caBIG™ Feature – November 2006

Analyzing Brain Cancer In a "Big" Way

Although there have been significant improvements in survival for some cancers, many types of brain tumors remain intractable. They are the number one cause of cancer-related death in children in the U.S. and a major cause of cancer-related deaths in adults younger than 54 years. And they are increasing in incidence.

Brain tumors are extraordinarily difficult to study and treat. The problem is two-fold. First, brain tumors are rare. Only 0.59% of men and women born today will be diagnosed with cancer of the brain and other nervous system at some point during their lifetimes. As a result, an individual oncologist or even an entire medical center may not have a statistically meaningful number of brain cancer patients to study.

Second, brain tumors are more diverse than other forms of cancer, meaning there are many types and subtypes, each with their own unique characteristics. Therefore, finding the commonalities that lead to advances in treatment has largely challenged researchers.

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