Innovative Glioblastoma Treatment Advances Thanks to Groundbreaking Research and Community Support

Glioblastoma, a rare and highly aggressive form of brain cancer, is one of the most formidable challenges in oncology. With limited treatment options and a grim prognosis, glioblastoma remains a major research focus at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW).

Jennifer Connelly, MD, professor of neurology at MCW, is leading a clinical trial that could change the course of treatment for this devastating disease. Launched in 2022, the clinical trial evaluates gallium maltolate (GaM), an innovative therapy that is administered orally and targets the iron metabolism in cancer cells.

Tricking Cancer Cells to Stop Growth

GaM works by mimicking the chemical properties of iron, a nutrient that cancer cells depend on to grow and multiply. By tricking the cancer cells into taking in gallium instead of iron, GaM disrupts their growth process.

The results of the trial have been extremely encouraging. Dr. Connelly and her team have seen promising signs in terms of tolerability, with several patients showing favorable responses to the treatment.

“It’s always tricky with these early phase trials because they’re not designed to analyze survival benefits, but it’s encouraging to see a drug that is well-tolerated in a heavily pretreated population,” Dr. Connelly says. “We have enough data and evidence to move on to a Phase Two trial.”

Currently, the trial is in the final stages of Phase One, and preparations are underway for Phase Two. The early success of GaM in glioblastoma patients is paving the way for future treatments, with potential applications extending to other solid tumors as well.

A “Homegrown” Success

Dr. Connelly’s research didn’t begin with massive funding from pharmaceutical giants. Instead, it started with a small $50,000 pilot grant funded by Strain for the Brain and Chasing Chad. That grant, coupled with significant donations from the organization, laid the groundwork for what has become a breakthrough clinical trial.

“Without the initial $50,000 research grant to do the basic science research of gallium maltolate, we would not have been able to move the drug to human studies in the Phase One trial,” Dr. Connelly said.

Strain for the Brian, founded by one of Dr. Connelly’s patients, has donated more than $650,000 to brain tumor research at MCW over the past 14 years, and its impact extends beyond just financial support. The charity’s dedication to raising awareness of brain tumors and supporting research has created a strong sense of community.

Dr. Connelly’s appreciation for the charity is profound, which is why she took on the role of chair starting last year. Her leadership is a natural extension of her commitment to supporting brain tumor patients and advancing research that can change lives.

“It’s not just about the money; it’s about the community, and that’s what excites me,” Dr. Connelly says.

Connecting Patients, Survivors and Researchers

Dr. Connelly’s involvement in the charity has fostered a sense of camaraderie among patients, survivors, and researchers. This relationship between the research team and the community has been pivotal in creating an environment of support and hope.

Through Strain for the Brain, Dr. Connelly has helped raise more than $121,000 in research funding for MCW’s Brain Tumor Research Program in 2024. This funding has enabled the launch of early-stage studies that explore new avenues of treatment for glioblastoma, including the gallium maltolate trial.

In addition to her research, Dr. Connelly is deeply invested in supporting brain tumor patients and their families. She has worked to bring back a monthly support group for patients at MCW, which has seen more than 220 attendees in the past year alone.

These gatherings provide a space for patients and their families to share their experiences, learn from one another, and find emotional support during their challenging journeys. Dr. Connelly’s leadership in the support group reflects her commitment to holistic care for brain tumor patients, beyond just medical treatment.

One Step Closer to Glioblastoma Treatment

As the trial moves toward Phase Two, the implications of using gallium maltolate to treat glioblastoma are immense. Dr. Connelly’s work, supported by the unwavering generosity of Strain for the Brain, is laying the foundation for a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment.

The trial’s success represents more than just scientific progress; it embodies the power of collaboration, community, and perseverance in the face of one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but I know we still have a long way to go,” Dr. Connelly says.

In addition to advancing the clinical trial, Strain for the Brain’s ongoing fundraising efforts will continue to support the broader mission of brain tumor research and patient experience at MCW, ensuring that critical studies like this one can continue to make strides in the fight against glioblastoma.