Weekly pick of Neuroscience news from around the world

1 min read

A new study gives insight into how immunotherapies, treatments that help the body's immune system fight cancer, might one day be delivered directly to the brain in order to treat brain tumours. 

One of the most difficult challenges in treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumours is that few drugs can pass through the blood-brain barrier. Scientists at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles have developed a system to circumvent this hurdle - one that combines a powerful immuno-oncology drug with a polymer-based delivery vehicle that can cross the blood-brain barrier

Work is being undertaken to target tumour stem cells which are left behind after surgery to stop them supporting the regrowth of a tumour.

Crossing the blood-brain barrier is a key goal of research into brain tumours; this study shows that the authors of a particular project were able to create a concentration that was effective in achieving this.

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma is one of the most common and survivable brain cancers in children. However, for some, this type of brain tumour can become deadly. Scientists are exploring how they can stop this cancer recurring.

A unique pathway for treating Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG) has been discovered. 

It can be difficult for surgeons to determine exactly where a tumour starts and ends, but this  MasSpec Pen in development could help with this challenge in seconds.

Scientists in California have developed miniature brains from stem cells in dishes to better understand human brain development. 

Related reading:


If you found this story interesting or helpful, sign up to our weekly e-news and keep up to date with all the latest from Brain Tumour Research.

Back to Latest News