Glioblastoma Multiforme Blog

Avastin Gets New Approval for Brain Cancer

Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, May 7 – It had been more than 10 years since a new treatment for glioblastoma was approved, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now granted accelerated approval for the cancer drug Avastin for use against the aggressive brain cancer tumors, Business Week reports. Read more...

Related support groups: Avastin, Glioblastoma Multiforme

Drug Improves Survival in Mice With Brain Tumors

Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, April 2 – Anti-angiogenesis drugs reduce edema (swelling of brain tissue) caused by deadly brain tumors called glioblastomas, a new study suggests.

Anti-angiogenesis drugs prevent the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow, the researchers pointed out.

In this study, a Massachusetts General Hospital team found that the experimental anti-angiogenesis drug cediranib reduced edema and improved survival in mice with glioblastomas. The drug inhibits an angiogenesis factor called VEGF, which is abundant in glioblastomas. Read more...

Related support groups: Glioblastoma Multiforme

Combo Treatment for Aggressive Brain Tumor May Lengthen Life

Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com

MONDAY, March 9 – Treatment with a combination of the chemotherapy drug temozolomide and radiotherapy increases survival for glioblastoma brain tumor patients better than radiotherapy alone, and the improvement persists for up to five years, say Swiss researchers.

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumor. For more than three decades, surgery followed by radiotherapy was the standard treatment for glioblastoma, but the average life expectancy was just nine to 12 months. Read more...

Related support groups: Temodar, Glioblastoma Multiforme

Brain Tumor Drug May Help Spur Cancer's Return

Posted 3+ months ago by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, March 5 – Temozolomide, a standard treatment for brain cancer, may boost the aggressiveness of surviving cancer cells, making tumor recurrence more likely, a new study suggests.

The research team, from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, have identified cells in brain tumors called gliomas that have stem cell-like qualities and are able to survive chemotherapy with the help of a particular protein. These surviving cells become drug-resistant, and may be the reason treatment for brain cancer is usually unsuccessful. Read more...

Related support groups: Temodar, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma Multiforme