A groundbreaking new clinical trial is bringing hope to families facing some of the most aggressive brain cancers in babies. The DECRYPT-BABYBRAIN trial unites leading pediatric centres from coast to coast to explore a radiation-free approach to treatment for infants and young children diagnosed with rare embryonal brain tumours.

For decades, treatment options for these cancers have been limited and often include radiation, which can cause serious long-term side effects in developing brains. DECRYPT-BABYBRAIN is changing that approach by delivering chemotherapy directly into the brain and spinal fluid, with the goal of controlling tumours while avoiding or delaying radiation whenever possible.

The trial builds on more than 20 years of research and clinical experience, including a protocol first developed at SickKids that showed promising survival outcomes for children with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours, many of whom were treated without radiation. Now, that knowledge is being expanded nationally through a harmonized, collaborative model that ensures children across Canada benefit from shared expertise and standardized care.

Innovation sits at the heart of the trial. By using cerebrospinal fluid not only to deliver treatment but also to monitor disease in real time, clinicians can better understand how each child’s tumour is responding and adjust treatment accordingly. Centralized diagnostics, national tumour board reviews and ongoing data collection further strengthen the trial’s ability to deliver precise, personalized care.

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is proud to support this collective effort alongside a coalition of Canadian charities, researchers, clinicians and patient partners. The coalition members include Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Kindred Foundation, Cancer Research Society, Phoebe Rose Rocks Foundation, The Miracle Marnie Foundation, Childhood Cancer Canada and Tali’s Fund. Together, this collaboration represents a powerful step forward in reducing the burden of treatment while improving outcomes for our youngest patients.

DECRYPT-BABYBRAIN is more than a clinical trial. It is a national commitment to innovation, collaboration and hope for families facing the unimaginable, and a meaningful move toward a future where more children can survive and thrive.

Learn more about the DECRYPT-BABYBRAIN trial and watch this story on CTV News.