27 Apr 2009 Scientists say the study is significant because it suggests that the first successful chemotherapy for these tumours might be possible using
drugs already being tested on other cancers. Surgery is currently the best method of treatment for pilocytic astrocytomas, which affect about 145 children each year in the UK. However, the tumours grow slowly and those situated around critical brain structures are inoperable. They cause symptoms over many years and may ultimately be fatal because current anti-cancer drugs and radiotherapy may not control the disease successfully. Professor Ellison added: “Our more detailed molecular understanding of pilocytic astrocytomas will also be useful in diagnosis, enabling pathologists to use genetic tests to distinguish among different types of childhood brain tumours to guide better treatment decisions.” (Source: Wiley-Blackwell: Journal of Pathology: April 2009) Name: Comment:
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