Pediatric Low Grade Glioma - MEKinhibitor TRIal vs Chemotherapy

This study is suitable for children and young adults aged from 1 month up to 25 years. Participants must have a specific type of slow-growing brain tumour called grade 1 glioma, mixed glio-neuronal tumour, or pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

Critically, your tumour must have specific genetic test results – it cannot have a mutation called BRAFv600, and it shouldn't be associated with a condition called NF1. If your child is under one year old and has a tumour in certain areas (chiasmatic and/or hypothalamic), they might also be considered.

Patients taking part need to be generally well enough, with a good level of physical activity, as assessed by doctors. There are also specific rules about how the tumour has changed over time or if it's causing new or worsening symptoms that mean treatment is needed, for example, if vision or nerve function is affected.

If you or your child join this study, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new medicine, Trametinib, or a standard treatment, Vinblastine. This means it's like flipping a coin – you won't get to choose which one. Both treatments will be given over a period of time, with Vinblastine typically given weekly for about 18 cycles (lasting about 72 weeks). Trametinib is taken daily.

During the treatment period and for three years after the first dose, you will have regular hospital visits. These visits will involve scans (like MRI) to check the tumour, blood tests, and health assessments to see how you are responding to the treatment and to monitor for any side effects. You'll also complete questionnaires about your quality of life at various points. The total time you'll be involved with the study for follow-up could be up to three years.