Articles tagged with Brain Tumors
A recent study found that women who take multivitamins early in pregnancy may reduce their child's risk of developing certain types of brain tumors. The protective effect was strongest when multivitamins were taken close to conception, with a weakly significant reduction in the risk of medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
A new approach to radiotherapy and chemotherapy has significantly improved the outcome for children with high-risk medulloblastoma. The study found that this adaptive treatment can cure over 70% of children with this disease.
Researchers have combined two therapies to enhance the immune system's response against brain tumors. The treatment, called dendritic cell-interleukin-23, promotes the function of dendritic cells and memory T-cells, providing initial and long-term immunity.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered how a chemotherapy drug aids an anti-cancer virus in targeting brain tumors. The study found that the drug slows immune cells' activity, allowing the virus to spread and kill more cancer cells. This may lead to new treatment options for incurable human brain tumors.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) identifies critical brain regions prior to surgery, leading to more effective tumor removal and reduced surgical time. In 49% of cases, surgeons altered their treatment plans after fMRI findings, with no reported neurological deficits.
A small subset of glioma cells expressing higher levels of VEGF promote tumor blood vessel formation, making them a potential target for new therapies against intractable brain tumors. Targeting these cancer stem cells may block angiogenesis and prevent tumor growth.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating gliomas, deadly brain tumors, by delivering radioactive iodine using a man-made version of scorpion venom as a carrier. The treatment targets glioma cells without affecting neighboring tissue or body organs and has shown promise in Phase I clinical trials.
Abnormal stimulation of a cellular trigger causes invasive tumor-like growths in mice, which regress upon removal. The study suggests a possible treatment for lethal brain tumors by targeting PDGFRá B cells.
Researchers found that missing portions of chromosomes can predict which patients will likely do better with therapy. Patients with tumors having deletions in chromosome locations 1p and 19q tended to live nearly two and a half times longer than those without such deletions.
Researchers develop a novel cancer vaccine delivery system using genetically modified Salmonella typhimurium that safely delivers antigens to the immune system, eliciting an immune response against cancer cells. Meanwhile, a DNA-based vaccine targeting tumor-associated fibroblasts significantly suppresses tumor growth and increases che...
Researchers have developed a new microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) technique that can deliver more lethal doses to tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The improved method uses significantly thicker microbeams and interlaces them within a well-defined target volume to increase killing potential.
Scientists discover a new compound, PI-103, that effectively inhibits the spread of brain cancer by targeting two separate steps in the signaling pathway. This dual blockade proves to be safe and effective in slowing down cancer cell proliferation in mice with human glioma cells.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting brain tumours during surgery using a fluorescent compound, which significantly improves complete tumour removal rates (65% vs 36%) and survival rates without tumour progression (41% vs 21%). The technique has been shown to be safe with no significant difference in serious side effects.
Researchers find that growth factor SCF promotes tumor angiogenesis by interacting with normal neurons, leading to worsened prognosis in patients. Decreased SCF expression improves survival in mouse glioma models, highlighting the importance of considering normal cells in cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified specific types of cancers that peak in incidence among teenagers and young adults, shedding light on potential causes. Infections, adolescent growth spurts, and hormonal factors are thought to contribute to the development of these cancers, with further research needed for conclusive evidence.
The BGEM Web site provides a growing collection of tens of thousands of images showing where and when specific genes are expressed during brain development. This information is linked to up-to-date data on genes, including their function, location, and DNA sequence.
Researchers found that donepezil significantly improved symptoms of short-term memory loss and mood changes in brain tumor patients who underwent radiation therapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests that donepezil may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with brain tumors and their treatments.
A study identifies molecular subclasses of high-grade gliomas that correlate with disease progression and prognosis. The subtypes resemble stages in neurogenesis, suggesting new insights for therapeutic intervention.
Gliadel Wafer demonstrates long-term survival benefit for patients with high-grade malignant glioma, increasing median survival to 13.9 months from 11.6 months. The treatment also shows a significant reduction in risk of death over the study period, with a 27% lower risk compared to placebo.
