Brain Tumors
Articles tagged with Brain Tumors
Study finds cancer location determines how testosterone regulates tumor growth
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.
HSP90B1 promotes radiotherapy resistance in glioma
A study found that HSP90B1 upregulates in gliomas and correlates with poor prognosis and tumor malignancy. It enhances tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while protecting cells from radiotherapy-induced apoptosis by modulating DNA damage repair factors.
3D tumor organoids give brain tumor researchers new scientific opportunities
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed patient-derived tumor organoids that accurately reflect the biologic underpinnings of embryonal brain tumors. The models enable faster functional assays and preclinical drug testing without relying on newly obtained tumor samples, advancing the study of pediatric brain tumors.
Ependymoma fusion protein locks cells in developmental limbo
The study reveals that ZFTA-RELA exploits open regions of the genome to trap immature brain cells in developmental limbo. This finding may lead to novel therapeutic strategies to test, such as forcing cells past immature developmental states.
Researchers uncover distinct tumor “neighborhoods”, with each cell subtype playing a specific role, in aggressive childhood brain cancer
New research reveals that tumor cells in supratentorial ependymomas cluster into distinct neighborhoods, each with a specific role, such as proliferating or invading. Understanding these cell subtypes could help predict treatment response and inform targeted therapies for this aggressive childhood brain cancer.
Shared origins illuminate potential dependency across brain tumor types
Researchers found a set of light-sensing genes essential to pineoblastoma formation in the developing pineal gland. They extended the finding to medulloblastoma and retinoblastoma, indicating a common developmental state and potential shared therapeutic dependency.
New treatment may dramatically improve survival for those with deadly brain cancer
Researchers at the University of Southern California Health Sciences have discovered a new treatment approach that combines laser heat therapy with immunotherapy to improve survival rates for patients with high-grade astrocytoma. Nearly half of patients treated with this combination were still alive after 18 months, exceeding the typic...
Neurosurgeons are really good at removing brain tumors, and they’re about to get even better
Researchers have discovered a way to enhance awake brain mapping, allowing neurosurgeons to remove more cancerous tissue while minimizing disruptions to patients' quality of life. The new technique uses subtle changes in patient behavior to inform surgical decisions.
Targeted radiation therapy improves quality of life outcomes for patients with multiple brain metastases
A Phase 3 trial found stereotactic radiation targeting individual tumors improved symptom burden, cognitive outcomes, and daily function compared to whole brain radiation. Patients managed with stereotactic radiation also displayed better performance status and could remain more independent with everyday activities.
Classifying pediatric brain tumors by liquid biopsy using artificial intelligence
A new AI-powered algorithm, M-PACT, uses liquid biopsy to classify pediatric brain tumors based on DNA methylation patterns. The technology has been shown to achieve a high sensitivity rate of 92% in identifying brain tumors.
Targeted therapy shows promise against aggressive brain tumors, alliance trial finds
A national clinical trial found that abemaciclib, an oral cancer drug, may slow tumor growth in patients with aggressive meningiomas with specific genetic mutations. The trial showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 10 months and a median overall survival of 29 months.
Rice Brain Institute awards first seed grants to jump-start collaborative brain health research
The Rice Brain Institute has awarded seed grants to four collaborative projects that unite Rice faculty with clinicians and scientists across the Texas Medical Center. The grants support innovative research in brain science, mental health, and neurological disease.
Combination therapy shows potential to treat pediatric brain cancer ATRT
Researchers found that reactivating and maintaining p53 using idasantulin and selinexor significantly extended survival in ATRT and MRT mouse models, reducing tumor burden and increasing survival rates. The study's findings provide a strong rationale for investigating this treatment approach for rhabdoid tumors.
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.
Study captures how cancer cells hide from brain immune cells, shows that removing their “don’t eat me” signals stops their escape
Researchers have identified two proteins that allow cancer cells to evade destruction by brain immune cells, known as microglia. By removing these proteins, microglia play a key role in eliminating cancer cells during the early stage of their arrival in the brain.
