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Interesting new approach.
This is another very interesting combination. Of course we have seen many things in the past work on mice then not in people, but this is one of those combinations that make a lot of sense. This one should get into human trials quickly, and if it does work we may have quick access to it.
Another tool in the toolbox in the fight against cancer.
Whole brain radiation is not usually used for GBMs now (unless they already spread throughout the brain), but has been the standard for cancers that spread to the brain. This article suggests that delaying radiation may lead to less loss of cognitive functioning. They used Gliadel wafer or stereotactic radiosurgery to slow down the recurrences.
This grant was approved and paid within 24 hours of the application! That is the second time in a row that we were able to process an important grant so quickly. Most organizations take about 6 months to do this. Speed is of utmost importance because these projects build up the knowledge needed to ultimately find the cure. Being able to cut 6 months off of the process can save many lives. No corners were cut on the evaluation process. The grant was approved by 6 of our reviewers.
We are able to do this through the generousity of our donors. Thank you!
One of the most promising new approaches is mentioned... combining Yervoy with nivolumab. GBM trials will hopefully be starting soon on htis combination.
I always recomment that our members on Medicare always get the best supplemental plan available. You save so much on treatments that will more than offset the cost of the insurance. We will soon see huge increases in the cost of brain tumor treatments!
This was presented at the Society of Neuoroncology meeting last week. Exciting news. Using a vaccine that had no significant side effects - and doesn't even require a tumor sample, 1/2 of the patients alive at the 5 year point, and 7 out of 16 still alive 5 to 7 years after treatment. This was from the original phase 1 trial. They completed a phase 2/3 trial last year and are just waiting to see the outcome. Hopefully they will present the results of that trial soon.
This is a free seminar from our friends at the David Zocchi brain tumor center.
Wish Upon A Hero Fundraiser for the Musella Foundation - you can text $5 to tghe Musella Foundation - only on Wednesday Nov 20.
One of my favorite doctors.. nice story
From our good friends at the IBTA. A lot of interesting things in this issue..
The Musella Foundation will also have a table at SNO - if anyone is attending, stop by and say hi.
This is a new system to optimize the treatment of GBMs using tumor treating fields.
I like the way this is set up. Although it is too small of a patient population to rely on (I hope they measure IDH1 mutations at the very least), it is a big step in the right direction. If it shows a benefit, then a larger study can be done.
Apparently. the standard schedule is better than the dose intensive schedule for GBM patients using Temodar. However, what I would love to see is a trial comparing different lengths of treatment. This trial used up to 12 months of treatment. Overall survivals were about 6 months after they stopped using the Temodar in either arm. Doesn't make sense to me to stop at 1 year.
I liked this trial in adults, and am happy to see it in pediatric. Hopefully it will allow Avastin to be used in kids without systemic side effects. It may have a higher chance of complications for the actual infusion, but then there is less exposure to the rest of the body, and if it is done the same way they use it on adults, it is just 1 infusion ever 3 months.
When I first heard about intra-arterial Avastin I thought it was a crazy concept, but then I talked to the researcher who does the procedure and he convinced me that it may work. I got him to speak at a support group meeting and videotaped it. Click HERE to see the video about the procedure in adults (I assume it is similar for kids)
Great idea - this should have been done years ago.
This is one of my favorite treatments.
Interesting new approach.. will keep an eye on this.