Researchers found that marrow-derived neural stem-like cells genetically engineered to produce interleukin-23 can track and destroy glioma cells, providing long-term immunity. This discovery offers a promising new therapeutic option for treating brain tumors.
A new study from the University of Michigan Medical School found that a particular surgical procedure, the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach, can preserve hearing in patients with small acoustic neuromas. The study examined 73 patients and reported a high rate of success, with three-quarters retaining useful hearing after tumor removal.
L2G7 successfully causes brain tumor regression and improves animal survival in pre-clinical models. The monoclonal antibody targets key tumor growth factor hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), promoting cancer malignancy.
Researchers found space-time clustering of glioma tumour cases in different geographical locations, consistent with patterns caused by infections. The study suggests a possible link between infection and brain tumours, potentially leading to future preventative measures.
Researchers found that people exposed to loud noise over several years were 1.5 times more likely to develop acoustic neuroma, a slow-growing tumor that presses the cranial nerve responsible for sensing sound and balance. Wearing ear protection was associated with similar risk levels as non-exposure.
A new study found that hearing loss from chemotherapy is common in children treated with platinum agents, with 61% of patients experiencing some form of hearing loss. The study highlights the need for improved reporting and awareness of ototoxicity to prevent long-term development issues.
Researchers developed a treatment that targets glioblastoma cells using epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), eliminating tumors in mice implanted with human brain cancer cells. The therapy showed no evidence of recurrence and remained effective for over a year, offering new hope for GBM patients.
Researchers found that up to 70 percent of the water inside rapidly growing bacterial cells was generated by metabolism. This challenge to prevailing wisdom may lead to new methods for detecting fast-growing cancer cells or studying metabolic changes in obese individuals. The study's findings use stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry ...
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 identified EGFRvIII and PTEN proteins as key factors in determining tumor response to EGFR inhibitors. These findings suggest that adjusting treatment based on genetic activity could significantly prolong life for glioblastoma patients and prevent unnecessary treatments.
A new therapeutic target has been identified in the inherited brain tumor disorder neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Fumagillin, an established drug, has been found to suppress the activity of MetAP2, which is abnormally high in NF1-associated brain tumors. This discovery may lead to new treatments for patients with NF1.
Researchers have discovered a novel treatment target in the protein EphA2, which plays a major role in the progression of brain tumors. The inactive form of this protein aids in cancer cell survival and spread.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have successfully treated 72 patients with metastatic liver lesions using precision radiation therapy. The treatment resulted in a median survival time of 13 months, showing promise as an effective option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Researchers have developed a nanoparticle that can identify brain tumor cells and selectively target them for radiation therapy. The particles, called functional metallofullerenes, have shown promise in preliminary experiments and may one day benefit patients with advanced brain tumors.
Treating four or more brain tumors with radiosurgery is safe and effective, translating to a survival benefit of up to 18 months for some patients. The study's findings suggest that tumor volume rather than the number of brain metastases should be used as a criterion for radiosurgery.
Researchers identified distinct genetic signatures and cancer stem cell populations driving different subtypes of ependymomas. These findings suggest individualized treatment approaches targeting specific cancer stem cell populations could improve outcomes for patients with these tumors.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed an alternative therapy to surgery for brain cancers. By engineering T-cell receptors with enhanced binding capacity, the approach aims to eradicate tumors with minimal side effects.
A new study has found that large sinus tumors can be successfully removed endoscopically, with a significant reduction in morbidity compared to traditional open procedures. The procedure involves using tiny scopes and cameras to remove the tumor, which was shown to have a lower recurrence rate than expected.
Dr Wayne Thomas will investigate the role of the sonic hedgehog signalling protein in medulloblastoma development and identify target genes that contribute to its formation. His research aims to improve treatment options and potentially prevent this childhood cancer.
Researchers identified two novel mutations in FGFR1 and PDGFRA, implicated in various cancers, suggesting potential for targeted therapies. The study aims to develop small molecules and antibodies to regulate mutated genes, offering new treatments for glioblastoma and other cancers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that pediatric brain tumor survivors experience significant long-term effects from radiation and treatment. The study, led by Paul Fisher, MD, surveyed 134 former patients and discovered that those who received radiation had a poorer quality of life than those who only ...
