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.
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.
Cancer Network: Shwetal Mehta, PhD
Dr. Shewetal Mehta, PhD, Deputy Director at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center, discusses cutting-edge brain cancer research with CancerNetwork®. She shares insights on early-phase clinical trials, including a phase 0/1 trial for BDTX-1535, an EGFR inhibitor for high-grade glioma, and the importance of biomarker testing in personalizing treatment. Dr. Mehta also explores the potential of new therapies like proteolysis targeting chimeras and antibody-drug conjugates. Explore more by watching her mini-episodes now.
Advancing Brain Tumor Care: Insights from Dr. Nader Sanai, Emily McIntosh & Dr. Alireza Mansouri
Dr. Nader Sanai, Director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center, was featured on the WeTrials Podcast, where he discussed groundbreaking advancements in brain tumor research and clinical trials. In the episode, Dr. Sanai highlights the role of early-phase clinical trials in developing new treatments, including the promising potential of Niraparib, a drug moving from trials to global studies. He also explores how genomic data is revolutionizing personalized medicine for brain tumor patients, offering hope for better outcomes. Tune in to hear Dr. Sanai’s insights on the future of brain tumor care and the innovative work being done at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center. Watch now!
Ivy Brain Tumor Center Expands Global Phase 3 Gliofocus Study to the EU and Additional U.S. States
The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute has announced the expansion of the Gliofocus Study, activating two new sites in Europe and two additional locations in the United States. The newly activated sites include Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris, France; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain; The NeuroMedical Center Clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center in La Jolla, California. The Gliofocus Study is an open-label, randomized Phase 3 trial (NCT06388733) that will compare the efficacy of niraparib, a PARP1/2 selective inhibitor, to temozolomide head-to-head in adult patients with newly diagnosed MGMT-unmethylated glioblastoma.
Ivy Brain Tumor Center to Present Multiple Abstracts and a Special Session on Innovative Clinical Trial Design at the 2024 European Association of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting
The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute will present updated study results and a special session on clinical trial design at the 19th Meeting of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, October 17-20, 2024.
Advancing Glioblastoma Research Through a Phase 3 Niraparib Trial
In a conversation with CancerNetwork®, Nader Sanai, MD discussed the current state of the glioblastoma field, highlighting ongoing research efforts to help improve outcomes among patients with this disease.