Epilepsy drug prevents brain tumors in mice with NF1.

A study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that the epilepsy drug lamotrigine can prevent the formation and growth of brain tumors in mice with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the optic nerves. The findings of this study may lead to a clinical trial to determine if lamotrigine can prevent or delay brain tumors in children with NF1. The researchers propose a short-term treatment with the drug to reduce the chance of tumor development and the need for chemotherapy. [Extracted from the article]