New web-based program to determine the lethal form of brain cancer

New web-based program to determine the lethal form of brain cancer -

A new web-based program developed by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer researchers Center will provide a simple, free way for health care providers to determine which brain tumor cases require testing for a genetic mutation

gliomas -. a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spine - are the most common and deadly form of brain cancer in adults, representing approximately 80 percent of cases of malignant brain cancer. In some of these cases, patients have a mutation in a specific gene, called a IDH1 mutation - and patients who have this tendency to survive years longer than those who do not carry the mutation

The program ( http:. //www.kcr.uky.edu/webapps/IDH/app.html), developed by British researchers Chen Li, Eric Durbin and Craig Horbinski, uses a statistical model to accurately predict the likelihood that a patient carries the IDH1 mutation and requires screening. Healthcare providers should answer four questions in the application.

Gliomas are often tested for IDH1 mutation after surgery to remove the tumor, but undergoing this type of testing often requires strict insurance pre-approvals due to rising health care costs, Horbinski said.

"Currently, there are no universally accepted guidelines for when gliomas should be tested for this mutation," said Horbinski. "Obtaining pre-approval for the insurance molecular test extra is increasingly common, and this program will help health care providers with a justification based on evidence when the IDH1 screening is needed. "

in addition, Horbinski notes that the program will contribute to conservation by helping researchers on brain cancer research funds shrink down that older specific gliomas in tumor banks - previously withdrawn within a time before IDH1 test was routine -. must be tested as data for research projects

Horbinski research on the program was published in the May issue of Neuro-oncology . the work was funded by a grant from the National Institute cancer, Peter Buck and Carmen Lucia training Program in Translational Clinical Oncology and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Physician Scientist Program.