A significant $1.5 million donation is set to transform childhood brain cancer research at the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre (CBCC), a facility that has been championed by The Lott by Golden Casket and the Children’s Hospital Foundation for seven years. This year, The Lott by Golden Casket has contributed $500,000 to advance pioneering research in pediatric brain cancer, focusing on treatment innovations and survivorship.
The funding will support groundbreaking projects, including the development of a potential vaccine to treat brain tumors and exploring how the drug Palbociclib can enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy. These efforts aim to improve outcomes for young patients battling this devastating disease.
Innovative Approaches in Pediatric Cancer Treatment
A hallmark of the CBCC is its dedication to translating discovery science into clinical applications. Recently, researchers identified that the drug CT-179 could delay the recurrence of medulloblastoma tumors in laboratory models. This promising discovery is poised to transition into clinical trials, potentially leading to new, less toxic combination therapies that enhance patient survival rates.
The sustained support from The Lott by Golden Casket has been instrumental in enabling researchers at the CBCC to pursue innovative approaches. This long-term funding provides a stable foundation for significant advancements, including the anticipated launch of the world’s first trial using mRNA vaccines to treat cancer in children by 2026. This initiative will be conducted nationally in collaboration with every pediatric cancer center in Australia.
Expanding Support for Children’s Health
In addition to the CBCC funding, an additional $1 million from state lottery taxes has been allocated to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation. This funding will aid in providing essential services for sick children and their families, further enhancing the comprehensive care network available to young patients.
Expert Opinions on the Impact of Sustained Investment
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Lyndsey Rice emphasized the critical importance of sustained investment from long-term partners like The Lott. “Unlike many other cancers, progress in childhood brain cancer has been painfully slow. Survival rates have barely improved in three decades, largely because research in this field is chronically underfunded,” she stated.
“Together, The Lott by Golden Casket and Children’s Hospital Foundation are giving children with brain cancer the one thing they need most – hope that the odds can finally change.” – Lyndsey Rice, CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation
The Role of Community and Future Prospects
Matt Hart, spokesperson for The Lott by Golden Casket, expressed hope that the donation would pave the way for world-leading breakthroughs not only for children in Queensland but also for families globally. “It’s thanks to our customers and retailers that we have a proud long legacy of supporting sick kids through the Children’s Hospital Foundation,” he said.
“Through this partnership, we hope our contribution continues to make these impactful differences in pediatric care.” – Matt Hart, Spokesperson, The Lott by Golden Casket
To support the Children’s Hospital Foundation and their world-leading research, individuals can purchase a Play for Purpose ticket. Not only does at least 50% of the ticket price go directly to the charity, but participants also have the chance to win a First Prize Pack and other prizes.
The announcement comes as a beacon of hope in the fight against childhood brain cancer, highlighting the power of community support and the potential for transformative research to change the lives of young patients worldwide.
