Brain tumour tablet "successful"

Pharmaceutical giant Novartis has revealed a trial of its Afinitor (everolimus) tablets has been successful in decreasing the size of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs), or benign brain tumours.

In the trial involving 28 patients, 75% experienced a reduction of 30% or more in the size of their brain tumours from baseline to six months.

The findings from the phase II trial of the medication, the first of its kind to treat brain tumours, were presented at the 46th American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.

Currently, brain surgery is the only treatment available to patients with SEGAs.

But the trial showed use of the Afinitor tablets decreased the size of the tumour, and no patient needed surgery or developed new SEGAs.

Following on from the trial, the company has submitted the treatment to be considered by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Hevre Hoppenot, President of Novartis Oncology, said: "Our hope is to offer these patients the first approved medication to treat SEGAs associated with tuberous sclerosis."