While I wish it weren't so, there is no cure for the type of cancer, malignant glioblastoma, from which Senator Kennedy is suffering. In short, it will kill him. Probably within 18 months.

At his age, it's likely he has glioblastoma multiforme, which is the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer. Already, it's growing back, because it is virtually impossible to remove all of this type of extremely aggressive glioblastoma.

He does have the best care that money can buy - which means he will mostl likely live longer than a relative of mine, who passed away recently from glioblastoma multiforme...just four months after the initial diagnosis.

Hope is all well and good - but it must be tempered by realistic expectations.

(Update - they removed "much" of the tumor NPR says. As noted, what is left is already starting to grow back.)