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September 6, 2008 1:43:00 AM CDT

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Brain Cancer Vaccine Doubles Survival Time

Posted Jun 3, 08 11:41 AM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – A new vaccine more than doubles the expected survival time of patients with the most common form of brain cancer, Reuters reports. Although the test group was small, patients lived an average of 33 months—"almost unheard of" compared to the average of 14 months, says one doctor. The drug also boosts the body's immune response.

Fears that the vaccine could trigger the immune system to attack itself seem unfounded so far; the drug simply delivers what researchers call a "phenomenal" immune reaction. If Sen. Edward Kennedy's recent tumor-removal surgery was successful, he might be a candidate for the new treatment, though the researchers say they "don't know if he is interested at this point."

Source Reuters

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    May 20, 08 3:52 PM CDT
    How Bad Is It, Doc? While doctors know that Sen. Ted Kennedy has the most common form of brain cancer, the positioning, type and size of the tumor will determine the degree of danger and side effects from surgery, CNN reports. Kennedy’s glioma is in the left parietal lobe, which is involved in speaking and understanding speech as well as motor control for the body's right side. More »

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To be eligible for the new vaccine, a patient must have had a successful surgery to remove the malignant tumor. The vaccine gets help from the body's immune system to fight the cancer cells.   (KRT Photos)
The new vaccine has given test patients over twice the survival period, on average, than is typical for those with malignant glioma brain cancer: 33 months, instead of about 14.   (AP Photo/Adele Starr)
Senator Edward Kennedy, who has been diagnosed with a malignant glioma, could be a candidate for this new vaccine, say scientists, though they "don't know if he is interested."   (AP Photo/J.Scott Applewhite, File)
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brain cancer  • tumor  • Edward Kennedy  • cancer vaccine  • glioma  • survival rates


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