Doctors are working to learn more about brain tumors, ways to prevent them, how to best treat them, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with a brain tumor. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials [2]. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you.

Enhanced imaging tests. New techniques for imaging scans are being researched. These may help doctors better track how well treatment is working and watch for possible tumor recurrence or growth.

Biomarkers [3]. Researchers are examining biomarkers to find better ways to determine the presence of a brain tumor before symptoms begin, using blood or other tests.

Immunotherapy [4].  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 studied for brain tumors, such as the use of dendritic cells or the use of vaccines [5]aimed against a specific molecule on the surface of the tumor cells. Several methods are currently being tested in clinical trials [6].

Targeted therapy. As outlined in Treatment [7], this type of treatment targets faulty genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth and development. Research continues on the use of therapies for brain tumors that target the different ways a tumor grows, how a tumor spreads, and cell death.

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 avoid damage to healthy brain cells and reduces the risk of side effects commonly found with the standard way chemotherapy is given.

New drugs and combinations of drugs. Researchers are looking at using drugs currently used for other types of cancer as treatment for a brain tumor. Combinations of drugs being studied for brain tumor treatment include temozolomide and bevacizumab. In addition, combinations of drugs that target different pathways a tumor uses to grow and spread are being explored. Since tumors can develop resistance to chemotherapy, meaning the treatment stops working, another approach is to use a treatment that targets how tumor cells develop resistance.

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 mutations of specific genes and how they relate to the risk and growth of brain tumors. In particular, The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network [8] is a large, ongoing effort by the National Institutes of Health to find out more about the link between genetics and glioblastoma. Recent results include 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 advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this type of brain tumor. Learn more about cancer genome research [9].

Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current brain tumor treatments, in order to improve patients' comfort and quality of life.

Learn more about common statistical terms used in research [10].

Looking for More about Current Research?

If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding brain tumors, explore these related items:

• To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or search online clinical trial databases now [11].
• Review research announced at recent scientific meetings or in ASCO's peer-reviewed journals [12].
• Read ASCO's latest Clinical Cancer Advances report [13], which highlights top research findings over the past year.
• Visit ASCO's CancerProgress.Net [14] website to learn more about the historical pace of research for brain tumors.

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