gdc
NewsworthyPrevention

Common Vaccine Offers Hope Against Aggressive Brain Tumors

The median survival rate for patients with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor, is approximately 14 months. Approximately 17% of all brain tumors are glioblastomas.
Web Exclusives – April 15, 2015
Tracy Wright

Researchers recently found significantly improved survival rates for a small group of patients with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor, by boosting their immune system with the tetanus vaccine before the administration of a dendritic-cell immunotherapy.

The median survival rate for patients with glioblastoma is approximately 14 months. Approximately 17% of all brain tumors are glioblastomas.

The study from researchers at the Duke Cancer Institute included 12 patients with glioblastoma. Overall, 6 patients received a tetanus booster and 6 patients received a placebo shot. The following day, all 12 patients received the dendritic-cell immunotherapy.

Of the patients in the placebo group, 50% lived approximately 18.5 months, which is slightly longer than the average survival rate seen in patients who receive chemotherapy. The survival rates were better in the tetanus group. Among the patients who received the tetanus booster, 3 patients survived an average of 22 months, 1 patient survived 4.8 years, 1 patient survived 5.9 years, and 1 patient is still alive and has had no tumor growth for almost 9 years now.

In dendritic-cell immunotherapy, the patients’ own white blood cells are extracted, “trained” to recognize and attack the tumor cells, and then re-injected back into the patient. This therapy already showed promise by improving the average survival rate of patients from approximately 13 months to 18 months.

Researchers believe that the tetanus shot further increased survival rates by creating an allergic reaction and priming the patient’s immune system to be on the alert for the dendritic-cell vaccine, thus improving the efficacy and the benefit of the vaccine and increasing the patient’s survival.

Sources

www.forbes.com/sites/tarahaelle/2015/03/15/tetanus-vaccine-boosts-cancer-vaccine-in-fighting-brain-tumor/

www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/news/20150312/tetanus-shot-helped-boost-brain-cancer-survival-small-study-finds

www.healthline.com/health-news/tetanus-shot-helps-brain-cancer-patients-live-five-times-longer-031115#2

Recommended For You
Alcohol & CancerPreventionSurvivorship
Put Down That Drink to Elevate Your Health: Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk
By Adam Buffery
Alcohol doesn’t have the stigma that cigarettes do regarding the carcinogenic effects of drinking, but the link between alcohol and cancer is something people need to become more aware of.
Cancer ScreeningPreventionSurvivorship
Why Cancer Survivors Should Get Screened for Other Cancers
By Meg Barbor, MPH
People diagnosed with one type of cancer are at an increased risk of having a second cancer later on, explains Dr. Edith Mitchell, highlighting the importance of continued cancer screenings.
COVID-19 & CancerFrom Your NavigatorNewsworthy
Coronavirus FAQs for People with Cancer: Interview with Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
By Yvette Florio Lane
COVID-19, the respiratory infection caused by the new coronavirus, is making headlines around the world. Find out what you need to know about this global disease outbreak and how to protect yourself.
FDA Approvals, News & UpdatesNewsworthy
FDA and CDC Investigate Outbreak of Vaping-Related Illness
In the past week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released 2 public announcements related to the use of vaping products.
Last modified: March 10, 2022

Subscribe to Conquer: the journey informed

Receive timely cancer news & updates, patient stories, and more.


Country
Race or Ethnicity
Gender
Profession or Role
Primary Interest
Other Interests