The latest news:

• The Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information Inc, announces the awarding of a $40,000 grant to the University Of Pittsburgh Cancer Center - Dr Okada - for the project: Low Grade Glioma Vaccine Trial.         I thank the People who made this possible: Amy Marzolf and the Clouser Family, as well as the many families that named the Musella Foundation for the memorial donations of thier loved ones! This trial opens up another options for people with low grade gliomas.  The idea is to not only treat the tumor, but also to prevent it from progressing into a high grade glioma!
  



• Bevacizumab (Avastin) as first-line therapy for glioblastoma.         This article is based on smaller and earlier trials of adding Avastin to the standard of care for glioblastomas.  They report an improvment in progression free survival, but only a small improvement in overall survival.    We are eagerly awaiting the results of a much larger study - hopefully in 2-3 months - to clarify how best to use Avastin - either right at the start after radiation or wait until recurrence.  Right now we really do not know which way is best. Having said that, an improvement in progression free survival is still very important. It means that you can function and enjoy life for a longer time, and that is priceless.
  



• Gross Total Resection Rates in Contemporary Glioblastoma Surgery: Results of an Institutional Protocol Combining 5-ALA Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging and Brain Mapping.         5-ALA is approved in Europe and is in clinical trials in the USA.  It helps the doctors to tell what is tumor and what is normal brain when doing a surgery.  This should be approved soon here in the USA and should be used in most brain tumor surgeries. I do not understand what is holding it up.
  



• A*STAR Scientists Discover Potential Drug for Deadly Brain Cance         This is early work but sounds exciting. I wish them luck.
  



• The BrainPower 5K in Austin, TX, is this Sunday, Sept. 9         This has nothing to do with the Musella Foundation but they are a good organization and have funded some excellent research!  If you are in the area - please participate and help spread the word of the event!