Brain Tumors

CHICAGO (AP) - Scientists have found seven key genes in a type of brain tumor that can predict how aggressive a patient's cancer
will be.

The study looked at gene profiles of patients with high grade tumors, some with the deadly type of brain cancer believed to be
afflicting Sen. Ted Kennedy.

While hundreds of gene mutations may contribute to brain cancers, the researchers searched for the problem genes that drive
a tumor's growth. They found 11 "hub" genes and dozens of "hub-interacting" genes intricately connected to one another by
biological functions.

The researchers say the discovery may eventually lead to tests that predict patient survival and drugs that target the culprit
genes.

Another top researcher in the field says the new model helps explain which damaged genes are important and which are mere
bystanders.

The findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association.