Studies Show 2.1-Year Glioblastoma Survival Gain, Flag 5% Ovarian Cancer Subtype for Immunotherapy
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Aug 21
Studies Show 2.1-Year Glioblastoma Survival Gain, Flag 5% Ovarian Cancer Subtype for Immunotherapy
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Aug 21
Summary
Two studies pointed to more targeted treatment options for glioblastoma and clear cell ovarian cancer, with one linking laser ablation to 2.1-year survival from diagnosis and the other identifying a 5% ovarian subtype that may respond to immunotherapy.
In 787 brain tumor patients, Washington University researchers found glioblastoma patients whose laser procedure destroyed at least 91% of the tumor lived 2.1 years from diagnosis, versus about 1.5 years with surgery, though experts said that is not proof laser therapy is superior.
The minimally invasive laser approach is already used for recurrent or inoperable tumors and may offer short hospital stays and faster recovery, raising the possibility of using it earlier in some patients.
In 180 clear cell ovarian cancers, Kindai University researchers found high IL-17 activity in about 5% of cases; lab and mouse work suggested that state recruits T cells and helps anti-PD-L1 therapy prolong survival.
Both findings remain early rather than curative, but they could help doctors match treatment more precisely in two cancers that are especially hard to treat.