“We really have to focus our efforts on blood brain barrier permeability - bypassing the blood brain barrier and then navigating the immune suppression of GBM.” There are many biological obstacles in the way of finding better ways to control, or even cure glioblastoma, says neurosurgeon Dr. John Boockvar, but hope is on the horizon. He is an internationally recognized professional known for his surgical expertise and safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for brain tumors, as well as a main character in Netflix’s medical docuseries, Lenox Hill. He is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his experience as a doctor treating glioblastoma, how the associated technologies work, and what moving forward looks like.

Hear us talk about:

John’s experience with breaking the news to families. Getting a cancer diagnosis is devastating enough, but a glioblastoma cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking. John is a big proponent of giving families rational hope - he doesn’t promise miracles, but informs them that there is hope against the disease and that improvements in the treatment are being made.

The “aggressiveness” of glioblastoma cells. They grow like mold or weeds, John says. You can’t control the spread despite your best efforts; glioblastoma cells spread uncontrolled, because doctors cannot get into the roots of the growth and pull it out. 

Early warning signs. “Early detection starts with early surveillance.” Doctors can intervene when early low-grade gliomas that turn into higher-grade glioblastoma are identified. Surgeons can remove them before they transform. 

The attainability of a “cure.” Much like there is no cure for high cholesterol or diabetes, there isn’t one for glioblastoma. Instead, John’s job is to find the drug that will control glioblastoma for the entirety of one’s life.

Lenox Hill on Netflix. John had the honor of starring in a docuseries about the ins and outs of his job. Because of the show’s success, neuropsychological and neurological communities have been banding together on social media and sharing ideas. “We don’t live in silos anymore.”


What’s Next?
Dr. Boockvar is laser-focused in his approach to brain tumors. He’s working with several people to combine MRI, ultrasound, and intra-arterial drug delivery technology to create an MRI guided focused ultrasound.  

Resources
Lenox Hill Neurosurgery
Dr. John Boockvar on LinkedIn

As always, the information that is discussed in Glioblastoma AKA GBM is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. What we and our guests share are personal stories of what has worked for the individuals in question, and should not be taken as medical advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any questions about your own situation, always consult with your medical provider and healthcare team.