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Category: Uncategorised

  • GLIOMATCH results contribute to new EIC-funded project GLIOBREAK

    GLIOMATCH results contribute to new EIC-funded project GLIOBREAK

    Results from GLIOMATCH are supporting the newly funded EIC Transition project GLIOBREAK, coordinated by Beactica Therapeutics and with the involvement of KU Leuven. The project will advance BEA-17, a first-in-class LSD1–CoREST degrader, towards clinical readiness, including IND-enabling studies and regulatory submission.

    Exploiting GLIOMATCH results for clinical development

    Results generated within the GLIOMATCH project are contributing to the advancement of innovative therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma.

    The newly funded EIC Transition project GLIOBREAK, coordinated by Beactica Therapeutics together with GLIOMATCH partner LISCO – KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics, builds directly on findings obtained within GLIOMATCH.

    GLIOBREAK will advance BEA-17, a first-in-class LSD1–CoREST degrader, alongside the development of a companion diagnostic. The project aims to bring the programme to clinical readiness, including the completion of IND-enabling studies and preparation for regulatory submission.

    The consortium has secured EUR 2.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council to support these next steps towards clinical development.

    Read the full press release here.

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

  • International Childhood Cancer Day 2026

    International Childhood Cancer Day 2026

    On International Childhood Cancer Day 2026, GLIOMATCH highlights the urgent need for research into paediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), rare and aggressive brain tumours affecting children. With a median survival of just over one year and no curative treatment available, collaborative research efforts are essential to better understand the disease, develop dedicated models, and tailor therapies that improve outcomes and quality of life for young patients and their families.

    About ICCD

    International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is a global collaborative campaign held every year on 15 February to raise awareness about childhood cancer and the unique challenges faced by children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families worldwide. The day was created by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), a global network of parent organisations and childhood cancer support groups, and highlights the need for greater understanding, solidarity and equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer regardless of where they live. Find out more on the ICCD’s website.

    Advancing Research for Children with Paediatric High-Grade Gliomas

    Paediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are malignant brain tumours affecting children. The survival rates for children suffering from pHGG are very low, with a median survival of just over one year. This poses an enormous burden on the patients and a very heavy emotional burden on parents and caregivers.

    Gliomas in children have very specific genetic alterations that we do not find in their adult counterparts. From a biological point of view, they are completely different. Therefore, it is important to focus our research on developing models to study these paediatric high-grade gliomas.

    Currently, the only proven life-prolonging treatment for pHGG is radiotherapy, and we still do not have a curative treatment. This makes it incredibly important to better understand the disease. By doing so, we can guide patients towards the therapies that are most beneficial for them and their quality of life. Through building and analysing a large cohort of pHGG, GLIOMATCH aims to better study this disease and further tailor treatment for our patients.

    It is incredibly difficult to face parents with the fate of their children. That is why it is so important that we move the field forward. As this is a very rare disease, it is essential to unite knowledge, work in large consortia, and pool all the information we can from different teams. This is the only way we can improve outcomes for children affected by this disease.

    On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, we also highlight the contribution of our GLIOMATCH partners from KU Leuven (KUL) and University Hospitals Leuven (UZL), who participated in the Glioblastoma Research Organisation’s ‘GBM Podcast’.

    In the episode, Prof. Dr. Sandra Jacobs, paediatric oncologist at the University Hospital of Leuven, presents a dedicated segment (from minute 40 onwards) focusing on paediatric gliomas, the key challenges in treating this rare and aggressive disease, and the impact GLIOMATCH is striving to achieve to improve outcomes for affected children.

    We invite you to watch the episode and learn more about how collaborative research is working to move the field forward.

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

  • International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

    International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

    Celebrating Women Driving Innovation in GLIOMATCH

    On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026, GLIOMATCH recognises the vital contribution of women researchers across its consortium. Their expertise and dedication are instrumental in advancing tailored immunotherapy approaches to improve clinical outcomes for adults and children with malignant brain tumours. As highlighted in the featured quote from one of the GLIOMATCH researchers, our drive to explore, learn and make things better is what unites us. 

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

  • World Cancer Day 2026

    World Cancer Day 2026

    On World Cancer Day 2026, GLIOMATCH highlights the importance of placing patient perspectives at the heart of cancer research, particularly for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumours.

    Patient voices shaping innovation in glioblastoma research

    GLIOMATCH project partner Cancer Patients Europe (CPE) conducted a Europe-wide survey among people living with glioblastoma, as well as relatives and carers, to explore expectations, concerns and information needs related to innovative therapies, with a specific focus on immunotherapy. The CPE team has summarised the key results below.

