From rxpgnews.com
New vaccine to fight glioblastoma multiforme developed
By IANS,
May 2, 2006 - 10:39:37 PM
A vaccine to fight an aggressive form of brain tumour has been developed by US scientists, who say it can delay progression of the cancer.
Scientists say the vaccine increased survival rates by at least 18 months for the 23 patients of glioblastoma multiforme that it was tested on, reported the online edition of BBC News.
One in four brain tumours are glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of the primary brain tumours known collectively as gliomas.
These tumours arise from the supporting glial cells of the brain. These growths do not spread throughout the body like other forms of cancer, but cause symptoms by invading the brain.
The developed vaccine, an easy-to-use "off-the-shelf" treatment, could potentially help half of all patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), said Amy Heimberger, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas.
Trial results showed that the vaccine significantly delays the progression of tumours until the cancer finds a new way to grow. A larger trial of the vaccine, which works by targeting a protein thought to drive the tumour's spread, is now planned.
All rights reserved by RxPG Medical Solutions Private Limited ( www.rxpgnews.com )