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New treatment may dramatically improve survival for those with deadly brain cancer

Researchers at the University of Southern California Health Sciences have discovered a new treatment approach that combines laser heat therapy with immunotherapy to improve survival rates for patients with high-grade astrocytoma. Nearly half of patients treated with this combination were still alive after 18 months, exceeding the typic...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Targeted therapy shows promise against aggressive brain tumors, alliance trial finds

A national clinical trial found that abemaciclib, an oral cancer drug, may slow tumor growth in patients with aggressive meningiomas with specific genetic mutations. The trial showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 10 months and a median overall survival of 29 months.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports advances in space-occupying cyst care

Researchers studied clinical features and treatment strategies for managing postoperative space-occupying cysts in brain tumor surgical sites. External drainage using an Ommaya reservoir or direct percutaneous puncture drainage showed favorable results, reducing cyst size and improving patient outcomes.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeCase study·DateNov 7, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Gene mutation defines brain tumors that benefit from aggressive surgery

Researchers found that malignant astrocytoma patients with the IDH1 mutation benefit greatly from surgical removal of as much tumor tissue as possible. This approach significantly improves survival, with average patient survival rates of 13.5 years for those with mutant tumors compared to less than 1.5 years for non-mutant tumors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2014

Suspicions confirmed: Brain tumors in children have a common cause

Researchers have discovered that pilocytic astrocytomas, a common childhood brain tumor, arise from defective activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential targets for treatment, including targeted agents to block overactive MAPK signaling.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 9, 2013
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Single gene defect causes brain tumor

A single gene defect in the BRAF gene has been linked to pilocytic astrocytoma, a common brain tumor in children. Treatment with kinase inhibitors has shown promise in slowing down growth, paving the way for further research into targeted therapies.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2011

New mouse model explains common pediatric brain tumor

A new mouse model has been developed to study pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a common pediatric brain tumor. The model uses expression of a mutant BRAF kinase domain in mice and shows that this is sufficient to induce the formation of PA, closely resembling human disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011

Family history of brain tumors linked to increased risk of brain cancer

A family history of brain tumors is linked to a higher risk of developing the same type of tumor. Researchers found that people with immediate relatives who suffered from glioblastomas or astrocytomas were nearly four and twice as likely to contract the same kind of brain cancer, respectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 22, 2008

Too many gene copies stimulate tumor cell growth

Researchers discovered that duplicated regions of DNA containing the BRAF gene lead to increased tumor growth. Targeting the MAPK pathway, which is downstream of BRAF, may provide a new approach for treating individuals with low-grade astrocytomas.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 8, 2008
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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Newly identified biomarker detects and regulates spread of brain tumors

Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have identified a novel biomarker called 'soluble attractin' that is elevated in patients with malignant astrocytomas. This protein plays a key role in the migration and recurrence of brain tumors, making it a promising target for future therapeutic intervention.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 10, 2006