A coalition of philanthropic organizations is pooling resources to fund groundbreaking research into one of the most devastating forms of brain cancer. The $4 million in new grants could bring hope to thousands of patients and families affected by glioblastoma.

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, in partnership with The Sontag Foundation and several other non-profit funders, announced this week that it will award $4 million to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies for glioblastoma (GBM)—a lethal form of brain cancer that has long resisted treatment.

Why Glioblastoma Research Matters

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite decades of research, it remains fundamentally incurable. Current standard-of-care treatments provide only modest benefits, with median survival typically less than 18 months and long-term survival rates below 10 percent.

The disease's resistance to treatment stems from its complexity: tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and the difficulty of delivering drugs to the brain make GBM extraordinarily challenging to fight.

"Glioblastoma has long resisted therapeutic progress despite decades of scientific effort, and patients and families urgently need new approaches." — Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld, CEO of The Mark Foundation

From Workshop to Breakthrough: How Collaboration Drives Progress

The funding follows a high-level scientific workshop held in late 2024, titled "No Stone Unturned: Relentless Pursuit of a Cure for Glioblastoma." The event brought together leading investigators from neuro-oncology, translational science, and drug discovery to dismantle barriers to effective treatment.

Following an intensive application and review process, five high-potential research projects led by workshop attendees have received funding from the coalition, which includes:

• The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
• The Sontag Foundation
• The Anne and Claude Berda Foundation
• National Brain Tumor Society
• Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation
• Uncle Kory Foundation

"Glioblastoma demands urgency, collaboration, and bold thinking," said Hilary Keeley, Executive Director of The Sontag Foundation. "By aligning with other funders to support innovative team science, we are accelerating research with the potential to change outcomes for patients and families."

The Funded Projects: Bold Ideas, Real Hope

The coalition has awarded:

One Endeavor Award: $3 Million Over Three Years

"Aneuploidies as a Source of Therapeutic Targets in Glioblastoma"
Led by Dr. Rameen Beroukhim (Broad Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) and a team of researchers from leading institutions including Harvard, MIT, and Toronto's Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.

Four ASPIRE Awards: $250,000 Each

• "Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) Targeting Long Noncoding RNA" – Dr. E. Antonio Chiocca, Brigham and Women's Hospital
• "Targeting Platelet-Immune Cell Interactions" – Dr. Justin Lathia, Cleveland Clinic
• "Identifying Drivers and Therapeutic Targets in High-Grade Glioma" – Dr. Daniel Schramek (Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum) and Dr. Daniel Wahl (University of Michigan)
• "Spatial Profiling of CAR T Cell Interactions" – Dr. Peter Sorger (Harvard Medical School) and Dr. Christine Brown (City of Hope)

A Legacy of Love and Loss

This research was made possible in part by generous support from the families of Amiram Elwork and Rachael Elwork Wells—a father and daughter both lost to glioblastoma. Their memory drives this work forward, honoring their lives and the countless others affected by this devastating disease.

The Mark Foundation's Track Record

Since 2017, The Mark Foundation has awarded over $300 million in grants to investigators at more than 120 academic institutions across 18 countries. Their research programs focus on:

• Early career support for emerging researchers
• Team science collaboration
• New technology innovation
• Therapeutics discovery

The foundation also maintains a growing portfolio of investments in early-stage cancer diagnostics and therapeutics companies—several of which have transitioned from grantee projects into commercial development.

What's Next?

The five research teams will begin their work immediately, with results expected over the next one to three years. While a cure for glioblastoma won't happen overnight, each funded project represents a bold step toward understanding and defeating this devastating disease.

For the patients, families, and loved ones affected by glioblastoma, this coalition's commitment offers something powerful: hope backed by science, collaboration, and determination.