Clinical trial explores potential to improve outcomes for aggressive brain cancer

Published: 19 August 2026

A new clinical trial is investigating whether a marine-derived oral supplement could provide benefit in quality of life or progression of disease in people diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive form of malignant brain tumour in Australia.

Classified as a Grade 4 tumour, GBM accounts for around 45 per cent of malignant brain cancers nationwide. Despite advances in treatment, prognosis remains poor, with most patients facing a survival time of between six and 18 months.

Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) is now recruiting participants in Sydney to take part in the trial. The study will assess whether adding an oral supplement, Immune-12, to standard medical treatment can improve patient outcomes.

GBM tumours create an environment around them that allows the tumour to continue to grow. Immune-12 is believed to interact with this tumour environment and reduce inflammation to potentially allow the immune system to shift toward a tumour-fighting role.

“Immune-12 gives a potential adjunct approach to cancer and we have seen some very encouraging results in patients with GBM who have been taking this product.”

Derived predominantly from marine sea cucumbers, Immune-12 has shown promising results in early laboratory studies across a range of cancer cell lines. However, researchers emphasise that clinical trials are essential to determine its effectiveness in patients.

Lead investigator, Associate Professor Janet Schloss, said there is an urgent need for new approaches that assist longer-term survival and quality of life for people living with GBM.

“Immune-12 gives a potential adjunct approach to cancer and we have seen some very encouraging results in patients with GBM who have been taking this product. We now need solid evidence to support claims which is why we are conducting a clinical trial,” Associate Professor Schloss said.

The clinical trial is funded by natural products company Pacific Marine Biotech Pty Ltd Australia and has received ethics approval from the Sydney Local Health District (RPAH Zone) Human Research Ethics Committee (X24-0308).

How to participate

Participants with a GBM diagnosis will be required to attend monthly appointments for six months at the trial site at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown.

To learn more or check eligibility, contact NCNMtrials@scu.edu.au.

About the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and innovation in naturopathic medicine and health education, research and practice. NCNM creates, promotes and advocates a strong culture of incorporating evidence-based science into healthcare education and clinical practice.

Quick facts

What is glioblastoma (GBM)? Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumour, classified as a Grade 4 cancer. It accounts for around 45% of all malignant brain cancers and is known for its rapid growth and poor prognosis.

How does the Immune-12 supplement work? Immune-12 is believed to interact with the tumour environment, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system in fighting cancer cells more effectively.

Who can participate in the glioblastoma clinical trial? People diagnosed with glioblastoma may be eligible to participate and will need to attend regular appointments over a six-month period as part of the study.