New Vaccine Targets Brain Cancer

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CBS) ― Abbott Northwestern Hospital is playing a key role in the development of a cancer vaccine. The concept is to give the immune system a super-boost, then unleash it on some of the toughest cancers. The scar on the back of Jim Scarpetta's head is fading on the surface. Inside, a battle is being waged. Two months ago, a large tumor was found in his brain. "This particular tumor is a very malignant tumor in the sense that it's a very aggressive tumor," said Dr. John Trusheim, a neuro-oncologist with Abbot Northwestern Hospital. It is very similar to the type of cancer Senator Ted Kennedy is being treated for. Surgery is standard to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Scarpetta's MRI scan shows that 90% of his tumor was removed, but neuro-oncologist Dr. John Trusheim said because this is one of the... [read full story]