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Study reveals mechanism involved in rare pediatric brain cancer and points to possible treatment

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms of supratentorial ependymoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. By targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway and primary cilia formation, scientists discovered new potential treatments that overcame resistance to existing drugs.

3D model of brain tumor environment could aid personalized treatment

Virginia Tech scientists have developed a novel 3D tissue-engineered model of the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment to learn why tumors return and what treatments will be most effective. The model accounts for cell types, fluid flow, and other aspects of the actual tumor environment, allowing for easy testing of drug therapies.

SourceVirginia Tech·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2022

Investigational blood tests can detect multiple signs of brain cancer to help improve diagnosis and monitoring

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Researchers uncover unanticipated aspects of the genetic regulation of different brain tumors

A team at Baylor College of Medicine found that Sox9, a well-known transcription factor, affects brain tumor growth differently in various tumor types. The study revealed distinct mechanisms for regulating epigenetic patterns, which may lead to new possibilities for developing novel therapies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Molecule that combines three distinct technologies against most aggressive type of brain cancer is tested

Researchers have developed a molecule that uses nanotechnology, chemotherapy and a monoclonal antibody to target glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The treatment showed promise in isolated cells and animal models, with significant reductions in tumor volume and no increased toxicity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJun 14, 2022

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Epilepsy drug stops nervous system tumor growth in mice

Researchers discovered that neurons carrying a mutation in the Nf1 gene are hyperexcitable and suppressing this hyperactivity with lamotrigine stops tumor growth in mice. The study provides an explanation for why some people with NF1 lack optic gliomas or neurofibromas, highlighting the critical role of neurons in tumor biology.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for brain metastases

The new ASTRO guideline provides guidance on radiation therapy for brain metastases, including evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary planning and delivery of advanced techniques to manage intact and resected brain tumors. The guideline aims to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 10, 2022

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer

A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2022

Recurring brain tumor growth is halted with new drug

A new drug called abemaciclib has been shown to halt the growth of recurring brain tumors in patients with aggressive meningiomas. The treatment targets a common molecular pathway that enables cells to divide rapidly and come back after surgery, allowing researchers to predict recurrence more accurately.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Brain metastasis looking back in the mirror

Researchers created patient-derived models of brain metastases that recapitulate human disseminated disease, reflecting clinical manifestations and biological characteristics. These models can be used to test therapeutic value of different treatments and explore new approaches tailored to each patient.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Lockdown for tumour cells

A novel inhibitor has been discovered that stalls a critical enzyme inside tumour cells, locking them in place and preventing invasion into healthy tissue. The findings hold promise for the development of metastasis-blocking agents.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 20, 2022

Researchers have developed a Russian-language method for the preoperative mapping of language areas

Researchers have created a Russian-language protocol for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map individual language areas before neurosurgical operations. The study successfully validated the protocol in a control group, showing its ability to comprehensively map brain regions and reveal lateralisation of language function.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2022

Treatment which ‘switches off’ cancer cells and limits tumour growth, could make aggressive brain tumour easier to treat

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for glioblastoma, which targets 'kinase' proteins to limit tumour growth and improve existing chemotherapeutic drugs. This breakthrough therapy may provide hope for patients with aggressive brain tumours, offering a more effective and sustainable approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalOncogene·DateApr 7, 2022

Houston Methodist researchers identify an immunotherapy target to combat glioblastomas

Glioblastomas, the deadliest brain cancer, have evaded immune cells by promoting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Researchers identified S100A4 as a key molecule that can selectively target these immune suppressive cells. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to restore antitumor action in glioblastoma patients.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Spinal fluid sampling used to track treatment response in pediatric glioma

Researchers collected hundreds of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma, tracking changes in cell-free tumor DNA over time. The findings suggest that this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone, allowing clinicians to address aggressive brain cancer more effectively.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Youngest brain tumor patients have significantly poorer outcomes than older pediatric patients

Research led by Adam Green, MD, shows that the youngest patients with brain tumors (ages 0-3 months) have about half the five-year survival rate as children ages 1-19. The study analyzed population-based data for almost 14,500 children and found significantly poorer outcomes among the youngest patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2022

CNIO researchers design a drug screening platform compatible with patient biopsies to fight metastasis

Researchers have designed METPlatform, a drug screening platform compatible with patient biopsies, to investigate patients' own tumour tissue. The platform has identified new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for aggressive brain metastases, suggesting HSP90 inhibitors as potential treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2022

Magnetic seeds used to heat and kill cancer

Scientists at University College London have developed a novel cancer therapy using magnetic seeds guided by an MRI scanner to heat and destroy tumours. The therapy, called MINIMA, has the potential to precisely treat hard-to-reach cancers with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022