One of the most exciting options in research today is stem cell research. Scientists believe that this field has the potential to give researchers knowledge and understanding about all human diseases, including brain tumors. This research must be taken advantage of and utilized in order for scientists and physicians to provide the best, most effective care for their patients.

In its September 2000 report, the Brain Tumor Progress Review Group (BTPRG), an advisory group of extramural scientists, physicians, and patient advocates stated:

Brain tumors represent a unique challenge in that they affect the organ that is the essence of the "self." Furthermore, because each area of the brain serves a different but vital function, the therapy that is most effective for other cancers -- surgical removal of either the entire organ or the tumor with a generous surround of normal tissue -- cannot be used to cure brain tumors. Unfortunately, most brain tumors are relatively insensitive to other cancer treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy.

The North American Brain Tumor Coalition (NABTC) represents individuals with brain tumors, their families, and their friends. Its goals are to advance brain tumor research and ensure that brain tumor patients have access to quality health care. As the BTPRG report stresses, there are substantial obstacles to brain tumor research, and advances in the understanding and treatment of brain tumors have been limited. Because of the paucity of effective brain tumor treatment choices and difficulties associated with brain tumor research, the NABTC advocates that all responsible brain tumor research approaches be pursued. Only aggressive research policy holds the promise of improving the lives of individuals with brain tumors.

NABTC Recommendations:

The NABTC supports federal funding for research utilizing stem cells derived from fetal tissue or from spare embryos, which researchers say may hold special promise for treatment of neurological diseases. However, the NABTC proposes that this research be conducted only according to stringent standards established by the federal government. It is the hope of the NABTC that the stem cell research guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will not only govern federally-funded research but will also set standards for private research entities.

NABTC also supports use of adult stem cells, wherever possible. Use of adult stem cells should not preclude the use of embryonic stem cells, because the equivalence of their treatment potential is not yet known.