Brain Tumor News and Research

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A Brain Tumor is the growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Geron scientists highlight importance of telomerase inhibitor, GRN163L at AACR 2010

Geron Corporation today announced five presentations by Geron scientists and collaborators on the company's telomerase inhibitor, imetelstat sodium, including the drug's activity against cancer stem cells, at the 101st American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting held in Washington D.C.

23 Apr 2010

Path to Progress 5K Run/Walk to be hosted to benefit ABTA's research and patient-family programs

The American Brain Tumor Association will again host its annual Path to Progress 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

21 Apr 2010

CytRx' bafetinib receives EMEA COMP positive opinion for treatment of CML

CytRx Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in oncology, today announced that bafetinib (formerly known as INNO-406) has received official notification from the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) that a positive opinion was made regarding the application for orphan medicinal product for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

20 Apr 2010

"Brain Port" surgery helps remove colloid cyst in 15-week pregnant woman

A unique device developed to make brain surgery easier and less traumatic has been successfully used on a patient who was pregnant and suffering from a potentially life-threatening brain cyst. The device, called a "Brain Port," was pioneered by renowned neurosurgeon Amin Kassam, MD, Medical Director of the Neuroscience Institute at Saint John's Health Center.

19 Apr 2010

DNA modification can define early onset glioblastoma

A class of brain tumor that tends to emerge in younger patients but is less aggressive than others can be identified by examining DNA methylation of a specific set of genes, scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and colleagues with The Cancer Genome Atlas report today online at Cancer Cell.

16 Apr 2010

Long-term monitoring and education needed to protect lungs of young patients

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators have identified childhood cancer survivors who are at increased risk for deteriorating lung health, in part due to the lifesaving bone marrow transplants they underwent years earlier.

16 Apr 2010

'Forgotten' cells in brain cancer

Glioblastoma is a guileful enemy. While most of the brain tumor can often be removed surgically, in virtually every case the tumor reappears. One reason for this is that sporadic, infiltrative tumor cells will remain in the brain even after most careful surgery. Researchers at the University of Bonn have now subjected these 'forgotten' cells to closer scrutiny for the first time.

13 Apr 2010

Camp Okizu's brain tumor weekend program has new benefactor

Camp Okizu, a non-profit camp in northern California for kids with cancer and their families, has a new benefactor for its weekend program for families of children with brain tumors. In honor of Silicon Valley executive James W. Hebert, who died from a brain tumor at age 54 in 2006, his wife, Ronni Sarmanian, also a former tech executive, has committed to sponsor the event. This annual event, which will be called the James W. Hebert Family Camp, begins April 16 and coincides with Hebert's birthday, April 13.

13 Apr 2010

Brains on Bikes raises funds for brain cancer research and support

Anne Feeley, a 55-year-old mother and brain cancer survivor, began a 3,781-mile ride across the country today to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research and support.

12 Apr 2010

Gene playing crucial role in immune system balance identified

A team led by St. Jude researchers identified a gene pivotal for immune system balance. Ultimately, the discovery may aid efforts to tame allergies and asthma.

12 Apr 2010

AED Vimpat to be the subject of numerous studies and analyses at AAN meeting

The antiepileptic drug Vimpat- (lacosamide) (C-V) will be the subject of numerous studies and analyses-both UCB-sponsored and independent-at the 62nd annual American Academy of Neurology meeting, taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto from April 10-17.

9 Apr 2010

Saint Mary's and Sierra Neurosurgery Group partner to create Nevada's first Brain Tumor Center

Saint Mary's and Sierra Neurosurgery Group have partnered to create the region's first Brain Tumor Center in an effort to speed up the time between diagnosis and treatment.

8 Apr 2010

Phase II clinical trial of Avastin and Tarceva in patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Patients suffering from recently diagnosed malignant brain tumors called glioblastoma multiforme or a rare variant called gliosarcoma may be eligible to participate in a Phase II clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center that combines two innovative drugs.

8 Apr 2010

Doctors prepare to take recertification tests; California case examines patient safety

The Associated Press: "For the first time since leaving medical school, many doctors are having to take tests to renew board certification in their fields — 147 specialties from dermatology to obstetrics. Any doctor can deliver a baby, treat cancer, or declare himself a cardiologist. Certification means the doctor had special training in that field and passed an exam to prove knowledge of it.

7 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 6, 2010

Among today's headlines is news about a lawsuit filed by Massachusetts insurers who are seeking to reverse the state insurance commissioner's decision and allow them to raise rates.

6 Apr 2010

Oncologists to provide overview on new neuro-oncology guidelines

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center will bring together top neuro-oncologists from around the country for an all day symposium to address new treatment updates and review management of complex cases across a broad array of neuro-oncology specialties.

6 Apr 2010

Notch pathway may be a good target for drug development, study says

Working with mice, Johns Hopkins scientists who tested drugs intended to halt growth of brain cancer stem cells -- a small population of cells within tumors that perpetuate cancer growth -- conclude that blocking these cells may be somewhat effective, but more than one targeted drug attack may be needed to get the job done.

3 Apr 2010

Harnessing body's own natural killer cells to battle cancer in children

Work underway at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital seeks to harnesses the body's own immune cells known as natural killer, or NK, cells to help children battle cancer. NK cells are the immune system's warriors. The cells circulate widely in the body, armed with proteins, called enzymes, capable of delivering a deadly one-two punch to viruses and cancer cells.

3 Apr 2010

Minimally invasive technique holds promise for removing large brain tumors

A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure holds promise for safely removing large brain tumors from an area at the bottom of the skull, near the sinus cavities, clinical researchers at the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute (UCNI) at University Hospital have found.

2 Apr 2010

Brain stem cells in subventricular zone characterized by transcription factor Protein Tlx

The "cradle" of new neurons in the adult brain is well known. It is what is called the subventricular zone, a tissue structure lining the lateral ventricles. This is where neural or brain stem cells reside, which are responsible for generating new neurons if needed. For many years now, the subventricular zone has been suspected to be the origin of specific malignant brain tumors called gliomas, the most deadly type of which is glioblastoma.

2 Apr 2010