A proof-of-concept study shows cerebrospinal fluid as a liquid biopsy for precise characterization and real-time tracking of medulloblastoma. Circulating tumor DNA analysis provides genomic insights into disease evolution, enabling more effective treatment strategies.
A new technology makes it possible to analyze all the tissue removed from a tumor in 3D without cutting, significantly increasing the reliability of diagnosis. This revolutionizes pathology and provides new insights into cancer development, potentially leading to improved treatment options.
Researchers at UCalgary's Clark H. Smith Brain Tumour Centre have made a breakthrough in combating glioblastoma by reprogramming the immune system to fight cancer instead of fueling it. By disrupting interleukin 33, a substance that recruits immune cells to tumours, survival rates increased from two months or less to over a year.
The study compared survival rates in patients undergoing surgery for brain metastases with conventional white light microscopy versus 5-ALA fluorescence microscopy. The results showed no significant difference in local recurrence or mortality between the two groups, but radiotherapy was strongly associated with improved survival.
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Researchers have developed a portable DNA sequencing technology to detect tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for rapid and reliable monitoring of high-grade gliomas. This approach overcomes traditional barriers to diagnosing and treating pediatric brain cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive surgeries.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a method to detect and monitor pediatric brain cancer using epigenetic markers in cerebrospinal fluid. The approach, which overcomes limitations of liquid biopsy, holds promise for giving clinicians real-time insights into treatment response.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a non-invasive liquid biopsy test that can detect genetic mutations in brain tumor patients. The test, which improved detection sensitivity by tenfold, has the potential to revolutionize glioma diagnosis and monitoring.
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Researchers found that chronic jet lag alters the microenvironment surrounding tumor cells, making it favorable for tumor growth, while hindering the body's natural immune defenses. This study adds to the growing scientific field of circadian disruption on health and wellbeing.
Pediatric brain cancer researcher Jezabel R. Blanco will receive a $300,000 grant to explore medulloblastoma, a subtype of brain tumor that tends to be particularly deadly in children under three. Her research aims to target the stem cell reservoir of these tumors and develop new treatments.
Researchers found that Brat tumors in Drosophila are highly oxidative, with increased oxygen consumption rates compared to normal brains. Oxidative metabolism plays a key role in tumor cell immortalization, driven by mitochondrial fusion and increased efficiency in oxidative phosphorylation.
Scientists identify how single gene loss fuels deadly childhood brain cancer by studying human stem cells and neural development. The study reveals that the loss of SMARCB1 leads to resistance to final cell differentiation and defect in maintaining normal cell health.
A Swedish study of 381 patients with low-grade brain tumors found that just 28% returned to full-time employment within a year. Factors associated with lower return rates included advanced age, functional level, and previous sick leave.
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Researchers at FEFU are working on genetically modified models of brain tumors to understand the role of IDH1 and TP53 gene mutations. They plan to create laboratory models of these mutations to develop new diagnostic markers and test antitumor compounds, potentially leading to personalized therapy for glioma patients.
A clinical trial found that patients with IDH-mutant high-risk LGG, regardless of codeletion status, receive a survival benefit from adding postradiation chemotherapy. The study supports the use of WHO-defined molecular subgroups in predicting response to treatment.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a small molecule compound that can activate the Wnt pathway in non-Wnt subtypes of medulloblastoma, making these aggressive forms of cancer more responsive to therapies. The study found that activating the Wnt pathway can function as a tumour suppressor in certain contexts.
The metabolic enzyme IL4I1 promotes tumor cell spread and suppresses the immune system, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. The study's findings may provide important information for the development of new immunotherapy concepts.
Researchers developed experimental drugs to lower alpha-ketoglutarate levels, which slowed cancer cell growth and extended mouse lifespans. Higher alpha-ketoglutarate levels were linked to epigenetic changes that kept genes vital for cancer cells active.
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Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University propose using plant-based hydrogels to grow tissues and organs, and as a delivery vehicle for highly toxic drugs. The hydrogels can suppress cell proliferation in malignant brain tumors and preserve neural stem cells' potential.
Researchers discovered that simultaneously targeting two energy-production pathways within cancer cells can help overcome the effects of a cancer-causing mutation in DIPG. In mouse models, inhibiting both pathways at once significantly improved survival rates compared to targeting each pathway individually.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a new tool to enhance tumor immunotherapy by blocking the TREM2 protein, resulting in complete elimination of tumors. A clinical trial could follow with existing anti-TREM2 antibodies already in trials for another disease.