    The survey results show that survival remains the primary treatment priority for 62 percent of respondents, while quality of life is a critical consideration for one in three. Although 93 percent of respondents said they would be extremely or somewhat willing to use immunotherapy if it offered an improved prognosis, their main concerns relate to potential side effects and the impact on daily life rather than cost.

    Interest in clinical research is high, with 82 percent of respondents indicating they would be very or somewhat likely to participate in an immunotherapy clinical trial. However, many also reported limited understanding of the risks and benefits involved, underlining the need for clearer communication and better access to information.

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    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

  • GLIOMATCH 3rd consortium meeting takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany

    GLIOMATCH 3rd consortium meeting takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany

    From 25 to 27 March 2025, the GLIOMATCH consortium convened in Düsseldorf, Germany, for its third consortium meeting. The meeting was held in-person and hosted by the partner University of Düsseldorf (UDUS). Over 40 experts from across Europe gathered to assess progress of the past year and plan the next phase of the GLIOMATCH project.

    Welcoming atmosphere and collaborative spirit

    The three-day event kicked off with a welcome dinner, offering participants the chance to reconnect ahead of two intensive days of scientific exchange. The official meetings were held at the Haus der Universität in central Düsseldorf and covered a wide range of topics spanning clinical, technical, legal, and ethical dimensions of the project.

    GLIOMATCH, a Horizon Europe project, aims to improve brain cancer treatment by harnessing immunotherapy and state-of-the-art technology, as described on our project page. One year after the project kick-off meeting in Leuven, Belgium, the team of experts met again to review progress, tackle challenges, and stay on track to reach its ambitious goals.

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    Haus der Universtität

    Haus der Universtität, Düsseldorf (meeting venue)

    Clinical and ethical insights on Day 1

    On Day 1, discussions on progress of the eight work packages kicked off. The first day was centred on the retrospective and prospective clinical trials (WP2 & WP5), including dedicated MRI and surgical working group sessions. Partners also explored the broader social and health-economic impacts of the project (WP6) and examined the ethical and legal roadmap for the GLIOMATCH clinical trials and data governance (WP1). A literature workshop rounded off the day before partners reconvened for a consortium dinner.

    Session presentations
    Get-together dinner
    Session presentations
    Meeting closing
    Session presentations

    Snapshots from the meeting sessions and social activities

    Progress review and planning on Day 2

    Day 2 focused on the project’s technical and translational work, with in-depth sessions on mapping the tumour-host/immune micro-environment in glioblastoma (WP3/4). The consortium also reviewed ongoing developments around GLIOMATCH’s secure data platform and its data infrastructure, and outlined outreach and dissemination plans for 2025. A session dedicated to identifying and addressing inequalities in research (WP7) highlighted the project’s commitment to inclusive and responsible research practices. For more information on the GLIOMATCH work plan, visit our dedicated page.

    Looking ahead

    The meeting was a valuable opportunity for experts to discuss GLIOMATCH’s cross-disciplinary progress and to fine-tune the path forward in support of personalised immunotherapy for GBM and pHGG patients.

    We extend our sincere thanks to the local hosts, Rüdiger Sorg and Angeliki Datsi (UDUS), for their warm hospitality and smooth organisation.

    Organising team: Rüdiger Sorg (left) and Angeliki Datsi (right).

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

    For more pictures from our events, visit our photo gallery.

  • International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

    International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

    On the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, GLIOMATCH celebrates the women driving our research and our commitment to gender balance in science and leadership.

    Advancing Women in Science: Charting Progress to Shape the Future

    On 11 February 2025, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science marks its 10th anniversary under the theme “Charting Progress to Shape the Future”. This milestone serves as a reminder of the critical contributions of women in research and the need for continued efforts toward inclusivity in STEM. While progress has been made, gender disparities persist, particularly in leadership roles and research participation. Initiatives worldwide aim to address these gaps and support the next generation of female scientists. More on these efforts can be found here.

    GLIOMATCH: A Commitment to Gender Balance

    At GLIOMATCH, we know that diverse teams drive better science. We are committed to ensuring that our studies accurately reflect gender differences, so our research findings are as robust and meaningful as possible. By accounting for the higher incidence of glioblastoma (GBM) in men, we make sure our data analysis and predictions lead to better outcomes for all patients, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, or ethnic background.

