Researchers from the U.S have now developed a new vaccine, believed to fight against glioblastoma multiforme or GBM, a form of brain tumor. The vaccine is hoped to fight brain tumor by delaying its progression.
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.
Edited IANS
