Few years ago there weren’t many treatment options for people with cancerous brain tumors. Surgery and radiation were the most frequently used.

Chemotherapy is now an extra aid in this fight against malign tumors. But unfortunately, these treatments buy time, they are no palliatives. It was concluded that the biggest problem with brain tumors was the fact that cells of the malignant glioma spread swiftly in the brain and had the capacity to hide themselves. That’s why they are difficult to surgeon and extract.

However, there are doctors who go on researching, having faith in the possibility of finding an effective mean of partially defeating cancer. For instance, Dr Keith Black and his team at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles are struggling for years in this direction. Dr. Black created a brain cancer-fighting vaccine years ago and he is still testing it. According to a statement of his, 60% of the patients that are vaccinated have their immune system strengthened and this helps in recognizing tumor’s cell in the brain. This will surely increase the number of years patients with this affection survive after being diagnosed. Ten years ago, just 8% of the patients survived two years. As a result of the vaccine, 42% of the patients do.

The American Cancer Society assessed that 21,810 malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord would be diagnosed this year in the U.S. About 13,070 people will die from these malignant tumors.

Among people affected by brain cancer is Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who was diagnosed on Monday. Kennedy is the U.S. Senate’s second-longest-serving member. He was released from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Wednesday. Doctors say his body responded very well to the undertaken procedures.

“Senator Kennedy has recovered remarkably quickly from his Monday procedure and therefore will be released from the hospital today ahead of schedule. He will return to his home on Cape Cod while we await further test results and determine treatment plans. He's feeling well and eager to get started,” said hospital officials in a statement.

The condition of the Democrat senator will be further investigated. He will be treated by means of radiation and chemotherapy. This couple of treatment will slower or even cease the growth of the tumor. The main factor in Kennedy’s curing is the location of the tumor. If it is in a part of the brain that can be operated, the chances of surviving will obviously increase. Hopefully, senator’s courage will help him resist this exhausting fight with cancer.

"He's in a fighting mood. He is asking questions about what the choices are for him and [is] deeply involved in making all the kinds of personal decisions that any of you would," stated Sen. John Kerry, who visited Kennedy at hospital.