Brain cancer patients who received this pain medication lived longer, study shows

Brain cancer patients who received this pain medication lived longer, study shows

Scientists 'cautiously optimistic' about drug's potential to extend glioblastoma survival by up to 6 months

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadly type of brain cancer, is known to have a very poor prognosis — but a new study suggests that a pain-relieving drug could extend survival. (iStock)

A pain reliever and anti-seizure medication called gabapentin has been linked to improved survival in patients with glioblastoma. (iStock)

Glioblastoma claims the lives of around 14,500 Americans each year. The five-year survival rate is just 6.9%. (iStock)

The drug is often prescribed for off-label use to treat a range of pain conditions, studies show. (iStock)