Engineered virus boosts immune response against glioblastoma in preclinical models
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed a modified herpes simplex virus that stimulates the immune system to attack glioblastoma cells, increasing T-cell and natural killer cell responses. The virus, engineered to recognize markers found on glioblastoma cells, also increases overall survival in preclinical models.
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.
MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs
Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered bacterial genetic and cellular elements within brain tumor cells, potentially influencing tumor behavior. Inflammation may also drive the earliest stages of lung cancer, with targeting proinflammatory pathways emerging as a potential early intervention approach
New study reveals how brain fluid flow predicts survival in glioblastoma
A new study found that disrupted brain fluid circulation, even in regions far from the tumor, can forecast poorer survival rates in glioblastoma patients. The researchers used MRI scans to measure fluid movement and accumulation, revealing a link between impaired glymphatic function and shorter survival.
Brain tumor patients miss out on new treatments due to unequal access to tumor freezing and genetic testing, study warns
A recent UK study has highlighted the need for equitable investment and adoption of new innovations in brain tumor care. The research team found that genomic testing has expanded rapidly but many services are struggling to keep pace, leading to regional inequalities in access to advanced treatments.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study decodes clinical features of tumor in brain ventricles
Researchers analyzed 29 new and 22 previously reported cases of PCNSL involving the ventricles, finding different clinical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and vision impairment. The study suggests that despite its unusual location, ventricular PCNSL behaves like other forms of brain lymphoma, with a recommended treatment strategy...
Largest study on infant-type hemispheric glioma reports factors to guide treatment approaches
The study identified two major factors that improve survival for children with IHG: achieving a complete surgical resection and cancer-directed adjuvant treatment. Early surgery in infants was fraught with risks of bleeding and early oncologic death, highlighting the need for strategies to minimize surgical morbidity.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports advances in space-occupying cyst care
Researchers studied clinical features and treatment strategies for managing postoperative space-occupying cysts in brain tumor surgical sites. External drainage using an Ommaya reservoir or direct percutaneous puncture drainage showed favorable results, reducing cyst size and improving patient outcomes.
HKUST researchers uncover immune-hot brain tumor subtype with poorer survival and develop ai framework for precise identification
Researchers have discovered a previously overlooked brain tumor subtype with strong immune activity but poorer survival rates. An AI framework has been developed to assist doctors in accurately identifying this subtype, enabling more personalized patient care.
AI distinguishes glioblastoma from look-alike cancers during surgery
A Harvard Medical School-led research team developed an AI tool called PICTURE that can reliably tell apart glioblastoma and primary central nervous system lymphoma during surgery. The tool distinguishes between the two cancers with near-perfect accuracy, reducing errors in diagnosis and guiding critical treatment decisions.
Korea University study reveals hidden complexity in recurrent brain tumors
Researchers from Korea University mapped the evolutionary trajectory of meningiomas at single-cell resolution, revealing profound shifts in proliferative programs and tumor–immune interactions. The study identified COL6A3 as a central player driving recurrence and treatment resistance.
Researchers identify key metric in delivering focused ultrasound to treat patients with high-grade gliomas
Researchers identified a key metric, acoustic emission dose, to adjust ultrasound power and open the blood-brain barrier for delivering drugs in patients with high-grade gliomas. This allows for reliable treatment of brain cancer by bypassing the protective blood-brain barrier.
Researchers find link between history of traumatic brain injury and development of malignant brain tumor
A recent study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that adults with a history of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries are at a higher risk of developing malignant brain tumors. The study evaluated data from over 75,000 people and discovered a significant association between TBI and increased tumor development.
European study offers clearer picture of childhood brain tumor survival
A European study analyzed data from over 30,000 children with brain tumors, providing a clear overview of their survival outcomes. The study found that differences in survival rates between countries are smaller than previously thought, suggesting improved access to similar treatments across Europe.
A Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study compares surgery techniques for a challenging type of pituitary tumor
Researchers compared CECS and EES techniques for treating giant and irregular pituitary tumors. The study found that CECS resulted in a higher gross tumor removal rate (66%) and lower postoperative bleeding rates compared to EES.
MD Anderson Research Highlights for June 26, 2025
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including improved outcomes for elderly patients with IDH-mutant AML who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. Additionally, new targeted therapies have been approved as frontline treatments, while pre-surgical radiation therapy may offer an alte...
Many older women may have undetected brain tumors
Researchers found that 2.7% of 70-year-old women had meningiomas, a type of tumor on the meninges outside the brain tissue. The study emphasizes the importance of diligence and careful consideration in managing these tumors, which are often benign and grow slowly.
ASTRO updates guideline on radiation therapy for high-grade diffuse glioma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has updated its guideline on radiation therapy for high-grade diffuse gliomas, the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary treatment and addresses optimal radiation dosing, fractionation, and techniques.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study explores new treatment strategy for patients with glioblastoma
Researchers investigated the clinical outcomes of concurrent TTFields therapy with CRT in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, finding no significant difference in survival outcomes compared to adjuvant therapy. The study also showed comparable safety profiles for both treatment groups.
Dogs with meningiomas live longer with radiation therapy than surgery, Texas A&M researchers find
Researchers at Texas A">&M found that dogs with meningiomas live longer with radiation therapy than surgery. Radiation nearly doubles average survival time in dogs with brain tumors, while surgery had an average of about 10 months.
Researchers use nanoparticles to target glioblastoma in mice
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have created nanodiscs that can target cholesterol levels in glioblastoma, starving cancer cells and increasing survival rates of treated mice. The combined treatment with radiation therapy was able to preserve normal brain structure and elicited an immunological memory.
New research points out a promising strategy for treating metastatic medulloblastoma
Researchers discovered a novel line of communication between metastatic medulloblastoma and leptomeningeal fibroblasts, facilitating recruitment and reprogramming to support tumor growth. Disrupting this communication may offer a potential treatment opportunity for this devastating disease.
Research identifies key enzyme target to fight deadly brain cancers
Researchers have found that targeting PGM3 can help stop the growth of glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. By blocking this enzyme, tumors can be effectively suppressed.
Discovery of FOXR2 activation in various brain tumors refines diagnosis to improve care
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered FOXR2 activation in multiple pediatric CNS tumor types, including high-grade gliomas and pineoblastomas, with significantly different clinical outcomes. The study highlights the importance of combining molecular findings with other diagnostic approaches to improve treatment...
Two scientific researchers to receive 2025 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health
The Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health support research into vascular disease's impact on cognitive decline, dementia, and brain health. Researchers Hortense Triniac and Katy Walsh will study protein interactions to reduce stroke risk and investigate cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Triple therapy slows glioblastoma growth and extends survival in preclinical study
Researchers found that combining imipridones with radiation therapy and temozolomide slowed glioblastoma growth and prolonged survival in mice. The treatment also boosted immune responses and suppressed MGMT protein expression, making it more effective.
Pediatric high-grade gliomas: Research reveals effective targeting with avapritinib
Recent research reveals that avapritinib, a PDGFRA inhibitor, demonstrates potent activity against pediatric high-grade glioma tumors with PDGFRA alterations. Clinical trials in patients showed an initial clinical response and improved survival rates, suggesting the potential for avapritinib as a therapeutic option.
UT Health San Antonio-led research discovers a way to slow or block recurrence of glioblastoma
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered a way to delay or even block recurrence of the deadliest brain cancer after radiation by targeting senescent cells with experimental 'senolytic' drugs. This approach shows promise in preventing tumor growth and improving patient survival.
Classifying childhood brain cancers by immune response may improve diagnostics and treatments
Researchers developed a new diagnostic platform that classifies brain tumors based on the body's cancer-fighting immune response. The approach tailors treatment options to each patient's unique immune profile, offering improved diagnostics and potential for immunotherapies to revolutionize childhood leukemia treatments.
