Research:
Researchers identify potential biomarker to distinguish two aggressive types of brain tumours in children Investigators at the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre have stated that it may soon be possible to identify Group 4 medulloblastomas --the most common malignant brain tumour in children -- from more aggressive Group 3 tumours. Research based on a little-explored part of RNA, which creates proteins, could lead to the development of better-targeted cancer treating drugs, according to investigators. The study is published in, Neuro-Oncology Advances.
Drug Target Link between Glioblastoma Stem Cells and Circadian Clock Proteins. A research team at Keck School of Medicine of USC, have demonstrated that circadian clock proteins may play a key role in glioblastoma growth and proliferation after current standard treatments. Their discovery, published in PNAS, has led to the identification of a small molecule drug, known as SHP656, which can target the clock proteins and may prove effective for treating glioblastoma.
Treatments:
Combination of three existing drugs extends survival in mouse models of lethal brain cancer A Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a combination of three existing drugs that significantly extends survival in mouse models of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Published in the current edition of Cancer Cell, the team demonstrated that a combination of drugs synergised to produce a potent therapeutic immune response against the tumour. These drugs; an antidepressant, an immune checkpoint blockade and a mouse analogue of a cancer therapy, usually offer no effect on their own.
Could MS drugs help treat ‘chemo brain’? Following treatments for a variety of cancers, approximately 50% of patients have reported long-term cognitive impairment. Patients with brain tumours have a higher risk of problems with memory and thinking. A team of researchers at Saint Louis University, MO, have uncovered a potential mechanism behind the neuroinflammation and oxidation that could lead to “chemo brain”. They have been awarded funding to investigate the repurposing FDA approved multiple sclerosis drugs, fingolimod and ozanimod, with the view to find a pharmacological intervention that could be used to treat affected patients. Their work is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Events:
BIMS Meningioma Symposium: Annual meningioma symposium will cover the latest advances in meningioma research.
Date: Saturday 15th October 2022, Location: The Spine Building, Liverpool L7 3FA.
Click here for the registration site.