Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist will use a $9.2 million grant to develop new molecularly targeted drugs and drug delivery systems for aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma. The goal is to directly attack tumor mass and cells in surrounding areas, increasing therapeutic efficacy.
Childhood low-grade gliomas, the most common type of brain tumor in children, exhibit distinct biological differences driven by mutated genes. These findings may guide personalized treatments for individual patients and provide insights into developing more effective anticancer therapies.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is driven by two distinct subsets of cancer stem cells, each with its own transcriptional program and morphological characteristics. Targeting these cell populations using combined BMI1 and EZH2 inhibition achieves modest efficacy in solo treatments but synergistic results when used together.
A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin has created an accurate and efficient method to characterize gliomas, the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor. Their system combined biophysical models with machine learning algorithms to analyze Magnetic Resonance imaging data, achieving top results in a c...
Dr. Fine's laboratory uses cerebral organoids to model glioma growth and response to therapies, offering a more accurate representation of clinical disease. The award supports his personalized brain-cancer models, which may lead to precision medicine treatment strategies.
Scientists have identified 10 distinct diseases in deadly childhood brain tumours, each with unique genetic faults. The study found that some types can be treated using existing drugs or those under development, offering hope for more effective care.
A new study published in Nature found that highly lethal brain tumors stop growing when deprived of a specific molecule naturally produced when brain cells fire. Researchers suggest targeting the protein neuroligin-3 as a potential approach for treating high-grade gliomas.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that cutting off access to a signaling molecule can halt the growth of certain aggressive brain tumors. The team's findings suggest that interrupting the neuroligin-3 signal could be a helpful strategy for controlling high-grade gliomas in human patients.
Researchers discovered that disrupting DNA loops in glial cells can reduce NFIA expression and tumor proliferation. This finding opens a potential new approach to treating glioma, a deadly form of brain cancer.
A University of Colorado study found that blood tumor markers can predict lung cancer progression, allowing for earlier adjustments to treatment plans. Markers were associated with a 10% or greater rise in 53% of patients experiencing cancer progression, but not limited brain progression cases.
A new imaging tool using targeted fluorescent dye successfully lit up benign brain tumors in patients undergoing removal surgery, allowing surgeons to identify tumor tissue. The technique improved surgical outcomes, with a 73% gross-total resection rate and perfect concordance for post-operative MRI results.
Researchers used advanced brain mapping techniques to preserve musician's musical ability during surgery. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds new light on how music is processed in the brain and its importance for individuals like Dan Fabbio, who relies on music as his livelihood.
A €3.7 million project, AiPBAND, is training a new generation of brain tumor researchers in the EU and China. The four-year initiative focuses on gliomas, a devastating brain tumour type affecting 25,000 people annually in Europe.
Researchers at Lund University identified a specific marker (CD44) that interacts with protein HIF-2a, allowing cancer stem cells in glioblastoma to adapt to oxygen deprivation. This interaction enables the growth of more aggressive tumor cells, which are resistant to treatment and contribute to recurrence.
Researchers discovered that combining a novel drug MI-773 with traditional chemotherapy cisplatin destroyed salivary gland tumor cells and prevented recurrence within 300 days. This combination therapy showed promise in treating adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting 3,000-4,000 people annually.
The European Association for Neuro-Oncology has developed new guidelines to treat adult patients with astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas more effectively. The guidelines provide guidance on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment options, aiming to limit unnecessary treatments and costs.
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have identified two molecules, CD15s and CD62E, that play a key role in brain tumor cells binding to blood vessels. By blocking these molecules, it may be possible to prevent brain tumors from developing in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers discovered a novel molecular mechanism that maintains glioma stem cells, which are responsible for tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and tumor recurrence in glioblastoma. A small molecule inhibitor CMP3a selectively inhibits NEK2 kinase activity to promote tumor growth and radiation resistance.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of over 500 medulloblastoma patients revealed new mutations and genetic missteps, including two suspected oncogenes. The discoveries will aid efforts to develop precision medicines with increased survival rates and reduced side effects.
