Glioblastoma

January 23, 2025 • Read Time: 5 minutes

Hello there, 

Please be advised that this newsletter contains discussions about glioblastoma and cancer treatment that may be triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know is affected by these topics, we encourage you to approach the material with care.

Welcome to this week’s newsletter focused on glioblastoma, a challenging brain cancer that continues to impact countless lives. In this issue, we highlight recent advancements in treatment and share the inspiring journey of Rebecca Devine, who recently joined the Angiogenesis Foundation as an Advocacy Ambassador.

Recent Advances in Glioblastoma Treatment

Glioblastoma remains one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, with an average life expectancy of 12-15 months. However, a recent study co-authored by the Angiogenesis Foundation has shown promising developments in treatment options:

1. Personalized Vaccines: Dr. Saskia Biskup from Tubingen, Germany, is pioneering the use of personalized peptide vaccines tailored to each patient's unique tumor. Her groundbreaking work suggests that these vaccines can improve survival rates in glioblastoma patients by harnessing their immune systems to fight cancer.

2. Participant Outcomes: The study included 173 patients who received the personalized vaccine, some before their tumor progressed and others after it had recurred. The results showed that the vaccine was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated. Most patients (88%) showed an immune response to the vaccine, and those with a strong immune response had significantly longer survival.

3. Promising Outlooks: Patients who received the vaccine had a median overall survival of 31.9 months, which was longer than what was seen in similar patients who did not receive this treatment. This suggests that this personalized vaccine may be a promising treatment for glioblastoma and warrants further study.

These advancements are reshaping the landscape of glioblastoma treatment, providing new hope for patients and families.

Rebecca Devine: From No Hope to Health

Rebecca Devine is not just a glioblastoma survivor; she embodies the spirit of resilience and advocacy. After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Rebecca chose to fight back against dire predictions. Partnering with Dr. Biskup in Germany, she received her personalized cancer vaccine and adopted a food-and-medicine approach. Today, six years later, Rebecca is healthy and cancer-free.

As an Advocacy Ambassador for the Angiogenesis Foundation, Rebecca uses her platform, including her podcast "The Brainy Blonde," to empower others facing similar battles. Her mission is to redefine the narrative around cancer diagnoses, encouraging patients to participate actively in their treatment journeys.

Rebecca’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the difference that groundbreaking treatments can make. She believes that by sharing her experience, she can inspire hope and connect with others navigating the complexities of glioblastoma.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to explore groundbreaking advances in glioblastoma treatment, the stories of advocates like Rebecca Devine serve as a beacon of hope. Together, through research, awareness, and community support, we can make strides in the fight against this formidable disease.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this vital cause.

Spotlight Study: A Real-World Observation of Patients with Glioblastoma Treated with a Personalized Peptide Vaccine

Spotlight Communication: Dr. William Li and Rebecca Devine go live on Instagram! 

Stay up to date with our latest angiogenesis research on our website and by following us on social below.

Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation