Case History of Hank

Hank is a 43-year-old fire fighter who was in his usual state of good health until June of 2003, when he developed symptoms of progressively worsening numbness and paresthesias in the right upper extremity. At his local hospital he underwent a MRI scan of the brain which revealed a lesion in the left parietal area measuring 35mm x 26mm x 25mm (Figure 1). A needle biopsy at his local hospital reported that he had a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma. Hank was then referred to Dr. Linda Liau for possible resection of this lesion. He subsequently had a functional MRI scan which revealed that his tumor was directly adjacent to the primary motor-sensory area. This region of the brain controls movements and sensation of the right arm and leg. To avoid any damage to this sensitive region of the brain, Dr. Liau decided to remove the tumor while Mr. Zavaleta was awake, undergoing continuous motor, sensory, and language testing during surgery. On 6/23/2003, Hank's tumor was removed while his motor and sensory brain regions were carefully preserved.

The intraoperative pathology report revealed that the tumor was more aggressive than previously reported. His tumor was a glioblastoma multiforme (grade 4) -a malignant brain tumor with an average survival of only 15 months.

Due to the aggressive nature of the tumor, Dr. Liau and colleagues took a multidisciplinary approach in order to treat any possible remnants of Hank's tumor. His treatment included radiation therapy, chemotherapy with Temodar and Accutane, as well a brain cancer vaccine developed by Dr. Linda Liau herself. Hank was able to receive this promising vaccine by being enrolled in an experimental clinical trial pioneered by Dr. Linda Liau at UCLA. Glioblastoma multiforme remains a very aggressive disease, but today with a multidiscipinary approach and promising trials such as the vaccine immunotherapy, patients have more hope than ever before.

Four years later, Hank is doing great with his wife and two children, and has not had any recurrence or growth of his brain tumor. He continues to receive booster vaccinations under the care of Dr. Liau and colleagues. Hank and his family is an inspiration to UCLA Neurosurgery. His bravery both as a fireman and a survivor of an aggressive brain tumor, drives us every day to push the boundaries of research in order to deliver the best care and treatment for our patients.