Recent Advancements In Glioblastoma Studies

Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme or GBM, can be very difficult to treat and a cure is often not possible. It is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and it can develop at any age, but tends to occur more often in older adults, and has an average survival rate of 14-15 months post diagnosis¹ .

Hearing a diagnosis of GMB can be extremely difficult for any patient and their loved ones, as well as learning that treatments can be challenging. For GBM patients, this means a potential daily life filled with fear, depression, and anxiety, not to mention possible headaches, seizures, and vision and mobility challenges. These patients do not have much control over the hand they were dealt, so it’s important that we continue to deliver well managed trials by applying our vast knowledge and experience when helping sponsors find a treatment for this highly aggressive cancer.

Incidence Rates Are Increasing

The global incidence rate of Glioblastoma is <5 per every 100,000 with the NIH Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) estimating there will be 25,050 new cases of brain and other nervous system cancers diagnosed in 2022. In addition, recently published research suggests the incidence rate of glioblastoma is increasing². Traditionally, survival from a GBM is less than a year and despite new developments and significant advances, recurrence is often inevitable and survival rates are low with an average life expectancy of less than 6 months after recurrence. The graphs below present survival³ and incidence⁴.