On TV

About News 13

Community

Services

Marketplace

Image
The shuttle astronauts’ daily itinerary usually includes some funny space humor. Check it out for yourself on our News 13 Interactive blog.

Local Clinical Trial May Cure The Cancer That Killed Sen. Kennedy

Thursday, August 27, 2009 7:18:01 AM
Tools: | Print | Feedback | AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Additional Information

Reported By Christine Webb

ORLANDO -- Doctors at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have launched a new clinical trial to fight the type of brain cancer that killed Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

He had undergone surgery, radiation and chemotherapy since he was diagnosed with cancer in May 2008.

M. D. Anderson is only the second site in the world to launch this trial.

Elizabeth is one of the first patients in the world to have this treatment.

It's a novel approach. She's getting her head shaved so a device can be put on her scalp. That device will let electrodes emit directly on a patient's scalp fighting the tumor.

It puts a charge into the person's brain trying to break up abnormal bad cells.

"We are looking for those treatments that are less toxic," said Dr. Nicholas Avgeropoulos of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. "The patient wears a bag around with them that powers the electrodes all day long and they wear the device pretty much 24-7."

The patients still undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

There is no doubt it is a very serious condition with tricky surgeries, but Avgeropoulos said, "It seems to have fantastic results -- three to four times the results not even combining it with other chemotherapy."

The treatment has virtually no side effects. It is only being tested on adults.

Comment On This Story 

Subscribe to cfnews13.com!

AddThis Feed Button Use your favorite feed reader service and have the latest headlines delivered right to your computer!
Watch exclusive News 13 videos

Bright House Networks Travel Weather Now

Traffic Check

Stay In Touch News 13 Services Box 

 

Community Calendar

Community Calendar, as seen on Central Florida News 13. See what's happening in and around your home. Submitted events are considered for both on-air and on cfnews13.com

News 13 Partners

Bay News 9 CNN DBNJ Road Runner Orlando Business Journal Magic 107.7
Bright House Sports Network Central Florida On Demand