Because brain tumors are located in the control center for thought, memory, emotion, sensation, and movement, their effects can be devastating.

Read below to find out more about different types of brain tumors, statistics, and the importance of brain tumor research.

Primary Brain Tumors

Primary brain tumors can be benign or malignant; in either case, primary brain tumors begin in the brain and can be life-threatening.

A tumor is classified as benign or malignant based on the behavior and characteristics of its cells. Classification is one major predictor of outcome. A “benign” brain tumor can be life-threatening because of its location or behavior.

Over 44,500 people in the United States and 10,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with a primary tumor in the brain or spine each year. (“brain” as used below includes both brain and spine). (1) Approximately 20,500 Americans are diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumors each year (3.) Another 24,500 Americans will be diagnosed with a primary “benign” brain tumor.

There are more than 126 different types of primary brain tumors, which complicates the development of effective treatments.

In the year 2000, primary brain tumor survivors in the US numbered almost 360,000. Of that group, 267,000 survived a benign tumor. (6)

Metastatic Brain Tumors

Metastatic brain tumors involve cancer that spreads to the brain from another part of the body, and are more common than primary brain tumors. All metastatic tumors are, by definition, malignant.

The incidence of metastatic brain tumors is not fully documented, but it is estimated that at least 140,000 people are diagnosed every year. (2) Metastatic brain tumors occur in roughly 25% of all cancers that metastasize. (2) Approximately 10% to 30% of people with cancer will have brain tumor metastases, particularly those with lung or breast cancer. (2)

Brain Tumors in Children and Young Adults

Brain tumors are the second most common cancer of childhood, and comprise approximately 25% of all pediatric cancers. (7) Over 3,400 children are diagnosed in the U.S. each year; of that, about 2,600 will be under the age of 15. (1) Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children; they are the third leading cause of cancer death in young adults ages 20-39. (7)

The types of brain tumors found in children are different from those in adults. Further complicating treatment is the fact that children's developing brains are more susceptible to damage from toxic treatments. Although more than 70% of children now survive their tumors, they are often left with long-term side-effects, including:

* Learning problems due to cognitive, neurological, and psychological changes.
* Vision and/or hearing impairments that can contribute to problems in school.
* Increased risk for second cancers due to the late-effects of treatment.

Treatments

• At present, standard treatments for brain tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (seperately or in combination).
• Only two new treatments for brain tumors have been approved in the past 25 years. (4)
• Treatment for metastatic tumors can include surgery and/or radiation therapy.
• Clinical trials determine if promising new approaches to treatment are effective in patients.
• Enhancing the quality of life of people with brain tumors requires access to quality speciality care, clinical trials, follow-up care, and rehabilitative services.

Mortality Rates

Mortality rates remain unchanged in the last decade. (5) For additional statistics, please refer to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States at www.cbtrus.org.

The importance of Brain Tumor Research and Data

Improving the outlook for adults and children with brain tumors requires research into their causes and better treatments for brain tumors. As stated before, only two new treatments for brain tumors have been approved in the past 25 years.

Complete and accurate data on all primary brain tumors is needed to provide the foundation for research leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, and investigations of its causes.

References

(1) CBTRUS (2005) Statistical Report: Primary Brain Tumors in the United States, 1998-2002. Published by the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, p. 9

(2) Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia: Metastatic brain tumor, Update Date 9/11/06. http://www.nlm.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/000769.htm

(3) SEER Cancer Stat Fact Sheets—Cancer of the Brain and Other Nervous System, 2007. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/brain_print.html

(4) Nitrosoureas 1970’s, Gliadel Wafer 1996, Temozolamide 1999 & 2005

(5) National Cancer Institute. A Snapshot of Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers. Last updated September 2006. http://planning.cancer.gov/disease/Brain-Snapshot.pdf

(6) CBTRUS (2005) Statistical Report: Primary Brain Tumors in the United States, 1998-2002. Published by the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, p. 10

(7) CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2007, Cancer Statistics, 2007, Volume 57, Number 1, January/February 2007, p. 59