Leif Eriksson and his team have made some progress in their studies. A grant from the Swedish Cancer Society has been received and major investors have also shown interest in the project. Leif Eriksson has got some good news. Photo: University of Gothenburg Have you made any progress in your research? – Yes, the work is still progressing very well. We are conducting and have conducted a number of studies to further confirm the mechanism and interaction between the molecule and the target protein, and its effect in tumor cells, and everything continues to look extremely promising. Where should we look to know the latest about your research on glioblastoma? – I would recommend that you check EndGlioblastoma regularly. The goal is to continuously update with new information. However, it is important to remember that many of the trials and tests that are done take time, so it can sometimes take several months between rounds. Tell us about your trip to San Diego! – I recently participated in the Drug Discovery Chemistry (DDC) conference in San Diego, where I gave a talk on how to use AI to develop new drugs. I also had the opportunity to meet a number of other researchers and various pharmaceutical and service companies, as well as possible future investors. Leif Eriksson gave a lecture on how AI can be used to develop new medicines. Is it possible to register for participating in your future studies? – Unfortunately, we are not at the point where we have such a list. However, I definitely understand that there are requests for it. When we are ready to test in humans, we will announce this, and our goal is of course to reach out as widely as possible, as early as possible. Exactly how and where such tests will take place is not something I have an answer to at the moment. Have you received any applications for funding granted? – The most recent grant came from the Swedish Cancer Society – they are doing a fantastic job in raising funds and supporting Swedish research into cancer (in all its forms). Are any investors getting engaged? – Discussions with slightly larger investors have begun, and it looks promising. Funding is the key to us being able to move forward as quickly as we wish and want, and we are always open to dialogue.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month and we are taking the opportunity to be heard and seen a little extra. You can check out our movement challenge on social media and look forward to more updates here on the website. There hasn't been much activity at EndGlioblastoma.org in recent months, but in the background there still has been some activity: Leif Eriksson and his team have made some progress. We will tell you more about that. We have started an association, "Stoppa Glioblastom", which has been approved by the Swedish Tax Agency. Presentations of the board will be posted both on the website and in social media. Contributions from private individuals have continued to flow in. Thank you to everyone who is participating! Soon we will announce how much has been received, and make our first transfer to the research team at the University of Gothenburg. What will be your challenge? Five ping pong matches, five rehab sessions or maybe five days in a row at the gym? Go Gray in May – do you accept the challenge? Together we can highlight and support the work to find a cure for glioblastoma. In May we will do so through symbolic and physical joint movement. Plus: Both community and movement have proven positive effects for glioblastoma patients. Challenges can look different for everyone. Therefore, you get to choose the one that suits you. These are the (not so strict) rules: Our common denominator should be “5”. What you do should include some form of movement/exercise. You can choose whether you activate yourself on your own or gather a whole group. Maybe you want to make a festive event out of it. You are welcome to donate an amount to our collection. 5, 55 or 555 – you both move and donate money according to your own ability. You do not have to tell us about the amount you donate. Please note! Tell us and others what you are doing. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook and use #GrayMay and #GoGrayInMay. Please share our posts too, so we can spread the word and knowledge even more. We will share your post if you tag us: @StoppaGlioblastom. Challenges according to ability Choose a challenge that suits you. Here are some examples: Swim 5 kilometers during the month. Run 5 kilometers. Walk 5 kilometers. Bike 5 miles. Do your rehab exercises 5 times in a row. Get outside 5 days in a row. Do yoga 5 days in a row. Do 555 push-ups. Lift a total of 5 times your own body weight. Go to the gym 5 days in a row. Hike to 5 different beautiful places in nature. Play 5 games. Maybe you can organize a 5K race for loved ones. "Jog, roll, jog, walk." Thank you for joining us!

