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Get ready for International Brain Tumour Awareness Week!
#IBTAWeek – the International Brain Tumour Awareness Week starts on Saturday, 20th October!
The IBTA-initiated International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is nearly upon us and will be running from 20-27th October 2018 inclusive. Please promote the week via your social media platforms with the hashtag #IBTAWeek. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the international brain tumour community to organise and/or take part in awareness-raising activities to highlight the various issues surrounding brain tumour treatment, care and support. Past years’ activities have ranged from informal tea parties and support meetings, to large scale conferences and fund-raising efforts. We hope that you will support this important week and please let us know about your planned activities. Contact the IBTA at kathy@theibta.org if you have any questions about setting up an awareness-raising activity.
Leading news
Glioma survey - calling patients and brain tumour support charities and non-profits
Hanneke Zwinkels and Prof Dr. Martin Taphoorn, who are researchers from The Netherlands, would like to invite all glioma (grades 2, 3 and 4) patients, their caregivers, and former caregivers to take part in their research to determine a better description and characterisation of changed personality and behaviour in glioma patients. This research will ultimately lead to better identification of changed personality and behaviour, and improved patient care. The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Brain tumour support charities and non-profits, please spread the word in your communities about this important survey. We also ask healthcare professionals to kindly help reach as many glioma cases as possible by sharing the survey with your patients. To take part in the survey click here.
Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid HCl) launched commercially in the US for the enhanced visualisation of high-grade gliomas
NX Development Corp has announced the US commercial launch of Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid HCl), which is the first FDA-approved optical imaging agent for high-grade glioma (WHO grades III and IV). When given orally, Gleolan leads to the accumulation in high-grade tumour cells of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which fluoresces under blue light and which “may allow the neurosurgeon to see malignancy they may not have been able to see under standard white light". Read more (company press release).
The 2018 European Health Award goes to leading cancer team
An award that is given to projects that help tackle some of Europe’s most pressing health challenges has been presented to the European Cancer Concord (ECC), a pan-European collaboration of which the IBTA is a partner and on whose Executive Committee IBTA Chair Kathy Oliver sits. Since 2007, The European Health Award has promoted cross-border cooperation, multi-country working and the development of transferable initiatives. The 2018 award-winning project, entitled ‘The European Cancer Patient’s Bill of Rights: A Catalyst for Change and an empowerment tool for cancer patients across Europe’ involved an equal partnership between cancer patients, healthcare professionals and cancer researchers. The IBTA is delighted that the ECC has been recognised and honoured with this prestigious award. Read more. (The European Cancer Patient’s Bill of Rights, update and implementation 2016 is online here).
Only a few weeks left to help shape the future of cancer care: All.Can patient survey closes 30 November 2018
An international patient survey administered by All.Can that is gathering insights on inefficiencies in cancer care is due to close on 30th November 2018. All.Can, in which the IBTA is one of the stakeholder organisations and sits on its Steering Committee, is an international multi-stakeholder policy initiative that is focused on improving efficiency in cancer care. Survey findings will be used to inform policy discussions on improving cancer care for all. The survey offers the opportunity to ensure that the patient voice is heard. Cancer patients (and their caregivers and also former caregivers) can take part and learn more here.
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From the brain tumour community
Survey finds the financial impact of brain tumours is double that of other cancers
A report from the UK-based charity Brain Tumour Research has revealed some of the financial costs and impacts experienced by those who are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Results from an online survey completed by 368 respondents showed that the average financial loss following brain tumour diagnosis is nearly £15,000 (approx. US $19,500) per household per year, which is more than double the average for all cancers. These findings will be used to contribute to a formal inquiry into the hidden costs of a brain tumour being led by the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours.
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Research roundup
Results of novel clinical trial of AZD1775 in first recurrence of glioblastoma are published
A first-in-human phase 0 trial of AZD1775 in first-recurrence glioblastoma has shown that the drug penetrates the blood-brain barrier and has provided evidence of clinically-relevant activity. AZD1775 is a first-in-class Wee1 inhibitor which targets cancer cells and sensitises their DNA to damage. The authors write in an open-access Clinical Cancer Research paper that these results serve as the foundation for further clinical studies. Read more.