    The female faces behind GLIOMATCH

    Gender balance in our teams is just as important as in our research. We are proud to have strong female leadership in our consortium, including Prof. Sandra Jacobs (KUL-UZL), Prof. Rachel Grossman (RMC), Dr. Marica Eoli (FINCB), Dr. Géraldine Giraud (UU), Dr. Kathrin Creswell (UEDIN), Dr. Jeanette Müller (accelCH), and Ms. Antonella Cardone (CPE).

    Today, we especially want to thank and celebrate all the brilliant women who contribute to GLIOMATCH—from team leaders to researchers and all those driving our work forward. Their expertise is essential in advancing glioblastoma research and improving clinical outcomes for adults and children through tailored immunotherapy treatments.

    What Inspires our Researchers?

    On this occasion, we asked two female researchers within GLIOMATCH to share one of their favourite quotes about science that has inspired them on their journey.

    Dr. Julie Morscio  (KUL-LISCO)

    “Science is not a boy’s game, it’s not a girl’s game. It’s everyone’s game. It’s about where we are and where we’re going.”  

    – Nichelle Nichols

    “Science is not about control. It is about cultivating a perpetual condition of wonder in the face of something that forever grows one step richer and subtler than our latest theory about it. It is about reverence, not mastery.”

    – Richard Powers

    Dr. Chiara Caprioli  (KUL-LISCO)

    Meet the teams and talented women behind GLIOMATCH on our consortium page.

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

  • World Cancer Day 2025

    World Cancer Day 2025

    On World Cancer Day 2025, the GLIOMATCH project participated in the EU project showcase hosted by HaDEA, highlighting the role of EU-funded research in advancing cancer care. We have seized this opportunity to map the EU Cancer Mission project landscape.

    United by Unique

    On World Cancer Day 2025, the theme “United by Unique” highlighted the importance of personalised cancer care. GLIOMATCH supports this by developing a therapy selection platform to advance personalised immunotherapy for glioblastoma and paediatric high-grade glioma.

    EU Project Showcase: Collaborating to Advance Cancer Research

    Brussels, February 4

    To mark the occasion, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) hosted a project showcase in Brussels, bringing together representatives from EU-funded cancer research initiatives, policymakers, healthcare organisations, and individuals affected by cancer, who shared their personal experiences.

    HaDEA manages approximately €1.2 billion in EU funding for cancer-related grants and procurements. The GLIOMATCH project is one of these initiatives funded under the EU’s Cancer Mission (read more about what this entails here).

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    Highlights from the HaDEA showcase on World Cancer Day 2025

    Highlights from the HaDEA showcase on World Cancer Day 2025

    As part of the Cancer Mission, GLIOMATCH was among the projects featured at the event.

    Dr. Eva Avilla Royo (from EU project management partner, accelopment) was present in Brussels to represent GLIOMATCH and join the roundtable activity on the Cancer Mission’s objectives (see below).

    The event underscored the alignment of HaDEA-managed initiatives with key EU cancer policies, including Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU Cancer Mission, and the European Cancer Imaging Initiative. It featured testimonials from cancer patients, insights from EU representatives, and discussions fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

    Mapping the EU Cancer Mission Project Landscape

    The EU Cancer Mission includes around 50 funded projects, each addressing one of its four key objectives: understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and quality of life.

    Projects contributing to specific objectives—such as GLIOMATCH to “Understanding Cancer”—are grouped into Clusters alongside other projects funded under the same call and running on a similar timeline.  GLIOMATCH is one of the six projects united under the “Understanding (Tumour-Host) Interactions” Cluster.

    We’ve mapped out the EU Cancer Mission Project Landscape to create an overview of all Cancer Mission projects and thematic Clusters. Explore the interactive visual in our dedicated Cancer Mission area.

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

    For more pictures from our events, visit our photo gallery.

  • GLIOMATCH Receives Ethical Approval for Retrospective Clinical Trials

    GLIOMATCH Receives Ethical Approval for Retrospective Clinical Trials

    The GLIOMATCH project has reached a key milestone with ethical approval from the UZ/KU Leuven Ethics Committee Research to conduct retrospective clinical trials for adult and paediatric glioma patients. This follows the earlier approval granted to Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, with approvals for other participating centres expected to follow shortly. Data collection for the trials will begin in 2025, marking a critical step towards advancing precision medicine for glioblastoma (GBM) and paediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG).

