Glioblastoma aka GBM

Amber Barbach
  • 5.0 (24)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Glioblastoma aka GBM is a podcast by the Glioblastoma Research Organization that highlights the stories of our community, from Glioblastoma Warriors, to caregivers, medical advisors, and more. Glioblastoma aka GBM is hosted by Amber Barbach, who founded the Glioblastoma Research Organization in 2018, after her father was diagnosed with and passed away from Glioblastoma. This podcast is an exploration of stories and personal experiences, and is not meant to be taken as medical advice of any kind. If you have questions, always consult with your own medical providers and healthcare team. You are warmly invited to connect with the team at the Glioblastoma Research Organization, and share your own stories and experiences. For more information, please visit gbmresearch.org. 

  1. 09/27/2025

    Soundwaves and Surgery: Carthera’s Work in Brain Tumor Therapy

    In this episode, we explore Carthera, a French biotech company developing novel ultrasound-based technologies to improve drug delivery to the brain. Based in Paris and spun out from academic research, Carthera is best known for its implantable device, SonoCloud, which uses low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier. This allows for increased drug penetration into brain tumors, addressing one of the major challenges in treating diseases like glioblastoma. This episode features leadership and key collaborators from Carthera, including CEO Frédéric Sottilini, who shares how his background in therapeutic ultrasound and medical device development helped guide the company’s path from concept to clinical trials. We are also joined by Professor Alexandre Carpentier, MD, PhD, the neurosurgeon who founded Carthera, and Michael Vogelbaum, MD, PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at Moffitt Cancer Center, who offers his perspective as a clinical investigator working with the company’s technology. This episode offers insight into the intersection of engineering, neurosurgery, and translational research, and the collaborative effort required to develop new treatment tools for brain tumor patients. Learn more at https://carthera.eu/ This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health or treatment plan.

    53 min

  2. 07/17/2025

    GLIOMATCH: Advancing Glioblastoma Research at KU Leuven

    In this episode, we visit KU Leuven in Belgium to explore GLIOMATCH, a groundbreaking European research initiative working to improve outcomes for adults and children with glioblastoma through collaboration across neurosurgery, oncology, immunology, and spatial omics. We speak with the experts leading this innovative work. Frederik De Smet, Professor and GLIOMATCH Project Coordinator at KU Leuven, outlines the vision for the project and how it brings together multiple disciplines to tackle one of the most challenging forms of cancer. Steven De Vleeschouwer, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon and expert in immunotherapy trials, shares how surgical intervention plays a key role not only in treatment but also in advancing research. Paul M. Clement, MD, Medical Oncologist specializing in adult neuro-oncology, discusses the complexities of post-surgical care and how GLIOMATCH is helping improve decision-making. Sandra Jacobs, MD, Pediatric Neuro-Oncologist, highlights the unique challenges in treating children and the need for tailored research approaches. Thierry Voet, PhD, Chair of the Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics, explains how cutting-edge spatial omics is transforming our understanding of glioblastoma biology. Abhishek D. Garg, PhD, Tumor Immunology Specialist, shares how data science and deep immune profiling are driving new insights into overcoming immunotherapy resistance. GLIOMATCH is a testament to the power of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of glioblastoma research and offering hope for patients and families worldwide. This work is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This work is also supported by Innovate UK [grant number 10113516] and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) under the contract number 23.00607. Learn more at www.gliomatch.eu This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health or treatment plan.

    1h 1m

  3. 07/03/2025

    Unlocking Pediatric Brain Tumors at Bambino Gesù

    In this episode, we visit Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome to explore the pioneering pediatric brain tumor research being led by Maria Vinci, MD. Her team focuses on high-grade pediatric brain tumors including diffuse midline gliomas, with the goal of advancing more personalized and effective therapies for children around the world. We tour three key research labs that play a central role in their work: the patient-derived model lab, the high-content imaging lab, and the Hyperion lab, which uses advanced single-cell spatial proteomics to better understand the tumor microenvironment. Together, these technologies allow Dr. Vinci’s team to investigate how these aggressive tumors develop and respond to potential treatments. This episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how leading scientists and clinicians in Rome are pushing the boundaries of pediatric neuro-oncology and working to bring new hope to families facing devastating diagnoses. This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health or treatment plan.

    23 min

  4. 05/15/2025

    The Lab of Javad Nazarian, PhD, MS and University Children's Hospital Zurich

    In this episode, we’re in Zurich at the University Children’s Hospital to explore the pediatric brain tumor research being led by Dr. Javad Nazarian, whose lab focuses on diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) and other rare, aggressive pediatric brain tumors. Dr. Nazarian’s work, supported in part by the Glioblastoma Research Organization through Project DeLaRoSa, is aimed at uncovering the biological underpinnings of these tumors to open doors for more targeted and effective treatments. We speak with several members of his research team — including Kamil Wojnicki, PhD, Matteo Bimbati, MSc, and Bettina Kritzer, MSc — about current challenges in the field, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the future of pediatric neuro-oncology. We also hear perspectives from Sandra Fernandes Dias, MD, and Prof. Dr. Michael Grotzer, both of whom work at the University Children’s Hospital, on the clinical realities of treating these diseases and how research and patient care intersect in a hospital setting. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a globally collaborative effort to improve outcomes for children and families facing devastating diagnoses. This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health or treatment plan.

