Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds and Richard Blumenthal have introduced the Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, aimed at advancing research for brain tumors and improving treatment and care. The legislation seeks to capitalize on progress made in cancer treatments.

"For me, the fight against cancer is personal," said Rounds. "When my late wife Jean was courageously battling cancer a few years ago, we were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatments for many cancers." He expressed optimism about finding cures for deadly cancers in the near future. "The BRAIN Act will allow us to continue capitalizing on the progress we have made so far by implementing programs and funding that will advance research and treatments for brain tumors."

Lisa Fulton of South Dakota shared her personal connection to the issue through her late husband Brian's battle with glioblastoma. "After Brian was diagnosed with glioblastoma, his journey provided hope to a lot of folks in his community," she said. Fulton's husband was a rodeo champion who continued to persevere despite his diagnosis. She emphasized the significance of Senator Rounds' support: "Senator Rounds' support of this landmark bill means the world to those of us affected by this life-altering disease."

The BRAIN Act is cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso and Jack Reed, with companion legislation introduced in the U.S. House by Representative Lori Trahan.

Currently, over one million people in the U.S. live with primary brain tumors, but survival rates have not improved significantly over 45 years. The BRAIN Act aims to address this through increased funding and collaborative research efforts.

Key provisions include increasing transparency around federally-funded biobank collections, supporting early-phase clinical trials through the National Cancer Institute’s Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network, advancing immunotherapy research, conducting public education campaigns via the CDC, expanding care models for survivors, and ensuring FDA guidance on clinical trial access.