WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts is "recuperating well" from brain surgery and should be released within a week from Duke University Medical Center, his office said on Tuesday.

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"He is experiencing no complications, and has been walking the hallways, spending time with family and actively keeping up with the news of the day," Kennedy's office said in a statement.

Kennedy, 76, underwent surgery on Monday to remove a cancerous tumor and is expected to be released from the hospital in Durham, North Carolina next week.

"He looks forward to returning home to Cape Cod soon, and is thankful for all the prayers and well wishes," the statement said, adding that an update will occur when Kennedy is discharged.

Kennedy was diagnosed on May 17 with a malignant brain tumor called a glioma, which usually kills within three years.

There was no word when he would be able to return to the Senate where he was elected in 1962 to fill a seat vacated by his brother, President John F. Kennedy.

Widely viewed as one of the most effective legislators in Congress and hugely influential within the Democratic Party, Kennedy has been a key supporter of presidential candidate Barack Obama.

In his absence from the Senate, Kennedy has asked Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut to take the lead on some of his pending legislation, including a bill to upgrade insurance coverage of mental illnesses.

Dodd is the second ranking Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chaired by Kennedy.