Time running out for teen brain cancer patient hoping to access world
The family of 16-year-old Coby Metzler is seeking urgent access to an experimental mRNA vaccine trial for his terminal brain cancer. They fear his life expectancy may be too short to qualify for the upcoming world-first study.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ethical and logistical challenges of accessing experimental medical treatments for terminally ill patients.
Coby Metzler before he was diagnosed with brain cancer. ( Supplied: Brigette Metzler )
Coby Metzler is dying from brain cancer, but a trial of a new customised vaccine that offers some hope is on the horizon.
His family fears Coby will miss out on taking part in the trial due to his life expectancy, and is desperately trying to find a way for him to access the world-first treatment.
Brain Tumour Alliance Australia says there need to be more options for people like Coby, including drug companies providing free access to experimental treatments and greater support for drug cancer trials.
Link copied Share Share article Brigette Metzler is holding onto a "sliver of hope" despite her 16-year-old son Coby's devastating terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
But she fears time will run out before he can access a promising new drug trial offering hope to children with a "dismal prognosis".
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