SurVaxM

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Recent therapeutic advances from Merck, Kazia Therapeutics, and others offer hope for glioblastoma patients, with small molecules, immunotherapies, and oncolytic viruses showing potential. Kazia's paxalisib and Merck's MOD-246 are notable, while cell and gene therapies like CAR T cells and CorriXR's gene therapy are emerging as next frontiers. Immunotherapies and vaccines are also being developed to target glioblastoma's immunosuppressive effects, with the market expected to grow to $5.7 billion by 2033.

Dr. Robert Fenstermaker and Dr. Michael Ciesielski developed SurVaxM, a brain cancer vaccine that doubles survival time in adults with glioblastoma. The vaccine, granted orphan status by the FDA, works by triggering the immune system to target survivin, a protein essential for tumor survival. A clinical trial for multiple myeloma and another for neuroendocrine tumors are underway. Dr. Clare Twist is leading a pilot trial to test SurVaxM in pediatric brain tumor patients, focusing on safety and potential efficacy in high-risk groups.

No single treatment has shown survival benefits for recurrent GBM in large-scale trials, leading to no standardized treatment. Clinical trials are encouraged, with NCCN guidelines suggesting bevacizumab, lomustine, or temozolomide rechallenge. Innovations in surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, and trial design aim to improve survival. GBM, the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, has a poor prognosis despite standard treatments like surgery, RT, and TMZ. New therapies, including LITT, FUS, CED, and oncolytic viruses, are under investigation to enhance treatment efficacy and BBB permeability.

The article reviews drugs and medical devices for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, analyzing their modes of action, including radiation, targeting glioma cells, and immunotherapy. Most treatments are in early development stages, with Optune showing some efficacy. Early diagnosis and improved preclinical studies are emphasized for better treatment outcomes. The article also discusses drug delivery challenges, societal and economic aspects, and the importance of the orphan drug status in accelerating GBM therapy development.