A brain tumor refers to an abnormal growth of cells in the brain that multiplies in an uncontrollable way, which is often treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Such growth can start in any portion of the brain or near the brain, which can be formed into a tumor later, and they can be both cancerous and non-cancerous.
A doctor and brain tumor researcher, Dr. Matt Clarke from Keele University in the UK, has discovered better outcomes for babies diagnosed with the condition and states that this condition can be treated.
According to Dr. Matthew Clarke, his work with the Institute for Cancer Research found that a specific group of tumors in infants under 1 year old was treatable with existing medicines.
He informed that doctors no longer have to rely on chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can cause lasting damage to infants, as their immune system is relatively weak.
Dr. Clarke from Keele University in Staffordshire said high-grade gliomas can occur in patients of any age with a life expectancy of 2 years after diagnosis.
The latest study by Dr. Clarke, published in the WHO's (World Health Organization) chapter of 'Classification of Brain Tumors,' found that a specific subgroup that occurred in infants under the age of one year was treatable with existing drugs.
Dr. Clarke appreciates this remarkable achievement as a breakthrough discovery in modern science and said, “There’s still a lot of work to be done in this arena.”
“To be able to identify a group of tumors that previously would’ve sadly had a terminal prognosis, where we can now have a treatment that can actually make a difference and ensure these children can survive, is a massive step forward,” said Clarke.
Dr. Clarke appreciated the efforts of this vast collaborative effort and said, “We are making steps forward already in the right direction, and hopefully we can continue to build on that in the years to come.”
