https://brainharbor.org/researchPlain-language summaries of new brain tumor research and news, for patients and caregivers.enhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-review-of-plant-compounds-being-studied-for-glioblastomahttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-review-of-plant-compounds-being-studied-for-glioblastomaScientists reviewed plant compounds that might one day help fight glioblastoma, a fast growing brain tumor.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-faster-way-to-plan-boron-radiation-for-brain-tumorshttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-faster-way-to-plan-boron-radiation-for-brain-tumorsResearchers built a computer tool that plans BNCT radiation doses much faster.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-new-beam-setup-may-lower-radiation-to-the-brain-s-memory-areahttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-new-beam-setup-may-lower-radiation-to-the-brain-s-memory-areaA different way to aim whole-brain radiation gave lower doses to the brain's memory areas in test plans.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/rare-pituitary-tumor-treated-with-medicine-during-pregnancyhttps://brainharbor.org/research/rare-pituitary-tumor-treated-with-medicine-during-pregnancyA woman had a rare pituitary tumor while pregnant, and she and her baby did well.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/what-egfr-does-in-health-and-in-cancerhttps://brainharbor.org/research/what-egfr-does-in-health-and-in-cancerThis paper reviews what scientists have learned about EGFR, a cell receptor that can help drive brain tumors.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-look-at-how-egfr-gene-changes-differ-across-cancershttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-look-at-how-egfr-gene-changes-differ-across-cancersThis is a review of what scientists know about one gene that drives many cancers, including brain tumors.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/comparing-two-seizure-drugs-in-people-with-gliomahttps://brainharbor.org/research/comparing-two-seizure-drugs-in-people-with-gliomaThis trial compares two seizure medicines in people with a brain tumor called glioma.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/focused-radiation-after-surgery-for-grade-ii-or-returning-grade-i-meningiomahttps://brainharbor.org/research/focused-radiation-after-surgery-for-grade-ii-or-returning-grade-i-meningiomaThis trial is testing a short, targeted form of radiation given after meningioma surgery.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-whether-pesticide-exposure-affects-glioblastoma-treatmenthttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-whether-pesticide-exposure-affects-glioblastoma-treatmentThis study looks at whether past pesticide exposure changes how a brain tumor responds to treatment.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-tarlatamab-before-and-after-surgery-for-high-grade-glioma-that-came-backhttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-tarlatamab-before-and-after-surgery-for-high-grade-glioma-that-came-backThis study tests a drug called tarlatamab in people having surgery for a brain tumor that came back.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-digoxin-for-medulloblastoma-that-came-back-in-kids-and-young-adultshttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-digoxin-for-medulloblastoma-that-came-back-in-kids-and-young-adultsThis study is testing a drug called digoxin in young people whose medulloblastoma came back.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-vaccine-made-from-a-person-s-own-immune-cells-for-brain-tumorshttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-vaccine-made-from-a-person-s-own-immune-cells-for-brain-tumorsThis study tests a vaccine built from a person's own immune cells.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/smoking-may-feed-brain-tumors-by-using-a-brain-chemicalhttps://brainharbor.org/research/smoking-may-feed-brain-tumors-by-using-a-brain-chemicalIn animals, a normal brain chemical helped smoking-linked brain tumors grow.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-gene-called-rcn1-is-linked-to-worse-outcomes-in-gliomahttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-gene-called-rcn1-is-linked-to-worse-outcomes-in-gliomaScientists found a gene that may help brain tumors grow and resist chemo.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-review-of-cell-signals-that-help-glioblastoma-survivehttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-review-of-cell-signals-that-help-glioblastoma-surviveThis is a summary of past research, not a new treatment.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-that-outlines-brain-tumors-on-mri-scans-3696https://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-that-outlines-brain-tumors-on-mri-scans-3696Researchers built software that draws the edges of a brain tumor on MRI pictures.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-to-help-plan-radiation-for-brain-tumors-from-lung-cancerhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-to-help-plan-radiation-for-brain-tumors-from-lung-cancerResearchers built a computer tool to help doctors choose a radiation dose.