Brain Cancer
Articles tagged with Brain Cancer
Mouth stem cells could help beat brain cancer defences
Researchers found that mouth stem cell proteins can slow down aggressive brain cancer growth, reduce tumour size and enhance chemotherapy effectiveness. The study suggests a new strategy to disrupt the body's defense systems against cancer.
Personalized vaccine shows promise against aggressive brain cancer
A personalized vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in treating glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer. The vaccine elicited robust and broad immune responses that appeared to increase recurrence-free survival in patients after surgery.
UCLA researchers help lead national effort to improve care for patients with glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that has seen modest improvements in survival rates over the past decade. Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are part of a national effort to develop more personalized approaches to care, combining advanced imaging and analysis of tumor tissue samples and blood test...
ASCO 2026 Tip Sheet - Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented several studies at ASCO 2026 exploring new treatment options for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and melanoma. These include velzatinib, a targeted therapy for GIST patients, and PRAME-directed T-cell receptor therapies for synovial sarcoma.
NIH-funded study suggests that testosterone suppresses brain tumor growth in males
A NIH-funded study discovered that testosterone may play a key role in limiting brain tumor growth in men by suppressing inflammation and stress hormone production. Analysis of over 1,300 men with glioblastoma found that supplemental testosterone was significantly associated with improved survival rates.
Aparna Bhaduri awarded Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for advancing glioblastoma research
Dr. Aparna Bhaduri receives $750k Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for her innovative glioblastoma research. Her advanced human organoid models reveal how tumors interact with the immune system and brain cells, driving tumor aggressiveness.
Brown Health researchers identify key molecule behind 'exceptional responders' with glioblastoma
Researchers discovered a powerful molecule called miR-181d that weaks tumors and helps the immune system fight back against glioblastoma. The study found that tumors in 'exceptional responders' contain higher levels of miR-181d, which blocks cancer cells' ability to repair DNA damage.
Study reveals dynamic interactions between brain tumors and immune cells
Researchers at DZNE discovered complex, situation-dependent interactions between glioblastoma cells and microglia in the brain. The study found that microglial activity changes as tumors spread, influencing containment and spread of the disease.
Newly funded projects to develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects for hard-to-treat cancers
Brain tumors: 3D experimental system to evaluate candidate drugs against glioma
Researchers have created a 3D experimental system to study the response of low-grade gliomas to drugs, providing a more realistic environment for testing treatments. The system uses organoids from pluripotent stem cells to replicate glioma development and characteristics.
AACR: Targeted drug delivery for colorectal cancer, COVID-19’s impact on breast cancer outcomes, AI in cancer diagnosis and more
UCLA investigators present new research on targeted drug delivery for colorectal cancer, COVID-19's impact on breast cancer outcomes, and AI in cancer diagnosis. These studies offer insights into overcoming drug resistance, enhancing immune responses, and improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
A single enzyme keeps neuroblastoma alive. Researchers just learned how to shut it off
Researchers discovered that neuronal nitric oxide synthase drives neuroblastoma through the mTOR signaling cascade. Treating cancer cells with a selective inhibitor called BA-101 collapsed tumor growth in mice with striking force, and silencing the nNOS gene also led to significant results.
Unmasking a hidden driver of glioma: CHKA teams up with EGFR to ignite the MAPK pathway
A study reveals CHKA and EGFR cooperate to activate the MAPK pathway, driving glioma progression. CHKA knockdown suppresses tumor growth, while EGFR overexpression rescues this effect.
An avatar to study pediatric brain cancer
A team of researchers has created a 3D model of pediatric brain tumors using biopsy-derived organoids, allowing for more accurate testing of new drugs. The model, which accurately reproduces the human environment, preserves the molecular characteristics of the original tumor and maintains cellular heterogeneity.
New discovery on brain metastasis reveals how tumors hijack immune cells to use them to their advantage
A recent study has revealed that brain tumors use a protein called MIF to reprogram immune cells, such as macrophages and microglia, to drive tumor growth. The researchers have identified a drug, ibudilast, which can block this process, slowing metastasis in animal models and fresh patient samples.
New discovery reveals hidden driver of deadly brain cancer
Researchers at Adelaide University identified CD47 as a critical mechanism driving glioblastoma growth and spread. The study found that removing or blocking CD47 reduced tumour cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, leading to improved survival times in animal models.
