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When my late husband, James Broach, was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called astrocytoma in 2010, it came as a huge shock. He was only 34 at the time. He was also a vibrant, otherwise healthy man, who played competitive tennis several times a week. 

We sought treatment for James at MD Anderson after a family friend referred us to neurosurgeon . Over the next three years, James underwent three separate brain surgeries there, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He also joined several clinical trials. 

Novel cancer therapy prompts interest in research 

One of the clinical trials James joined involved a novel cancer therapy called Delta-24-RGD (DNX-2401). It¡¯s a genetically modified common cold virus that¡¯s been altered to attack brain cancer cells rather than cause illness. At the time James was receiving it, Delta-24-RGD was injected directly into the brain during surgery, in the hopes that it would kill any residual disease there after the skull was closed.  

James¡¯ surgeries were all successful, and he enjoyed brief periods of being cancer-free in between them. But astrocytoma is known for being relentless. The third time it recurred, it had turned into glioblastoma, a much more aggressive brain cancer. It ended up taking James¡¯ life on Aug. 26, 2013. 

Even when James knew his time was limited, he was very inspired by Dr. Lang¡¯s work, as well as the care he received while at MD Anderson. He was also focused on how he could help other people, rather than dwelling on his own situation. Before he died, we created a foundation to fund additional brain cancer research ¡ª particularly on Delta-24-RGD and other early-stage clinical trials. Since then, the foundation has donated almost $7 million to support MD Anderson¡¯s research. 

Why I continue to support my late husband¡¯s legacy

The foundation James and I created could donate its money anywhere. But we chose to support MD Anderson. We truly believe that Dr. Lang and his team are on the cusp of curing this disease. If anyone can do it, it¡¯s MD Anderson. 

One of the most exciting advances coming out of Dr. Lang¡¯s lab right now is a change in the way Delta-24-RGD is administered. Dr. Lang¡¯s team figured out a way to deliver the virus through the bloodstream. 

Through their experiments, which were supported by our funds, they learned that these virus-loaded stem cells could cross the blood-brain barrier. They also learned that they could improve treatment efficiency by delivering the virus-loaded stem cells directly into the arteries that feed the tumor. This new strategy means patients do not need brain surgery to get this treatment. ? 

The blood-brain barrier is a natural defense mechanism that the body uses to protect the central nervous system. Most cancer therapies can¡¯t cross it. So, not needing to have your skull cut open just to receive a particular medication is a pretty big deal when it comes to quality of life. That¡¯s groundbreaking.? 

Delta-24-RGD can also be used in tandem with immunotherapy. Dr. Lang¡¯s team learned that the virus activates the immune system and works in concert with it against the tumor. Our hope is that someday, patients might be able to just get an injection periodically to control the tumor, and then these once-deadly tumors could be treated like any other chronic disease. Wouldn¡¯t it be amazing if nobody else had to go through what my late husband did??

Other ways I support MD Anderson¡¯s mission

The foundation James and I started was his idea, but keeping his memory alive by running it has been my honor and privilege. It¡¯s amazing to see how it¡¯s changing lives. Some of the research our foundation has supported began just as concepts in a lab. Now, they¡¯re in clinical trials helping actual patients. Knowing we played some small part in that brings me a lot of joy. 

I also support MD Anderson¡¯s mission in other ways. For instance, I joined MD Anderson¡¯s Board of Visitors in 2024. I¡¯ve been intimately involved in brain cancer research at MD Anderson for years. But I wanted to be able to use my time and talents to support MD Anderson in its entirety. Joining the Board of Visitors seemed like the best way to do that. 

I¡¯m also really excited about supporting MD Anderson¡¯s Cancer Neuroscience Program. MD Anderson is very adept at bringing the best and most brilliant minds together to solve problems. They also do a really good job of considering all aspects of a patient¡¯s life when planning their treatment. The Cancer Neuroscience Program is a great example of both.   

This first-of-its-kind program combines cancer research with brain science to improve patients¡¯ quality of life and protect their brain health. I¡¯m excited to see what innovations and discoveries it produces, which will hopefully lead to better outcomes that give more families more time together.   

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