Hope on the horizon

The Latest Glioblastoma Breakthroughs You Need to Know About in 2025

When I was diagnosed with glioblastoma on Thanksgiving 2023, the statistics were terrifying. The prognosis was grim. But here’s what I’ve learned over the past two years of fighting this beast: The game is changing. Fast.

If you or someone you love is battling GBM, you need to know what’s happening RIGHT NOW in research and clinical trials. Because hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s backed by science, data, and some seriously exciting breakthroughs.

So grab your coffee (or your medical bag, or your Cranial Crabbz attitude), and let’s talk about what’s new, what’s working, and what you should be asking your oncologist about. 🦀💙

CAR-T Therapy: Not Just for Blood Cancers Anymore 🚀

The Big News: CAR-T cell therapy—which has been a game-changer for blood cancers like leukemia—is now showing dramatic results in glioblastoma.

What’s Happening:

Mass General Hospital reported “dramatic and rapid” tumor regression using next-generation CAR-T therapy for GBM patients. We’re talking about tumors shrinking FAST.

Penn Medicine developed a dual-target CAR-T approach that attacks TWO tumor markers at once. Early results show it’s slowing aggressive brain cancer growth in ways we haven’t seen before.

ImmunityBio’s ANKTIVA NK cell therapy showed 100% disease control in 5 out of 5 patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Two of those patients achieved near-complete response. Let that sink in.

IN8bio announced a patient with grade 4, IDH-mutant, MGMT-methylated glioma who remains alive and progression-free after 4 YEARS. Four. Years.

Why This Matters:

CAR-T therapy takes YOUR immune cells, supercharges them in a lab to recognize and attack cancer, and puts them back in your body to do the work. It’s personalized. It’s powerful. And trials are NOW OPEN for newly diagnosed patients—not just recurrent cases.

Action Step: Ask your oncologist if you’re eligible for CAR-T trials. Major cancer centers are recruiting NOW.

MGMT Methylated? You’ve Got Options (And I’m One of You) 💊

If your pathology report says MGMT methylated, listen up. This means your tumor is more likely to respond to chemotherapy—and researchers are building on that advantage with targeted trials.

Trials Specifically for MGMT Methylated Patients:

NRG-BN011: Testing dual alkylating therapy (stronger chemo combinations) to improve outcomes beyond standard temozolomide.

Laminar Pharma’s LAM561: Showing promising progression-free survival when combined with standard treatment for newly diagnosed MGMT methylated patients.

Multiple centers (UC Irvine, UC Health, and others) are running trials with enhanced chemo combinations tailored to MGMT methylated tumors.

Why This Matters:

MGMT methylation is one of the few “good news” markers in a GBM diagnosis. Researchers are finally creating treatments that leverage this advantage instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.

My Story: I’m IDH wild-type (aggressive) but MGMT methylated (chemo-responsive). As of November 2025, my MRIs show no new growth and a shrinking enhancement ring. I’m living proof that targeted treatment works.

Action Step: Make sure your oncologist knows your MGMT status and ask about trials designed specifically for methylated tumors.

Optune + Immunotherapy: A Power Combo 🔋

If you’re wearing the Optune device (like me), here’s some exciting news: combining Tumor Treating Fields with immunotherapy is showing unprecedented results.

What’s Happening:

USC Phase 3 Trial: Enrolling 740+ patients across 28 sites through April 2029. They’re combining TTFields with immunotherapy to “supercharge” the immune system’s attack on tumors.

ImmunityBio Study: Achieved 100% disease control when combining Optune with NK cell immunotherapy—and get this: chemotherapy-free.

TTFields + Pembrolizumab: Showing enhanced immune recognition and significantly improved progression-free survival.

Why This Matters:

Optune already extends survival when combined with temozolomide. Now, researchers are pairing it with immunotherapy to make the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. The results are blowing traditional survival rates out of the water.

My Story: I started wearing Optune in April 2024. I wear it in a “kangaroo shirt” so I can stay mobile and keep living my life. It’s not glamorous, but it’s working.

Action Step: If you’re already on Optune, ask about combination immunotherapy trials. If you’re NOT on Optune, ask why.

Personalized Vaccines: Your Tumor, Your Treatment 💉

Imagine a vaccine made from YOUR tumor cells that teaches YOUR immune system to hunt down and destroy cancer. It’s not science fiction—it’s happening now.

