Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Unlike other tumors, brain tumors spread by local extension and rarely metastasize (spread) outside the brain. A benign brain tumor is composed of non-cancerous cells and does not metastasize beyond the part of the brain where it originates. A brain tumor is considered malignant if it contains cancer cells, or if it is composed of harmless cells located in an area where it suppresses one or more vital functions.

Brain cancer vaccine prepared from brain tumor proves effective

Brain cancer vaccine proves effective — With help of patient groups, phase 2 clinical trial paves way for testing therapy that combines cancer vaccine with the drug Avastin – A new brain cancer vaccine tailored to individual patients by using material from their own tumors has proven effective in a multicenter phase 2 clinical trial at extending their lives by several months or longer. The patients suffered from recurrent glioblastoma multiforme-which kills thousands of Americans every year.

NewYork-Presbyterian No. 6 hospital in US, No. 1 in NewYork

NewYork-Presbyterian No. 6 hospital in nation, No. 1 in NY – NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive academic medical centers, is ranked #6 in the nation and #1 among ranked hospitals in the New York area, according to U.S. News Media Group’s 2010-11 Best Hospitals.

Abdominal fat at middle age linked to dementia

Abdominal fat at middle age associated with greater risk of dementia — Study confirms that obesity is associated with lower total brain volume – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine determined that excess abdominal fat places otherwise healthy, middle-aged people at risk for dementia later in life. Preliminary findings suggest a relationship between obesity and dementia that could lead to promising prevention strategies in the future.

Cell phone usage not causing brain tumor

No change in brain tumor incidence during a time when cell phone usage increased – There was no substantial change in brain tumor incidence among adults 5 to 10 years after cell phone usage sharply increased, revealed by researchers.

Altered genes play role in development of brain tumors

Research identifies network of altered genes that appear to play role in development of brain tumors – The interaction between a network of altered genes appears to play an important role in the development and progression of brain tumors, revealed by researchers in the Journal of the American Medical Association — JAMA.

Brain cancer malignant glioma linked to gene mutations

Newly discovered gene could be a prime target in the most lethal brain cancer – Scientists at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University have discovered mutations in two genes that could become therapeutic targets in malignant glioma, a dangerous class of brain tumors.

Brain cancer glioblastoma study possible with mouse model

Salk researchers develop novel brain cancer glioblastoma mouse model. – Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have developed a versatile mouse model of glioblastoma-the most common and deadly brain cancer in humans-that closely resembles the development and progression of human brain tumors that arise naturally.

New genes identified linked to lung cancer

Scientists find new genes linked to lung cancer. Discovery opens door to individualized treatment strategies. – Working as part of a multi-institutional collaboration, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have assembled the most complete catalog to date of the genetic changes underlying the most common form of lung cancer.

Family history of brain tumors raises brain cancer risk

Researchers revealed that having a family history of cancerous brain tumors puts you at a higher risk of developing the same kind of brain tumor. – People with a family history of cancerous brain tumors appear to be at higher risk of developing the same kind of tumors compared to people with no such family history, according to a study published in the September 23, 2008, issue of Neurology?, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.