Gene mutation linked to seizures in ganglioglioma paediatric brain tumours
Research published in Nature Medicine has found a link between a specific gene mutation (BRAF V600E) and the epileptic seizures associated with ganglioglioma, an uncommon type of paediatric brain tumour that is one of the main causes of tumor-associated intractable epilepsy. Using ganglioglioma patient tissue samples in animal-based experiments, researchers found that the BRAF V600E mutation, which arises during the early stages of tumour formation, could be inhibited with the drug vemurafenib, which reduced seizures. Read more.
Survey finds that a third of meningioma patients are not able to return to work after surgery
A study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine has examined whether patients who have surgery for meningioma tumours are restricted in their participation in various activities, such as work, education, visiting family and friends, and leisure activities. A survey of 194 patients who had received surgery for cerebral meningioma (average time since surgery = 32.6 months) showed that the most frequent problems were in household duties, work or education. 32.9% of those who were in work previously were not able to resume their job after surgery. These findings could be used to better tailor rehabilitation goals, the paper’s authors conclude. Read more (full paper).
Engineered Zika virus successfully targets glioblastoma in animal experiments study results show
In experiments on animals, an international team of researchers has successfully used a Zika virus vaccine to target and destroy human glioblastoma brain cancer stem cells (those cells believed to drive overall tumour growth). Published in the open-access journal mBio, results showed that injections of the engineered version of this virus into the brain slowed tumour growth, destroyed tumour stem cells, extended survival and appeared safe. Read more.
Genetically engineered olfactory cells could carry anticancer therapy from nose to brain tumour, suggests study
A series of animal experiments published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has suggested that it may be possible to deliver anticancer therapy to glioblastoma tumours by genetically engineering olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which are a type of cell that surround olfactory (smell) neurons that extend from the nasal cavity into the brain. Experiments showed that genetically engineered OECs injected into the nasal cavity moved into the brain and to glioma tumours, effectively delivering a gene therapy. Read more.
Majority of adult survivors of paediatric CNS tumours do not achieve complete independence, study finds
Sixty percent of survivors of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumours do not achieve complete independence as adults, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study assessed the functional and social independence of 306 adults who had been diagnosed with a central nervous system tumour as a child (median age was 26 years and average time from cancer diagnosis was 17.6 years). Three classes of independence were identified: independent (40%), moderately independent (34%), and non-independent (26%). Read more.
Study identifies regulator of glioblastoma cells’ ability to migrate through the brain
A free-to-access study published in Nature Communications has found that a protein called TEAD1 appears to regulate the migration of human glioblastoma cells away from the primary brain tumour mass into other areas of the brain. Cell and animal-based experiments found that knocking out the TEAD1 gene in patient-derived glioblastoma cells reduced the rate of tumour spread through the brain. These findings offer a potential target for future therapy, the researchers report. Read more.
Small molecule inhibitor BDP-9066 reduces glioblastoma invasion after radiotherapy, experiments show
Findings from a paper published in Cancer Research have identified the role of the molecule MRCK in the ability of glioblastoma cells to survive and grow aggressively after radiotherapy. Cell-based and animal experiments showed that inhibiting MRCK activity, either genetically or with a small molecule inhibitor drug called BDP-9066, was effective in reducing glioblastoma tumour infiltration after radiotherapy. Read more (abstract). |
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Company News
Tocagen announces early completion of enrolment in Toca 5 pivotal phase 3 recurrent high grade glioma trial
The planned enrolment of 380 patients in Tocagen’s Toca 5 pivotal phase 3 trial has been completed approximately three months ahead of schedule, the company has announced. Toca 5 is a randomized, multi-center clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Toca 511 & Toca FC compared to standard of care in patients undergoing resection for recurrent high grade glioma. This announcement follows last month’s news that the Toca 5 study would continue without modification after an Independent Data Monitoring Committee completed the first interim analysis. Read more (company press release).
First newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients enrolled on phase 2 trial of Kazia Therapeutics' GDC-0084
It has been announced that the first glioblastoma patients have been enrolled in a phase 2 clinical trial of Kazia Therapeutics' GDC-0084. The oral drug inhibits the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway, which appears to be distorted in over 85% of glioblastoma cases. Read more (free registration required). (More information about the trial on clinicaltrials.gov).