Study identifies key protein in progression of glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor
Researchers identified the prion protein as a key player in the progression of glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The study found that blocking the production of this protein using genetic editing reduced the ability of tumor stem cells to proliferate and invade tissues.
Study: suppressing key protein may unlock immunotherapy for Glioblastoma
Researchers found that suppressing ZNF638 triggers an antiviral immune response in glioblastoma patients, making them more susceptible to treatment. This finding offers a potential new treatment strategy for the disease, which has remained challenging despite recent advances in immunotherapy.
Promising new therapeutic approach for pediatric brain tumors
Researchers identified PDGFRA as a promising therapeutic target for pediatric high-grade gliomas. Inhibition of the PDGFRA signaling pathway leads to tumor cell death and has shown potential in laboratory and animal models, as well as initial clinical experience with avapritinib therapy.
Re-purposed FDA-approved drug could help treat high-grade glioma
Researchers found that avapritinib decreases aggressive gliomas in animal models and in an initial cohort of patients with high-grade glioma. The drug targets the PDGFRA gene, which is commonly mutated in this type of cancer.
New test identifies high-risk childhood brain tumours, improving treatment decisions
Researchers developed a new technique to identify aggressive medulloblastoma in children, allowing doctors to tailor treatments and reduce unnecessary side effects. The MYC test can be performed in any pathology lab worldwide, providing faster and more accurate care for young patients with brain tumours.
Genetic mutations linked to toxin exposure found in firefighters’ brain tumors
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers has found a link between genetic mutations and toxin exposure in firefighters' brain tumors. The study identified a unique pattern of genetic mutations, known as a mutational signature, in many firefighter samples, especially those who had spent more years firefighting.
UT Health San Antonio develops drug found to more than double survival time for glioblastoma patients
A new drug formulation called Rhenium Obisbemeda has been shown to significantly extend the median survival and progression-free time of glioblastoma patients, with a median overall survival time of 17 months. The treatment, which uses convection-enhanced delivery, shows promise as a potential cure for this deadly brain tumor.
Radiotherapy impacts survival differently in glioblastoma and low-grade glioma
A new study reveals that radiotherapy has opposite effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and low-grade gliomas (LGG), with GBM patients living longer after treatment. The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and molecular characteristics to improve survival outcomes.
Prescribing anti-swelling drug reduces immune response weeks after last dose
A new study finds that dexamethasone, a commonly prescribed anti-swelling drug, can significantly reduce the body's immune response to brain cancer for weeks after its last dose. This effect is stronger with higher dosages and may impact immunotherapy treatments.
Jumbled proteins paint a bold target on the backs of brain tumors
Researchers at UCSF have identified unique, cancer-specific proteins created through mistakes in RNA splicing. These antigens could be used to create potent immunotherapies that recognize and attack hard-to-treat tumors. The discovery offers new hope for glioma patients and expands the number of targets available for cancer therapy.
EMBARGOED: Study reveals activity of navtemadlin in glioblastoma, points to possible treatment improvements
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that combining navtemadlin with DNA-damaging chemotherapy can increase efficacy in treating glioblastoma. Navtemadlin activates the p53 pathway, killing glioblastoma cells more effectively than other treatments.
Landmark review maps complex interactions between sex hormones and neurological health
A comprehensive review published in Brain Medicine maps out the extensive influence of reproductive hormones on neurological health and disease. The study examines how sex hormones affect a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including vascular disorders, movement disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Three U of A Health Sciences researchers earn Career Development Awards
Three University of Arizona Health Sciences faculty members have received career development awards to support their research. Erika Austhof will study the role of weather and ecological drivers in salmonella transmission, while Kristin Huntoon will investigate a drug for treating glioblastomas. Celina Valencia will examine the link be...
Study maps new brain regions behind intended speech
Researchers identified specific non-frontal brain areas involved in speech intent, which can be used to distinguish between language production and perception. This study is a crucial step towards developing a brain-computer interface to treat patients with Broca's aphasia.