Scientists continue to research new methods for preventing, diagnosing and treating brain tumors. Some of the most promising research involves the following areas:

• Chemotherapy. Researchers are studying new chemotherapy drugs and combinations that target brain tumors. Various agents that break down the blood-brain barrier are being combined with chemotherapy drugs that cannot normally pass into the brain. In addition, scientists are testing elements such as chemotherapy wafers that can be directly implanted into the tumor. The drugs in these elements are slowly released into the tumor to destroy the cancer cells. In addition, a process known as convection enhanced delivery is being studied for drug administration. In this procedure, tiny tubes deliver the chemotherapy agents directly into the tumor, reducing problems with the blood brain barrier.
  
  
• Boron neutron therapy. This type of experimental radiation therapy uses a chemical compound containing boron and radiation to destroy the tumor. The compound is injected into the patient’s blood, where it concentrates on the tumor. Radiation from a nuclear reactor connects with the boron to release high energy that destroys the cancer cells with little damage to surrounding tissue.  The effectiveness of this treatment is still being studied.
  
  
• Gene therapy. The purpose of gene therapy is to destroy tumor cells and shrink the size of the tumor using a genetically modified virus or other carrier. The gene virus is designed to destroy specific cancer cells without harming normal brain cells. Two methods of gene therapy are being studied: the suicide gene and immune enhancer gene. Although they work differently, they both introduce a type of gene into the tumor in the hopes of destroying the cancer.
  
  
• Other treatment strategies. Researchers continue to study a number of conventional and unconventional Chemotherapy agents. Some of these agents include:
  
  
• Angiogenesis inhibitors. These are a group of drugs that interfere with the growth of new blood vessels. Without an adequate blood supply, tumors are starved of the oxygen and nutrients necessary for growth.
  
  
• Biological therapy (also called immunotherapy). This type of treatment attempts to make the body’s immune system more effective in locating and destroying cancer cells. The therapy uses proteins, such as interferon and antibodies, to increase the body’s immune response. Researchers are also studying the creation of a tumor vaccine from the brain tumor cells. Theoretically, the vaccine could create a stronger immune system response against the tumor. Studies have shown that certain vaccines may slow the growth rate of malignant gliomas.

These advanced experimental techniques are most often used in clinical trials after standard therapy has failed to produce a response for treating a brain tumor. Cancer patients should discuss the use of clinical trials with their treatment physicians.