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Scientists enlist supercomputers, machine learning to automatically identify brain tumors

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...

Glowing cancer tool illuminates benign, but dangerous, brain tumors during pituitary surgery

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateSep 5, 2017

Anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent inhibits glioblastoma growth and radiation resistance

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 24, 2017

New research offers hope to neuro-tumor patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOncogene·DateJul 9, 2017

New brain cancer drug targets revealed

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.

Two combination therapies shrink melanoma brain metastases in more than half of patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 4, 2017

Treatment of malignant brain tumor in children gets closer

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.

Molecule stops fatal pediatric brain tumor

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2017