Research for brain tumors is ongoing. The following advances may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this current time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your doctor. The brain tumor developments being explored include the following.
Enhanced imaging tests. New techniques for imaging scans are under investigation. These may help doctors better track the effectiveness of treatment and monitor possible tumor recurrence or growth.
Biomarkers. Researchers are examining biomarkers to find better ways to determine the presence of a brain tumor before symptoms begin, using blood or other tests. Biomarkers (also called tumor markers) are substances found in higher than normal amounts in the blood, urine, spinal fluid, plasma or other bodily fluids of people with certain types of tumors.
Hyperfractionization. This type of radiation therapy under research uses smaller doses at more frequent intervals.
Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy (also called biologic therapy or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy) is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials either made by the body or in a laboratory to bolster, target, or restore immune system function. Different methods are being applied, such as the use of dendritic cells or the use of vaccines aimed against a specific molecule that is expressed on the surface of the tumor cells. Several studies are currently being tested throughout the country in clinical trials.
Targeted therapy. As outlined in Treatment, this type of treatment targets faulty genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth and development. Research continues regarding the use of targeted therapies for brain tumors.
Anti-angiogenesis therapy. This is the use of drugs to stop tumors from developing new blood vessels. Without blood vessels feeding the tumor with blood, the tumor cannot grow.
Blood-brain barrier disruption. This technique temporarily disrupts the brain’s natural protective barrier in order to allow chemotherapy to more easily enter the brain from the bloodstream.
New combination therapies. New combinations may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy with a convection enhanced delivery (CED), which is a method to infuse drugs and other molecules right into the tumor. CED allows chemotherapy to be delivered more safely and effectively by pumping the drug under pressure directly into the tumor cells. The drug links only to receptors located on tumor cells. By targeting the tumor cells, CED helps conserve healthy brain cells and reduces the risk of side effects commonly found in traditional systemic chemotherapy delivery methods.
Gene therapy. This type of therapy seeks to replace or repair abnormal genes that are causing or helping tumor growth.
Genetic research. Researchers are seeking to learn more about the presence, absence, or mutations of specific genes and how they relate to the risk and growth of brain tumors. In particular, The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network is a large, ongoing effort by the National Institutes of Health to uncover more about the link between genetics and glioblastoma. In 2008, the first results of this study were announced and included the discovery of three specific genetic mutations not previously linked to glioblastoma; the affected genes are NF1, ERBB2, and PIK3R1; another finding focused on the involvement of the MGMT gene. This information is useful to researchers and may eventually lead to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this type of brain tumor. Learn more about cancer genome research.
More aggressive treatment plans for childhood tumors. As research grows and better treatment techniques are discovered that reduce long-term side effects, the treatment plans for children with brain tumors may include more types of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Last Updated: July 17, 2009