Researchers developed a large brain tumor model and tested a genetically engineered virus delivering two proteins to the brain. The findings show that combined RAdTK and RAdFlt3L gene therapy eliminated glioblastoma multiforme in lab rats, increasing survival rates significantly.
MR spectroscopy enhances breast imaging by identifying chemical compounds in tumors, leading to increased cancer detection rates (94-100%) and improved accuracy (57%). This adds value to existing MR exams, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.
A study published by Massachusetts General Hospital found that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective long-term treatment for kidney tumors, with success rates of 100% for surface tumors and 78% for central tumors. The procedure has been used to treat over 100 renal cell carcinomas in 85 patients with similar results.
A phase I study found that glioma patients who responded to erlotinib treatment had higher levels of EGFR expression and amplification. The level of phosphorylated PKB/Akt was also associated with response to erlotinib, as well as time to progression.
Researchers found that a vaccine targeting TRP-2 improves chemotherapy sensitivity in brain tumors. The study showed significant improvements in patient survival and tumor response rates compared to conventional treatments.
A new fluorescence device using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) has been developed to detect atherosclerotic plaque and brain tumors. The technique shows promising results in distinguishing between inflamed and stable plaque areas, as well as detecting tumor cells left behind after surgery.
Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and least curable form of brain tumors, may be targeted with new molecular therapies. Researchers identified a protein called Fra-1 that controls malignant features of brain tumor cells and a receptor for interleukin 13 that can be augmented by cytokines to increase treatment accessibility.
Researchers have found molecular changes in breast cancer that are similar to those occurring in brain tumors, providing new insights into disease progression and potential treatment targets. The study identified specific laminin isoform changes that coincide with blood vessel growth and metastasis in breast cancer.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can detect tumors using standard MRI equipment, allowing for earlier diagnosis. The particles can also deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly to malignant tumors, promising more effective treatment options.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein called Fra-1 that controls cancer cells' malignant characteristics and spread to healthy tissue. The discovery, made in glioblastoma brain tumors, suggests new treatment possibilities for multiple cancers.
A recent study published in Neurology found no evidence that cell phone use increases the risk of developing brain tumors. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 people with and without brain tumors and found no correlation between cell phone use frequency or duration and brain tumor incidence.
Researchers developed a functional diffusion map using MRI scans to track water diffusion in the brain, finding that changes predicted tumor response 10 weeks before traditional techniques. This method could spare patients from ineffective treatment and allow doctors to switch to more effective therapies.
Dr. Waldemar Debinski has developed a novel treatment approach for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, by targeting specific receptors on cancer cells. The therapy combines a form of interleukin-13 with a toxin that kills cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds that upfront treatment with radiation followed by chemotherapy can cure brain tumors in children over 3 years old, raising survival rates to 78% for two-year event-free survival and 89% for overall survival. The study shows promise for treating relapse cases using ICE chemotherapy.
A new study in JAMA found that over 75% of patients with malignant brain tumors underwent common procedures like radiation therapy, MRI, or surgery. However, the study also discovered that some practice patterns contradict published guidelines, such as the infrequent use of chemotherapy and anti-depressant medications.
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.
A new JAMA study found that brain tumor treatment varies greatly among patients, with inconsistent use of chemotherapy and anti-convulsant medication. The study also highlights the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as increased participation in clinical trials.
The study found significant variations in treatment practices for patients with malignant glioma, including differences in the use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and antidepressants. These variations were associated with differences in survival rates, highlighting the need for further investigation and potential improvements to tr...
Researchers found that K-RAS activation is a key factor in the development of tumors in neurofibromatosis 1. The study suggests that targeting K-RAS could lead to more effective treatment options for this genetic disorder.
Researchers found that new blood vessels and immune system cells are essential to tumor formation, making them promising drug targets; however, brain images used for diagnosis may not be informative.