Your Path to Hope Resources

Astrocytomas are tumors that develop in your central nervous system (CNS) that grow from star-shaped astrocyte cells. They usually develop in your brain but can develop in your spinal cord as well. Astrocytomas can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).Astrocytes are glial cells (the type of cells that provide supportive tissue in your brain). Other glial cells include oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells. Astrocytoma is the most common glioma. A glioma is a tumor that forms when glial cells grow out of control.Healthcare providers use grades to describe different types of astrocytomas. They don’t use a staging system as they do for many other types of cancer.

Novocure was founded to provide patients with a new cancer treatment based on using alternating electric fields, when applied at specific frequencies, can disrupt cancer cell division and cause cancer cell death. This innovative treatment, Tumor Treating Fields, is a completely different approach to cancer therapy. What are TTFields?TTFields are electric fields that exert physical forces to kill cancer cells via a variety of mechanisms.Electric fields have different effects on the human body depending on their frequency, leading to diverse applications in healthcare such as microwave ablation, deep brain stimulation, and pacemakers.

For episode 08 of the Rare Enough podcast we share a conversation with Shane Brown, where we explore the groundbreaking innovations of GT Medical Technologies and more specifically, the GammaTile.What is the Gamma Tile?  GammaTile, created by GT Medical Technologies, is redefining brain tumor treatment. By delivering targeted radiation directly to the tumor bed during surgery, GammaTile minimizes exposure to healthy tissue, offering enhanced outcomes and reduced side effects for patients facing the complexities of brain tumors.

The book empathetically captures the emotional nuances of caregiving, validating the challenges and celebrating the strength and resilience of those in this vital role.

The book establishes a deep emotional connection, providing valuable insights into navigating healthcare challenges and addressing the emotional aspects of illness.

In the relentless battle against cancer, advancements in personalized medicine are shaping a new frontier of hope and resilience.

As a caregiver, looking back on my journey to Vancouver, CA to visit the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Conference with Head for the Cure was nothing short of extraordinary. 

In the age of digital connectivity and social media, the internet has become an invaluable tool for providing support and staying connected, especially for patients and their caregivers.

Brain cancer is a devastating diagnosis that profoundly affects patients and their families. The treatment of brain cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While these treatments are crucial for combating cancer, they often come with a host of physical and emotional side effects. Myofascial release therapy is emerging as a complementary approach that can provide significant benefits to brain cancer patients, helping them manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and support their overall well-being.

A $2.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute will help researchers overcome challenges in using engineered T cells to treat glioblastoma.