Articles tagged with Brain Cancer
A new study has identified a previously unknown mechanism used by neurons to survive, which is also hijacked by brain cancer cells. The discovery may lead to new investigations of brain cancer treatments and provide insight into Parkinson's disease.
Brain cancer specialists argue that current science is guiding compromising care, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment approaches. They identify five misconceptions that lead to poorer care, including assuming all tumor cell types act similarly and neglecting important biological differences.
Researchers discovered that cancer-causing genes are transcribed in childhood brain tumor cells due to 'hijacked' gene enhancers. The study also found that epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the activation of these genes, providing new targets for treatment development.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation in PPM1D that contributes to the growth and death of tumor cells in brainstem glioma. This mutation may render radiation therapy ineffective, providing immediate clinical benefits and paving the way for new drug development.
A chemotherapy regimen after radiation therapy improved progression-free survival and overall survival in adults with low-grade gliomas by an average of 5.5 years compared to radiation alone. The study, RTOG 9802, also found better outcomes for patients with oligodendroglioma and females.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have defined potential treatment targets for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a previously incurable form of pediatric brain cancer. The team identified three subgroups of DIPG with distinct molecular features, providing hope for future patients.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai will investigate the potential links between air pollution and brain cancer, with a focus on three pollutants: naphthalene, butadiene, and isoprene. The study aims to determine if prolonged exposure to these toxins can cause molecular changes in the brain that lead to brain tumor development.
A study published in Molecular Neurobiology found that sodium butyrate reduces survival of cultured medulloblastoma cells and enhances expression of markers for a mature neuronal phenotype. This suggests the compound may promote cell death and favor maturation towards less malignant-prone phenotypes.
A recent study found that in K9 osteosarcoma samples, NOTCH signaling was elevated overall but aspects of Notch signaling were noticeably deactivated in the worst cancers. The researchers also discovered that HES1 protein expression was lower in aggressive tumors, contradicting previous expectations.
A Stanford-led study found that men diagnosed with azoospermia have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,200 infertile men, found that azoospermic men were nearly three times more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than non-azoospermic men.
A US study found that reducing unnecessary and high-dose pediatric CT scans could lower the overall lifetime risk of future imaging-related cancers by 62 percent. The research suggests that eliminating unnecessary imaging and lowering doses for the highest-dose scans could prevent thousands of future cancers.
A new molecular imaging technique, F-18 FET, has been shown to be highly effective in detecting and differentiating brain lesions in children, with an accuracy rate of 94%. This study improves the clinical management of pediatric brain cancer patients by providing more accurate information about tumor progression and treatment.
A large population-based study confirms a small increased cancer risk following CT scans in childhood and adolescence. The researchers found a significant increase in cancer incidence among exposed individuals, with the highest risk seen in children under five years old.
A virtual reality simulator called NeuroTouch provides neurosurgery trainees with valuable opportunities to practice essential skills and techniques for brain cancer surgery. The system uses 3-D graphics and haptic technology to simulate common tasks and tools, allowing surgeons to practice basic surgical skills.
A new probe developed at Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Dartmouth College helps surgeons differentiate between cancerous tissue and normal tissue in low-grade tumors. The probe reads how light travels through tissue, producing a straightforward answer as to whether the tissue is cancerous.
The Center for Cancer Support and Education in Arlington, Mass., will receive a $10,000 grant from ASTRO's Survivor Circle program to fund breast cancer, advanced cancer, and brain cancer support groups. The Center offers emotional support during treatment and recovery for patients and their family members.
A new PET imaging technique using an amino acid probe can predict the effectiveness of brain cancer treatment as early as two weeks after initiation, without requiring invasive biopsies. This method provides vital information about the body's response to therapy and has shown promising results in patients with aggressive glioma tumors.
Radiation exposure from CT scans in childhood may increase the risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer. A study published in The Lancet found that cumulative doses of around 50-60 mGy from 5-10 scans tripled the risk of these cancers.
A new study from Lawson Health Research Institute found that doctors treating brain cancer patients are unclear about reporting requirements. Only 41% of patients were advised not to drive, and only 30% were reported to the Ministry of Transportation, despite brain tumors compromising a patient's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
A study published in Cancer found that frequent dental x-rays are linked to an increased risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed primary brain tumor in the US. Patients who received bitewing exams or panorex exams on a yearly or more frequent basis were at higher risk of developing meningioma.
