The combination therapy offers a less harsh treatment option and improves survival rates for children with gliomas.

A new targeted treatment for children with brain cancer has been approved for use on the NHS, offering hope for families affected by gliomas. The combination of dabrafenib and trametinib is now available for patients aged one and over who have low-grade or high-grade gliomas with the BRAF V600E genetic mutation.

Studies show that the treatment improves response rates, extends progression-free survival, and lessens the side effects typically associated with chemotherapy. For children with low-grade gliomas, progression-free survival has increased from 7.2 months with chemotherapy to 24.9 months with the new therapy. The treatment can be taken at home, making it easier for children to receive care while maintaining a better quality of life.

This approval marks a significant advancement for pediatric brain cancer treatment, with the new therapy expected to benefit around 30 children each year.