Each year, approximately 14,490 people in the United States hear the sobering news that they have glioblastoma. It stands out not just as the most common malignant brain tumor but also as the trickiest to treat and deadliest, accounting for about half of all primary malignant brain tumors. The numbers don’t flinch: more than 10,000 individuals succumb to the disease annually, with a median survival time bleakly set at only eight months post-diagnosis. Perhaps even grimmer, the five-year survival rate languishes at a disheartening 6.9 percent.
The resolution, introduced by a group of bipartisan senators, acknowledges the devastating impacts of this ruthless disease, wisely emphasizing that it affects the “essence of self” due to the irreplaceable and complex nature of the brain. The brain, being the epicenter of our being—controlling every thought, action, and emotion—makes glioblastoma a particularly heart-wrenching battle.
Additionally, the resolution highlights the vital role that patients and caregivers play in pushing forward glioblastoma research, a necessity underscored by the high out-of-pocket medical expenses they bear, particularly in the early and end stages of care. These costs are second only to another dreaded adversary, brain cancer.
Despite advances in research, the road to effective treatments for glioblastoma remains fraught with obstacles. At present, there are no screening or early detection methods available. Even with the introduction of new treatments, substantial hurdles slow progress. Illustratively, since the 1920s, when glioblastoma first appeared in scientific literature, only five drugs and one medical device have gained FDA approval specifically for this condition. Alarmingly, mortality rates have seen negligible improvement over the past three decades.
Significant changes came in 2021 when the World Health Organization reclassified brain tumors and updated the molecular criteria for glioblastoma diagnosis, highlighting the importance of biomarker testing. This reclassification underscores the urgent need for widespread public awareness, not just about the disease itself but also about the pressing, unmet medical needs of those battling glioblastoma and the prospects for therapeutic advancements.
Interestingly, the first Glioblastoma Awareness Day sparked the establishment of the National Cancer Institute’s Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network in 2020. This network unites multi-institutional teams to accelerate the development and testing of new treatments. By driving potential therapies through rigorous pre-clinical studies and early-phase clinical trials, the network aims to improve patients’ odds and quality of life, advancing the pursuit of a cure.
The Senate’s resolution isn’t just a ceremonial nod; it serves several key purposes:
1. Designating July 17 as Glioblastoma Awareness Day. 2. Encouraging increased public understanding of glioblastoma. 3. Honoring both the departed and the living who grapple with this harrowing diagnosis. 4. Support for pioneering treatments poised to extend survival and enhance life quality for patients. 5. Emphasizing the importance of molecular biomarker testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment. 6. Extending support to brain tumor patients, their families, friends, and caregivers. 7. Promoting a collaborative research approach among government bodies, private sectors, and nonprofits to enhance understanding and treatment options. 8. Advocating for sustained investments in glioblastoma research, tapping resources like the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network. By bolstering awareness and pledging support for ongoing research, this resolution aims to foster a community of hope and action. As July 17 approaches, the call echoes clear: it’s time to rally around those stricken by glioblastoma, push forward the boundaries of science, and turn the tide against this unyielding foe. In unity, there lies hope, and in awareness, the seeds of change are sown.
