Brain & CNS Cancer

Brain & CNS Cancer: treatments, trials & survival

Brain and central nervous system cancers require specialized treatment. Explore treatment options, clinical trials, and the latest research advances.

New Cases (2024)
25,400
5-Yr Survival
32.6%
Annual Deaths
18,760
Trend
Stable
See active trials

About Brain & CNS Cancer

Brain and central nervous system cancers require specialized treatment. Explore treatment options, clinical trials, and the latest research advances.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, an estimated 25,400 new cases of brain & cns cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, with approximately 18,760 deaths. The overall 5-year relative survival rate is 32.6%.

Source: NCI SEER Data: 1975–2022

Treatment options

Current treatment approaches for brain & cns cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include:

1
Surgery (Craniotomy)
2
Radiation Therapy (including Gamma Knife)
3
Temozolomide Chemotherapy
4
Targeted Therapy
5
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)
6
Immunotherapy (clinical trials)

Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with a qualified oncologist. The options listed above are based on current clinical guidelines and may vary case by case.

Stages

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body and is crucial for planning the most appropriate treatment:

Grade I (Low grade) Grade II Grade III Grade IV (Glioblastoma)

Known risk factors

Understanding risk factors can support prevention and early detection. Known risk factors for this cancer include:

Radiation exposure
Family history
Genetic conditions (NF1, NF2, tuberous sclerosis)
Weakened immune system
Age

Not sure where to start?

A patient navigator familiar with brain & cns cancer can help you understand your options and connect you with top US hospitals. Free & confidential.

Active clinical trials

Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. The trials below are sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov:

Frequently asked questions

The 5-year relative survival rate for brain cancer is 32.6% overall. Survival varies greatly by tumor type and grade: low-grade gliomas have better prognosis than glioblastoma (GBM), which has a median survival of about 15 months.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Standard treatment includes surgery, radiation, and temozolomide chemotherapy. Clinical trials are exploring immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and novel approaches.
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) is a treatment using alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. The Optune device is FDA-approved for glioblastoma and has shown survival benefits when combined with temozolomide.
Yes, numerous clinical trials are investigating new approaches including immunotherapy, oncolytic viruses, CAR-T cell therapy adapted for brain tumors, and novel drug delivery methods that cross the blood-brain barrier.
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