Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumor in adults and is characterized by its extremely poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Despite our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors, the standard treatment for glioblastoma has not changed over the past 15 years. Therefore, it is crucial to continue to seek new therapeutic strategies for this tumor type.

With the funding of QbD, the LPCM (Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine - KU Leuven), in collaboration with Lab Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis (UGent), will investigate the clinical potential of asparaginase, a therapeutic currently used for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia, for the treatment of glioblastoma. Recently developed new asparaginase variants with reduced toxicity will be tested, mainly in combination with chemotherapeutics, for the treatment of glioblastoma in both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients. The aim is to gain the necessary insights into the molecular and pathological mechanisms of this new treatment in preparation for a potential clinical pathway.

More information:

From Left to right: Prof. Frederik De Smet, Bart Van Acker (QbD) and rector Luc Sels