Researchers found genetically modified CAR T cells successfully migrated to and penetrated glioblastoma tumors, but triggered an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome resistance, existing immunotherapies targeting checkpoint inhibitors may be necessary.
A proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of nanoparticles in delivering molecules that target specific genetic markers in glioblastoma brain tumors. The therapy stops tumor growth and extends survival when administered continuously through an implanted drug infusion pump.
A research team has revealed intrinsic gene expression patterns of glioblastoma tumors, which could drive more effective treatments. The study found that tumor microenvironment cells contribute to the 'ecosystem' of hundreds of GBM tumors, influencing treatment outcomes and response to immunotherapy.
Scientists from the University of Plymouth have discovered that cellular prion protein is over-produced in schwannoma cells, contributing to tumor growth and patient prognosis. The study identified existing drugs that could manage this protein overproduction and potentially lead to an effective therapy for neurofibromatosis 2 patients.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to screen brain tumor cells and identify potential drug targets. The team found 57 genes required for cancer cell survival in the brain, but not in traditional laboratory culture, suggesting a new avenue for therapeutic development.
Researchers found significant dose-dependent changes in cortical neural networks after radiotherapy for brain tumors, affecting global network effects and cognitive processing.
Scientists have found that pericytes, strong contractile cells forming blood vessels, can also produce tumors and enable their spread. GT198, a gene normally expressing stem-cell like properties, becomes an oncogene when mutated, promoting cancer growth.
A new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain tumor, has shown promising results in mice by combining medications that disable two proteins. This approach could potentially extend or save the lives of patients diagnosed with this lethal form of cancer.
Researchers found that radiation therapy can alter neural networks and lead to cognitive decline in patients with brain tumors. The study suggests that the treatment may cause broader adverse effects, including thinning of the brain cortex and increased segregation between brain regions.
Researchers found weakened cytokine interactions in blood samples of people who developed glioma, a type of brain cancer. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center present two combination therapies that significantly shrink metastatic brain tumors in over half of patients with stage IV melanoma. The trials demonstrate the feasibility of conducting clinical trials for these patients and offer new hope for those with brain metastases.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that the enzyme ACSS2 enables brain tumors to thrive in a nutrient-deprived environment by converting acetate into a carbon-based food source. This finding offers new potential treatment approaches for this deadly disease.
Researchers aim to use Zika virus to target glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumour. The virus can cross the blood-brain barrier, sparing healthy tissue and opening a potential new way to attack the disease.
Mayo Clinic's new imaging technologies use computerized tomography scans to measure the firmness of brain tumors and how attached they are to normal brain tissue. This information helps surgeons plan the safest method for extraction, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers used PET/CT scans to determine the potential effectiveness of bevacizumab treatment in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The study found that non-invasive imaging can help predict therapeutic potential and toxicity, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that genetic dysfunction disrupts the balanced production of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves. This imbalance leads to nerve insulation defects and can cause conditions like neuropathy and nerve sheath tumors.
Researchers found that PID1 increases the killing effect of etoposide and cisplatin on medulloblastoma and glioblastoma cells. This study builds on previous work showing higher levels of PID1 mRNA in patients with longer survival times.
Scientists at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have discovered a promising target to treat AT/RT, a highly aggressive and therapy-resistant brain tumor, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The PLK4 inhibitor has been shown to stop tumor growth while sparing normal cells.
Mebendazole, a medication used to treat pinworms, shows promise in treating low-grade glioma brain tumors by crossing the blood-brain barrier more effectively than vincristine. The findings suggest a potential new treatment option that could prolong patient lives without severe side effects.
The Hope Through Hollis Fund at TGen will conduct a genomic study of the DIPG tumor that took the life of 7-year-old Hollis, aiming to develop new therapeutics for children with this rare and aggressive cancer. The fund will also support a collaborative strategy to 'move the needle' in developing fast advances in DIPG treatments.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a new process to improve the detection of cancer stem cells in brain tumors. The approach uses iron chelation to increase fluorescence levels, allowing for more accurate identification and removal of these cells. This breakthrough has potential to translate to clinical practice.