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-reads-tumor-slide-images-to-guess-gene-activityhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-reads-tumor-slide-images-to-guess-gene-activityScientists built a computer tool that studies tumor slide pictures to guess how groups of genes are acting.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-review-of-how-cancer-spreads-to-the-brainhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-review-of-how-cancer-spreads-to-the-brainDoctors looked at how cancer cells from other parts of the body settle in the brain.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-protein-called-cd36-may-help-lung-cancer-spread-to-the-brain-lininghttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-protein-called-cd36-may-help-lung-cancer-spread-to-the-brain-liningIn cells and mice, blocking a protein called CD36 slowed lung cancer from spreading to the lining around the brain.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/brain-training-before-surgery-shifted-language-areas-without-harming-speechhttps://brainharbor.org/research/brain-training-before-surgery-shifted-language-areas-without-harming-speechA way to nudge the brain's language areas before surgery did not hurt speech or thinking.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-new-way-to-aim-proton-radiation-is-tested-in-ratshttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-new-way-to-aim-proton-radiation-is-tested-in-ratsIn rats, a new way of aiming proton radiation hit the tumor while sparing healthy brain.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-measures-childhood-brain-tumors-more-closelyhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-measures-childhood-brain-tumors-more-closelyResearchers built a computer tool that outlines a child's brain tumor on scans more closely than an older tool did.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-strong-mri-scan-may-help-show-a-brain-tumor-s-type-before-surgeryhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-strong-mri-scan-may-help-show-a-brain-tumor-s-type-before-surgeryA very strong MRI scan may give doctors clues about a brain tumor without surgery.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/scar-like-tissue-around-brain-tumors-slowed-fluid-flow-in-micehttps://brainharbor.org/research/scar-like-tissue-around-brain-tumors-slowed-fluid-flow-in-miceIn mice, brain tumors caused scar-like tissue that slowed brain fluid and kept immune cells out.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/why-some-brain-tumors-start-in-the-brain-stemhttps://brainharbor.org/research/why-some-brain-tumors-start-in-the-brain-stemA mouse study looks at why one deadly brain tumor tends to start in the brain stem.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/two-surgery-dyes-compared-in-glioblastoma-operationshttps://brainharbor.org/research/two-surgery-dyes-compared-in-glioblastoma-operationsSurgeons use dyes to see brain tumor better, and one dye was linked to more tumor being removed.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-score-to-spot-brain-spread-risk-in-digestive-cancershttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-score-to-spot-brain-spread-risk-in-digestive-cancersCancer spreading to the brain is rare in digestive cancers, and this study built a score to spot who is most at risk.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/snake-venom-killed-glioma-cells-in-lab-testshttps://brainharbor.org/research/snake-venom-killed-glioma-cells-in-lab-testsIn a lab dish, snake venom killed brain tumor cells but left healthy brain cells alive.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-drug-called-atra-helped-immune-cells-fight-brain-tumors-in-micehttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-drug-called-atra-helped-immune-cells-fight-brain-tumors-in-miceIn mice, a drug called ATRA helped tired immune cells keep attacking brain tumors.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/mapping-nerve-paths-before-brain-radiation-may-protect-movementhttps://brainharbor.org/research/mapping-nerve-paths-before-brain-radiation-may-protect-movementSpecial brain scans that map nerve paths may help patients avoid weakness after focused radiation.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-tiny-drug-carrier-slowed-brain-tumor-growth-in-early-lab-testshttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-tiny-drug-carrier-slowed-brain-tumor-growth-in-early-lab-testsScientists built a very small particle that carries two drugs into brain tumors.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/lab-study-tests-resveratrol-with-a-cancer-killing-virus-for-dipghttps://brainharbor.org/research/lab-study-tests-resveratrol-with-a-cancer-killing-virus-for-dipgIn lab dishes, a plant compound helped a tumor-killing virus destroy more DIPG cells.