NORTH KINGSTON – Lifecycle Inc., a biking charity that raises funds to fight cancer, has donated $5,000 to the Miriam Hospital for a clinical trial exploring improved treatment of glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was recently diagnosed with a glioblastoma, and it’s also the form of brain cancer that Ted Kennedy died from. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, glioblastomas can grow quickly, which makes their most-common symptoms those caused by increased pressure in the brain. The symptoms include headache, vomiting and drowsiness. Some patients experience weakness on one side of the body, and memory and/or speech difficulties.
The current standard treatment for glioblastomas is a drug called Metronomic Temozoliomide, which performs modestly in combatting the cancer.
Miriam is looking at a new drug called Nanoliposomal Irinotecan, which has an increased ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which improves drug activity in the treatment of glioblastomas. Drug activity is crucial to the successful treatment of brain cancers such as glioblastomas.
The phase one study of the drug, partially funded by Lifecycle’s donation, will establish the maximum tolerated dose of the combination of these two drugs and the clinical efficacy of this combination on a national scale.
Approximately 14,000 new cases of malignant brain tumors are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Between 60-70 percent are malignant gliomas, of which glioblastomas are the most aggressive form. Patients suffering from glioblastomas are in desperate need of another option, and this trial hopes to find that other option, according to Stephen Deming, spokesman for Lifecycle.
Funding for the trial was provided through Lifecycle’s community of riders, donors and volunteers who participated in Ride ‘Round Rhody 2017, powered by MojoTech. Every summer, these southeastern New Englanders come together for a scenic ride through Washington County at Lifecycle’s annual bike-a-thon. Cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to choose a 15-, 40-, or 80-mile route and have fun, all while making a difference.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
