While some brain tumors are treatable, many are a speedy death sentence despite the best efforts of physicians. A neurosurgeon may carefully cut out every sign of a brain tumor, but new cancer cells quickly arise to take the original tumor’s place. The cancer may even overcome toxic chemicals and intense beams of radiation, powerful weapons that kill rapidly dividing cells and suppress the growth of many tumors.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.