It used to be common that the diagnosis of a brain tumor would be fatal. Often inoperable, these conditions are tragic at best. However, the Cleveland Clinic is working on new strategies that could help improve the health of individuals. The research being conducted focuses on providing improvement for some patients facing the most devastating forms of this illness.

What Doctors Are Doing

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the worst with a 20 percent, five-year survival rate, which occurs in those under the age of 19. For those who are diagnosed later in life, the survival rate behind five years is below six percent. However, the research being conducted now focuses on offering these patients help. To do so, they are turning to experimental treatment options.

The Cleveland Clinic is one of just three facilities in the country running clinical trial testing on retroviral gene therapy. After having this procedure, individuals will then take an oral treatment for several weeks. There are a total of three clinical trials testing various vaccines to treat this condition, including those through the University Hospital System. These clinical studies have improved the chance of many people suffering from glioblastomas and have helped to lengthen their expected lifespan. Often, inoperable because of their location, people are not seeing improvements and adding years to their life as a result.

What Should You Do?

If you are interested in this treatment or any other experimental treatment, contact the Cleveland Clinic to learn more about ongoing procedures. It could be life saving.