What’s Happening:

DCVax-L: Phase III data shows median overall survival of 19.3 months for newly diagnosed GBM—a significant improvement over standard treatment alone.

UCLA Research: Adding poly-ICLC (an immune-boosting agent) to personalized dendritic cell vaccines is showing promise in early trials.

Washington University: Personalized vaccines targeting specific tumor mutations are improving survival in some patients.

Why This Matters:

No two glioblastomas are exactly alike. Personalized vaccines use the unique fingerprint of YOUR tumor to create a treatment that’s tailored to YOU. It’s precision medicine at its finest.

Action Step: Ask your oncologist if tumor tissue from your surgery was banked for future vaccine trials. If not, ask if it’s possible for future biopsies.

Mayo Clinic’s Latest Breakthrough (January 2025) 🏥

Mayo Clinic announced an innovative treatment approach that’s improving overall survival in older patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma—a population that’s historically been underserved in clinical trials.

Why This Matters:

Age shouldn’t disqualify you from aggressive treatment or clinical trial eligibility. This research is proving that older warriors can benefit from cutting-edge therapies too.

My Story: I sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic in July 2024. It changed everything. They had insights, options, and a level of expertise my local cancer center couldn’t provide.

Action Step: If you’re not getting answers, get a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center. Mayo, Duke, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins—these places are leading the charge.

Clinical Trials Recruiting RIGHT NOW 📋

Here are trials actively looking for patients:

ReSPECT-GBM: For recurrent glioblastoma after standard treatment.

Ipilimumab + Nivolumab Trials: Immunotherapy combinations at UCSD and other centers.

5G Trial: A fast, flexible approach testing multiple drugs simultaneously to accelerate finding effective treatments.

Targeted Therapy Trials: Based on specific genetic mutations (PIK3CA, PTEN, NF1, etc.). Available at major cancer centers.

Why This Matters:

Clinical trials aren’t a “last resort.” They’re often the FIRST place where breakthrough treatments are available. And they’re recruiting NOW—not someday, but TODAY.

Action Step: Visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search “glioblastoma” + your specific markers (MGMT methylated, IDH wild-type, etc.). Bring the results to your next oncology appointment.

The Cold Hard Truth (Because I Don’t Sugarcoat) 💙

Glioblastoma is still one of the toughest cancers out there. The statistics are still scary. Not every trial works for every patient. And the fight is HARD.

But here’s what’s also true:

Research is moving faster than ever before.

CAR-T therapy is working in solid brain tumors.

Personalized medicine is HERE.

Combination therapies are showing results we’ve never seen before.

And warriors like you and me? We’re still here. Still fighting. Still hoping.

What You Can Do RIGHT NOW ✊

1. Know Your Pathology: MGMT status, IDH status, genetic mutations (PIK3CA, PTEN, TERT, TP53, etc.). This is YOUR roadmap.

2. Ask About Trials: Don’t wait for your oncologist to bring it up. YOU bring it up. Every. Single. Appointment.

3. Get a Second Opinion: Especially at a comprehensive cancer center that specializes in GBM. It could save your life.

4. Advocate for Yourself: You are your own best advocate. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. If you’re not getting answers, find someone who will give them to you.

5. Hold Onto Hope: Not blind hope. Not naive hope. But INFORMED hope backed by science, data, and the knowledge that researchers are fighting just as hard as you are.

My Promise to You 🦀

I’m not a doctor. I’m not a researcher. I’m a high school teacher turned glioblastoma warrior who refuses to go down without a fight.

I created Cranial Crabbz to cope with the clicking staples in my skull after craniotomy. But this project has become so much more than that. It’s a community. A resource. A reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can find humor, hope, and a reason to keep fighting.

I’ll keep sharing what I learn. I’ll keep advocating for better treatments. And I’ll keep showing up—with my wheelchair, my medical bag, my Optune device, and my Cranial Crabbz attitude—to remind you that you are not alone.

Make it snappy, warriors. 🦀💙✝️

Resources

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Search for glioblastoma trials near you

• National Brain Tumor Society: Patient resources and trial matching

• Mayo Clinic, Duke, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins: Comprehensive cancer centers with GBM expertise

• Optune Support: NovoCure patient services for TTFields therapy

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your oncology team before making treatment decisions.