FDA Approved Temodar

The U.S Food and Drug Administration's approval of Temodar as a treatment for people newly diagnosed with glioblastoma recognizes the importance of hope. These reports signify movement in the treatment of one of the most aggressive brain tumors.

(PRWEB) March 18, 2005 -- The U.S Food and Drug Administrations approval of Temodar as a treatment for people newly diagnosed with glioblastoma recognizes the importance of hope. A study published by Roger Stupp, MD, for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) in last weeks New England Journal of Medicine found that adding Temodar to radiation therapy increased survival rates to 26.5% at two years (from 10.4 % with radiation alone). In an equally compelling report also published in the same journal, studies at the University Hospital of Lausanne indicate the interaction between this drug and a biologic marker called MGMT may provide important information for researchers. These reports signify movement in the treatment of one of the most aggressive brain tumors.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common of the primary malignant brain tumors, and is also one of the most difficult tumors to treat effectively. Each year, approximately 20% of all reported brain tumors are glioblastoma. Generally found in people forty through sixty years old, glioblastoma occurs slightly more often in males than females. This tumor tends to be found in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain that control memory, thinking abilities, personality, and movement.

The American Brain Tumor Association offers information about glioblastoma multiforme and Temodar; about other types of brain tumors and their treatments; about standard therapies as well as research treatments; and about support options for brain tumor families seeking help in living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Call us at 800-886-2282, or visit our web site at www.abta.org

Physicians available for interviews.

This weeks headlines share our hope... the hope that new knowledge brings to the quality of lives of brain tumor patients around the globe.

Contact:

American Brain Tumor Association

2720 River Rd.

Des Plaines, Il 60618

847-827-9910

www.abta.org

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