Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and complex forms of brain cancer. Despite decades of research, it has continued to challenge clinicians and scientists alike, with limited treatment options and a high likelihood of recurrence. However, 2025 marked a pivotal moment. After years of foundational discovery, research at the Brain Tumour Research Centre at The Neuro is now entering a transformative phase, applying what has been learned in the laboratory directly to patient care.
In 2022, a transformative breakthrough came when scientists at The Neuro demonstrated that glioblastoma originates from dormant neural stem cells that become reactivated and turn cancerous. This discovery has reshaped our understanding of how the disease begins and opened entirely new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Building on this insight, the research team launched an ambitious effort in 2024 to identify the abnormal signalling events responsible for awakening these cells. Their work quickly converged on two key candidates — Notch, a receptor involved in a critical signalling pathway, and BMP (bone morphogenetic protein), part of a major growth factor family both of which play essential roles in early brain development.
“Philanthropy makes it possible to launch bold new ideas and generate the evidence needed to move promising discoveries toward patient care.”
— Dr. Roberto Diaz, Principal Investigator, The Neuro
Importantly, drugs capable of targeting these pathways already exist, significantly accelerating the path from laboratory discovery to patient care. By establishing a strong scientific rationale for focusing on Notch, BMP, and related pathways, the team has moved the field closer to developing an effective treatment for glioblastoma, offering meaningful hope for patients facing this devastating disease.
This research was made possible through generous philanthropic support.