    GLIOMATCH Retrospective and Prospective Clinical Trials

    The clinical study combines retrospective and prospective data, with critical patient samples and data collected from eight leading neuro-oncological centres specialising in innovative immunotherapy for GBM and pHGG in both adults and children. Alongside the retrospective trials, a prospective study will involve the recruitment of new patients and data collection, aiming to impact patient care in participating countries while developing tools to benefit the wider neuro-surgical and neuro-oncological community.

    Participating Institutions and Study Scope of Retrospective Trials

    The retrospective studies will be conducted in collaboration with a network of leading institutions, including University Hospital Leuven (Belgium), Uppsala University (Sweden), Sant Joan de Déu (Spain), Oslo University Hospital (Norway), Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf (Germany), Erasmus MC (The Netherlands), Rambam Medical Center (Israel) and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta. These trials will retrospectively analyse data from patients treated with immune-oncology therapies, with prospective studies planned for subsequent phases of the project in five of the centres mentioned above.

    The retrospective studies will gather clinical and imaging data, as well as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples, to establish a robust dataset for further analysis. Both adult and paediatric cohorts will be included to ensure comprehensive insights into treatment outcomes. Visit our clinical trials page for more information.

    Objectives and Implications of Retrospective Trials

    The retrospective trials aim to:

    • Identify long-term GBM survivors across eight clinical centres.
    • Harmonise clinical data, including MRI imaging and case reports, to standardise trial methodologies.
    • Integrate patient data into the broader GLIOMATCH workflow, supporting advanced omics and AI-based analyses.

    These objectives, led by KU Leuven under Work Package 2, align with GLIOMATCH’s overarching goal to improve treatment pathways for GBM and pHGG patients.

    Ethical Approval Under the EU Clinical Trial Regulation

    This approval was granted under the updated EU Clinical Trial Regulation (CTR) (Regulation EU No 536/2014), which harmonises clinical trial procedures across Europe, enhances transparency via the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), and strengthens safety protocols. Successfully navigating these regulatory updates required coordinated efforts from GLIOMATCH partners, reflecting their commitment to rigorous and ethically sound research.

    Next Steps

    With ethical approval secured, GLIOMATCH will begin retrospective data collection in 2025. The findings will inform prospective trials and contribute to the development of personalised therapeutic strategies, leveraging multi-omics and spatial proteomics technologies. By integrating diverse datasets across its consortium, GLIOMATCH aims to deliver evidence-based approaches for one of the most challenging cancer types.

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

    Please note that the GLIOMATCH project recruits participants directly through clinical centres involved in the research, and we are therefore unable to accept external requests for participation.

  • Spatial proteomics named 2024 Method of the Year by Nature Methods

    Spatial proteomics named 2024 Method of the Year by Nature Methods

    Spatial proteomics has been named 2024 Method of the Year by Nature Methods. This technique, which maps protein distributions within tissues with high resolution, is central to the GLIOMATCH project, where we use it to study the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment.

    Key contributions to this work come from Frederik De Smet’s lab at KU Leuven, through the KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), which holds expertise in multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), advanced bioinformatics, and cutting-edge spatial mapping technologies like MILAN, Phenocycler, and COMET by Lunaphore. Meanwhile, Aspect Analytics supports the integration of multi-omics data from various spatial proteomics platforms, enabling a comprehensive understanding of tissue biology and protein interactions.

    To find out more about how GLIOMATCH uses spatial proteomics, visit our project and work plan pages.

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.

  • European Cancer Summit 2024

    European Cancer Summit 2024

    GLIOMATCH was featured at the European Cancer Summit 2024, held on 20–21 November in Brussels and online. We’re proud to support Europe’s fight against cancer by equipping clinicians with tools to match patients to the best immunotherapies and track treatment progress.

    GLIOMATCH was featured at the European Cancer Summit as part of the Horizon Europe initiative, recognising its role in advancing the EU Mission on Cancer. Horizon Europe, with a €95.5 billion budget for 2021–2027, demonstrates the EU’s commitment to cancer research, including the Cancer Mission, which aims to improve the lives of 3 million people by 2030 through better prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support for patients and families. GLIOMATCH is part of the Understanding (tumour-host) Interaction Cluster alongside other projects such as ARTURO, HIT-GLIO, MULTIR, THRIVE, and SPACETIME. These projects collaborate to identify common challenges, share best practices, and maximise the impact of their research efforts. 

    Follow GLIOMATCH on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information on brain tumour research and updates on our milestones towards improving the clinical outcomes of GBM and pHGG.