SurVaxM and the Future of Glioblastoma Treatment With Ajay Abad, MD

The Standard of Care and Its Limitations

As Dr. Abad explains, “It is frustrating for our patients with glioblastoma that the standard of care has been the standard of care for several years now.” Treatment typically involves maximal safe surgical resection, followed by six weeks of concurrent chemoradiation with temozolomide and then adjuvant chemotherapy. Some patients also use tumor treatment field therapy, which delivers electromagnetic fields to the tumor bed. However, the median overall survival with this approach remains only 16 to 18 months. The need for new, more effective therapies is clear.

SurVaxM, a Novel Immunotherapy Approach

Enter SurVaxM, a peptide-based vaccine developed at Roswell Park. “It’s an immunotherapy, a vaccine that targets survivin, a protein found in glioblastoma cells but not in normal brain tissue,” Dr. Abad explains. The vaccine is administered as a series of subcutaneous injections, first in a priming phase and then as maintenance. “The idea is that it’s programmed specifically to target glioblastoma cells,” he says, by mobilizing both antibody and T-cell responses. He compares it to a flu shot that exposes the body to the peptide in order to boost the immune response. This approach offers a new way to harness the immune system against a notoriously resilient cancer.

Promising Interim Results of the SURVIVE trial

The SURVIVE trial, led by Dr. Abad, is a randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolling over 200 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The interim analysis, released in June 2025, showed that the study was well-powered and did not require additional enrollment—a positive sign that SurVaxM may offer real benefit. “We’re waiting for the patient cohort curves to separate out, but already, the positive signal is a big milestone, especially for late-phase studies like this,” he adds.

Looking Ahead

While SurVaxM is not a cure, early results are encouraging. Dr. Abad notes that in the previous phase 2 study, it almost doubled overall survival. Importantly, the vaccine’s side effect profile is mild, offering hope for improved quality of life. “We certainly aren’t at a point where we’re talking about strategies that are curative,” he adds, “What we’re looking for are treatment options that not only add length to life, but provide meaningful quality of life. I think SurVaxM, to some extent, checks those boxes. For a lot of patients who are diagnosed with this terrible disease, it offers them some hope for being around a little longer and hitting more milestones.”

Messages for Glioblastoma Awareness Day

Reflecting on Glioblastoma Awareness Day, Dr. Abad emphasizes the importance of perseverance and collaboration in the fight against this challenging disease. He highlights the unique spirit of the neuro-oncology community, where clinicians routinely reach beyond their own institutions to connect patients with promising trials, regardless of location. He credits this collective commitment to patient advocacy for the rapid enrollment and progress of the SURVIVE trial, noting, “Research like this is only possible through collaboration.” Dr. Abad encourages clinicians to remain humble, open, and proactive in seeking the best options for their patients, underscoring that every step forward is made possible by a shared dedication to improving lives.

Key Takeaways

• Glioblastoma remains a devastating diagnosis with limited survival despite current standard therapies
• SurVaxM, a survivin-targeted vaccine, represents a promising new immunotherapy approach
• Interim results from the SURVIVE trial are encouraging, with the potential to improve both survival and quality of life
• Progress in neuro-oncology depends on collaboration and clinical trial participation
• On Glioblastoma Awareness Day, clinicians are reminded of the importance of research, advocacy, and hope for patients

About Dr. Abad

Ajay Abad, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Oncology and Neurology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He specializes in the treatment of patients with brain tumors and those who have neurologic complications of other cancers. Dr. Abad’s research interests include risk stratification for patients who develop venous thrombosis, prophylactic anticoagulation in high-risk patients, palliative management of patients with high-grade gliomas, and therapeutic development. He is currently Principal Investigator of the SURVIVE trial.