EU funds Marburg research: New hope against brain tumors!

EU funds Marburg research: New hope against brain tumors!

The University of Marburg can be happy: The European Union has funded a research project to combat glioblastoma with 1.3 million euros. This project, known as PerCareGlio and led by Jörg Bartsch, aims to help develop tailored therapeutic approaches for one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumors. Full support is necessary because standard therapy has not changed for over 15 years. A circumstance that shows an urgent need for action, because the median survival time of patients with glioblastoma is less than 15 months, as stated in a recent report by gesundheitsforschung-bmbf.de is highlighted.

The ambitious PerCareGlio project uses state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence, to analyze tumors at the molecular level. The aim is to determine the specific properties of the tumors and to check the effectiveness of already approved drugs. By involving international research groups from Freiburg, Paris, Coimbra, Barcelona and Bucharest, the research is carried out in a European context, which promotes the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Research and development in detail

The challenge of treating glioblastomas should not be underestimated: knowledge about the tumors has increased thanks to advances in immunotherapy, but these therapies are only of long-term benefit in 10-20% of patients. One reason for this could be the lack of suitable biomarkers that are crucial in diagnostics and therapy. Another key message of the report from gesundheitsforschung-bmbf.de is the need to examine gender and age-specific aspects as well as lifestyle and environmental factors in patients to be taken into account.

The IPerGlio collaborative study, which includes 260 glioblastoma patients, aims to capture these different factors in a comprehensive data integration using artificial intelligence. In this way, new, effective therapeutic approaches are to be developed that combine immunotherapies with other treatments. Patient and stakeholder active engagement events are also held to ensure that the results of the research directly benefit those affected.

New therapeutic approaches in the pipeline

The topic is also being actively worked on elsewhere: The GLORIA study, which deals with a new active ingredient, olaptesed pegol, in combination with radiation therapy, has begun under Mannheim leadership. The messenger substance CXCL12 is inhibited, which is intended to counteract tumor regeneration after treatment. Initial results show promising approaches, but as always in medicine, further research is needed to confirm effectiveness. This is also made clear in a report by dkfz.de.

In summary, the latest developments in glioblastoma research both in Marburg and in other German cities bring a breath of fresh air to the often bleak prognostic landscape. It becomes clear that a strong team of scientists and clinics are working hand in hand to offer patients new hope. And who knows, maybe the next breakthrough is just one step away.