for their specific mutations and biomarkers identified by biopsy will be necessary to improve outcomes for these high-risk patients.
Comprised of 30 experts from across the country, the board was formed as part of an FDA diagnostic trial and is intended to improve patient outcomes by providing collaborative direction from multiple consortiums with the availability of international collaboration. By offering an open access, collaborative tumor board for any child or young adult diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, we will coordinate entry into precision clinical trials or compassionate care options early to: (i) improve care, (ii) increase progression-free survival time, (iii) increase outside survival outcomes, and (iv) significantly improve the quality of life of the affected patient and their families by guiding patients into coordinated trials.
By coordinating weekly in our tumor board setting with our DMG specialists, we will have better information in real time concerning the progress of patients within the recommended trials in hopes of further coordinating trial and compassionate care options. Further, by allowing other medical professionals in the field to review the cases simultaneously with the tumor board, additional medical professionals will be mentored in diagnosis and treatment thereby increasing the likelihood that any child or young adult diagnosed with DMG will have improved care.
