BREAKING NEWS: Tests reveal Sen. Ted Kennedy has malignant brain tumor

by: Autumn Sandeen

Tue May 20, 2008 at 13:23:53 PM EDT

From the Associated Press:

Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumor in his left parietal lobe. Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma, they said.

His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy.

More at the link.

* Boston Globe: What kind of brain tumor does Kennedy have?

Sen. Edward Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant glioma. Here's the National Cancer Institute's explanation of the tumor:

Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumor, accounting for more than half of the more than 18,000 primary malignant brain tumors diagnosed each year in the United States. These tumors are the second-most common cause of cancer death in the 15 to 44 age group.

The outlook for patients with malignant gliomas is poor. Median survival for patients with moderately severe (grade III) malignant gliomas is three to five years. For patients with the most severe, aggressive form of malignant glioma (grade IV glioma or glioblastoma multiforme), median survival is less than a year.

Surgery is recommended for all operable brain tumors and is usually followed by radiation therapy. Several studies have shown that adding chemotherapy to radiation can improve patients' survival. In June 2004, after the completion of the current study, researchers announced that adding the drug temozolomide (Temodar®) to radiation therapy increased median survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme by about two months (see related story). This approach is now considered the standard of care for the initial treatment of these tumors.

* Boston Globe: Mass. General statement on Kennedy's brain tumor:

Over the course of the last several days, we've done a series of tests on Senator Kennedy to determine the cause of his seizure. He has had no further seizures, remains in good overall condition, and is up and walking around the hospital. Some of the tests we had performed were inconclusive, particularly in light of the fact that the Senator had severe narrowing of the left carotid artery and underwent surgery just 6 months ago. However, preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe. The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy. Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Senator Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis. Senator Kennedy will remain at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next couple of days according to routine protocol. He remains in good spirits and full of energy.

Some of you are a disgrace to this forum, and life is too short to waste cleaning up your messes.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

"The Senate is a family.  We are all concerned about the health of Senator Kennedy.  He is a friend, the model of public service and an American icon.

"And anyone who knows Ted Kennedy also knows that he is a fighter.  He has a work ethic like no other and has risen to every challenge he's faced - and we are confident he will rise to this one as well.  It's no surprise to me that when I talked with his wife today, she told me he is in good spirits and full of energy.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Senate family are with Ted and the Kennedy family.  We are not sure when he will return to the Senate, but we all look forward to his recovery.  Millions of Americans have benefited from the work of Ted Kennedy, and I know he's not done yet."

"Ted Kennedy is the greatest Senator in American history and a tireless fighter for America's families. I know that he will take on this latest challenge with the same fighting spirit, strength and courage he has always shown. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife, Vicki, and his family. I look forward to seeing him fully recover and working with him for many, many more years to come."

"The news about Senator Kennedy's health is disappointing to most Americans, and it is particularly sad news for those of us who've had the privilege of working under his leadership for Massachusetts, and for the goals he has championed.  I hope that the great fighting spirit that has helped him win so many tough battles will continue to serve him well, and I hope the knowledge that hundreds of millions - if not more - people around the world are pulling for him will prove a source of strength at this difficult time."

"Mr. President, we've heard the sad news about our friend Ted Kennedy.  Those of us who've stood by his side know that there is no better ally and no more determined fighter.  Now, as Ted Kennedy faces another great fight, we know that he will bring the same courage to the battle.  We also know that Ted has spent his entire life caring for those in need.  It's time for those of us who love Ted and his family to care for them and join in prayer to give them strength."