Latest Research on Brain Tumor

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on a brain tumor, their related prevention method, their diagnostic approach at the initial phase, and the best treatments strategies. The use of biomarkers helps evaluate the patient’s prognosis and helps analyze specific treatments for the same. New techniques for imaging scans are being researched. Oncolytic virus therapy destroys the tumor cells, leaving healthy brain cells. Blood-brain barrier disruption disrupts the brain’s natural protective barrier to allow chemotherapy drugs to enter the bloodstream more quickly.

Target therapy and immunotherapy are being tested in clinical trials. The combinations of drugs that target the different ways a tumor grows and spreads are being explored. Gene therapy is being used for replacing or repairing abnormal genes causing or helping tumor growth. Researchers seek more information about specific gene mutations and how they relate to the risk and development of a brain tumor. Palliative care is integrated among the patients for improving their comfort and quality of life.

Advancement in Brain Tumor Research

Based on the Latest Research on Brain Tumor Doctors are learning more about brain tumors, ways to prevent them, treat them best, and provide care to people diagnosed with a brain tumor. The below-given areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials ^​1​.

Biomarkers

Researchers examine biomarker tests that may help diagnose a brain tumor, evaluate a patient’s prognosis, and foresee whether specific treatment may work ^​2​. 

Enhanced imaging test

New techniques for imaging scans are being researched ^​3​. These may help doctors track how well treatment works and watch for possible tumor recurrence or growth.

Oncolytic virus therapy

Oncolytic virus therapy uses a virus that infects and destroys tumor cells, leaving healthy brain cells ^​4​. It is presently being researched as a treatment for brain tumors.

Blood-brain barrier disruption

This technique temporarily disrupts the brain’s natural protective barrier to allow chemotherapy drugs to enter the brain from the bloodstream more quickly ^​5​.

Targeted therapy

As outlined in Types of Treatment, this medication therapy targets faulty genes or proteins that contribute to a tumor’s growth and development. Research continues using different therapies for brain tumors that target the different ways a tumor grows, how a tumor spreads, and how tumor cells can be destroyed.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy, is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the tumor. It uses substances formed by the body or laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function. Different methods are being studied for brain tumors, such as dendritic cells or vaccines aimed against a particular molecule present on the surface of the tumor cells. Several ways are currently being tested in clinical trials.

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New drugs and combinations of medicines

According to the Latest Research on Brain Tumor the Researchers are currently looking at using drugs for other types of cancer to treat a brain tumor. Additionally, combinations of drugs that target the different ways a tumor grows and spreads are being explored.

Latest Research on Brain Tumor about Gene therapy

This type of therapy seeks to replace or repair abnormal genes causing or helping tumor growth.

Genetic research

Researchers seek more information about specific gene mutations and how they relate to the risk and growth of a brain tumor ^​6​. The Cancer Genome Atlas Program is a significant, ongoing attempt by the U.S. National Institutes of Health to determine the connection between genetics and glioma. Recent results include the discovery of 3 specific genetic mutations not previously linked to glioblastoma: NF1, ERBB2, and PIK3R1. Other research focuses on how the MGMT gene and mutations of the IDH gene are linked to brain tumors. This information is helpful to researchers and may eventually lead to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of glioma. Precision medicine approaches that target tumor-specific mutations are being explored.

Palliative care or supportive care

Clinical trials are underway to find better ways to reduce symptoms and side effects of current brain tumor treatments to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

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