Investigation of new biomarkers of treatment response in glioblastoma multiforme

Dr Richard Bambury

Every year an estimated 290 malignant tumours of the brain are diagnosed in Ireland.  Glioblastoma multiforme is a very aggressive form of brain cancer.
Only 2%, or 1 in 50 people who get this cancer survive more than 3 years after their diagnosis.  These people who survive are called ‘extreme responders’ i.e. they have had an excellent response to the chemotherapy used as the standard of care for this cancer.
This study aims to investigate the role of 324 cancer-related genes among patients with Glioblastoma multiforme, who are extreme responders to chemotherapy, and those who are not.
Through this research, the team hopes to improve the understanding of this cancer and also to identify potential new treatment opportunities for this cancer.

More information on Brain cancers in Ireland can be found at the following link;
https://www.ncri.ie/news/article/trends-brain-cancer-ireland-our-latest-report-published