PRESS RELEASE
May 20, 2026
For immediate release

A new analysis from patient-led nonprofit OurBrainBank is shedding light on a hidden and often overlooked aspect of glioblastoma (GBM) care: loneliness and emotional isolation among patients and caregivers.The study, conducted in collaboration with researchers from Harvard Medical School, Duke University, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will be presented at the 2026 ASCO® Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Glioblastoma is the deadliest primary brain cancer in adults and places immense emotional, logistical, and financial strain on both patients and families. While treatment discussions often focus on survival and medical care, this research explores the broader psychosocial burden experienced throughout the GBM journey.

“These survey questions ask something painfully simple: do people feel they have support or do they feel  isolated while someone they love is going through treatment?” said David Robles, MA, co-author and researcher at OurBrainBank. “What we heard is that too many families are not only facing a devastating diagnosis, they are facing it alone. GBM care has to recognize that loneliness is not a side issue, it’s part of the burden patients and caregivers are carrying every day.”

Using data from OurBrainBank’s nationwide GBM survey, this analysis focuses specifically on loneliness and emotional isolation among glioblastoma patients and caregivers, expanding on previously presented findings related to disparities in care access and communication. The findings point to loneliness as a significant unmet supportive care need within the GBM community, particularly among caregivers and underserved populations.

Full results will be released following the ASCO embargo lift on May 21, 2026.

Poster Presentation:
Assessing Loneliness in Glioblastoma Patients and Caregivers Using a Nationwide Survey
ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting | Abstract #547028 | May 30 | 1:30-4:30pm CT
Poster Board #80 | Chicago, IL

OurBrainBank® is a patient-led movement working to move glioblastoma from terminal to treatable, powered by patients. Through patient advocacy, research, and real-world data collection, OurBrainBank works to improve quality of life and make the patient experience impossible to ignore.

More information or interviews: info@ourbrainbank.org or David Robles david@ourbrainbank.org | 909-274-9486