Glioblastoma: How the IOZK Supports Patients
July 15 is International Glioblastoma (GBM) Day—an opportunity to raise awareness about this rare and aggressive brain tumor. At the Cologne Immuno-Oncology Center (IOZK), we have been studying the role of the immune system in cancer since 1985. In this article, we would like to show you the medical expertise and treatment approaches we offer to people with GBM—always as a complement to standard, guideline-based treatment.
Understanding Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults and poses significant challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. Standard treatment typically consists of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In addition, there is a growing focus on how to activate the body’s own immune system to fight the tumor.
Our Approach: Personalized Multimodal Immunotherapy
At the heart of our work is individualized multimodal immunotherapy (IMI). Its basic principle is to provide targeted support to the immune system in recognizing and fighting tumor cells. IMI is tailored to each individual patient and is based on three coordinated components.
Personalized Multimodal Immunotherapy (IMI)
Three coordinated components—complementing standard therapy in accordance with guidelines
- Oncolytic virus: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) – stimulates an immune response against tumor cells.
- Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia (mEHT): Targeted treatment to make tumor cells visible to the immune system.
- Dendritic cell vaccine: Produced in a GMP laboratory from the patient's own cells and loaded with tumor markers.
With continuous individualized immune monitoring
All of these treatments are used as adjuncts to standard therapy (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy).
Medical Expertise at the IOZK
What sets us apart as a specialized center is the combination of diagnostics, in-house production, and many years of experience in immunology—all under one roof:
- Specialized immunological diagnostics and immunomonitoring in our in-house laboratory—the foundation of every individualized treatment plan.
- In-house GMP production laboratory for the manufacture of patient-specific vaccines (manufacturing process approved by regulatory authorities).
- Experience since 1985 with the immune system in solid tumors.
- Outpatient Treatment
The Path at the IOZK – Step by Step
- Diagnostics and Immune Monitoring: Analysis of tumor and immune status in our in-house laboratory.
- Immunogenic cell death: NDV + mEHT release tumor markers
- Vaccine Production: Custom Vaccine in a GMP Laboratory
- Vaccination: Intradermal administration of the dendritic cell vaccine
- Follow-up Monitoring: Immunomonitoring and Adjustments During the Course of Treatment
IMI does not replace standard therapy, but rather complements it—decisions are always made by your treatment team in consultation with you.
Honest About Opportunities and Limitations
Transparency is important to us. Some aspects of IMI are offered as part of an individualized treatment trial. The data available to date—including retrospective analyses from our center—are promising, but they are primarily derived from observational studies without a randomized control group and require further prospective confirmation. IMI does not replace standard therapy, but rather complements it. You and your treatment team will decide together whether and how it is appropriate in your individual case.
| Would you like to learn more?
Talk to your treatment team about possible immunotherapy options. For factual questions about our procedures, you can reach the IOZK through our contact page. You have every right to seek a qualified second opinion. |
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. It does not constitute a promise of a cure. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your treating physicians.
