OSF Healthcare Cancer Institute has partnered with the Kevin Brown Strong Foundation to expand clinical trial access for patients with glioblastoma in central Illinois. The collaboration aims to improve treatment outcomes for this aggressive form of brain cancer by enhancing oxygen delivery to tumors, making therapies more effective.
Ryan Luginbuhl, Vice President of Oncology Services Line at OSF, emphasized the importance of community support in advancing cancer research. The Kevin Brown Strong Foundation's $250,000 donation is pivotal in opening up these trials, allowing patients to receive cutting-edge treatment locally.
"It’s again critical that we have community members like the KB Strong Foundation who have committed resources and funding to help get that going. We’re grateful for that partnership," Luginbuhl stated.
Glioblastoma is a rapidly progressing cancer that develops in the brain or spinal cord, infiltrating and destroying healthy tissue. The clinical trial focuses on a novel therapeutic approach to increase oxygen levels within the tumor microenvironment. By improving oxygenation, the cancer cells become more susceptible to radiation and chemotherapy, potentially leading to better treatment responses.
Significance of Localized Clinical Trials
Luginbuhl highlighted the importance of offering these trials within the community, noting that many patients previously had to travel elsewhere to access similar opportunities. This initiative not only reduces the burden on patients and their families but also ensures that more individuals can benefit from innovative treatments.
The Kevin Brown Strong Foundation was established in memory of Kevin Brown, a basketball coach diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2018 and passed away the following year. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting research efforts to combat this devastating disease. The annual tournament in Washington supports the cause.
Contact Information
Patients interested in learning more about the glioblastoma clinical trial can contact the OSF Healthcare Cancer Institute at (844) 673-4467.
