Expert talks breakthrough treatment for some brain cancer patients

JACKSON, Tenn. — Breakthrough treatment is available for those living with one form of brain cancer.

FDA approval marks the first targeted therapy for grade 2 IDH mutant glioma.

A glioma is a type of tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord, and the diagnosis can be devastating.

Patients with this condition are often young, in their 30s and 40s, and are otherwise healthy.

They are generally in the prime of their lives, starting families, building their careers, and planning for their future.

Gliomas with an IDH mutation are malignant and incurable brain tumors that continue to grow and relentlessly infiltrate the brain, even after surgery.

“With this new oral drug, the Voranigo, they’re able to take this pill, and it can suppress the tumor and, in the clinical trial, we actually showed that we can delay significantly the time for those next interventions, which would be radiation, surgery, or toxic chemotherapy,” said Dr. Katy Peters.

About 82% of all primary malignant brain tumors are gliomas.

Symptoms of glioma vary from patient to patient and can be affected by tumor type and location.

Both before and after a glioma diagnosis, patients may experience a wide range of symptoms including changes in mental function, seizures, speech difficulties, and more.

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