A massive meta-analysis of brain tumor data has identified 13 new genetic risk factors for glioma, doubling known risk factors. The study provides a better understanding of the disease and may help doctors diagnose high-risk patients early.
Researchers have identified two distinct glioma subtypes associated with specific genetic markers, expanding the understanding of glioma susceptibility. The study found that these genetic markers increase the risk of developing brain tumors, but each marker only provides a modest increase in risk.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that survivors of childhood brain tumors have more fat tissue overall, especially around the abdomen, compared to healthy children. This increased body fat may program their future risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, impacting their outcomes.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists shows that the histone writer enzyme Ezh2 can both suppress and drive the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma. Inhibiting this enzyme could be counterproductive for cancer treatment in certain situations.
Acquired mutations in IDH enzyme help gliomas evade immune system activation by suppressing T cell recruitment. Inhibition of mutant IDH enhances vaccine-based immunotherapy treatment efficacy in glioma-bearing mice, suggesting potential for combinatorial therapies to counteract mutation effects.
A new study found that an antibody targeting CD47 can effectively treat five types of pediatric brain cancer in mice, with no harm to healthy brain cells. The treatment, developed at Stanford, has shown promising results in preclinical trials and is expected to reach clinical trials in children with brain cancer in one to two years.
Researchers found that patients without the ZEB1 gene tend to have lower survival rates, as this gene regulates tumor growth. The study's results could lead to more accurate prognoses and personalized treatments for brain cancer patients.
Researchers have made a major step forward in understanding the molecular mechanisms of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumor in children. They identified a possible method for treating this type of tumour using an EZH2 inhibitor, which has shown efficacy in mouse models and human cell lines.
A new potential strategy has been discovered to personalize therapy for brain and blood cancers, targeting tumors lacking the protein PTEN. The approach combines two pharmaceutical-grade drugs to eliminate PTEN-deficient cancer cells, offering a promising new treatment option.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecule that stops the growth of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a fatal pediatric brain tumor. The study, published in Nature Medicine, reveals the molecule detaches proteins that enable cancer cells to grow, offering new treatment options for children under 10.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discover PGK1's dual role in regulating cell metabolism and autophagy, a cellular process crucial to tumor development and maintenance. The findings suggest that inhibiting PGK1-regulated autophagy may increase cancer treatment efficacy for glioblastoma patients.
Researchers compared stereotactic radiosurgery to whole-brain radiation for metastatic brain tumors and found that targeted therapy reduces cognitive decline and increases median survival rate by 218 days
A new study reveals that short fragments of circular DNA encoding cancer genes are common in cancer cells and contribute to their diversity. The research suggests that tumors with these genes on circular DNA are more resistant to treatments, making them harder to treat.
Research at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital found that specific brain cell subpopulations play a role in epilepsy. Astrocytes were divided into distinct subpopulations, each with unique gene expressions and functions. These subpopulations may contribute to brain tumor progression and seizure onset.
A new approach to surgical pathology in brain tumor patients uses stimulated Raman histology, improving speed and diagnostic efficiency. The method, tested in an operating room, produces accurate results faster than conventional methods.
A novel genetic defect in brain tumor cells has been identified by Yale researchers, which renders the cancers sensitive to a specific DNA repair mechanism. The team found that using an FDA-approved drug, olaparib, can cause a significant increase in brain tumor cell death.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a tumor suppressor protein in fruit flies that can help understand the development of malignant rhabdoid tumors in children. The protein, Snr1, was found to act as a tumor suppressor in an unconventional manner.
A new UCL study reveals that tumor growth exerts mechanical forces on blood vessels, compressing or collapsing them to block oxygen delivery. This can lead to uneven drug delivery and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a correlation between brain tumor cell origin and its growth rate, malignancy, and response to cancer drugs. The study found that tumors originating from immature neural stem cells were more aggressive and less sensitive to treatment than those from differentiated glial cells.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that genetic abnormalities can guide patients' treatment for pediatric brain tumors. The study analyzed over 200 tumor samples, revealing clinically relevant genetic changes in 56% of cases, which can impact diagnosis and treatment with approved drugs or agents.