Glioblastoma Multiforme
An Aggressive Public Health Concern
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a type of central nervous system cancer, is the most common and most aggressive form of primary brain cancer. Globally, over 241,000 people die each year from brain or nervous system cancers. In the United States alone, approximately 13,200 new cases are diagnosed annually. Many prominent public figures, including John McCain, Ted Kennedy, and Beau Biden, have battled this deadly disease.
Did you know?
54%
Of all new gliomas are diagnosed as GBM
45%
Of all primary malignant brain tumors are GMB
58
Years old is the median age at diagnosis
4%
Less than 4% of patients survive five years post-diagnosis
1.7%
Of patients aged 65 and older reach the five-year survival mark
The Failure of Historical Treatments
The Illusion of Localized Treatments
Historically, radical surgical resection was the primary treatment offered to GBM patients. However, studies revealed no significance outcome benefit, patients passed away within the same timeframe whether or not they underwent radical surgery.
"Removing all the visible tumor does not cure this cancer,
ever."
-Dr. Mark Gilbert, National Cancer Institute
Widespread Dissemination
The cause of rapid mortality is the swift recurrence of tumors in other areas of the brain. It took scientists considerable time to discover that the tumor has already spread throughout the entire brain log before it is diagnosed at a single location.
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Years ago, surgeons even removed the entire half of the brain containing a glioblastoma, yet this did not markedly increase survival because malignant cells had already invaded the remaining tissue.
Current Treatment Bottlenecks
The complex biology of glioblastoma cells has defeated even the most sophisticated scientific expertise. Glioblastoma cells move quickly, transition to mobile disseminate throughout the brain, making it virtually impossible to effectively treat a single localized tumor site.
Key Limtations of Existing Care
Poor Chemotherapy Response: Only 30% of GBM tumors respond to first-line chemotherapy with temozolomide. Those who do respond gain only an additional three months of survival compared to untreated patients.
Rapid Treatment Resistance: The tumor readily becomes resistant to therapies due to defense mechanisms involving cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Staggering Financial Burden: The average cost of care for refractory patient to live just 12 months can reach $780,00 for a single drug alone, with hospitalizations and disability adding significantly to the cost.
The Beacon of Hope: Epigenetic Therapy & MTET
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Targeting The Root Cause
Drastic Tumor Reduction
There is hope on the horizon. MTET effectively reduces the ability of glioblastoma cells to migrate and disseminate. It directly kills cancer cells and specifically targets glioblastoma.
In various vivo models, epigenetic therapies have demonstrated the ability to drastically shrink tumors where standard chemotherapy has been ineffective or shown minimal efficacy. Epigenetic therapies are also considered a cornerstone of secondary prevention, reducing the risk of recurrence in this devastating disease.
Sponsoring The Trial
Our ultimate goal at Cancer Research and Life Foundation is currently working to sponsor and implement an epigenetic therapy trial using MTET as part of a clinical study for refractory glioblastoma.
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Our foundation aims to fully cover the estimated $8 million cost of this groundbreaking trial, offering new hope to patients facing this aggressive cancer.