Once thought to be rare, brain tumors are increasing in frequency and now represent 1-2% of all cancers. They are the second most common cause of cancer death in children and the third and fourth most common cause of death in men ages 15-54 and women ages 15-34, respectively. Headaches are the most common initial symptom, and these are typically worse upon wakening in the morning. Seizures, motor weakness, visual changes and problems thinking may also be present at the time of diagnosis.

There are several different types of brain cancers.

ASTROCYTOMAS/ GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME are the most common type in adults. Low grade astrocytomas grow rather slowly and are typically treated with surgery and radiation. The average survival with these tumors is 4-10 years. High-grade astrocytomas (sometimes called Glioblastoma multiforme) are more aggressive, with average survivals under 2 years.

Treatment of astrocytomas/ glioblastoma multiforme may include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy depending on the health of the patient and the extent of disease. Typical chemotherapy drugs used in astrocytomas include combinations of procarbazine, lomastine, and vincristine.

Bone marrow transplantation has been used to treat patients with high-grade astrocytomas, and recurrent low-grade tumors. Early results with high-dose BCNU however contained significant side effects. More recently, newer high-dose chemotherapy regimens have been better tolerated and small reports have suggested an improved survival of 20-30% at 2-3 years which compares favorable to standard dose therapy. Nonetheless, transplantation therapy for brain cancers remains a new approach.

The Adult Stem Cell- Bone Marrow Transplant Program of Hackensack University Medical Center has active transplant treatment protocols for Astrocytomas and Glioblastoma multiforme. For more information on this treatment or to schedule an appointment call (201) 996-5849. BR>

One transplant trial uses a combination of high-dose carboplatin, thiotepa, and etoposide followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Additional information on this protocol can be obtained by clicking here.

A second transplant trial uses aggressive radiation followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. For more information on this trial click here.

OLIGODENDROGLIOMAS are typically low-grade tumors of the brain, accounting for less than 10% of adult brain tumors. Generally these tumors are slow growing with average survivals of 7-10 years. Seizures are more common with this type of brain cancer.

Treatment of Oligodendrogliomas frequently consists of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Some types of tumors are very sensitive to chemotherapy (combinations of procarbazine, lomastine, and vincristine).

Bone marrow transplantation has been used to treat patients with recurrent Oligodendrogliomas. Early results with high-dose BCNU in brain cancers however contained significant side effects. More recently, newer high-dose chemotherapy regimens have been better tolerated. Too few transplants for these diseases have been performed worldwide to accurately estimate the effect of treatment.

The Adult Stem Cell- Bone Marrow Transplant Program of Hackensack University Medical Center has active transplant treatment protocols for recurrent Oligodendrogliomas. For more information on this treatment or to schedule an appointment call (201) 996-5849.

One transplant trial uses a combination of high-dose carboplatin, thiotepa, and etoposide followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Additional information on this protocol can be obtained by clicking here.

Primary Central Nervous Lymphomas are aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that arise in the brain and spinal cord. These had been rare tumors, but the incidence is dramatically increasing. These tumors are seen in patients with AIDS, on immunosuppressive medications, with congenital immunodeficiencies, and with no known prior history. The most common symptoms leading to diagnosis are lethargy, fatigue, headache, motor weakness, and visual changes.

Treatment of Central Nervous System Lymphomas may consist of radiation and/or chemotherapy. These are not currently treated with transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center. However, the physicians at the Northern New Jersey Cancer Center are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Meningiomas are common cancers of the covering of the brain (meninges). These are typically slow growing tumors.

Treatment of meningiomas is typically surgical resection, which leads to cure in most patients. For patients who cannot undergo resection radiation and/or hormonal treatment may result in favorable outcomes. These are not currently treated with transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center. However, the physicians at the Northern New Jersey Cancer Center are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The Cancer Center also has a research study using Mifepristone in the treatment of unresectable meninigimoas. For more information on this study call (201) 996-5800.