Glioblastoma, a formidable and intricate brain cancer, poses a significant challenge to patients and their loved ones. It's a race against time, as this aggressive cancer grows rapidly and often resists conventional treatments.
Dr. Rachna Malani, an investigator at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and an assistant professor at the University of Utah, sheds light on the mystery surrounding glioblastoma. "The brain is a complex and protected organ, and this cancer's ability to constantly adapt makes it incredibly difficult to treat," she explains.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute delves into the impact of distance on glioblastoma patients' access to specialized care and clinical trials. The study, published in the journal Neurology, analyzed data from 167 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma between 2018 and 2022, who received treatment at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The patients were categorized based on their proximity to the institute: those living within 0-25 miles were considered "near," 25-40 miles as "intermediate," and those beyond 40 miles were classified as "far."
When researchers adjusted for various factors, including age and health, they discovered a significant correlation between distance and outcomes. Patients living farther away were less likely to enroll in clinical trials, and, in some cases, their survival rates were slightly lower.
The study's findings highlight the critical role of proximity to specialized cancer centers. Dr. Malani emphasizes, "It's not just about the tumor; it's about the barriers patients face when they live far from the care they need."
Clinical trials offer a glimmer of hope for glioblastoma patients, as they provide access to cutting-edge treatments and additional support. Dr. Joe Mendez, a neuro-oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, explains, "Glioblastoma is a cancer that currently lacks optimal treatments. Standard therapies may only extend survival by a few months, but clinical trials offer a chance to improve these outcomes."
Participating in a clinical trial doesn't mean patients are mere test subjects; it means they receive personalized care from a dedicated multidisciplinary team, working together to treat the cancer and ensure patient safety while advancing medical knowledge.
This study is groundbreaking, as it quantifies the impact of distance on glioblastoma outcomes and trial participation. It underscores the importance of specialized cancer centers for patients and highlights the need for health systems to expand clinical trial access beyond major cities.
In addition, a separate study published in Neuro-Oncology Practice by medical students and Dr. Randy Jensen, co-leader of the Neurologic Cancers Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute, examined the effect of rurality and socioeconomic status on treatment and survival for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients.
"We found that patients from frontier Utah face greater socioeconomic barriers without experiencing poorer overall survival. Patients of lower socioeconomic status, however, had significantly lower access to adjuvant therapies after resection," Dr. Jensen adds.
The ultimate goal, as Dr. Mendez puts it, is to make comprehensive cancer care accessible to all, bringing hope and improved chances of survival to every patient. The Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to this vision, investing in specialists, research infrastructure, and multidisciplinary teams to give patients the best possible chance against this complex disease.
