UZ Brussel"s breakthrough: 27.3% survival in recurrent brain tumors

In a groundbreaking study conducted at UZ Brussel, Dr. Bart Neyns and Dr. Johnny Duerinck explored a novel treatment for recurrent brain tumors using the immunotherapy drugs ipilimumab and nivolumab. The research involved 11 patients, with the drugs administered directly into the brain during surgical procedures. This method aims to bypass the blood-brain barrier, enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment by allowing the immune system to better target cancer cells. The results of the study were promising, with a two-year survival rate of 27.3% and an 18.2% three-year survival rate among the participants. Notably, 36% of patients survived at least one year post-treatment, which increased to 60% in subsequent evaluations. These statistics indicate a significant improvement in survival rates compared to traditional therapies, which typically yield less than 10% effectiveness. Additionally, the researchers incorporated myeloid dendritic cells, which are immune cells that help the body recognize and attack cancer. By combining these cells with the immunotherapy drugs during surgery, the team hopes to enhance the immune response against the tumors and reduce recurrence rates. This innovative approach could represent a significant advancement in the treatment of brain tumors, particularly for patients who have exhausted other options. The findings have garnered attention for their potential to change the landscape of brain tumor treatment. The research team is seeking further funding to continue their investigations, aiming to validate these results and explore the long-term implications of this promising therapy.