The researchers use nanoparticles to direct the therapy specifically to cancer cells. A new American study shows that targeted gene therapy can disrupt the energy centers of cancer cells, leading to cell death in two aggressive cancer types: glioblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer. The researchers use nanoparticles to direct the therapy specifically to cancer cells. In experiments on mice, this has resulted in tumor shrinkage and cell death. "We disrupt the membrane so that the mitochondria cannot function normally to produce energy or act as signaling hubs," says Lufang Zhou, a professor at Ohio State University and co-author of the study, which was published in the journal Cancer Research . The technology is called mLumiOpto. It appears promising for treating several difficult-to-treat cancers but has not yet been tested in humans. Read more Aacrjournals.org News.osu.edu Techexplorist.com

Leif Eriksson is a professor at the University of Gothenburg. Photo: University of Gothenburg. Leif Eriksson and his research team have developed a molecule that even seems to work against the most aggressive cancer forms. But for the discovery to be tested in real-world situations, more funding is needed. "For the patients, it really is a race against time," says Leif Eriksson. Developing new medications normally takes many years – but with the breakthrough in artificial intelligence, opportunities are now opening up that researchers previously couldn’t even dream of. And in a critical area, progress has already been made. After several years of patient research, a Swedish research team may have found a cure for the aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma, which has been recognized in both Swedish and international media. "We will, in the future, be able to cure patients from glioblastoma," says Leif Eriksson. "We will, in the future, be able to cure patients from glioblastoma." Leif Eriksson is a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Gothenburg. He is leading the Swedish research team that collaborates with colleagues in France. University of Gothenburg: Major progress in curing brain tumors Leif Eriksson and his team have achieved a major breakthrough with their research. Current treatment does not cure. The outlook for those diagnosed with this type of cancer is grim. The average patient only lives for about 15 months after diagnosis, and only 1 percent survive for ten years. A contributing factor to the deadly nature of glioblastoma is that the cancer type grows rapidly and often remains undetected for a long time before being discovered by doctors. The standard treatment for glioblastoma consists of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The patient may also receive electrotherapy. These treatments have proven effective, but they are far from being as effective as they need to be to help patients in the long term. There is still no cure. "Being able to use our knowledge and research tools to concretely find a cure for one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and give hope to thousands of patients provides enormous motivation in our daily work," explains Leif Eriksson. A giant leap with a supercomputer It was seven years ago that Leif Eriksson's team at the University of Gothenburg teamed up with colleagues at the French research institute Inserm in Rennes. The idea was to use a supercomputer to develop a molecule specifically designed to target the particular protein that glioblastoma cells depend on. Pierre-Jean Le Reste and Raphael Pineau at the Inserm lab in Rennes, France. There is an almost countless number of molecules to choose from, and because the researchers wanted to find the most suitable one, it would take several years to reach a result. However, with the help of supercomputers, they were able to examine millions of molecules to find a substance that not only binds strongly and blocks the protein in question, but can also cross into the brain and is not toxic to healthy cells. Healthy without side effects In the midst of the pandemic, the breakthrough was achieved. Studies on French mice showed that the molecule developed, called Z4P, not only inhibited the growth of cancer cells, but was also so potent that, when combined with chemotherapy, it killed the harmful cells. "The cancer cells' stress management system is disabled. Then the cancer cells become overloaded and die," explains Leif Eriksson. In the mice treated with Z4P, the tumor completely disappeared, and the mice remained healthy for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, the research team noted that the mice did not experience any side effects. The French mice were cured, without any side effects or relapses. Illustration: Malin Hardestam Can save many lives The result was presented in 2023 in the scientific journal *iScience*. Since the discovery, the research teams have been working on the next step: further improving the properties of the molecule and then determining the optimized dosage and treatment duration, before moving on to larger animals than mice and eventually to human patients. Cancer cell before, during, and after Z4P and chemotherapy. Illustration: Malin Hardestam Every year, around 250,000 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma worldwide. A proven treatment could completely revolutionize these individuals' chances of survival. Funding is required for the next step However, more funding is needed for the project. According to Leif Eriksson's estimates, reaching the stage for clinical trials requires an additional 4-5 million euros — money that has not yet been secured. In light of the results the team has achieved so far, however, he is hopeful that investors, foundations, and EU funds will prioritize the project and see the same potential that he does. "We are well on our way to finding a cure for a very deadly tumor. Therefore, I believe that once we reach clinical trials, everything will accelerate. There is an urgent need for better treatment for aggressive cancer," says Leif Eriksson. "There is an urgent need for better treatment for aggressive cancer." It could work on more types of cancer He is often contacted by glioblastoma patients and their families. The only thing they can do at this point is to undergo existing treatments and live on hope. But not for much longer. "It’s a race against time. The faster we start with the clinical work, the more lives we can save and impact," says Leif Eriksson. He also has high hopes that the research will lead to a cure for other aggressive cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and certain liver cancers.