    28 min

  5. 05/01/2025

    CeGaT and the Future of Genetic Sequencing

    Season 4 of Glioblastoma aka GBM kicks off Brain Tumor Awareness Month with a closer look at CeGaT, a genetic diagnostics company based in Tübingen, Germany. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Saskia Biskup and Dirk Biskup, CeGaT focuses on identifying rare diseases and tumor-specific mutations through advanced sequencing technologies. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Biskup and Florian Battke, Head of Research & Development, about what genetic sequencing is, how it’s used in the context of brain tumors, and what they see as the next frontier for diagnosing and treating diseases like glioblastoma. We discuss how long-read sequencing may offer greater accuracy in identifying genetic changes and what that could mean for patients navigating difficult diagnoses. This episode explores the broader role that genomics can play in brain cancer research and the questions still left to answer as science continues to evolve. To learn more about the work CeGaT is doing, visit them online at https://cegat.com/ This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health or treatment plan.

    24 min
  6. Season 3 Finale with Ellie Thumann

    03/16/2025

    Season 3 Finale with Ellie Thumann

    In the Season 3 finale of the Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, social media influencer Ellie Thumann shares her heartfelt experiences following the loss of her grandfather, known affectionately as "Pop Pop," to glioblastoma. Ellie discusses the profound impact her grandfather's illness had on her and her family, reflecting on the cherished moments and the challenging journey through grief. Through her narrative, Ellie touches on themes of memory, loss, and legacy, providing a deeply personal insight into the emotional landscape that accompanies the loss of a loved one.

    26 min
  7. Unpacking Grief & Loss

    10/17/2024

    Unpacking Grief & Loss

    In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, we welcome Doug Malchow, who transformed his personal tragedy into a source of support and solidarity for others. After losing his father to glioblastoma, Doug took to Instagram and TikTok to share his journey through grief and caregiving. In candid posts, he expresses the emotional challenges and the profound impact of his father's illness and passing. Through his social media platform, Doug provides a space for others to connect, share their stories, and find comfort in communal grieving. This episode delves into the realities of caregiving, the grieving process, and the power of sharing one’s personal story on social media to help others feel less alone. Episode Sponsor: Novocure. Visit https://www.novocure.com/ to learn more. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on terminal illness, loss, and grief. Visit to Learn More: For more information and support resources, visit GBMResearch.org. Disclaimer: The content discussed on The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast is based on personal stories and experiences. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical guidance and treatment options.

    37 min

  8. 08/16/2024

    Ancient Viruses and Modern Tumors: Unlocking Glioblastoma's Genetic Secrets

    In this episode of The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast, Dr. Ashish Shah, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Trials and Translational Research within the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, dives deep into his groundbreaking research on glioblastoma. Dr. Shah discusses a fascinating study revealing how fragments of a retrovirus, integrated into the human genome millions of years ago, are implicated in the proliferation and progression of glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary brain tumor. This episode explores how these findings from Dr. Shah's research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center could revolutionize our understanding of glioblastoma and lead to novel treatment strategies. We also delve into the potential of antiretroviral agents and gene therapy as innovative approaches to target these viral fragments, opening new avenues for combatting this challenging cancer. Episode Sponsor: Novocure. Visit https://www.novocure.com/ to learn more. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on medical conditions, cancer treatments, and genetic research. Visit to Learn More: For more information and support resources, visit GBMResearch.org. Disclaimer: The content discussed on The Glioblastoma AKA GBM Podcast is based on personal stories and experiences. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical guidance and treatment options.

    34 min
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About

Glioblastoma aka GBM is a podcast by the Glioblastoma Research Organization that highlights the stories of our community, from Glioblastoma Warriors, to caregivers, medical advisors, and more. Glioblastoma aka GBM is hosted by Amber Barbach, who founded the Glioblastoma Research Organization in 2018, after her father was diagnosed with and passed away from Glioblastoma. This podcast is an exploration of stories and personal experiences, and is not meant to be taken as medical advice of any kind. If you have questions, always consult with your own medical providers and healthcare team. You are warmly invited to connect with the team at the Glioblastoma Research Organization, and share your own stories and experiences. For more information, please visit gbmresearch.org. 

Information

  • Creator
    Amber Barbach
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Glioblastoma aka GBM

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