A cell-based cancer vaccine comprised of brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activity. BITCs are from the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell line GBM-6 and contain glioma stem-like cell-associated antigens. Upon administration, the BITC vaccine may stimulate a specific anti-tumoral cytotoxic T –lymphocyte (CTL) response against brain tumor cancer cells and brain tumor stem like cells, resulting in tumor cell lysis. BITC have unique antigenicity and have the ability to self-renew; vaccination against BITC antigens may kill these cells and may prevent tumor recurrences.