Z4P crosses the blood-brain barrier and overloads the cancer cells' stress management system. Illustration: Malin Hardestam Swedish and French researchers have discovered a molecule that stresses aggressive cancer cells to death. "I am convinced that we will be able to cure glioblastoma, as well as other aggressive cancer types," says Leif Eriksson, professor of chemistry at the University of Gothenburg. Proteins are the primary "workforce" of a cell. They ensure that the right substances are produced in the correct amounts at the right time. A significant portion of a cell's proteins is made in the "protein factories": the ribosomes. From there, the proteins are transported to an organelle (the cell's equivalent of an organ) called the ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum), where they are folded into their correct three-dimensional shape. Cross-section of a cell. An imbalance can occur when the amount of produced proteins exceeds the folding capacity of the ER. In such cases, unfolded or misfolded proteins "pile up" inside the ER. This imbalance is known as ER stress. If left unchecked, it can lead to cell death. To protect against this, cells have a stress management system called the UPR (Unfolded Protein Response). During ER stress, this system is activated to manage the stress and restore balance. How to Crash Cancer Cells' Defenses All cells are equipped with the stress management system UPR, which they can activate to survive short-term stress. However, in most healthy cells, this system is used very sparingly. In aggressive cancer types—such as glioblastoma, triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and certain liver cancers—the UPR system must instead be constantly activated. These cells, as part of their aggressiveness, have a significantly increased protein production. As a result, the ER is under constant pressure to maintain a high rate of protein folding, and the stress management system UPR is utilized to keep the cells alive. "This is where our research comes in. When we can stop the cancer cells' stress management system, the cancer cells become overloaded and die," explains Leif Eriksson. Leif Eriksson, professor at the University of Gothenburg. Photo: University of Gothenburg. With this in mind, Leif Eriksson and his team have worked for several years to explore the possibility of targeting the protein "IRE1," a key sensor for overloading in the ER, with a small inhibitor molecule. They have used advanced computer-based searches in large molecular databases. By studying the interaction between these molecules and the binding pocket of IRE1, they have successfully identified a compound: Z4. This compound has proven to be non-toxic to healthy cells at very high concentrations and can block IRE1. Z4P is the key However, Z4 does not pass the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, the team investigated possible variants of Z4 and ultimately found what they were looking for: the molecule Z4P. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, block IRE1, and thereby overload the stress management system UPR in cancer cells. Mössen botades med Z4P. Illustration: Malin Hardestam "Our long-term studies on mice with glioblastoma have shown that when the mice were given chemotherapy (Temozolomide) together with Z4P, they became completely free of their tumors, with neither side effects nor relapses," says Leif Eriksson, and continues: "Treating mice is one thing. We want to cure humans. That’s why we have worked hard to systematically improve certain necessary properties of Z4P." "The mice became completely free of their tumors, with neither side effects nor relapses." High survival rates Using a supercomputer, the researchers generated over 500,000 different variants of the compound. The top 100 were then synthesized and tested in protein analyses and cell lines. This resulted in the team identifying three molecules that were tested further. On their own, these molecules significantly reduce tumor growth. The best among them has a survival profile very similar to that seen in mice treated solely with the chemotherapy drug Temozolomide — but it is not toxic to healthy cells! In combination treatments with the researchers' preferred compound and Temozolomide, the results have shown very high survival rates for the mice. More funding is needed Leif Eriksson and his colleagues are now moving forward with their work to further improve the results and determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration. Regulatory aspects must be considered, the best way to administer the compound as a drug needs to be investigated — and much more. This involves extensive modeling, synthetic and medicinal chemistry, tests, analyses, preclinical studies, and administrative/regulatory work. And it costs. Testing on humans cannot begin until funding is secured. "We are close. I am convinced that we will be able to cure glioblastoma, as well as other aggressive cancer types. But we need help to get all the way there," says Leif Eriksson. More information about Leif Eriksson's research University of Gothenburg: Major progress in curing brain tumors i Science: A novel IRE1 kinase inhibitor for adjuvant glioblastoma treatment

