Policy Brief: Strengthening Cancer Data and Research Policy SB 1150 to Address Glioblastoma
Written by: Arshdeep Kaur
SUMMARY
Glioblastoma surpasses abundant cancer types, rising as one of the most prominent and deadliest brain cancer forms. Glioblastoma rapidly develops within the brain, infiltrating into surrounding brain tissue which makes treatment options scarce and expensive, calling for an increase in research funding. Common treatment options, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy lack the necessary strength that is required to prevent this brain cancer from reappearing amongst patients. Approximately 13,000 to 14,000 Americans are diagnosed with glioblastoma each year, holding an average 5-year survival rate below 7% with many not living beyond their diagnosis. With the strengthening of California cancer senate bills, specifically SB 1150 which specifically aims to improve brain tumor data systems to strengthen brain tumor research, glioblastoma patterns will further be recognized and treatment ensured-success will relatively increase.
BACKGROUND AND CURRENT LANDSCAPE
This fast-growing brain tumor originates early on from glial cells in the brain and surrounds nearby tissues in a quick manner. The blood-brain barrier poses an obstacle for drugs to effectively reach and treat this tissue, preventing many from receiving orderly success. On average, more than 10,000 Americans lose their lives from glioblastoma every year. Upon diagnosis, those who undergo treatment are given an estimated 12-15 months to survive and an estimated 4 months for those who do not undergo treatment. The common groups affected by this disease are 64 year old non-Hispanic white people, with a great portion of people, who fall under this category, showcasing no genetic risks or identifiable external risk factors. State and Federal Programs, such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, are in place to support cancer research. Additionally, legislation such as the California Senate Bill 1150 improve data tracking and efficiently report brain tumor cases for better research funding and enhanced treatment development.
PROBLEM OR GAP TO ADDRESS
As a result of underfunding, insufficient patient access, and poor data coordination, patients with glioblastoma are not able to receive the proper care that they could potentially be entitled to. Glioblastoma patients are limited from treatment options and experience detrimental survival rates. Patients and families combined are hit with emotional degradation, expensive medical costs, and exponentially increasing disease progression. With numerous other cancer types receiving adequate funding for medicinal advancements, glioblastoma lags behind with lack of funding. Rural regions and lack of referral systems pose an obstacle for many who are in need of access to clinical trials. Data reporting has also been inconsistent, consequently leading to falsified findings.
POLICY PROPOSAL
Our aim is to expand California Senate Bill 1150 as a way to increase funding, improve brain tumor research, and open up clinical trial access for glioblastoma patients. Through the expansion of SB 1150, glioblastoma research will increase in funding through medical institution partnerships as well as state-supported research grants. Reinforcement of this bill, will allow for continuous data reporting through the California Cancer Registry to provide updated brain tumor treatments, cases, and patient outcomes for researchers who could potentially revolutionize glioblastoma care. With access to these influential datasets, researchers would be able to evaluate up-to-date patterns and solidify the resources that are currently available. The clinical trial referral network will be expanded to connect physicians with eligible glioblastoma patients for treatment trials. With these expansions, glioblastoma treatment breakthroughs are anticipated to occur, along with increased clinical trial participation and improvements in survival rates.
IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS
These changes will be enacted through state health departments, cancer research institutions, and federal agencies such as the National Cancer Institution. The goal is to start off by improving data collection, to increase clinical trial availability, and eventually towards the development of new treatments as a way to transform glioblastoma survival outcomes. In order to accomplish these goals, further funding to support clinical trials programs and a solidified research database is required. Specialized cancer research may pose a barrier, as limited government funding could arise. However, this problem could easily be mitigated through private-public research partnerships and grants, as well as programs that specifically fund diverse cancers.
CONCLUSION
Glioblastoma is a deadly form of brain cancer that is in desperate need of attention from researchers and the government, to make way for conclusive data to advance research efforts. Policies, such as the California Senate Bill 1150, need to be strengthened further to allow for diverse data collection, accessible clinical trials, and increased research funding to give way to glioblastoma breakthroughs. Through these advanced efforts, patients and families would be given hope in their lives as they deal with this life-stripping disease.
