Latest News

• Apologies for duplicate issue!        

  We had a technical issue sending out the news blast last week, so we apologize in advance if you receive a duplicate issue today.

  
  
• Brain Tumor Awareness Month Webinar Series        

  We added a new webinar to our May lineup! In partnership with Mt. Sinai, please join us for "Empowering Brain Tumor Patients: Taking Control Through Knowledge, Support, and the Latest in Treatment Options" this Wednesday, May 21 at 5-6pm ET. This webinar will not be in our Zoom room; you can register here Mt Sinai webinar room. 
  
  Our final May webinar will be Thursday, May 29 at 6pm ET, "Advancement of B7-H3 targeting CAR T cells against pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors" with Dr. Nicholas Vitanza 

  Looking ahead, we also have an exciting webinar scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (8pm ET) "Integrative Medicine for Patients with Primary Brain Tumors" with Dr. Nicholas Butowski 

  
  
• Gabapentin Linked to Longer Survival in Glioblastoma Brain Cancer        

  A new study suggests that postoperative gabapentin, a neuromodulator usually taken for nerve pain, may improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Across two cohorts totaling 1,072 patients, those who received gabapentin lived a median of 4 months longer at Mass General Brigham and 6 months longer at UCSF compared to those who did not. Gabapentin targets TSP-1, a synaptogenic protein implicated in tumor progression. Importantly, the study findings showed that gabapentin use was associated with reduced serum TSP-1 levels. The study has limitations, including a retrospective design and variability in dosing across patients, but hopefully future prospective trials confirm these results and explore optimal dosing.

  
  
• Minnesota Brain Tumor 5k        

  Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in the annual Minnesota Brain Tumor 5k over the weekend. The event was a big success, and all of the funds raised will be used exclusively for brain tumor research. Special thank you to event co-chair Melissa Dickhausen who helped share the event on the news!

  
  
• Effects of craniectomy defect on tumor-treating fields        

  Previously, craniectomy (removing a small portion of the skull) had been shown to increase penetration of tumor-treating fields (TTF) into the brain. However, the factors that modulate this effect were still unknown. This recent article shows that the biomaterials used to fill the opening, the gross tumor volume relative to the opening size, and the amount of edema around the tumor are important factors. These insights may help optimize the application of TTFields for better treatment results in the future.