Podcast Episode
The trial will launch in March 2026 across paediatric hospitals in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. Children with relapsed or treatment-resistant high-grade brain tumours, including high-grade glioma, diffuse midline glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma, will be eligible to participate.
The mRNA technology teaches the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells bearing these specific markers, essentially training the body to fight its own unique cancer.
The trial is co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, with funding from Providence Therapeutics, the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund, and philanthropic donors.
Australia Launches World-First Personalised Cancer Vaccine Trial for Children
February 5, 2026
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Providence Therapeutics is backing the PaedNEO-VAX trial, a groundbreaking clinical study testing personalised mRNA cancer vaccines for children with treatment-resistant brain tumours. Beginning March 2026 across Australian hospitals, this marks the first multi-site paediatric trial of its kind globally.
A Historic First in Paediatric Cancer Treatment
Australia is set to host a landmark clinical trial that could transform how childhood brain cancers are treated. Providence Therapeutics, a Canadian mRNA biotechnology company, has announced the PaedNEO-VAX trial, the world's first multi-site study testing personalised mRNA cancer vaccines specifically designed for children.The trial will launch in March 2026 across paediatric hospitals in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. Children with relapsed or treatment-resistant high-grade brain tumours, including high-grade glioma, diffuse midline glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma, will be eligible to participate.
How the Technology Works
Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all treatments, this approach creates a bespoke vaccine for each patient. Using genome sequencing, researchers identify unique markers in each child's tumour. These markers become the blueprint for a customised mRNA vaccine manufactured by Southern RNA in Queensland, with vaccines ready approximately ten weeks after enrolment.The mRNA technology teaches the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells bearing these specific markers, essentially training the body to fight its own unique cancer.
A Father's Mission
The trial carries deep personal significance for Providence founder Brad Sorenson. His son Adam was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma the day after his thirteenth birthday in 2013. After achieving remission through metabolic therapies, the cancer returned in early 2024. Adam became the first recipient of a Providence cancer vaccine and continues to respond well to treatment.Building on Adult Successes
Personalised mRNA cancer vaccines have already demonstrated promising results in adult trials for pancreatic cancer and melanoma. Brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer-related death among Australian children, claiming approximately forty lives annually.The trial is co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, with funding from Providence Therapeutics, the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund, and philanthropic donors.
Published February 5, 2026 at 7:14am
