American Brain Tumor Association
Pioneering Liquid Biopsy Technology for Brain Tumor Care
Humor to Fight the Tumor is proud to support the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) in partnership with the Brain Tumor Funders’ Collaborative (BTFC) in advancing cutting-edge liquid biopsy research. This promising technology has the potential to revolutionize how brain tumors are diagnosed and monitored.
Unlike traditional, invasive biopsy methods, liquid biopsy uses blood or other fluids to detect tumor-related biomarkers. This approach could enable earlier, more accurate diagnoses and allow clinicians to track tumor progression and treatment response in real time—ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life.
With a strong focus on pediatric, adolescent, young adult (AYA), and adult populations, this initiative aims to make liquid biopsy a practical, widely available tool in brain tumor care. By investing in this research, the ABTA and BTFC are working to transform clinical practice and offer new hope to individuals and families facing brain tumors.
For more information go to: https://www.abta.org/
The Mayo Clinic
Advancing Precision Medicine for Brain Tumor Patients
Humor to Fight the Tumor is proud to support a groundbreaking initiative at Mayo Clinic in collaboration with its Central Nervous System/Neuro-Oncology Disease Team. This project aims to integrate next-generation sequencing (NGS) into standard clinical practice, improving the accuracy of brain tumor diagnoses and enabling more personalized treatment plans.
NGS technology allows clinicians to identify specific genetic mutations—such as BRAF V600E and PDGFRA D842V—that can be targeted with tailored therapies. By incorporating NGS into routine care, regardless of a patient’s insurance status, the initiative seeks to expand access, streamline insurance approvals, and establish a patient registry to track outcomes and refine care strategies.
In addition to improving diagnostic access, the project includes a preclinical research component focused on evaluating the effectiveness of targeted drugs in combination with standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
This two-year effort is designed to reduce barriers to cutting-edge care, enhance treatment precision, and contribute to global advancements in brain tumor research. Ultimately, it has the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for thousands of patients both at Mayo Clinic and beyond.
For more information go to: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center
Innovating Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma Patients
Humor to Fight the Tumor is proud to support a groundbreaking immunotherapy initiative led by the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. This project explores the use of genetically modified Natural Killer Cells (NKCs), specifically the FT536 cell line, as a potential treatment for recurrent WHO grade 4 astrocytoma/glioblastoma (G4A/GBM)—one of the most aggressive and deadly brain tumors.
The initiative combines translational research with a first-in-brain-cancer phase 1 clinical trial. The trial will involve three stages of treatment: surgical biopsies, direct brain injections of FT536 cells, and follow-up intraventricular administration, all paired with extensive monitoring to assess safety and early signs of effectiveness.
This research addresses a critical gap in brain tumor treatment and offers hope for patients facing limited options. Thanks to a commitment from Fate Therapeutics to provide FT536 at no cost, the project is poised to begin enrolling patients as early as Spring 2025, pending final approvals.
By supporting this effort, Humor to Fight the Tumor helps accelerate the development of life-saving therapies and furthers our commitment to improving outcomes for those affected by brain cancer.
For more information go to: https://cancer.umn.edu/
