Kennedy has cancer

Storied senator diagnosed with malignant brain tumor

By Owen Boss

BOSTON — Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at Massachusetts General Hospital Tuesday, the tumor was detected after he was airlifted to Boston Sunday following seizure at his Cape Cod home. Dr. Lee Schwan, vice chairman of the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Larry Ronan, the senator’s primary care physician, said in a statement released Friday that Mr. Kennedy has had no further seizures since the original Sunday, that he remains in good overall condition and is up and walking around the hospital. The two doctors said that several of the original tests they had performed on Mr. Kennedy, 76, had come back inconclusive, but the preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left pareital lobe. Malignant gliomas are a type of brain cancer that are diagnosed in approximately 9,000 Americans annually, and are the most common type among adults. In their official statement, Dr. Schwann and Dr. Ronan said that the usual course of treatment includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy, but Kennedy’s treatment will be eventually decided following a series of more tests. According to press release, the average survival for patients with malignant gliomas can range from less than a year for very advanced and aggressive types —such as glioblastomas — to about five years for different types that are slower growing. In an official statement released Tuesday, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., took a moment to reflect on the profound amount service Mr. Kennedy has performed for so many people. “He has helped millions and millions of people, in so many ways, at so many different times, from countless big pieces of legislation in Washington to the most personal of issues,” said Mr. Kerry. “Now, everybody needs to pull together on behalf of Ted. We must pull for him and his family and remember that Teddy is one unbelievable fighter.” Mr. Kerry also commented on the strength that Mr. Kennedy gains from the support of his family and his country. “Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family have faced adversity more times, in more instances, with more courage and more determination and more grace than any family should ever have to face once,” said Mr. Kerry. “Over the weekend, I saw him and he’s in a fighting mood, and I’m confident that he will continue to draw strength from his tower of strength in Vicki, from each of his children and grandchildren, and from his unbelievably loving and caring family, both in Boston and from his extended family of Americans and people all over the world.” State Sen. Stephen Brewer, D-Barre, said that he heard the news of Mr. Kennedy’s condition in the Senate caucus and said it really took the wind out of all members of the House. “He has been just an enormous presence in our lives both professionally and personally since I was 14 years old back in 1962,” said Mr. Brewer. “He is as my study of history goes, probably the greatest United States senator in American history and I don’t give in to hyperbole very often.” Mr. Brewer added that although the odds are against him, he still holds out hope for Mr. Kennedy’s full recovery. “No matter what happens in our world, Ted Kennedy has always been right at the bow of the ship with his values and his principles,” said Mr. Brewer. “Ted Kennedy is a fighter and a champion, and if anyone can endure over this it is Ted Kennedy.” Congressman John W. Olver, D-Amherst, said in an official statement released Tuesday, “I am thinking of my friend constantly and will continue to do so throughout his treatment. My heart is with him and his family.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 5/21/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 121)