New Drug Shows Promise Against Brain Tumors

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17 (HealthDay News) -- A new drug that blocks tumor blood supply shows promise in treating deadly glioblastoma brain cancers, new research suggests.

The drug, an angiogenesis inhibitor called AZD2171 (brand name Recentin), suppresses the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.

In this phase II study, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center researchers found that AZD2171 could significantly reduce the size of glioblastoma tumors and can help reduce brain swelling (edema).

The preliminary findings are published in the January issue ofCancer Cell.

The study, which included 16 patients who took a daily oral dose of the drug, found that tumors began to shrink within 28 days of the initial dose of AZD2171. Overall, tumors shrank by at least 25 percent in 75 percent of the patients and by 50 percent or more in more than half the patients.

The study was too preliminary to determine what impact the drug may have on overall patient survival, the researchers noted.

"Patients with recurrent glioblastomas desperately need new, effective treatment alternatives," study author Dr. Tracy Batchelor, chief of neuro-oncology, said in a prepared statement.

"While these are preliminary results of an initial trial, it's looking like these agents (angiogenesis inhibitors) may play an increasingly important role in the treatment of patients whose tumors have recurred, and perhaps in newly diagnosed patients as well," Batchelor said.

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about brain tumors.

SOURCE: Massachusetts General Hospital, news release, Jan. 16, 2007