09/02/2026
Ground-breaking brain cancer treatment gives Maria new hope.
When 11-year-old Maria began experiencing repetitive headaches, her parents never expected it would lead to the discovery of an aggressive brain tumour.
After completing radiation therapy for high-grade glioma, Maria became the first child in Australia to join an international clinical trial testing a targeted oral treatment. The trial, led at Perth Children’s Hospital by Dr Santosh Valvi, uses two drugs designed to target a specific change in her tumour.
Until recently, families would need to travel interstate for trials like this. Now, access in Perth means children like Maria can receive treatment closer to home.
Her family is urging parents not to ignore persistent symptoms, with hope this medication will slow the tumour’s growth and improve her quality of life.