The Fight Continues: Latest Cutting-Edge Research on Glioblastoma (GBM)

Dual-Target Therapy in Patients with Recurrent GBM

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that targeting two brain-tumor-associated proteins, as opposed to one, with CAR T cell therapy is a promising strategy to reduce tumor growth in patients with recurrent GBM. CAR T cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy, which harnesses the patient’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. In an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, researchers delivered CAR-T cells via injection into cerebrospinal fluid, targeting epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2); two proteins commonly found in brain tumors. MRI scans 24 to 48 hours after the CAR T cells were administered revealed all 6 patients had reduced tumour sizes, with some patients sustaining the reduction for several months. Researchers are eager to continue the trial to better understand how the therapy will affect a larger, diverse group of patients and obtain insight into optimal dosing and side-effects.

Zika Virus Vaccine: An Alternative Approach?

Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) have used an alternative approach in the Zika virus vaccine (ZIKV-LAV) to destroy human GBM cancer cells (in vitro) and inhibit tumour growth, all the while sparing healthy cells. This vaccine naturally infects rapidly multiplying cells in the brain, enabling the targeting of cancer cells that are traditionally hard to reach. The ZIKV-LAV strains bind to proteins that are present in high levels only in cancer cells and not in healthy cells. This made them highly effective in infecting cancer cells. Upon infection, the strains cause cell death by hijacking the cell's resources to reproduce. As the cancer cell's ruptured, it releases its contents, including virus progeny that can infect and kill neighbouring cancer cells. The team observed that infection resulted in between 65% to 90% GBM cell death and arehopeful of continuing to improve the strains to be more potent in fighting brain cancer.

Understudied Protein the Key to Improving GBM Treatment?

A study from the University of Sussex has shed some important insight into improving treatment for patients with GBM. Researchers discovered the understudied protein PANK4 can provide chemoresistance to GBM cancer cells. They demonstrated that removing the protein resulted in an improved response to the main chemotherapy drug (temozolomide) used to treat GBM. Researchers also found that patients expressing high levels of the PANK4 protein had lower survival rates. These findings of the PANK4 protein were previously unknown and help piece a part of a very complicated puzzle in what causes chemoresistance in GBM cancer cells. The research group now hope to develop a drug to reverse chemo-resistance and improve outlook for patients.

Ray of Hope

In conclusion, these latest advancements offer a ray of hope in in combating GBM. By challenging the norm with innovative processes, researchers and clinicians continue to make significant strides in improving treatment outcomes and extending the survival rates of patients. While the path to a cure remains a steep climb, the collective efforts of the scientific community continue to drive progress towards more effective therapies and ultimately, a brighter future for those affected by GBM.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is sourced from published articles; readers are advised to independently verify facts. Opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. If you experience symptoms related to GBM, consult with a medical professional for personalized advice and guidance.