EPICA-DIPG envisions a future where research into diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) connects treatment, monitoring and delivery in a coherent, patient-centred system. By generating clinical, biological and operational evidence, the project aims to support the careful development of new approaches for children and adolescents with this rare and aggressive brain tumour. Its ambition is to establish knowledge, methods and cross-centre working models that can guide future research in DIPG and other rare paediatric cancers.
Mission
EPICA-DIPG is designed to evaluate whether a complex immunotherapy approach for children and adolescents with DIPG can be delivered safely, monitored effectively and implemented across participating centres. The academically driven, first-in-human study will generate safety, feasibility and translational evidence to inform subsequent research, with safety as its primary endpoint.
In addition, the project will develop companion diagnostic approaches to monitor immune response and disease burden, while assessing the manufacturing, quality and logistical conditions required to deliver advanced therapies across centres. Patient organisations, clinical teams and research partners will work together to support scientifically rigorous, ethically responsible and patient-centred research.
