Study to help inform treatment of glioblastoma

A new study at Lawson Health Research Institute is receiving $80,000 in funding from Brain Cancer Canada’s Dwayne Andrews Glioblastoma Grant for Research to uncover whether using anesthetics during surgery with glioblastoma patients can impact tumour growth, invasion and metastasis.  

Led by Dr. Sujoy Banik, Anesthesiologist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), the research team hopes findings from this study will provide important insights into the suitability of anesthetics for neuro-anesthesia in patients undergoing brain tumour surgery. Given that anesthetics are a crucial part of surgical procedures, understanding their potential influence on brain tumours could significantly affect clinical practices and patient outcomes. The goal of the study is to better profile the use of anesthetic drugs during brain cancer surgery to improve patient safety and outcomes. 

“Many patients may receive multiple anesthetics during the course of their treatment for glioblastoma. While exposure to anesthetics is typically short-term, there may be far-reaching implications,” said Dr. Banik, who is also an Associate Scientist at Lawson.  

Anita Angelini, Vice-Chair of Brain Cancer Canada, highlighted the significance of this research. “We are buoyed by the direction taken by Dr. Banik and his team in this project. This grant reflects our commitment to supporting innovative research that can lead to better outcomes for brain cancer patients," she said. "We believe that this study could provide critical insights into how anesthetics impact brain cancer progression and could ultimately lead to improved surgical practices and patient care.” 

Dr. Banik also highlights the profound impact of the philanthropic support that is making this work possible. 

“This grant will help fulfill gaps in research with glioblastoma patients - where every minute spent with family and loved ones is treasured,” he said. “Our team thanks Brain Cancer Canada, the Andrews Family and Auto|One Group for helping us kickstart our work through the Dwayne Andrews GBM Research Grant.”