The Science Behind My Treatment Strategy
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults and one of the most scientifically complex cancers to treat.
When I received my diagnosis, I decided not to give up, but to understand the disease, explore every serious treatment option and take an active role in building my own strategy. I quickly discovered that the medical system faces enormous challenges in treating glioblastoma. The disease is highly individual, constantly evolving and difficult to control, while many clinical trials have struggled to translate promising scientific ideas into treatments that improve survival for broad patient groups.
Since then, I have spent a great deal of time researching glioblastoma biology, clinical studies, emerging therapies and personalised treatment strategies. This section brings together the science behind the disease, the limitations of current treatment and the principles guiding my own approach.
Why is Glioblastoma so Difficult to Treat
Complete surgical removal is impossible
Intertumor Heterogenity
- GBM differs between patients -
Tumor suppresses the immune system
Intratumor Heterogeneity
- DIfferent cells and regions within the same tumor -
Tumor has multiple escape routes
- Blocking one route can cause the tumour to use another -
High Plasticity
- tumor adapts and develops new resistance mechanisms -
Grows into healthy brain tissue
The Blood-brain barrier blocks treatments
Treatment-Resistant Tumour Cells Can Survive
- Some cells withstand treatment and can later rebuild the tumour -
Recurance is difficult to prevent
GBM Standard of Care
The Stupp protocol combines maximal safe surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. It has formed the foundation of standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma since 2005
Detection & Diagnosis
MRI identifies the suspected tumour. A tissue sample obtained during surgery confirms the diagnosis and provides important molecular information, including IDH and MGMT status.
Surgery
The goal should be maximal safe removal of the tumour while preserving neurological function. The removed tissue is used for pathological and molecular analysis.
Radiation Therapy
After recovery from surgery, focused radiotherapy is usually given over six weeks, typically 30 sessions, to target tumour cells remaining in and around the surgical area.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (Temozolomide) is taken daily during radiotherapy, followed by maintenance cycles, usually five days of treatment every 28 days for at least six cycles.
Twenty Years of Clinical Trials have Delivered limited Progress
Why progress has been so difficult:
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Glioblastoma is relatively rare; fewer patients and reduce commercial incentive
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Trials are expensive and complex; they require specialized centers, advanced imaging and intensive monitoring
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Patients often have little time; rapid progression makes trials harder to complete.
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Glioblastoma is highly heterogeneous; tumours differ between patients and contain diverse cell populations, so one treatment rarely works for everyone
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Trials usually test one therapy at a time; Treatment stacking is less uncommon
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Responders can be hidden; benefits in small subgroups may disappear in trials
Traditional Model
Emerging Model
One-size-fits-all
Static protocols
Population averages
Slow learning cycles
The GBM Model is Changing
Designed for certainty
Personalized
Adaptive strategies
Individual biology
Continuous learning
Designed for patients
Quick Links
Glioblastoma Care
info@glioblastoma.care
This website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice