A ‘Glocal’ Approach to Developing Treatments for Malignant Brain Tumors

Abstract

  Despite globalization, the world has not become homogeneous, and research that takes advantage of local characteristics and strengths still has great potential to provide global benefits. One example is Japan's basic clinical research on malignant brain tumors. Many Japanese researchers specializing in brain tumors have been active overseas and have produced remarkable research. Good models of ‘global’ contributions from Japan are the series of studies on germ cell tumors that predominantly occur in East Asia and the acquisition of practical evidence for use in stereotactic radiosurgery of metastatic brain tumors. Many unique R & D projects continue in Japan. Examples include a clinical trial to explore biomarkers that predict the efficacy of the anti-VEGF drug bevacizumab in primary glioblastoma ; a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of ACNU for malignant glioma ; drug and device development for photodynamic therapy with talaporfin sodium ; and drug discovery and clinical trials of tirabrutinib, a BTK inhibitor, in primary CNS lymphoma. Success is anticipated for these research undertakings, and the results are expected to benefit patients worldwide. However, Japanese researchers find themselves working under increasingly demanding conditions, and it is essential to improve the research environment to enable them to demonstrate their abilities fully. There is also a need to promote further international collaboration.