Kennedy likely will receive the chemotherapy drug Temodar during and after radiation, Brawley said.

NPR: Doctors: Kennedy Brain Surgery a Success

Temodar is being used off-label to treat newly diagnosed patients, and extends the survival rate by eight weeks.

FORBES: Taking on a Monster

In one trial, presented at a meeting of oncologists in June, 23 patients who got the vaccine along with the established drug Temodar lived 33 months, compared with the 15-month median life span that would have been expected.

FORBES: Taking Aim at Brain Cancer