My first clinical Trial: 5-ALA & Glioblastoma re-irradiation

For the first time, investor Guy Spier steps outside the world of finance to share a deeply personal conversation—with the doctors who treated him.

Recorded at the University Hospital Münster, this discussion with neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Müther and radiation oncologist Dr. Niklas Pepper explores the frontiers of brain cancer treatment, focusing on glioblastoma and a groundbreaking clinical trial combining 5-ALA (Gliolan®) with radiotherapy.

Topics covered:

What glioblastoma is and why it’s so difficult to treat

The Stupp protocol and why recurrence is common

How 5-ALA fluorescence surgery helps surgeons “see” tumors

The role and evolution of radiotherapy and re-irradiation

A new approach: radiodynamic therapy (5-ALA + radiation)

How clinical trials work (Phase I, dose escalation, safety focus)

Why patient participation is critical to medical progress

The conversation also explores the human side of medicine:

Should patients deeply engage with their disease—or not?