Unveiling the potential of copper chelation as a cutting-edge epigenetic therapy for Diffuse Midline Glioma

Associate Professor Orazio Vittorio

University of New South Wales

$435,231.50

2025 - 2028

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The Research

We investigate a lethal children's brain cancer called DIPG. There are currently no effective treatments.

We found that the DIPG tumour cells are addicted to copper. We plan to deplete copper in the brain, as a new treatment and consequently selectively kill the tumour cells.

We will use a Nobel prize winning technology called CRISPR and other technologies which will allow us to better understand why this tumour is dependent on copper. We will then test copper reducing drug's ability to killing cancer cells and give hope to children with DIPG