Think Neuro

13. New Hope on Vanquishing Glioblastoma | Dr. Santosh Kesari

Episode Summary

Unfortunately, a brain cancer called glioblastoma has a very poor prognosis but there is still a lot that can be done. Unlike other cancers that often develop as lumps with defined margins in the breast, say, glioblastomas not only present with a central mass but also send out microscopic tendrils into the brain, making them difficult to remove completely without damaging our most critical organ. There are powerful cancer drugs available but it can be challenging to get a full dose past the blood-brain barrier to attack glioblastoma. Dr. Santosh Kesari, MD, Ph.D., is more optimistic now about treating glioblastoma than he has been at any time in his career. Neurosurgeons have better technologies allowing them to better remove what they can, and neuro-oncologists like Dr. Kesari have promising new therapies available like immunotherapies and targeted treatment protocols. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Kesari to find out what treatments make him believe that big breakthroughs are on the horizon for treating this difficult disease. For more information: pacificneuro.org | (310) 582-7640