New alliance clinical trial aims to improve outcomes in brain tumors
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
The writing on the genes and the tumor’s power grid
Recent discoveries have shed light on gene expression control in tumor growth, revealing the critical role of epigenetic marks and genomic imprinting. The findings have significant implications for cancer treatment, as they suggest that disrupting the tumor's access to neural signaling may halt its growth.
UCLA researchers engineer CAR-T cells to target hard-to-treat solid tumors
The novel approach outperforms standard CAR-T cell therapy in preclinical studies using mouse models of glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Armored CAR-T cells eliminate tumors, reshape the tumor environment, and boost immune-cell activity.
Gibson Oncology, NIH to begin Phase 2 trials of LMP744 for treatment of first-time recurrent glioblastoma
Approximately 40 cancer patients will receive LMP744 for five consecutive days, with biological analyses conducted on brain tissues before and after treatment. If results are favorable, treatment will continue for 12 cycles to evaluate parameters such as progression-free survival and overall survival.
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards $3.2 million to innovative early-career scientists
The foundation awarded $400,000 over two years to five early-career researchers and continuation support to three current Innovators with significant progress on their proposed research. The recipients focus on developing targeted therapeutics, decoding dendritic cell function, defining NKT cell interactions with tumors, engineering T ...
Hearing loss contributes to cognitive decline after childhood cancer treatment
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that radiation therapy contributes to hearing loss in children treated for brain tumors, leading to greater cognitive decline. Children with severe hearing loss experienced a more significant decline in cognitive measures compared to those without.
Emerging scientist to explore new nanoparticle therapy for brain cancer
PhD candidate Michael Gomes is developing advanced nanoscale drug carriers to deliver chemotherapy more effectively to brain tumours. His research focuses on polydopamine nanoparticles and the glymphatic system to reach tumours directly, potentially increasing drug concentrations and reducing toxic effects.
Aggressive brain tumors build protective “sugar shield” to survive extreme stress
Researchers identified a previously unrecognized metabolic defence mechanism in aggressive brain tumours: a sugar-rich shield that protects tumour cells from ferroptosis. The study found that the sugar shield and lipid droplet storage mechanisms cooperate to evade cell death.
Virus-based therapy boosts anti-cancer immune responses to brain cancer
A single injection of an oncolytic virus recruits immune cells to penetrate and persist deep within brain tumors, inducing long-term infiltration of immune T cells. This therapy expands pre-existing T cells in the brain, leading to a therapeutic benefit for patients with glioblastoma.
New study shows how to protect the brain to prevent depression and cognitive impairment caused by whole brain radiotherapy
A new study published in Redox Biology found that an experimental neuroprotective drug called P7C3-A20 can prevent the negative side effects of whole brain radiotherapy, including memory problems and depression. The drug was shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect nerve cells in mice with WBRT-induced brain damage.
Discovery of unique brain tumor subtypes offers hope for targeted glioma therapies
Researchers have identified three unique subtypes of mismatch repair deficient high-grade gliomas, providing a clearer understanding of their development and behavior. The findings are helping guide more precise therapies and offer hope for a potential vaccine to target cancer cells earlier.
UCalgary study investigates the use of a common vitamin to treat the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma
A UCalgary study found that adding high doses of vitamin B3 to the treatment plan may help rejuvenate compromised immune cells to kill tumour cells. The clinical trial showed promising results, with 82% of participants free of cancer progression at six-months.
Biomarkers predict patients with glioblastoma who will survive longer after treatment with cancer-targeting virus
Researchers identified blood-based biomarkers that can help distinguish patients with glioblastoma who are most likely to live longer from novel treatment with an engineered oncolytic virus. The study found that adding an immune booster increased survival times and improved immunological fitness.
Scientists ID potential treatment for deadliest brain cancer
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a molecule that blocks the gene responsible for glioblastoma, a fast-growing and deadly brain cancer. The compound shows promise in preventing the invasive cancer from spreading through the brain without causing harm to healthy tissue.
Taming tumor chaos: Brown University Health researchers uncover key to improving glioblastoma treatment
Researchers identified a crucial factor that may help improve treatment for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and common forms of adult brain cancer. They discovered a small molecule called miR-181d acts like a master switch that controls how much MGMT is produced by each glioblastoma cell.
