Defeat GBM: New Research Collaborative Promises Real Progress for Brain Cancer Patients

Earlier this week, the National Brain Tumor Society announced its newest research endeavor – the Defeat GBM Research Collaborative. Defeat GBM, for short, is a strategic research initiative, which aims to double the five-year survival rate of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer – in just five years.

To accomplish this goal, Defeat GBM will draw on innovative scientific and funding models, which have proven successful in other disease populations, but have yet to be utilized in brain tumor research. These models include proactive and accountable funding mechanisms and synergistic and parallel research projects that break the traditional grant maker-grantee mold. Defeat GBM will connect leading brain tumor researchers from top institutions around the globe, in a tightly focused and goal-driven effort to encourage accountability, cooperation, and success. A renowned Strategic Scientific Advisory Council will oversee the Initiative and regularly review Defeat GBM’s achievements and progress, as well as ensure projects teams attain key milestones and annual goals during the five year quest. The Initiative is designed to encourage and integrate additional GBM research projects taking place in the U.S. and across the globe, to further strengthen this area of research and ensure accelerated discovery is achieved.

Unique aspects of this Initiative are the simultaneous research efforts in basic discovery science, translational science, pre-clinical drug development, and clinical trial design, all intended to quicken the pace of discovery, transfer knowledge to drug development, identify the right biological targets, and improve clinical trials. The cumulative efforts of the collaborative framework, scientific expertise, and common goal among all participants should allow Defeat GBM to succeed in a fraction of the time, and at a fraction of the cost of typical drug development.

National Brain Tumor Society hopes Defeat GBM will become a successful and reproducible model to tackle the complexities of other brain tumor types, and advance the overall field of cancer research. Learn more about Defeat GBM.

Community Events Update

A Brain Canter 5K for Kari Crawford
Warren, OH – 4/6
Join in this scenic 5K run/walk to be held at the Kent State Trumbull campus. Learn more.

Brain Tumor Awareness Day with the New York Mets
New York, NY – 4/24
Join us to support the brain tumor community, and sit with fellow supporters in designated Left Field Reserved, Pepsi Porch and Promenade Reserved Seats. Purchase your tickets today.

Race for Hope
Des Moines, IA – 5/11
Enter this 5K run/walk with the option to be timed. There will also be a celebration of survivors for the finale, and a memorial for those who have inspired us. Register now.

Team Billy Ride and Walk for Research
Saratoga Springs, NY – 5/19
Participate in this event with a choice of 50-, 25-, or 10-mile bike routes throughout Saratoga County or a 3-mile walk. Join us.

Find an upcoming event or email communityevents@braintumor.org to start your own community event. Get involved today!