Guide Note

Senator Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor shortly after being hospitalized on May 17, 2008 after suffering a seizure. Doctors in Boston said the tumor was located in Kennedy's left parietal-lobe.

On June 2, 2008, Kennedy underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor. He was released from the hospital on June 9, 2008.¹

Fast Facts

1. Usual course of treatment includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy
2. Originally experienced stroke-like symptoms
3. Later reported as seizures
4. Biopsy determined cause of seizures as brain tumor
5. Type of tumor: Malignant glioma, a type of brain cancer
6. Underwent brain surgery on June 2, 2008
7. Radiation and chemotherapy planned²
8. Average survival: for advanced and aggressive types could be less than one year, for slower growing types around five years

"His doctors are pleased with his progress since surgery a week ago, and he will continue to recuperate at home before starting the next phase of his treatment. He is thankful for the extraordinary care of the doctors and nurses at Duke, and also for the continued prayers and well wishes from the people of Massachusetts and all over the country."—Statement from Kennedy's office¹

"My dad's doing great. He's benefited enormously from the surgery he received and he's on his way home, and we're so fortunate that, you know, he's going back to the place that he loves. ... Always makes him feel great being near the ocean."— Patrick Kennedy¹