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-that-studies-gene-activity-in-brain-tumor-cellshttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-that-studies-gene-activity-in-brain-tumor-cellsScientists built a better computer tool to study how genes act in brain tumors.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-whether-expert-team-reviews-help-adults-with-cancer-that-spread-to-the-bhttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-whether-expert-team-reviews-help-adults-with-cancer-that-spread-to-the-bThis study asks if a team of brain cancer experts reviewing your case leads to better care.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-drug-switched-on-by-sound-waves-for-glioblastoma-that-came-back-or-is-growinghttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-drug-switched-on-by-sound-waves-for-glioblastoma-that-came-back-or-is-growingThis study tests a drug that is turned on by focused sound waves aimed at the tumor.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/focused-radiation-before-brain-surgery-or-after-it-for-cancer-that-has-spread-tohttps://brainharbor.org/research/focused-radiation-before-brain-surgery-or-after-it-for-cancer-that-has-spread-toThis study compares giving focused radiation before brain surgery with giving it after.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-study-of-ty-9591-for-lung-cancer-that-has-spread-to-the-brainhttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-study-of-ty-9591-for-lung-cancer-that-has-spread-to-the-brainThis study tests a drug called TY-9591 in people whose lung cancer has spread to the brain.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-a-treatment-plan-for-children-and-young-adults-with-nggct-brain-tumorshttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-a-treatment-plan-for-children-and-young-adults-with-nggct-brain-tumorsThis trial tests how to match chemotherapy and radiation to how well a tumor responds to early treatment.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/radiation-after-surgery-or-close-watching-for-low-risk-meningiomahttps://brainharbor.org/research/radiation-after-surgery-or-close-watching-for-low-risk-meningiomaThis trial tests whether radiation after surgery helps more than close watching.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-nst-628-in-adults-with-grade-4-glioma-that-came-backhttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-nst-628-in-adults-with-grade-4-glioma-that-came-backThis study tests a drug called NST-628 in adults whose grade 4 glioma has returned.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-changed-immune-cells-for-glioblastoma-that-has-come-backhttps://brainharbor.org/research/testing-changed-immune-cells-for-glioblastoma-that-has-come-backThis trial tests changed immune cells in people whose glioblastoma has come back.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-lab-signal-called-il-12-helped-immune-cells-keep-attacking-brain-tumor-cellshttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-lab-signal-called-il-12-helped-immune-cells-keep-attacking-brain-tumor-cellsIn lab dishes, adding IL-12 helped worn out immune cells go back to killing glioblastoma cells.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/blocking-three-targets-at-once-helped-mice-with-brain-tumorshttps://brainharbor.org/research/blocking-three-targets-at-once-helped-mice-with-brain-tumorsIn mice, a three drug combo helped the immune system attack glioblastoma.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/why-some-brain-tumor-cells-survive-virus-treatmenthttps://brainharbor.org/research/why-some-brain-tumor-cells-survive-virus-treatmentLab tests found some clues about why viruses made to kill glioblastoma cells sometimes fail.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/new-ways-to-carry-a-cancer-drug-to-solid-tumorshttps://brainharbor.org/research/new-ways-to-carry-a-cancer-drug-to-solid-tumorsScientists are testing tiny carriers to help a cancer drug reach solid tumors, but only in labs and animals so far.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/surgery-through-the-eye-socket-to-reach-lesions-deep-in-the-temporal-lobehttps://brainharbor.org/research/surgery-through-the-eye-socket-to-reach-lesions-deep-in-the-temporal-lobeDoctors looked at a newer surgery that reaches some brain lesions through the eye socket.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/some-brain-tumors-that-spread-show-a-bright-rim-on-scanshttps://brainharbor.org/research/some-brain-tumors-that-spread-show-a-bright-rim-on-scansA few brain tumors show a bright ring around their edge on MRI scans.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-blends-mri-scans-to-help-judge-tumor-gradehttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-computer-tool-blends-mri-scans-to-help-judge-tumor-gradeResearchers used a computer tool to blend MRI scans and sort tumors by grade.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-brain-scan-tool-may-help-tell-two-glioma-types-aparthttps://brainharbor.org/research/a-brain-scan-tool-may-help-tell-two-glioma-types-apartDoctors may be able to use MRI scans to spot a rare glioma type before surgery.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT