March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a significant area of research for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI).
We take this awareness opportunity to shine the spotlight on the VADER colorectal cancer clinical trial, an important project that a dedicated team of our clinicians, scientists and Clinical Trials Unit staff are working on. The ONJCRI is proud to be the coordinating centre for this important trial, sponsored by the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG).
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, colorectal (or bowel) cancer was estimated to be the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2024. When colorectal cancer spreads to other organs (becomes metastatic), it is generally considered an incurable disease with a limited survival time.
“Over 5,000 Australians die from colorectal cancer each year, including an increasing number of people aged under 50. This trial will investigate a potential new treatment which is urgently needed for these patients,” said Professor John Mariadason, trial Co-Chair and Translational Lead, and head of the ONJCRI’s Oncogenic Transcription Lab.
What is the objective of the VADER trial and what makes this trial unique?
The VADER Phase II trial is assessing the effectiveness of adding a medicine called sodium valproate (VPA) to first treatment with cetuximab or panitumumab for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread. Cetuximab and panitumumab are known to potentially slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells; this trial is testing whether adding VPA can help these drugs kill cancer cells.
VPA is not a new drug. In fact, it has been used to treat epilepsy and mood disorders for several decades. It is also known for certain properties that could make it a good cancer therapy.
“The VADER study involves a novel approach to anticancer drug development by assessing whether an approved antiepileptic drug (VPA) can be repurposed as an anticancer agent,” said Professor Niall Tebbutt, Trial Lead.
Investigating whether a drug with a well-known safety profile and long history of use may treat other conditions can be beneficial. It can be tested in larger trials more quickly than a brand-new drug that has never been tested in humans.
Prof Niall Tebbutt said: “Traditional anticancer drug development is very costly and associated with uncertain risks to patients. Drug re-purposing offers an approach that is both cost effective and also associated with a lower risk of unknown side effects.”
What will be the impact of this research?
Early studies have indicated that the use of VPA may help stop the growth of tumours.
The VADER trial is currently open for recruitment at nine sites across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, with plans to open a further three sites in 2025, including a first in Queensland, to increase the opportunities for patients to access the trial. Recruitment commenced in January 2023, and it is anticipated that 37 patients will be recruited over a three-year period.
Dr Fiona Chionh, trial Co-Chair, said: “There has been an increase in patient recruitment over the last year and the VADER trial has now enrolled a total of 24 patients.”
“If positive, the study will potentially lead to a larger Phase III AGITG-led study which could define a new treatment option for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.”
The VADER trial is a compelling example of ONJCRI’s commitment to improving outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. We are proud of our dedicated team who are working to find more effective, tolerable and accessible colorectal cancer treatments.