Researchers developed a nanomedicine-based strategy for chemo-immunotherapy that eradicated PTEN-negative glioblastoma cells. The combination of epirubicin-encapsulating nano-micelles and immune checkpoint inhibitors increased tumor-infiltrating T cells and reduced immunosuppressive cells, effectively killing cancer cells.
Washington University researchers are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without incisions, using ultrasonic energy to target tumors deep in the brain. The technique involves injecting microbubbles that rupture, releasing biomarkers from the tumor into the blood for testing with a blood draw, called a liquid biopsy.
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A new machine learning approach, federated learning, enables hospitals to share patient data securely, improving the accuracy of brain tumor diagnoses. This technique has been successfully tested in a Penn Medicine study, which showed that it can outperform centralized models in identifying brain tumors.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that glioblastoma tumors may originate from a pool of stem cells located in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the brain, which is distinct from where the tumor becomes lethal. This finding offers potential new options for treating this aggressive brain cancer.
Researchers at Loyola University Medical Center identified common symptoms in pediatric acoustic neuroma patients, including hearing loss and vertigo. They also found that residual tumors in pediatric patients had a higher rate of regrowth than those in adults.
A pre-brain surgery test using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) accurately maps language centers in patients with brain tumors not involved in these areas. The method's accuracy varies depending on tumor involvement, but it shows promise for improving surgical planning and patient outcomes.
A study found that radiotherapy alters the behavior of immune cells, and reprogramming them with an existing drug can enhance its effects in brain cancer. The researchers demonstrated that combining radiotherapy with daily dosing of a CSF-1R inhibitor extended survival in mouse models of glioblastoma.
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A new PET radiotracer has been proven safe and effective in imaging malignant brain tumors with high sensitivity. The radiotracer targets αvβ3 integrin, which is overexpressed in glioblastomas, allowing for superior visualization of tumors.
A new study identifies a cancer cell hierarchy originating from a single type of cancer cell, which can be targeted to slow cancer growth. Rapidly dividing cancer stem cells are the earliest detectable cancer cells in the hierarchy and make a promising target for therapy.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created orthotopic patient-derived xenograft models representing a variety of pediatric brain tumor types. These models are molecularly characterized and available through a cloud-based data portal, enabling researchers worldwide to access them.
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Researchers at UVA Health System are pioneering a new technique using focused ultrasound to destroy cancer cells without generating heat. The approach, tested on cell samples in lab dishes, shows promise against glioblastoma and other difficult-to-treat cancers.
A highly sensitive blood test can accurately diagnose and classify different types of brain tumours without the need for tissue samples. This breakthrough has the potential to transform patient care by providing more accurate diagnosis, less invasive methods and better treatment planning.
A comprehensive survey reveals that bacteria are widespread in human tumors, differing by tumor type. Different tumor types harbor distinct microbiomes, with breast tumors displaying a rich and diverse community of bacteria.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich mapped immune cells in different types of brain tumors, revealing tumor-specific instructions for tissue-invasive leukocytes. The findings provide a basis for developing tailored immunotherapies for various types of brain tumors.
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The Ivy Brain Tumor Center is conducting a Phase 0 clinical trial to evaluate the combination of two targeted therapy drugs, abemaciclib and LY3214996, in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The study aims to confirm that these drugs can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and block cancer cell growth.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a new double-contrast technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging to detect small tumors in normal tissue. The technique, called two-way magnetic resonance tuning (TMRET), increases the signal contrast between tumors and surrounding tissue, enabling more sensitive detection of early-stage tumors.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys identified a promising immunotherapy combination that eradicates medulloblastoma in mice. By adding tumor necrosis factor (TNF), the treatment removes the 'invisibility cloak' from p53-mutant tumors, allowing them to be detected and destroyed by the immune system.
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A study found increased cancer risks in two regions of Switzerland, particularly brain tumors, due to localized factors. The research suggests a need for intensified search for environmental risk factors and separate consideration of different brain tumor subgroups.
Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) uses high-energy X-ray beams to target tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The research team has identified the optimal energy range and developed a precise measurement detector technique to ensure safety and effectiveness for human treatment.
A new study suggests that machine learning and AI in medical image reconstruction algorithms can result in myriad artefacts and major errors, leading to false positives and false negatives. The effects were typically not present in non-AI based imaging techniques.
