Woman’s Unlikely Survival Journey: How Migraines Led to a Glioblastoma Diagnosis—and a Breakthrough Treatment

Persistent Migraines That Changed Everything

Becca Valle was living what many would consider an ideal life. She had recently started a new job, was living close to her family, shared a home with her boyfriend, and had even completed a marathon—checking off a major life goal. Stress was low, and everything felt on track.

Then came the headaches.

In September 2021, Valle began waking up with intense morning headaches that worsened throughout the day. At first, she assumed they were migraines. Her doctor suspected sinus issues. But within weeks, the pain escalated dramatically.

One day, the symptoms became unbearable. Valle could not sit up and was vomiting uncontrollably. She was rushed to the hospital, where imaging revealed bleeding in her brain—an alarming and unexpected discovery.

Emergency Surgery and a Life-Altering Diagnosis

Doctors performed an exploratory craniotomy to identify the cause of the bleeding. During surgery, they discovered a brain tumor. A second procedure was performed to remove it, and subsequent testing confirmed the diagnosis: glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer.

At the time, Valle was only 37 years old.

Glioblastoma is notoriously difficult to treat. Even when a tumor appears to be fully removed, microscopic cancer cells often remain. Standard treatment typically includes chemotherapy and radiation, yet long-term survival rates remain extremely low.

Why Glioblastoma Is So Hard to Treat

One of the biggest challenges in treating brain cancer is the blood-brain barrier—a protective network of cells that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. While this barrier protects brain tissue, it also blocks many chemotherapy drugs, limiting their effectiveness.

As a result, fewer than 10% of glioblastoma patients survive longer than five years after diagnosis.

A Clinical Trial That Offered New Hope

Valle was offered the opportunity to participate in an experimental clinical trial exploring a new approach: temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier using focused ultrasound.

For Valle, the decision was immediate.

She enrolled in a study that combined oral chemotherapy with focused ultrasound treatments designed to allow more medication to reach the brain tumor site.

How Focused Ultrasound Works

Focused ultrasound uses targeted sound waves and microscopic bubbles already present in the bloodstream. When activated, these bubbles gently expand and contract, briefly loosening the blood-brain barrier. This window—lasting several hours—allows chemotherapy drugs to pass into the brain more effectively.

Over six months, Valle underwent multiple ultrasound treatments along with frequent MRI scans to monitor safety and tumor recurrence.

Clinical Trial Results: A Survival Advantage

Early results from the study were promising. Patients who received both chemotherapy and focused ultrasound showed improved survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone.

Notably:

• Up to 40% of trial participants were alive at a time when most glioblastoma patients would typically have experienced disease progression.
• The treatment was shown to be safe and repeatable.
• No significant side effects were reported among participants.

Treatment Comparison Overview

Life After Glioblastoma: Becoming an Outlier

Four years after her diagnosis, Valle has no evidence of disease—a rare outcome for glioblastoma patients. She experiences no lingering side effects from the trial and now requires MRI scans only twice a year.

She has returned to an active lifestyle, travels internationally, and focuses on living fully rather than dwelling on statistics.

“I don’t think about the cancer,” Valle says. “Living in fear doesn’t serve me. I’ve always believed in living life to the fullest—and that hasn’t changed.”

The Future of Brain Cancer Treatment

While focused ultrasound is still under regulatory review and not yet widely available, ongoing studies are exploring its potential for:

• Other brain tumors
• Brain metastases from lung cancer
• Neurodegenerative and neurological disorders

Researchers also believe this technology could pave the way for new combination therapies, bringing together pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical innovations in brain treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that grows rapidly and is difficult to treat due to its location and resistance to standard therapies.

Why is the blood-brain barrier a problem for cancer treatment?

The blood-brain barrier blocks many chemotherapy drugs from reaching brain tissue, reducing treatment effectiveness.

What is focused ultrasound therapy?

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing medications to reach the brain more effectively.

Is focused ultrasound safe?

Clinical trial data suggests the treatment is safe when properly administered, with no significant side effects reported in participants.

Is this treatment widely available?

Not yet. The technology and devices are still undergoing regulatory review, and access is currently limited to clinical trials.

Can focused ultrasound cure glioblastoma?

While it is not a guaranteed cure, early evidence shows it may significantly improve survival and tumor control when combined with chemotherapy.