Articles tagged with Medulloblastoma
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital develop a strategy to identify 'light bulb genes' linked to medulloblastoma mutations, helping to predict which children will respond to new treatments. The approach could also be applied to other types of cancer.
The study found that the absence or presence of the Ink4c gene can help predict patient outcomes for medulloblastoma. Additionally, the collaboration between Ink4c and Ptch1 genes demonstrates the importance of gene dosage in mediating protective effects against tumorigenesis.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a heretofore unknown role for the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor INK4C in medulloblastoma development. The study found that Ink4c inactivation cooperates with mutations in Patched to stimulate medulloblastoma formation, even when p53 is intact.
Researchers discovered a potent Vitamin A derivative, ATRA, that suppresses growth and induces cell death in childhood brain cancer cells. The gene OTX2 is abnormally amplified in medulloblastoma tumors, which can be targeted by ATRA-based therapy.
Researchers developed a small molecule inhibitor of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, HhAntag, which completely eradicated medulloblastoma tumors in mice. Long-term treatment prolonged medulloblastoma-free survival without toxic side effects.
A pilot study demonstrates that detecting the presence of the ERBB2 protein in medulloblastoma tumor samples can help predict which children with medulloblastoma will require more intensive treatment. This knowledge can aid in minimizing lasting effects of therapy and increasing survival rates.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that retinoids killed medulloblastoma cancer cells, both surgically removed and grafted onto mice. The compounds trigger cell death by activating a protein called BMP-2, which is critical for cell death in the nervous system.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute found that a plant compound called cyclopamine effectively killed cultured mouse medulloblastoma cells and human tumors. The study showed promising results, with all seven tested human medulloblastomas responding dramatically to the treatment.
Scientists have discovered a new hedgehog blocker that stops medulloblastoma tumor growth and kills cancer cells in mice and human patients. The study provides hope for the development of new treatments for this deadly childhood brain cancer.
Studies found that agnoprotein and T antigen are present in 45% of medulloblastoma samples, with some containing only agnoprotein. The presence of these proteins suggests a potential link between the JC virus and brain tumor development.
A study of childhood brain tumors found that children born in late summer or fall were more likely to develop medulloblastoma than the general population. Researchers also discovered a link between longer symptom duration for boys and lower stage of disease at diagnosis, potentially affecting diagnoses and treatment.