Second positive safety assessment of phase 1/2a Study of VBI-1901 in recurrent glioblastoma announced
VBI Vaccines has announced that the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has completed its second safety assessment of the ongoing Phase 1/2a recurrent glioblastoma clinical trial of VBI-1901, a vaccine designed to stimulate an immune response against glioblastoma cells. The DSMB oversees clinical trials and reviews the results to see if they are acceptable. Following their safety assessment, VBI Vaccines has reported that enrolment in the high-dose arm of the study has been initiated. Read more (company press release).
US FDA accepts Investigational New Drug Application (“IND”) of TTAC-0001 in recurrent glioblastoma
PharmAbcine has announced that they have received a “Study May Proceed Letter" from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application of its flagship antibody, TTAC-0001, which blocks tumour angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) by targeting a cell receptor called VEGFR-2. This approval enables PharmAbcine to begin opening US clinical trial sites for a phase 2 clinical trial of TTAC-0001 in bevacizumab (Avastin) refractory recurrent glioblastoma patients. Read more (company press release).
MediciNova announces FDA orphan drug designation for MN-166 (ibudilast)
The FDA has granted orphan drug designation for MN-166 (ibudilast) as adjunctive therapy to temozolomide for the treatment of glioblastoma, the company MediciNova has announced. Drugs that receive orphan drug designation are entitled to seven years of marketing exclusivity if they are ultimately approved by the FDA for that condition. MN-166 acts by reducing activity of activated glial cells (which support and protect neurons) and has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties to nerve cells. Read more (company press release).
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And in other news...
Recent edition of ‘Nature Outlook’ dedicated to brain tumours
A recent edition of Nature Outlook, a periodical which features commentary pieces from leading academic and industry thinkers, is entitled ‘Brain Cancer’. It contains wide ranging content that explores the many issues facing brain tumour research and is available to access for free online here.
Blog series concludes by asking how we can develop kinder brain tumour treatments
This is the last in a six-part series by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) that has explored the major challenges in the field of brain tumour research and has considered how kinder treatments for people with brain tumours could be developed. Read more.
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Don't forget!
20-27 October 2018
Activities will be held around the world to raise awareness of brain tumours
October events for brain tumour patients and caregivers
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada National Conference 2018 (Toronto)
19-20 October 2018
Toronto, Canada
Women's Retreat for Brain Cancer
19-21 October 2018
Geelong, Victoria, Australia
London Cancer Brain and Spine Patient Event, UCLH Education Centre
25 October 2018
London, UK (For enquiries: email uclh.londoncancer@nhs.net or phone +44(0)203 447 2795)
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada National Conference 2018 (Montreal)
27 October 2018
Montreal, Canada
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Upcoming Scientific Conferences
October
ESMO 2018 Congress
19-23 October 2018
Munich, Germany
If you are attending, please do visit the IBTA booth in the ESMO Society Village, Hall B1, Stand PA10
Neurosciences and Brain Tumour Research: Joining Forces for Greater Impact Workshop
23 October 2018
London, UK
15th Annual Meeting of the Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology (ASNO 2018)
25-28 October 2018
Beijing, China
If you are attending, please do visit the IBTA booth which will be staffed by IBTA Senior Advisor Chris Tse
November
3rd CNS Anticancer Drug Discovery and Development Conference
14-15 November 2018
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
23rd Annual Scientific Meeting for the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO 2018)
15-18 November 2018
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
If you are attending, please do visit the IBTA booth
50th Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP 2018)
16-19 November 2018
Kyoto, Japan
December
3rd ESO-ESMO-RCE Preceptorships & Clinical Update on Rare Adult Solid Cancers
1-3 December 2018
Milan, Italy
Early registration discounted rates available until 31 October 2018
2nd Annual Miami Brain Symposium
7 December 2018
Miami, Florida, USA
If you are organising or are aware of a forthcoming patient or brain tumour advocacy event or a scientific conference taking place in 2018 then please let us know by emailing chair@theibta.org so that we can also include it on our events page.
Keep up to date with future scientific conferences and events on the IBTA website conferences page here.
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The International Brain Tumour Alliance was established in 2005. It is a network of support, advocacy and information groups representing brain tumour patients and carers in different countries and also includes researchers, scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals who work in the field of brain tumours.
For more information, please visit www.theibta.org.
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We love to hear from you if you have any news that you would like to share with the IBTA community. Just send us an email: chair@theibta.org.
We will do our best to relay as much information as possible to our subscribers via this monthly newsletter and our website. The selection of e-News entries is at the sole discretion of the editors.
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