Gene Therapy: One strategy currently being evaluated in clinical trials involves injecting a genetically modified virus into the tumor. The tumor contains a gene that makes tumor cells sensitive to an antiviral drug. The patients are then given this antiviral drug, which specifically attacks the tumor.
Immunotherapy: A number of different treatments, including "cancer vaccines," are being evaluated to stimulate the immune system to attack brain tumors. These types of treatments also are known as biological response modifiers, and are used in conjunction with proven treatments.
Chemotherapy: A combination of chemotherapy and peripheral stem cell rescue is being tested in patients with oligodendriomas or primary brain lymphomas, both of which are more responsive to chemotherapy than other brain tumors. Stem cells are primitive blood cells capable of maturing into any type of immune system cells. These cells are removed from the patient's blood and stored, after which the patient is given high-dose chemotherapy that could destroy bone marrow function. After chemotherapy is finished, the stem cells are returned to the patient's blood stream where they can restore immune-system function. Chemotherapy agents such as irinotecan are being tested.
Monoclonal Antibodies: These are specifically designed antibodies, which are used to selectively deliver radioisotopes or an immunotoxin to a brain tumor.
Copyright © 2000 Oncology.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
