In an ongoing study by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), together with UZ Brussel, 5 of 19 patients with an aggressive brain tumour have remained free of relapse for more than two years. Two of them have even remained relapse-free for over four years. These are exceptional highlights in a field where survival rates are generally low, and they provide strong evidence that a new approach—immunotherapy administered directly into the brain—offers real promise.
The core of the research by medical oncologist Bart Neyns and his team has focused on immunotherapy for nearly twenty years: a treatment that stimulates the patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. Normally, the immune system protects us against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Cancer cells arise from the body’s own cells but carry abnormal features. In principle, the immune system can recognize these, but tumours often succeed in evading that defence.
Immunotherapy directly in the brain
The current research by the VUB–UZ Brussel team goes a step beyond the conventional intravenous approach. In their most experimental method, immunotherapy is administered directly into the brain, in or near the area where the tumour is located. This strategy is bold, but it is precisely there that the researchers see the first clear signs of a lasting effect:
- some patients remain relapse-free for more than two years,
- a few even for over four years — in a disease where relapse is almost the norm.
For Neyns, this is no reason for triumph, but it is a powerful motivation: it proves that it is possible.
“We still see too many situations where existing treatments do not go far enough. You cannot turn your back on those patients. For me, it comes with a calling to seek better solutions. The current results show that it is not impossible. But we still have much to learn — and preferably as quickly as possible — to extend this success to more patients.” (Prof. Dr. Bart Neyns)
Neurosurgery and technology
The research is closely linked to neurosurgery. Dr Johnny Duerinck, neurosurgeon at UZ Brussel, operates on brain tumour patients and, in the research context, administers the immunotherapy surgically. In brain tumours — especially gliomas — there is rarely a neat, clearly defined mass. The tumour grows infiltratively: cells penetrate deeply into the surrounding brain tissue, often beyond what is visible on MRI scans.
For this reason, Duerinck and his team are working on a combination of tissue analyses and advanced imaging techniques, supported by AI algorithms. This more precise approach is essential, not only to reduce the tumour mass but also to deliver immunotherapy in the exact right location and under the safest possible conditions.
“Patients who receive a brain tumour diagnosis overnight have an enormous need for information — and for perspective. Research provides that: even if we cannot cure everything yet, we can offer hope.” (Prof. Dr. Johnny Duerinck)
The research by Prof. Bart Neyns, Dr. Johnny Duerinck, and their colleagues on immunotherapy for brain tumours is only partially funded by traditional research grants. Additional resources are needed to include more patients in studies, further develop technologies such as AI-supported imaging, and bring promising treatments to the clinic more quickly. In short: to save more lives.
Do you want to help accelerate this research?
You can support brain cancer research with a donation to the VUB–UZB Paul De Knop Fund for Immunotherapy. Every contribution, large or small, helps the team move one step closer to better treatments for patients with a brain tumour.