FDA Clears Promising New Treatment for Brain Cancer

The FDA has cleared a new device in the fight against brain cancer. Currently there are three weapons in the fight against brain tumours - drugs(chemo), radiation, and surgery. Now a fourth weapon has been added - electricity.Novocure has invented a portable electric device that is now approved for fighting glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

The device works by sending electric impulses to the brain in the area where the tumour is growing. The electrical signals interrupt the rapid cell division characteristic of cancers. While the device, NOVO TTF, has not shown in clinical trials to have extended the lives of people with glioblastoma, it did contribute significantly to their quality of life.

About 19 000 Americans develop a form of brain cancer each year according to the American Cancer Society. An abstract printed in 1991 by the CMAJ.JAMC, a troubling increase in brain cancer was seen since the '50s. While some of it is attributed to better diagnostic techniques, most of the increase was not explained. Even more troubling was the major increase was seen in glioblastomas.

One of the triggers for causing a brain cancer can be radiation. There is an increased risk with increased exposure. Some people feel that radiation from cell phones and towers as well as high tension power lines can emit enough radiation to affect brain health as well.

April in Canada is Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. Across the country, little daffodil pins are seen on lapels to signify support in the fight against this complex group of diseases.