A study published by Johns Hopkins scientists found no substantial evidence that brain cancer blood vessels are composed mainly of cancer cells. The research contradicts previous claims about the composition and potential impact on treatment strategies for these types of tumors.
Researchers used Sendai virus to transport Quantum Dots into brain cancer cells, specifically binding them to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a marker often over-expressed in tumors. This technology could aid diagnosis and potentially lead to individualized treatment plans.
A UCSF team has developed methods to reveal a molecular marker in tissue samples from brain tumors that has been linked to better survival odds. Monitoring this marker could provide doctors with a better way to follow their patients after surgery and assess how they respond to recommended treatments.
Researchers found that shortening telomeres in cancer cells makes them more sensitive to radiation treatment, leading to faster cell death. The study's results may lead to safer and more effective combination therapies for pediatric brain cancers.
Researchers found over half of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors carried extra copies of specific cancer-linked genes, offering potential new treatments. The study, led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists, analyzed 43 DIPG samples and identified two key regulatory mechanisms disrupted in the tumor.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have created a comprehensive map of genetic mutations in oligodendroglioma, the second-most common form of brain cancer. The study reveals that CIC and FUBP1 genes are critical in tumor development and may hold the key to attacking this cancer.
A novel combined therapy has been developed to treat brain cancer patients with neoplastic meningitis, a devastating neurological complication. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly to the brain's surfaces while draining excess spinal fluid to alleviate pressure and improve quality of life.
Research published in BMJ Open found a strong association between contact allergies and reduced rates of breast, non-melanoma skin, and brain cancers. However, higher rates of bladder cancer were detected among those with contact allergies.
Brain cancer patients who exercise regularly live significantly longer than sedentary patients, with a median survival of 21.84 months compared to 13.03 months. The study provides evidence that exercise interventions may impact progression and survival beyond symptom relief.
A new study published in Bioelectromagnetics suggests that radio frequency exposure from cell phones does not increase the risk of developing brain cancers. The researchers found no statistically significant change in brain cancer incidence rates between 1998 and 2007, contradicting some previous studies.
Researchers discovered that IDH mutation leads to a metabolic battle between molecules ?-KG and 2-HG, contributing to cancer development. Bolstering ?-KG production could offer a new treatment option for patients with the mutation, which affects 75% of people with low-grade brain tumors and 20% of those with acute myeloid leukemia.
A study comparing photon-based and proton-beam radiation therapies found that photon-based therapy resulted in better long-term survival rates, particularly among younger patients and those with ependymomas. The research suggests a potential shift in treatment guidelines for spinal cord glioma patients.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found an arsenic-based agent already FDA-approved for a type of leukemia may be helpful in treating Ewing's Sarcoma and medulloblastoma. The drug inhibits the hedgehog/GLI1 pathway, which is also common in other cancers.
The study found that children with medulloblastoma have fewer genetic alterations than adult counterparts, which may lead to easier therapy development. Genetic changes in pediatric cancers are distinct from adult tumors, and understanding these differences is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that narciclasine, a natural compound in daffodil bulbs, markedly reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration. The study suggests that narciclasine selectively inhibits the growth of very aggressive cancer cells while avoiding adverse effects on normal cells.
Scientists have developed a new form of methotrexate as nose drops to treat brain cancer, showing promise in bypassing the blood-brain barrier. In initial testing on laboratory rats with brain cancer, the nose drop drug reduced tumor weight by almost one-third compared to injectable treatment.
Scientists have developed a new approach to deliver therapeutic genes into brain cancer cells, using chlorotoxin from deathstalker scorpion venom and nanoparticles of iron oxide. This method has shown promise in inducing nearly twice the amount of gene expression in brain cancer cells compared to traditional approaches.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology develop a system to excavate brain tumor cells by directing them away from their location in the brain to a gel-based 'sink' where they can be removed or killed. The goal is to improve survival rates and reduce toxic effects of treatment for pediatric medulloblastomas.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a crucial pathway in malignant glioma cells that can be targeted with existing cancer drugs, offering new possibilities for therapy. The discovery was made using genome-wide RNA interference screening and has implications for the treatment of this deadly brain cancer.
