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Top 5 Brain Cancer News Stories of 2021
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From celebrity deaths to exciting new treatments, here is CURE®’s roundup of what made waves in the brain cancer space this year.
As research moves forward and clinical trials examine new treatment methods, the prognosis of patients with brain cancer continues to improve.
CURE® rounded up five of the most-read news items in the world of brain cancer — from celebrity deaths to exciting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals and new drugs on the horizon.
1. Vaccine May Improve Survival Outcome in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Brain Cancer
A personalized cancer vaccine, AV-GBM-1, led to better progression-free survival (the time a person lives without their disease getting worse) than standard of care in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. This is an “encouraging milestone” for patients with the disease, said lead study author Dr. Daniela Bota.
In April, the FDA recommended that researchers stop the phase 2 clinical trial investigating ERC1671 and instead seek out registration for a randomized phase 3 trial — which could lead to FDA approval for the cell-based therapy. ERC1671 plus Avastin (bevacizumab) improved average overall survival compared with historical controls.
3. Atlanta Anchor Jovita Moore Dies From Cancer
Jovita Moore, a longtime news anchor for WSB-TV in Atlanta, died of brain cancer on Oct. 28, 2021. She was diagnosed after seeking medical help for feeling dizzy and disoriented. “I was concerned about why, all of a sudden, I was forgetful, and disoriented. Just not feeling myself, and feeling like I was in a fog,” she said at the time.
4. The Latest Updates in the Field of Brain Cancer Research
May was Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and CURE® spoke with the CEO of the National Brain Tumor Society about exciting advances in the field. “Over the last few years, there’s been some important advancements, particularly in understanding how brain tumors evolve, and then identifying potential vulnerabilities in brain tumors with opportunities to attack them,” David Arons said.
5. FDA Approves Welireg for Several Cancers Associated With VHL Disease
The FDA approved Welireg (belzutifan) for adults with von Hippel-Lindau—related disease, including central nervous system hemangioblastomas, who do not require immediate surgery. Von Hippel-Lindau disease is rare and it causes tumors and cysts to grow in the body.
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