Primary brain tumors have a bimodal distribution, with a small peak in the pediatric population and a steady increase in incidence with age, beginning at age 20 years and reaching a maximum of 20 cases per 100,000 population between the ages of 75 and 84 years. More>>

The review by Gururangan and Friedman takes an interesting and informative approach to pediatric brain tumors in emphasizing the possible biologic bases for chemotherapy failure in these neoplasms in general, and focusing on newer, as yet largely unproven, strategies employing “biologic” therapies to circumvent such mechanisms of tumor resistance. Many of these newer treatment strategies are drawn from the work of the authors and others in the field of adult malignant gliomas. To date, minimal... More>>

While the majority of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors occur in patients over the age of 45 years, they are also the most prevalent solid neoplasms of childhood. About 16% of patients with brain tumors have a family history of cancer, and evidence points to chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) in localizing tumors and in evaluating edema, hydrocephalus, and hemorrhage. More>>

Intracranial neoplasms can arise from any of the structures or cell types present in the cranial vault, including the brain, meninges, pituitary gland, skull, and even residual embryonic tissue. The overall annual incidence of primary brain tumors in the United States is 14 cases per 100,000 population. More>>

Sri Gururangan and Henry Friedman present a thoughtful review of advances in pediatric neurooncology. Coupled with the recent review of pediatric brain tumor biology written by Richard Gilbertson, these articles highlight the value that the pediatric neuro-oncology community places on translating signal transduction modifiers into clinical practice.[1] The remainder of this commentary focuses on the challenges and opportunities associated with developing more effective and less toxic therapies... More>>

Central nervous system (CNS) cancers are the second most frequent malignancy (and the most common solid tumor) in childhood. In recent years, significant advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have improved survival in children with these tumors. However, a significant proportion of patients with CNS tumors suffer progressive disease despite such treatment. Advances in the understanding of the nature of the blood-brain/tumor barrier, chemotherapy resistance, tumor biology, and the... More>>

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario, Canada—Survivors of childhood brain tumors appear to have a high risk for non-neurological late effects such as endocrine disorders, according to a report (abstract 7) presented at the 7th International Conference for Long-Term Complications of Treatment of Children and Adolescents for Cancer, hosted by Roswell Park Cancer Institute. More>>

Legislation that would force all states to collect data on benign brain tumors got a hearing before a House subcommittee in mid-November. That was the critical first step needed before Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif), the measure’s sponsor, could More>>

SAN FRANCISCO—Israeli investigators have developed a new method for enhancing paclitaxel (Taxol) delivery to recurrent brain tumors and are using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor for response. More>>

According to a study conducted by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, thalidomide (Thalomid) in combination with radiation therapy shows promise in treating malignant brain tumors. Study findings were presented at the annual meeting of More>>