Grant funds next-generation immunotherapy trial for DMG
Dr. Hwang’s research focuses on advancing novel immunotherapies for pediatric brain tumors.
Gene Hwang, MD, chief of Oncology at Children’s National Hospital, received a research grant from The Cure Starts Now Foundation to support a clinical trial targeting diffuse midline glioma (DMG), one of the most aggressive pediatric brain tumors.
The grant will fund collaborative work led by Dr. Hwang, in partnership with Elias Sayour, MD, PhD, at the University of Florida, to advance an innovative mRNA vaccine approach using “onion-wrapping” multilamellar nanoparticles. This technology, initially supported by a 2024 Cure Starts Now generational grant, has shown promising results, including curing cancer in preclinical models. The new award supports translating these findings into a clinical trial designed to evaluate safety, immune response and early therapeutic impact in children with DMG.
Dr. Hwang’s research focuses on advancing novel immunotherapies for pediatric brain tumors. The trial represents a major step toward expanding treatment options for children facing this devastating disease.
“This support accelerates our team’s ability to translate groundbreaking science into a potential treatment for children with DMG as fast as possible,” said Dr. Hwang. “Our collaboration with Dr. Sayour brings together unique expertise from multiple leading institutions, and together, we’re hopeful that this next-generation immunotherapy approach will open new doors for patients who currently have very few.”
