#United States #Cancer Research #Chicago, Illinois #Brain Tumor #CNS Metastasis

Metastatic Brain Tumor Collaborative Pioneers Grant Opportunities

In a significant step for cancer research, the Metastatic Brain Tumor Collaborative (MBTC), facilitated by the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), has recently introduced its first-ever grant opportunity aimed specifically at advancing research on central nervous system (CNS) metastasis. This initiative, which allocates a total of $100,000 in research grants, is designed to fund innovative projects that focus on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of CNS metastases, a critical yet often overlooked area in oncology.

CNS metastases represent the most prevalent form of brain tumors in adults. These tumors occur when cancerous cells from organs such as the breast, lung, melanoma, colorectal regions, and kidneys spread to the brain or spinal cord. Shockingly, over 200,000 individuals in the United States are affected each year, yet research and clinical care for this patient population remain vastly inadequate.

The urgency of advancing research in this area cannot be overstated. The MBTC aims to fill this gap by establishing CNS Metastasis Research Grants that provide $50,000 in seed funding for high-risk, high-impact research projects that have the potential to revolutionize how metastatic brain tumors are diagnosed and managed. Each funded project must target CNS metastases arising from at least two distinct primary cancer types, emphasizing a holistic approach that could benefit both adult and pediatric patients.

Among the notable projects selected for MBTC grant funding are:

• - Dr. Sherise Ferguson from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with her project titled Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of NK Cell Immunotherapy for CNS Metastasis.
• - Dr. Alireza Mansouri from The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine who will investigate Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteomic Signatures of Leptomeningeal Disease.

These selected projects highlight a wide array of research focus areas, encompassing innovative topics such as immunotherapy, tumor biology, diagnostic advancements, and identifying biomarkers for treatment responses. The MBTC’s mission in providing these grants is to empower researchers to generate foundational data that paves the way for future clinical applications and larger-scale funding opportunities.

"Metastatic brain tumors are devastating, and yet, historically overlooked," stated Dr. Nicole Willmarth, Chief Mission Officer of the American Brain Tumor Association. She further emphasized that this groundbreaking collaborative grant program represents a pivotal moment for patients suffering from CNS metastases. The collective efforts of multiple cancer organizations aim to instigate a shift in the way care is delivered to this underserved population.

About the Metastatic Brain Tumor Collaborative

The Metastatic Brain Tumor Collaborative is a network of nonprofit organizations officially dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals battling brain metastases through intensified research, education, and support efforts. One of the core objectives of the MBTC is fostering cross-disease synergy while driving investment specifically in researching CNS metastases, an area that has historically faced underfunding and complexities in clinical treatment.

Organizations participating in the CNS Metastasis Research Grant initiative include:

• - American Brain Tumor Association
• - Kidney Cancer Association
• - LUNGevity Foundation
• - Melanoma Research Foundation
• - Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance

Additional partners supporting MBTC efforts represent a coalition that includes organizations like Aim at Melanoma, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and Living Beyond Breast Cancer, among others.

In conclusion, the launch of this grant initiative marks a hopeful turning point in colonial research on CNS metastasis. It signals a commitment to improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients traversing the challenging landscape of metastatic brain tumors, addressing an urgent need in cancer research that has long been waiting for attention.