A Snapshot of Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers

Incidence and Mortality

It is estimated that 22,910 new cases of primary malignant brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors will be diagnosed in the United States in 2012; of those, approximately 3,000 will be new cases of childhood malignant primary brain and CNS tumors.¹ The incidence and mortality rates for cancers that originate in the brain and CNS have decreased slightly in the past decade. Both incidence and mortality rates are substantially higher for whites than for people of other racial/ethnic groups. In all racial/ethnic groups, men have higher incidence and mortality rates than do women. 

Brain tumors are the leading cause of death from solid tumor cancers in children; brain and CNS tumors make up approximately 27 percent of all childhood cancers. The incidence rate of brain and CNS cancers in children has risen slightly over the past three decades, but the death rate has dropped over this period. 

There are few known risk factors for brain and CNS cancers, but several conditions may increase the risk of developing certain types of brain tumors: exposure to radiation, exposure to vinyl chloride, and having certain genetic syndromes. There are no screening tests for brain and CNS cancers. Standard treatments for brain cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Newer treatments, such as biological therapy and hyperthermia therapy, are being studied in clinical trials. 

It is estimated that approximately $4.5 billion² is spent in the United States each year on brain cancer treatment.

Trends in NCI Funding for Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers Research

The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) investment³ in brain and CNS cancers research increased from $148.2 million in fiscal year (FY) 2007 to $172.6 million in FY 2011. In addition to this funding, NCI supported $53.8 million in brain and CNS cancers research in FY 2009 and 2010 using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).⁴

Examples of NCI Activities Relevant to Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers

• The Tumor Microenvironment Network (TMEN) is exploring the role of the microenvironment—the cells and blood vessels that feed and support a tumor—in tumor initiation and progression. Network investigators are studying the interaction between brain tumors and the brain microenvironment.
• The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) researchers are systematically identifying the major genomic changes involved in more than 20 cancers using state-of-the-art genomic analysis technologies. TCGA researchers have discovered novel molecular subtypes of brain cancer, which was one of the first cancer types to be studied in the pilot phase.
• The Neuro-Oncology Branch is a joint program of NCI and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The Branch supports the development of novel experimental therapeutics for adults and children with primary brain and spinal cord tumors.
• The Integrative Cancer Biology Program combines experimental and clinical research with mathematical modeling to gain new insight into cancer biology, prevention, diagnostics, and treatments. Three centers are developing computational models for glioblastoma multiforme.
• The Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium fosters the development of international and interdisciplinary collaborations to improve the understanding of brain cancer etiology, prevention, and outcomes.
• Four brain-tumor-specific Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) are focusing on the epidemiology and treatment of adult brain tumors, including testing novel agents.

Selected Advances in Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers Research

• A large-scale study revealed an association between a gene mutation and abnormal telomeres in CNS tumors; understanding the mechanism that generates abnormal telomeres could reveal new therapeutic targets. Published June 2011. [PubMed Abstract]
• Researchers uncovered the detailed underpinnings of a signaling pathway that appears to be important for glioma formation. Published October 2011. [PubMed Abstract]
• Researchers identified a genetic abnormality that predicts which patients with oligodendroglioma, a rare form of brain cancer, benefit from chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Reported January 2012.
• A recent study of gliomas with a mutation in a metabolism gene points to a new avenue to explore as a potential treatment strategy for such tumors. Published February 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
• See this PubMed list of selected free full-text journal articles on NCI-supported research relevant to brain and CNS cancer. You can also search PubMed for additional scientific articles.

Additional Resources Brain and Central Nervous System Cancers

• What You Need To Know About™ Brain Tumors
  Describes possible risks, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for someone recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.
• Brain Tumor Home
  Information about brain tumor treatment, clinical trials, research, statistics, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.
• Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet
  A fact sheet that outlines the available evidence regarding use of cellular/mobile telephones and cancer risk.
• Adult Brain Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)
  Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of adult brain tumors.
• Clinical Trials for Brain Cancer

 

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• ¹ Cancer Brain Tumor Registry of the United States.
• ² Cancer Trends Progress Report, in 2010 dollars.
• ³ The estimated NCI investment is based on funding associated with a broad range of peer-reviewed scientific activities. For additional information on research planning and budgeting at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), see About NIH.
• ⁴ For more information regarding ARRA funding at NCI, see Recovery Act Funding at NCI.
• ⁵ Scientific Area Codes
• ⁶ NCI Funded Research Portfolio