March 13, 2023 A study led by Duke University and The University of Sydney found that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened fear and disrupted care for cancer patients, including limited access to clinical trials, visitor restrictions, and reduced social support. Published in Clinical Cancer Research, the findings emphasized that these disruptions impacted patients’ emotional well-being and […]
October 2, 2023 The article describes how new research suggests that fluoxetine (Prozac)—a widely used antidepressant that crosses the blood-brain barrier—may damage tumor cells and make them more sensitive to chemotherapy in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. A new clinical trial called FLIrT will explore the effectiveness and safety of combining fluoxetine with temozolomide, using tumor […]
June 6, 2024 This article describes the MOAB trial — studying the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab in patients with glioblastoma to determine if it can help them live longer and whether it boosts immune responses against tumors. The trial also investigates tumor mutational burden (TMB) to identify which patients might respond best to the drug, with […]
This page describes the PuMP Trial, which is investigating the safety and effectiveness of MVR-C5252, an experimental oncolytic virus therapy, in adults with recurrent high-grade glioma. Participants will undergo imaging, biopsies, and receive the drug through an implanted catheter system to assess its impact on tumor response and immune activation. Dr. Khasraw is leading the […]
August 26, 2024 This article describes PuMP, a clinical trial that aims to evaluate MVR-C5252 — a genetically modified herpes virus designed to selectively attack recurrent high-grade gliomas and stimulate a patient’s immune system to fight the tumor. Delivered directly into the brain tumor via catheter, the trial progresses through multiple stages to assess safety, […]
May 1, 2025 This article discusses the diagnosis and ongoing battle of singer Michael Bolton against glioblastoma. At 72, Bolton began experiencing memory issues and balance problems, which led to an MRI revealing a brain tumor. After undergoing emergency surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, Bolton’s most recent scan showed no signs of recurrence, but his journey […]
February 18, 2021 This New York Times article highlights how the pandemic significantly disrupted clinical trials, leading to the suspension or termination of thousands of studies due to safety concerns and logistical challenges. In response, many researchers adapted by implementing remote monitoring, telehealth consultations, and home delivery of medications. Dr. Khasraw was featured and emphasized […]
March 17, 2023 A 2023 study explored the significant stress cancer patients experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to restrictions that prevented informal caregivers or support persons from attending appointments and treatments. The research highlighted how these restrictions, combined with the shift to telehealth, led to increased social isolation and a loss of vital […]
February 10, 2025 This article describes how Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase) became the first injectable anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy approved by the FDA, followed by the December approval of Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab and hyaluronidase) to treat a range of cancers including melanoma, lung, liver, and skin cancers. Clinical trials showed similar effectiveness between injection and infusion […]
March 19, 2025 This article highlights how one reason for limited progress in glioblastoma treatment in recent years is the lack of understanding of tumor behavior at the proteomic and spatial levels. Integrated proteogenomic characterization—combining genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics—has emerged as a promising approach to identify patient-specific molecular signatures. These insights can be used to […]