New AI tool helps doctors treat cancer patients after heart attack
Researchers developed an AI tool called ONCO-ACS to predict the risk of secondary heart attacks in cancer patients after a heart attack. The tool combines cancer-related factors with standard clinical data to provide reliable information for doctors to balance treatment benefits and harms.
Blood biomarker points to increased risk of brain metastasis in patients with inflammatory breast cancer
Researchers identified a targetable driver of brain metastases in inflammatory breast cancer, promoting tumor invasion and triggering brain inflammation via the CXCR2 signaling pathway. Targeting sEcad or the CXCR2 pathway may treat or prevent brain metastasis.
Pulling the plug on tumors: Varun Venkataramani receives Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Early Career Award 2026
Cancer cells tap into the nervous system's power grid by forming synaptic contacts with nerve cells, promoting tumor growth and spread. Venkataramani's research aims to repurpose the drug perampanel for glioblastoma treatment and develop gene therapy approaches to disconnect tumors from the nervous system.
Lab-grown organoids reveal how glioblastoma outsmarts treatment
Researchers developed miniature 3D tumor organoid models that closely mimic the human brain, revealing how glioblastoma interacts with surrounding brain cells and immune system. The models identified PTPRZ1 as a key regulator of tumor behavior, which helps determine its aggressiveness.
CtDNA levels after neoadjuvant therapy may predict breast cancer recurrence better than pathologic complete response
Researchers found that patients with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) positive after neoadjuvant therapy had a higher risk of disease recurrence, regardless of pathologic complete response. Patients who cleared ctDNA after treatment experienced improved recurrence-free survival.
Method developed to identify best treatment combinations for glioblastoma based on unique cellular targets
Researchers developed a new method to identify effective treatment combinations for glioblastoma by analyzing individual cell types and their gene expression signatures. This approach has the potential to personalize cancer treatment and may be useful for other cancers and diseases.
Blood analysis shows whether brain cancer treatment is working
Researchers developed a new diagnostic chip that can detect tumor cells in blood, allowing for real-time monitoring of brain cancer treatment effectiveness. The GlioExoChip uses extracellular vesicles to assess treatment response, providing a quick and minimally invasive way to inform doctors about chemotherapy efficacy.
World-first discovery uncovers how glioblastoma tumours dodge chemotherapy, potentially opening the door to new treatments
Researchers discovered glioblastoma cells use PRDM9 to survive chemotherapy and regrow tumors. By blocking PRDM9 or cutting off cholesterol supply, persister cells can be wiped out, improving survival in mice. This breakthrough offers new strategies for treating the deadliest brain cancer.
Study explores why some drug therapies are ineffective for brain tumor patients
Researchers at the University of Plymouth investigate why drugs used to treat other tumours are ineffective against NF2-related schwannoma and meningioma tumours. They explore repurposing clinically tested cancer drugs to target MDR mechanisms, which may lead to effective therapies for patients with these tumours.
MIT chemists synthesize a fungal compound that holds promise for treating brain cancer
MIT chemists successfully synthesized verticillin A, a fungal compound that has shown potential as an anticancer agent. The researchers then generated derivatives of the compound and tested them against pediatric brain tumors, finding that some were effective against cancer cells with high levels of EZHIP protein.
Breakthrough trial reveals promising therapy for aggressive brain cancer
A new combination treatment of eflornithine and lomustine has been shown to improve overall survival rates for patients with grade 3 astrocytoma by about 35 months compared to standard treatment. Patients with grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytoma or glioblastoma did not benefit from the new therapy.
Materials that match the brain: Rice engineer earns Sontag Foundation distinction
Christina Tringides' CHAMELEON project aims to develop soft, sensor-laden brain implants that can monitor and treat glioblastoma with greater precision. Her lab creates hydrogel-based arrays with conductive electrodes to track neural signals in real-time.
Scientists receive £2.8 million funding boost to advance research into low-grade brain tumors
Researchers at the University of Plymouth will receive a £2.8 million funding boost to accelerate new treatments for low-grade brain tumors. The center aims to deepen understanding and translate knowledge into life-changing therapies.