"Now I am at least closer than I have ever been," says Professor Anna Dimberg about her research at Uppsala University. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt/Uppsala University A research team at Uppsala University is developing a new antibody treatment for glioblastoma. It is Anna Dimberg and her team at Uppsala University who are researching the microenvironment and blood vessels in glioblastoma. They have found that tumor blood vessels are different from normal vessels, and that specific proteins are produced by the vessels, which are significant for the tumor's microenvironment. In their research, Anna Dimberg's team discovered that a particular protein turned out to be especially interesting. The team has now developed an antibody against this protein.   It will take time before it can help By using specific proteins in the blood vessels, the function of the vessels can be altered. This is important because tumor cells travel along the blood vessels into healthy tissue, and it is difficult for drugs to penetrate the blood vessels of brain tumors to kill the tumor cells. By altering the blood vessels, tumor cells can be prevented from spreading. It can also improve the chances of immune cells being able to enter the tumor. "It will take a long time before this could potentially help. That’s really why we’re working on this, so that one day I can say that clinical trials are underway for a new treatment. Now, at least, I’m closer than I’ve ever been," says Anna Dimberg in a press release from Uppsala University. More information about Anna Dimberg's research Uppsala Universitet: Utforskar nytt grepp för effektivare behandling av aggressiva hjärntumörer Uppsala universitet: Ny metod hjälper immunceller angripa hjärntumörer Barncancerfonden: Möt våra forskare – Anna Dimberg Cancerfonden: Project the vasculature as a target for therapy in brain tumors

The Supramarginal study aims to answer whether it is better to remove extra tissue around the tumor during surgery. Supramarginal investigates whether the chances of survival in glioblastoma increase by removing extra tissue around the tumor during surgery. The Supramarginal study aims to determine whether survival rates in glioblastoma improve by removing tissue around the tumor that appears to be normal. This surgery can only be performed on patients with small tumors that are localized and operable. The risk is that neurological and/or cognitive functions could be damaged, so this needs to be taken into consideration before treatment.   Asgeir Jakola, professor and senior physician. Photo: Josefin Bergenholtz/University of Gothenburg Asgeir Jakola is a senior physician and professor at the University of Gothenburg and is involved in leading the Supramarginal study. More information about Supramarginal Supramarginaltrial.com

In September 2024, the National Brain Tumor Day was held at Akademiska Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden. The lectures can be viewed afterward. Eskil Degsell (right) is the vice chairman of the Brain Tumor Association and took the lead during Brain Tumor Day in Uppsala. More than 130 people attended in person, with almost as many joining digitally. The morning was divided into three tracks: one for patients, relatives, and survivors; one for nurses, psychologists, and occupational therapists; and one for doctors. In the afternoon, all the tracks came together. Joint lectures and a panel discussion were held for an engaged audience. The various research projects presented provided inspiration, knowledge, hope—and also tools to manage daily life for patients and their loved ones. Between the sessions, lunch and refreshments were served, with opportunities for mingling and networking. Most of the lectures have been recorded and can be viewed on the Brain Tumor Association's website. In 2025, National Brain Tumor Day will be held in Lund, Sweden.