The Interphone International Study Group found no increase in brain cancer among users, but heavy users appeared at a higher risk. The study's inconclusive results were attributed to restricted access to participants and flawed ethics reviews.
A recent study found that childhood cancer survivors who had brain or central nervous system cancers, or leukemia, achieved lower-than-expected educational success. The study, which analyzed data from over 10,000 survivors, revealed significant differences in educational attainment between these groups and the general population.
Researchers have discovered genetic differences in pediatric brain tumors that can help explain tumor development and potentially lead to targeted treatments. The study identified a subset of malignant astrocytomas with specific genetic alterations, which may enable more individualized care for children with brain cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no significant link between increased cell phone usage and brain tumor incidence. The research analyzed data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden over a 30-year period, concluding that induction periods may be longer than previously thought.
A new study has found that long-duration exposure to formaldehyde used in embalming practices is associated with an increased risk of death from myeloid leukemia. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also found no associations with other lymphohematopoietic malignancies.
Researchers found that physical activity in adolescence was associated with a 36% lower risk of glioma, the most common type of brain cancer. Participants who were obese during adolescence had an increased risk of glioma, while height was linked to twice the risk.
Researchers found that whole-brain radiotherapy did not extend lives or improve independence in patients with limited brain metastases and stable cancer. However, it slowed cancer progression by five weeks and reduced the risk of brain-related deaths.
A new study has found that nearly three percent of healthy people have an abnormality on a brain MRI scan, raising concerns about the benefits of commercial brain screening. The researchers argue that there is limited medical evidence to support treatment for incidental abnormalities, potentially creating anxiety among patients.
Researchers have developed a targeted cancer treatment using nanomaterials that selectively kills brain cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The therapy uses titanium dioxide nanoparticles bonded to biological material and targets specific cell surface receptors on cancer cells.
A protein called Huwe1 normally functions to eliminate unnecessary proteins, acting as a tumor suppressor in brain cancer. Deregulation of Huwe1 function is involved in tumor development and may be an important factor in the development of brain cancer.
A multidisciplinary study using NASA's electronic nose found that it can detect odour differences between normal and cancerous brain cells, opening up possibilities for new diagnosis and treatment methods. The device has shown promise in detecting cellular trafficking, brain cancer metastasis, and stem cell migration.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a method to analyze changes in a tumor's blood flow and volume, allowing for early prediction of patient survival. The 'parametric response map' approach showed promising results in predicting treatment response earlier than traditional methods.
University of Washington researchers found a combination of nanoparticles and chlorotoxin, a scorpion venom compound, cuts brain cancer cell spread by 98% compared to 45% with chlorotoxin alone. The additive treatment disables machinery that allows tumor cells to change shape, preventing further invasion.
A new study of 20,000 MS patients and 204,000 controls found a 10% lower overall cancer risk for people with MS compared to those without the disease. However, this came at the cost of higher risks for brain tumors and urinary organ cancers, increasing by up to 44%
Researchers have discovered eight gene mutations linked to medulloblastoma, the most common childhood brain cancer. The study, funded by the Canadian Cancer Society, may lead to better drug treatments and improved survival rates for children with this disease.
Researchers have designed intelligent molecules that can recognize diseased cells, such as cancer cells, and trigger cell death only in their presence. This approach aims to reduce nonspecific side effects and improve therapeutic accuracy.
Recent studies suggest a possible link between long-term cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors, prompting a call for collaborative research initiatives. Scientists emphasize the need for definitive evidence to determine the risks associated with electromagnetic field exposure from cell phones.
Debra DeMella, a brain tumor survivor, received the 2008 Survivor Circle Award from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) for her dedication to helping others living with cancer. She founded Brainstormers, a brain tumor support group, and served on various boards to improve quality of life for patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified two types of cells in the brain that can give rise to medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The study provides critical insight into how cancers develop and may help develop more rational and effective approaches to treatment.
A veterinary neurologist is studying gliomas in dogs and people to develop more precisely targeted treatments. Researchers are using canine models to identify molecular similarities between human and animal gliomas.
Researchers discovered that astatine-211 can kill residual cancer cells without harming sensitive brain tissue, leading to longer survival rates among patients. The isotope's potency and short lifespan make it a promising treatment option for brain tumors.