Newsroom
The Latest News From the Ivy Center
The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute strives to be a valuable resource for any brain tumor or brain cancer-related media needs. Our media relations team is happy to help answer questions and arrange interviews. The expert neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and scientists at the Ivy Center are available to speak on a variety of topics.
Our state-of-the-art media studio is available for audio and video interviews. We can also arrange filming opportunities at various locations around the center and labs.
To contact the media relation team, call 602-406-7437 or email: [email protected].
Please see below for the latest media coverage and news from the Ivy Center. To read about our inspiring patients and those behind the scenes at the Ivy Center, visit the Ivy Blog.
Ivy Brain Tumor Center Announces Completion of Enrollment in Phase 3 Gliofocus Study for Patients with Newly-Diagnosed Glioblastoma
The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute today announced completion of randomization in the landmark Phase 3 Gliofocus study, a global trial evaluating niraparib versus standard-of-care temozolomide in adults with newly diagnosed, MGMT-unmethylated glioblastoma (GBM).
Support Brain Cancer Research
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, and Barrow Neurological Foundation is ramping up its efforts to raise funds for cutting-edge research at...
Advancing Brain Tumor Research: A New Phase 0/1 clinical trial at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center
The Ivy Brain Tumor Center announces the activation of a new clinical trial evaluating a B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), risvutatug rezetecan (Ris-Rez), in recurrent grade 4 glioma and brain metastases. Ris-Rez is designed to deliver a therapeutic payload to tumor cells that express B7-H3.
2026 Barrow Grand Ball Ball Raises $5.1 Million for Brain Cancer Research
An impressive $5.1 million was raised specifically through the Ball to help advance critical research at the Ivy Center.
An early clinical trial of 5-ALA sonodynamic therapy in recurrent high-grade glioma
Last week, the Ivy Brain Tumor Center published a manuscript in Science Translational Medicine authored by Nader Sanai, MD, Shwetal Mehta, PHD, Artak Tovmasyan, PHD, An-Chi Tien, PHD, Igor Barani, MD, Charuta Furey, MD, and Zaman Mirzadeh, MD, in collaboration with other Ivy Center team members. The manuscript presents results from our early phase clinical trial utilizing sonodynamic therapy (SDT) in recurrent high-grade glioma patients. SDT pairs 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), which is metabolized to protoporphyrin IX in glioma cells, with noninvasive, image-guided focused ultrasound to trigger tumor-selective oxidative injury.
Phase 3 Gliofocus Study Drug, Niraparib, Granted Orphan Drug Designation by U.S. FDA for Treatment of Malignant Glioma, including Glioblastoma
The U.S. FDA has granted ODD to niraparib for the treatment of malignant glioma, including GBM. The designation is supported...
CDK4/6 and mTOR inhibition in high-grade glioma
This week, the Ivy Brain Tumor Center published a manuscript in the Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for NeuroOncology. The manuscript was authored by Nader Sanai, MD, Shwetal Mehta, PHD, and Roel G.W. Verhaak, PHD, in collaboration with other Ivy Center team members.
The manuscript illustrates the results of our Phase 0/1 clinical trial combining two targeted drugs ribociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) and everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) in recurrent high-grade glioma patients, aiming to identify brain-penetrant combinations and assess their impact on malignant cell states.
Honoring late wife, Hazen tireless in fight to bring awareness to brain cancer
Dr. Nader Sanai and the Ivy Brain Tumor Center were featured on MLB.com to highlight Brain Tumor Awareness Night at Chase Field on May 6, 2025. The article covers the Nicole Hazen Fund for Hope’s donation to the Ivy Center and the Center’s accelerated glioblastoma research—spotlighting the rapid progress of the niraparib study toward a global Phase 3 trial. Read the full story to learn how this partnership is driving new hope for brain tumor patients and their families.
Elucidating Noninvasive Radiosurgery Advancements in CNS Tumors
Dr. William Kennedy, a neuroradiation oncologist at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, was recently featured on CancerNetwork’s “Oncology on the Go” podcast. In the episode, Dr. Kennedy discusses the role of noninvasive radiosurgery in treating central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including glioblastoma. Listen now!
Accelerating the search for new glioblastoma treatments
Cancer Research UK recently highlighted the Ivy Brain Tumor Center for its groundbreaking work in glioblastoma research. Led by Dr. Nader Sanai, whose personal connection to the disease drives his passion, the Ivy Center is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for brain cancer. With a focus on overcoming challenges such as limited drug development and complex tumor biology, the Ivy Center is committed to advancing therapies that can improve the lives of patients with glioblastoma.