With the help of "robots," research is speeding up. Artificial intelligence is expected to make a significant difference in the development of future drug candidates.   The power of computers and their ability to identify patterns that humans cannot see is a major asset for pharmaceutical researchers. And we know it works—artificial intelligence had its breakthrough with the mRNA vaccine developed to combat COVID-19, and today, several drug candidates are entirely developed with the help of AI and are undergoing clinical trials. In June 2023, Leif Eriksson, professor of chemistry at the University of Gothenburg, was invited to Nyhetsmorgon on TV4 to talk more about these possibilities. Cures for multiple types of cancer. He and his research team have used supercomputers to find a molecular composition that could be effective against glioblastoma, a task that would have gone much faster if they had already had access to today's AI-based tools. This is just the beginning, according to the professor. "AI has the ability to process and handle very large data sets and do it very quickly." Leif Eriksson believes that the group's research will lead to a cure for glioblastoma. Other types of cancer may also become relevant. Watch the segment from TV4 Morning News here Photo: TV4

Many are affected by a glioblastoma diagnosis. And they long for a cure. In Sweden, approximately 400 people* are expected to be diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2024. In Europe, approximately 19,000 people* are expected to be diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2024. In the United States, approximately 14,500 people* are expected to be diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2024. The average survival time after diagnosis is not long. By 2025, even more people will be affected. Even more lives will be impacted. We cannot wait. The longer we wait, the more lives are lost unnecessarily. There is research that is incredibly close to solving the puzzle. Mice have already been cured of glioblastoma without side effects. It's amazing! The next step is testing on larger animals and humans. As soon as further funding is available, the research can reach its goal and save so many lives. Spare so many people from losing their loved ones. Together, we can stop this aggressive form of cancer. *Different sources provide slightly varying figures in their calculations; this is a consolidation of the numbers we have found from research-based sources, such as the University of Gothenburg, PubMed, and the National Brain Tumor Society.

PRO-glio investigates what is best: radiation with photons or protons. PRO-glio is a Norwegian/Swedish study. It investigates whether radiation with protons or photons is more effective for IDH-mutated diffuse gliomas in grades II and III. Malin Blomstrand is a senior physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg and leads the study in Sweden. "We will examine patients who have received proton and photon radiation to see if there is any difference in cognitive abilities, such as memory and learning. We will also study the occurrence of extreme fatigue, known as fatigue. Our hope is that the results will show when one treatment method is preferable," she said in a statement on the Skandion Clinic's website. Unlike traditional X-ray and electron radiation, which pass straight through the body and therefore also damage healthy tissue, the energy of a proton beam can be adjusted to reach a specific depth. In this way, the radiation can be concentrated on the tumor itself, and the radiation dose can be increased without increasing the risk of side effects. Photon therapy is a high-energy X-ray radiation that works in a similar way. More information about PRO-glio Cancercentrum.se: PRO-glio Skandionkliniken.se

Sonobird aims to help medications cross the blood-brain barrier using ultrasound. Sonobird is a phase three study investigating whether recurrent glioblastoma can be treated with the help of ultrasound. Sonocloud is implanted at the tumor site. Photo: Carthera The study uses a device called Sonocloud, which is implanted into the brain to more effectively deliver chemotherapy directly into the tumor. The Sonobird study compares treatment with Sonocloud in combination with carboplatin to standard care, including lomustine or temozolomide, in patients who have experienced a first recurrence of glioblastoma and are scheduled for planned surgery. Opens the blood-brain barrier Sonocloud uses ultrasound technology and is specially developed to temporarily open the difficult-to-penetrate blood-brain barrier in the area around the tumor. The blood-brain barrier is located at the level of the blood vessel walls. It protects the brain from toxic or inflammatory molecules but also prevents most drugs injected into the bloodstream from entering the brain tissue where the tumor is located. Mer information om Sonobird Sonobird.eu UNC: New multinational brain tumor clinical trial