Glioblastoma is our first target indication but we also have the intention of developing a pipeline of other neuro-oncology indications in the future.
Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer in adults and the most lethal1
It is an incredibly treatment-resistant cancer, with limited options available to patients2
5-year survival rate despite intensive treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy & radiotherapy3
Of primary brain tumours are classified as Glioblastoma4
Innovation in the space has been lagging behind other cancer treatments for decades5
Since the last major breakthrough in glioblastoma treatment6
Median overall survival for glioblastoma patients with the current standard of care7
Glioblastoma can occur in any age group, with the frequency of cases increasing with age8
Over 3,000 new cases in the UK alone every year9
1 Davis ME. Glioblastoma: Overview of Disease and Treatment. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2016;20(5 Suppl):S2-S8. doi:10.1188/16.CJON.S1.2-8
2 Ou A, Yung WKA, Majd N. Molecular Mechanisms of Treatment Resistance in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;22(1):351. Published 2020 Dec 31. doi:10.3390/ijms22010351
3 Poon, M.T.C., Sudlow, C.L.M., Figueroa, J.D. et al. Longer-term (≥ 2 years) survival in patients with glioblastoma in population-based studies pre- and post-2005: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 10, 11622 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-68011-4
4 Tan, AC, Ashley, DM, López, GY, Malinzak, M, Friedman, HS, Khasraw, M. Management of glioblastoma: State of the art and future directions. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020: 70: 299– 312. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21613
5 The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours. (2018). Brain tumours – a cost too much to bear? Report of the Inquiry into the economic and social impacts of brain tumours. www.braintumourresearch.org
6 Stupp R, Mason WP, van den Bent MJ, Weller M, Fisher B, Taphoorn MJ, Belanger K, Brandes AA, Marosi C, Bogdahn U, Curschmann J, Janzer RC, Ludwin SK, Gorlia T, Allgeier A, Lacombe D, Cairncross JG, Eisenhauer E, Mirimanoff RO; European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumor and Radiotherapy Groups; National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group. Radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide for glioblastoma. N Engl J Med. 2005 Mar 10;352(10):987-96. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa043330. PMID: 15758009.
7 Stupp R, Hegi ME, Mason WP, van den Bent MJ, Taphoorn MJ, Janzer RC, Ludwin SK, Allgeier A, Fisher B, Belanger K, Hau P, Brandes AA, Gijtenbeek J, Marosi C, Vecht CJ, Mokhtari K, Wesseling P, Villa S, Eisenhauer E, Gorlia T, Weller M, Lacombe D, Cairncross JG, Mirimanoff RO; European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumour and Radiation Oncology Groups; National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group. Effects of radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide versus radiotherapy alone on survival in glioblastoma in a randomised phase III study: 5-year analysis of the EORTC-NCIC trial. Lancet Oncol. 2009 May;10(5):459-66. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(09)70025-7. Epub 2009 Mar 9. PMID: 19269895.
8 Tamimi AF, Juweid M. Epidemiology and Outcome of Glioblastoma. In: De Vleeschouwer S, editor. Glioblastoma [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Codon Publications; 2017 Sep 27. Chapter 8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470003/ doi: 10.15586/codon.glioblastoma.2017.ch8
9 Information Sheet 4: High-Grade Glioma brain tumours and treatment options. (2014.). Retrieved August 26, 2021, from www.braintumouruk.org.uk. Accessed at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta121/documents/glioma-overview2
Electric Field Therapy is a new modality in treating cancer.
Utilising electrical fields at specific frequencies can interrupt normal cancer cell growth cycles, slowing down tumour growth.
This mechanism has been approved for and has demonstrated its clinical efficacy in glioblastoma.
At QV Bioelectronics, our aim is to develop the full potential of this technology.
GRACE is an innovative implanted device that delivers electric field therapy directly to the tumour resection margins, where 90% of GBM recurrence takes place
By delivering through an implant, GRACE will aim to deliver long, better quality lives for GBM patients by providing continuous therapy while minimising its effect on patient quality of life.
*GRACE is an experimental device not currently approved for human use and is still several years away from being utilised in the clinic.
Interested in working with us?
Take a look at our vacancies or get in touch at careers@qvbio.co.uk