Clinical trial using focused ultrasound with chemotherapy finds potential survival benefit for brain cancer patients
A clinical trial found a nearly 40% increase in overall survival for glioblastoma patients treated with focused ultrasound and chemotherapy. The study also showed that liquid biopsy tests can detect cancer biomarkers, which are closely concordant with patient outcomes.
Nasal drops fight brain tumors noninvasively
Researchers developed a noninvasive approach using nasal drops to deliver potent tumor-fighting medicine to the brain, boosting the immune response and eradicating glioblastoma tumors in mice. The nano-sized medicine successfully activated the STING pathway and armed the immune system to fight the cancer.
A microRNA cocktail to weaken brain tumors
A microRNA cocktail has been developed to weaken glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain tumor. The formulation, comprising 11 different non-coding RNAs, slows the growth of cancer cells and enhances chemotherapeutic drug activity.
Solving a 70-year-old medical mystery surrounding a vasodialator may yield a novel way to treat brain cancer
A team at the University of Pennsylvania has solved the mechanism of action of hydralazine, revealing its potential to halt the growth of brain cancer cells. By blocking an oxygen-sensing enzyme, hydralazine can reduce intracellular calcium levels, causing blood vessels to relax and tumor cells to enter a dormant state.
“Cellular Big Brother”: 3D model with human cells allows real-time observation of brain metastases and paves the way for new treatments
A study led by Brazilian researchers has reconstructed the brain environment in the lab, revealing live interactions between cancer and healthy tissue. The 3D model allows real-time observation of brain metastases and has potential to reshape future therapies against metastatic melanoma.
Traces of bacteria inside brain tumors may affect tumor behavior
A study published in Nature Medicine found bacterial genetic and cellular elements inside brain tumor cells, potentially influencing tumor progression and treatment outcomes. The researchers also linked these bacterial elements to specific immune and metabolic responses in brain tumors.
Lower LRIG1 expression linked to aggressive gliomas
Researchers found that lower LRIG1 expression is linked to more aggressive gliomas, a type of brain tumor. The study suggests that LRIG1 could serve as a useful marker for tumor severity and potentially as a target for future therapies.
New Alliance clinical trial studies impact of exercise on cancer patients
The DEFEND study aims to assess whether virtual exercise sessions can be successfully delivered to patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Researchers will evaluate the impact on physical function, fatigue, and disability.
Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet for October 2025
Recent studies from Sylvester have uncovered links between breast cancer, Superfund sites and social adversity. Researchers are also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in interpreting mammograms more accurately.
New radiofrequency therapy slows glioblastoma growth and targets tumor stem cells
Researchers have developed a novel treatment approach using amplitude-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to slow glioblastoma cell growth and target tumor stem cells. The therapy shows promise in both laboratory experiments and clinical trials with two patients, demonstrating potential for treating brain cancer.
Repeated brain tumor sampling uncovers treatment response in patients with glioblastoma
A multi-institutional study found that serially testing tumor samples can detect immune system activation in recurrent glioblastoma even when traditional imaging measures cannot. The researchers used multi-omic analysis and integrated data from various sources to show positive changes in the tumor microenvironment over time.
Scientists create radiotheranostic approach designed to combat aggressive cancers
Researchers create novel antibody-based treatment that combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to target LRRC15-expressing tumors, slowing growth and extending survival. The approach shows promise in preclinical models by priming tumors for immune response and boosting immunotherapy's effectiveness.
Real-time biopsies uncover hidden response to glioblastoma therapy
Researchers have developed an innovative approach combining serial brain biopsies with multi-omics analyses to uncover dynamic changes in recurrent glioblastoma tumors. This breakthrough study reveals that CAN-3110 triggered powerful immune responses deep inside the tumor, which were invisible to standard imaging.
Glioblastomas affect much more than just the brain
Researchers found that glioblastoma causes skull bone erosion, alters immune-cell balance in skull marrow, and interferes with the body's immune response. The cancer was found to be more aggressive when treated with drugs intended to inhibit skull-bone loss.
NRG Oncology trial analysis shows improvement in survival outcomes for glioblastoma patients receiving proton therapy, trial moves to phase III
The proton therapy cohort of NRG-BN001 demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, with a 6.8% absolute survival advantage at 2 years. The results support the development of a phase III randomized trial to confirm these findings.