A novel treatment for brain tumors has elicited positive results.
Scientists at San Francisco, in the US, have announced that, a novel treatment for brain tumors has elicited positive results.
This treatment referred to as 'Oncophage' treatment, is aimed at tackling an aggressive form of brain cancer, termed glioma.Scientists at the University of California, are at the helm of this research. The mode of treatment involves isolating a protein gp96 from a portion of a patient's tumor. After breaking down this protein, it is then reintroduced back into the patient. The body's immune system, then gets stimulated to attack and vanquish the tumor by itself.In the trial round, two groups of patients were studied. Each group consisted of six patients who received varying doses of the treatment. The initial results have shown impressive survival rates and very few side-effects. All six patients who were part of the study survived much more than the usual survival time noted following diagnosis. Studies on the patient's immune system has shown a positive response to the tumour. Scientists expect to publish their complete work by 2007.
Statistics show that over 3,500 people lose their lives to cancers, affecting the brain and nervous system, in the UK annually.
This is an area of research showing immense promise with viable results globally.
Source-Medindia
MST
