Researching the Glioblastoma Survival Rate: An Update on Project Nate Roston
The median glioblastoma survival rate for adults is 14.6 months, making it one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, largely occurring in older adults. The median age at diagnosis is 65, and patient prognosis is known to decline with increased age. Christopher Hine, Ph.D., a researcher in the Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, has a theory that could explain why.
Dr. Hine hypothesizes that the aging-related decline in the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) system permits GBM growth and progression while impeding the body's natural anti-tumor surveillance.
A note from our Founder and Director, Amber Barbach: Your support and contribution to the Glioblastoma Research Organization allow us to continue partnering with global research teams at leading cancer centers that are motivated about finding a cure for GBM. Our research project update below helps us keep you in tune with the impact of your brain cancer research donation. Thank you for your contribution!
Christopher Hine, PhD | Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute
Dr. Hine's Hypothesis - About Project Nate Roston
Project Nate Roston, formally named "Aging Associated Changes in Sulfur Amino Acid Metabolism Facilitate Glioblastoma Initiation and Growth," is the fourth fully-funded research project by the Glioblastoma Research Organization.
This research, led by Dr. Hine's research team at the Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, primarily focuses on how diet and aging regulate the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) inside the human body and how changes in hydrogen sulfide production impact health and well-being.
This colorless gas, known for its strong odor of rotten eggs and toxicity at high levels, is produced in human cells. It acts as a gaseous signaling molecule through a protein modification process called sulfhydration. In addition to playing an essential role in delaying aging, studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide suppresses tumor growth in several different types of cancers. New evidence suggests it can alter tumor immunity, making it more difficult for tumor cells to thrive.
Thanks to funding from the Glioblastoma Research Organization, Dr. Hine and his research team are studying how chronological aging versus biological aging affects the glioblastoma brain tumor cells directly as well as the host and using various genetic, nutritional and pharmacological approaches to manipulate the H2S system.
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2022 update from the Cleveland Clinic Team
The Glioblastoma Research Organization's funding enabled Dr. Christopher Hine's team to publish "Hydrogen sulfide operates as a glioblastoma brain tumor suppressor and is lost under high-fat diet" in the journal Molecular and Cellular Oncology.
In this article, the team details its previous work that identified hydrogen sulfide as a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma (Silver, et al. "Severe consequences of a high-lipid diet include hydrogen sulfide dysfunction and enhanced aggression in glioblastoma" Journal of Clinical Investigation). The article also expands on the thesis of the prior work for translational and clinical applications, such as proposing that replenishing and/or supplementing hydrogen sulfide in conjunction with standard of care may offer improved management of GBM.
Alternatively, the researchers propose that a possible pharmacological intervention to stimulate endogenous production could be the use of thyroid hormone lowering drugs, such as the FDA-approved propylthiouracil (PTU).
Click here to read the full article published in Molecular and Cellular Oncology.
Remembering Nate Roston
Project Nate Roston honors the life of Nathan Daniel Roston, a beloved father of two. He lost his battle to glioblastoma in January of 2021. Nate was best described as a charismatic and compassionate man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enriched the lives of everyone who crossed paths with him, which is why his community joined hands with the Glioblastoma Research Organization to create a lasting impact in his honor.
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*The Glioblastoma Research Organization's informational material is not intended to be a substitute for medical professional advice or treatment for any specific health concerns, as the organization is neither a provider of medical care nor does research itself. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.