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A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that brain tumors in children with NF1 are driven by nearby noncancerous neurons and immune cells. The researchers discovered that targeting immune cells slows tumor growth in mice, pointing to potential new treatments.
A new study uses AI to identify a specific genetic mutation in glioma tumors, achieved with over 97% accuracy. The technology could simplify the process of detecting enzyme mutations and deciding on appropriate therapy, potentially revolutionizing brain cancer treatment.
A study published in Nature found that glioma patients with hypermutated tumor cells did not benefit from checkpoint blocker treatments. The researchers suggest that approaches increasing cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration may improve immunotherapy response in gliomas.
Researchers found that advancing glioma cells desynchronize neuronal activity and blood flow changes, affecting neurovascular coupling and potentially leading to seizures. The study provides promising targets for disrupting tumor growth and offers insights into diagnosis and surgical guidance.
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A new optical imaging technology developed by Purdue University researchers may improve outcomes for patients with cancer and brain diseases. The technology uses contrast in light absorption to locate tumors and study neuron activation, providing more detailed information than current methods.
Gliomas alter astrocyte function, preventing the brain from removing excess excitatory chemicals, which can lead to seizures. The study found that scar-forming astrocytes surrounding tumors play a crucial role in this process.
A new study found that babies and young children with brain tumours tend to have better outcomes due to specific genetic weaknesses that can be targeted by existing drugs. Clinical trials are set to open to test the benefit of these precision medicines, offering a potential first-line treatment for infant brain tumours.
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Researchers have identified a hereditary genetic defect that disrupts protein production in children with medulloblastoma, a common malignant brain tumor. The study found that 40% of children and young people with this subtype of medulloblastoma have a congenital genetic predisposition for the disease.
A study published in Neuro-Oncology Advances suggests that chemotherapy can be effective against diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a devastating childhood brain cancer. Researchers found that the medicine reaches DIPG tissue in good quantities, offering new hope for treatment.
Researchers tested zika virus as a therapy for dogs with spontaneous brain tumors, achieving tumor reduction and longer survival. The treatment was well-tolerated and safe, with no adverse side effects.
A new Penn study found that imaging techniques, such as MRI, may help identify which glioblastoma patients are best candidates for liquid biopsies. The research showed a correlation between the blood-brain barrier and macrophage density with circulating DNA levels, suggesting the potential for personalized treatment decisions.
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A retrospective study found that patients who underwent regular surveillance imaging after surgery had similar median survival rates to those who only returned when they felt symptoms of recurrence. The results suggest less frequent imaging could improve patient convenience and reduce costs.
A new simple blood test developed by the University of Bristol could help doctors diagnose brain tumors earlier, using fluorescent carbon dots and nanophotonics. The test aims to detect biomarkers such as Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in blood samples.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic have developed a new method to determine the relative life expectancy of glioblastoma patients using AI, MRI scans, and genomic analysis. This approach identifies patients who could benefit from experimental clinical trials.
Brazilian researchers analyze gene expression in medulloblastoma tumors from patients, finding all subtypes express stem cell markers BMI1 and CD133. They develop a novel combination therapy using epigenetic compound HDAC inhibitor to reduce tumor cell viability and cancer stem cell formation.
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Scientists at Kanazawa University developed a novel method to detect invisible blood vessels inside tumors, which could help surgeons avoid hemorrhage during tumor resection. The new system uses a master-slave surgical robot with a force sensor that detects pulsation based on gripping force, even in soft and hard tumors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that combining TAK228 and trametinib may be more effective than either drug alone in decreasing pediatric low-grade glioma growth. The combination therapy also suppressed activity in key cell signaling pathways, reducing tumor growth and increasing survival in mice.
Researchers have found that a component of the Ebola virus can selectively target and kill glioblastoma brain tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this deadly form of cancer. The Ebola glycoprotein MLD helps protect normal cells from infection while allowing cancer cells to be targeted by the immune system.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a method to make tumor cells more responsive to immunotherapy. By promoting genetic mutations in tumor cells, they found that these cells become vulnerable to immune system attacks. The approach showed promise across different types of tumors and patient genomes.
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A retrospective study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that removing the non-contrast-enhancing tumor increases survival for adults with glioblastoma. Patients with IDH-mutant tumors who underwent resections of both contrast-enhancing and non-contrast-enhancing tumor had a significantly longer average survival time, around 37.3...