Glioblastoma aka GBM

In this episode, we explore Carthera, a French biotech company developing novel ultrasound-based technologies to improve drug delivery to the brain. Based in Paris and spun out from academic research, Carthera is best known for its implantable device, SonoCloud, which uses low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier. This allows for increased drug penetration into b...

In this episode, we visit KU Leuven in Belgium to explore GLIOMATCH, a groundbreaking European research initiative working to improve outcomes for adults and children with glioblastoma through collaboration across neurosurgery, oncology, immunology, and spatial omics. We speak with the experts leading this innovative work. Frederik De Smet, Professor and GLIOMATCH Project Coordinator at KU Leuven,...

In this episode, we visit Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome to explore the pioneering pediatric brain tumor research being led by Maria Vinci, MD. Her team focuses on high-grade pediatric brain tumors including diffuse midline gliomas, with the goal of advancing more personalized and effective therapies for children around the world. We tour three key research labs that play a central role...

In this episode, we’re in Zurich at the University Children’s Hospital to explore the pediatric brain tumor research being led by Dr. Javad Nazarian, whose lab focuses on diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) and other rare, aggressive pediatric brain tumors. Dr. Nazarian’s work, supported in part by the Glioblastoma Research Organization through Project DeLaRoSa, is aimed at uncovering the biological un...

Season 4 of Glioblastoma aka GBM kicks off Brain Tumor Awareness Month with a closer look at CeGaT, a genetic diagnostics company based in Tübingen, Germany. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Saskia Biskup and Dirk Biskup, CeGaT focuses on identifying rare diseases and tumor-specific mutations through advanced sequencing technologies. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Biskup and Florian Battke, Head of Rese...

In the Season 3 finale of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, social media influencer Ellie Thumann shares her heartfelt experiences following the loss of her grandfather, known affectionately as "Pop Pop," to glioblastoma. Ellie discusses the profound impact her grandfather's illness had on her and her family, reflecting on the cherished moments and the challenging journey through grief. Through he...

In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we welcome Doug Malchow, who transformed his personal tragedy into a source of support and solidarity for others. After losing his father to glioblastoma, Doug took to Instagram and TikTok to share his journey through grief and caregiving. In candid posts, he expresses the emotional challenges and the profound impact of his father's illness and...

In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, Dr. Ashish Shah, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Trials and Translational Research within the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, dives deep into his groundbreaking research on glioblastoma. Dr. Shah discusses a fascinating study revealing how fragm...

In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Betsy Grunch, renowned neurosurgeon and social media educator, known online as @LadySpineDoc. Born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia, Dr. Grunch has built a distinguished career in neurosurgery, specializing in minimally invasive spine techniques and neurotrauma. Recently named among America's Best Spine Surgeons by Newswee...

In this timely episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, released just after Glioblastoma Awareness Day, we welcome John Furey, the CEO of Imvax, Inc. John discusses the groundbreaking work of Imvax, particularly their lead product candidate, IGV-001, currently in a phase 2b randomized trial for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). He shares insights into the unique challenges and opp...

In this compelling episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we sit down with Rod Nordland, a distinguished foreign correspondent whose work has taken him across more than 150 countries. Rod shares his personal journey with glioblastoma, discussing not only the challenges he's faced but also his advocacy for disability awareness. He introduces his new book, "Waiting for the Monsoon," reflecting...

In this heartfelt episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we are joined by Holly Gainsboro, a grief specialist and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support and Education. Holly shares her profound journey of loss and transformation following her late husband's diagnosis with glioblastoma. Through her personal experiences and extensive training, Holly has developed unique insights into navigating...

Dive into the latest developments in glioblastoma treatment with Tamika Wong, MPH, Director of Clinical Research in Neurosurgery, and Dr. Morana Vojnic, Medical Oncologist and Director of Oncologic Services at the Brain and Spine Metastases Program, both from Lenox Hill Hospital. This episode offers a deep dive into groundbreaking clinical trials and treatments, clarifying complex brain tumor and...

In this deeply moving episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we revisit the extraordinary life of David Fitting, known as the longest surviving glioblastoma patient in the USA. David first joined us to share his initial battle with brain cancer as a child and his miraculous journey to remission. Now, he returns to discuss his life post-recovery, the challenges of facing cancer multiple times...

In this insightful episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Marc Hedrick, President and CEO of Plus Therapeutics. Dr. Hedrick brings his extensive background in surgery and regenerative medicine to discuss the forefront of cancer treatment—targeted radiotherapeutics. He delves into the exciting developments of the ReSPECT GBM clinical trial, addressing the challenges and in...

In this inspiring episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Sheri Dewan, a trailblazer among the elite group of female neurosurgeons. With a career that spans across continents and cultures, Dr. Dewan brings her unique perspective to some of the most complex neurosurgical challenges. She discusses her groundbreaking new book, "Cutting a Path," her dedication to global health...

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast with Dr. Netanel (Nati) Ben-Shalom, a trailblazer in neuroplastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Ben-Shalom, the world’s first neurosurgeon to complete the prestigious Johns Hopkins Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship, discusses his innovative approaches in neurosurgery that not only enhance surgical outcomes b...

In this compelling episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we welcome Jordy Glassner, a dedicated therapist who brings a unique dual perspective as both a caregiver and a current patient battling glioblastoma. Jordy opens up about her diagnosis, and how her professional background in therapy has shaped her approach to treatment and self-care. Join us as we explore the emotional and psychologi...

Join us for the Season 3 premiere of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, where we delve into the heart and mind of multi-platinum singer-songwriter Mike Posner. In this deeply personal episode, Mike shares his journey through the harrowing landscape of glioblastoma as he witnessed his father’s battle with this aggressive form of brain cancer. As we explore the layers of grief and healing, Mike opens...

In this episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, Amber gives a recap on the inaugural Padel for Brain Cancer event, goes through life hacks as a caregiver, touches on hospice & palliative care, and unboxes her dads things from storage. Topics covered in this episode include: Hospice care & palliative care Staying organized as a caregiver End of life & food Sleep & sleep therapy Unboxing yo...

In this episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, we delve into our 2024 plans, dating, and a holiday debrief. Thank you to our partners at xCures for supporting the Mini-Series season. To learn more, visit their website at https://xcures.com/. Merch of the week: https://www.gbmresearch.org/shop/p/for-a-cure-20 "Glioblastoma AKA GBM" is more than a podcast; it's a lifeline for those touched...

In this fourth episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, we chat about major questions and topics in relation to resources for current caregivers. Topics covered in this episode include: Glioblastoma nonprofits Finding support groups Caregiver benefits & financial aid Books/apps to assist your journey The most important advice as a caregiver - according to Amber Social workers Finding thera...

In this third episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, we chat about all things ADVOCACY - on the caregiver AND patient side. Topics covered in this episode include: Your role as a caregiver Asking about second opinions Navigating clinical trials Questions to ask your doctor Decision making Thank you to our partners at xCures for supporting the Mini-Series season. To learn more, visit thei...

In this second episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series, we chat about replying to the question "how are you doing?" Questions that came in this week included: When someone asks me how I am doing I feel like I am supposed to just smile and say “fine”. Is this ok?   How do I really tell someone how I am doing when the answer feels so dark? Am I bringing others down by being honest? What woul...

Embark on a journey of support and hope with the debut episode of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Mini Series - presented by the Glioblastoma Research Organization. Join your host, Amber Barbach, as she unravels the complexities of glioblastoma (GBM) and tackles the unique challenges of managing the holidays amidst this diagnosis. In this inaugural episode, Amber candidly shares her personal experiences...