ScienceDaily: Brain Tumor News

Modulating the immune system to combat metastatic cancer

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:20:20 EDT

Researchers have found that regulatory T cells that infiltrate tumors express proteins that can be targeted with therapeutic antibodies.

Cold plasma successful against brain cancer cells, study suggests

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:57:57 EDT

For the first time, physicists, biologists and physicians demonstrated the synergistic effect of cold atmospheric plasma - a partly ionized gas - and chemo therapy on aggressive brain tumor cells. Laboratory tests showed that the proliferation of glioblastoma cells – the most common and aggressive brain tumor in adults – is arrested and that even resistant cell populations become sensitive to treatment with chemo therapy if pre-treated with cold atmospheric plasma. This could be the first step on the way to a new combination therapy, providing new hope for fighting this lethal cancer.

Poliovirus vaccine trial shows early promise for recurrent glioblastoma

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:21:21 EDT

An attack on glioblastoma brain tumor cells that uses a modified poliovirus is showing encouraging results in an early study to establish the proper dose level.

Brain makes call on which ear is used for cell phone

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:16 EDT

If you're a left-brain thinker, chances are you use your right hand to hold your cell phone up to your right ear, according to a newly published study. The study shows a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used to listen to a cell phone.

Scientists find mutation driving pediatric brain tumors

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

A type of low-grade but sometimes lethal brain tumor in children has been found in many cases to contain an unusual mutation that may help to classify, diagnose and guide the treatment of the tumors, report scientists.

Gene sequencing project finds new mutations to blame for a majority of brain tumor subtype

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:31:31 EDT

Scientists have advanced their understanding of the genetic defects underlying childhood low-grade gliomas and identifies promising new drug therapies.

Signature of circulating breast tumor cells that spread to the brain found

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:15:15 EDT

Some breast tumor circulating cells in the bloodstream are marked by a constellation of biomarkers that identify them as those destined to seed the brain with a deadly spread of cancer, said researchers.

Non-invasive mapping helps to localize language centers before brain surgery

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:23:23 EDT

A new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique may provide neurosurgeons with a non-invasive tool to help in mapping critical areas of the brain before surgery, reports a new study.

A hijacking of healthy cellular circuits

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:32:32 EDT

Scientists have identified a unique mechanism by which glioblastoma cells develop resistance to drugs that target EGFR signaling.

KDM1 may represent a new therapeutic target for glioma

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:29:29 EDT

Researchers have generated preclinical data demonstrating that the protein KDM1, which functions as a lysine demethylase, is a potential target for glioma treatment, according to new research.

New minimally invasive, MRI-guided laser treatment for brain tumor found to be promising in study

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:48:48 EDT

The first-in-human study of the NeuroBlate Thermal Therapy System finds that it appears to provide a new, safe and minimally invasive procedure for treating recurrent glioblastoma, a malignant type of brain tumor.

Personalized brain mapping technique preserves function following brain tumor surgery

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:09:09 EDT

In a new paper, researchers review research showing that this ability to visualize relevant white matter tracts during glioma resection surgeries can improve accuracy.

'Novel, effective' brain cancer treatment using genetic material from bone marrow cells

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:10:10 EDT

In a first-of-its-kind experiment using microvesicles generated from mesenchymal bone marrow cells (MSCs) to treat cancer, neurological researchers have discovered a novel approach for treatment of tumor. Specifically, the research team found that introducing genetic material produced by MSCs, significantly reduced a particularly resistant form of malignant brain tumor in living lab rats.

Details of gene pathways suggest fine-tuning drugs for child brain tumors

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Pediatric researchers, investigating the biology of brain tumors in children, are finding that crucial differences in how the same gene is mutated may call for different treatments.

Brain tumor cells killed by anti-nausea drug

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EDT

New research has shown for the first time that the growth of brain tumors can be halted by a drug currently being used to help patients recover from the side effects of chemotherapy.

Immortality gene mutation identifies brain tumors and other cancers

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:15:15 EDT

Newly identified mutations in a gene that makes cells immortal appear to play a pivotal role in three of the most common types of brain tumors, as well as cancers of the liver, tongue and urinary tract, according to researchers.

Using fat to fight brain cancer: Stem cells from human adipose tissue used to chase migrating cancer cells

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:16:16 EDT

In laboratory studies, researchers say they have found that stem cells from a patient's own fat may have the potential to deliver new treatments directly into the brain after the surgical removal of a glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumor.

Protein that may control the spread of cancer discovered

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 EST

Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that may lead to more selective ways to stop cancer cells from spreading. Cancer biologists have identified the role of the protein RSK2 in cancer cell migration, part of the process of cancer metastasis.

Neuroscientist sheds light on cause for 'chemo brain'

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:59:59 EST

It's not unusual for cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy to complain about not being able to think clearly, connect thoughts or concentrate on daily tasks. The complaint -- often referred to as chemo-brain -- is common. The scientific cause, however, has been difficult to pinpoint. New research offers clues for this fog-like condition, medically known as chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment.

Combo of Avastin, second drug shows promise fighting brain cancer

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

The drug bevacizumab, also known by the trade name Avastin, shrinks tumors briefly in patients with an aggressive brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme, but then they often grow again and spread throughout the brain for reasons no one previously has understood. Now, researchers have found out why this happens.

Compound stimulates tumor-fighting protein in cancer therapy

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:23:23 EST

A compound that stimulates the production of a tumor-fighting protein may improve the usefulness of the protein in cancer therapy, according to a team of researchers.

MicroRNA molecule may serve as biomarker, target for brain metastases in breast cancer patients

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:16:16 EST

Researchers have identified two molecules that could potentially serve as biomarkers in predicting brain metastases in patients with breast cancer.

Genetic landscape of common brain tumors holds key to personalized treatment

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:08:08 EST

Nearly the entire genetic landscape of the most common form of brain tumor can be explained by abnormalities in just five genes, an international team of researchers report. Knowledge of the genomic profile of the tumors and their location in the brain make it possible for the first time to develop personalized medical therapies for meningiomas, which currently are only managed surgically.

Forecasting brain tumors like a storm

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:52:52 EST

The critical question shortly after a brain cancer patient starts treatment: how well is it working? But there hasn't been a good way to tell. Researchers have developed a new method -- similar to forecasting storms with computer models -- to predict an individual patient's brain tumor growth. This forecast will enable physicians to rapidly identify how well the tumor is responding to a particular therapy and quickly pivot to a new therapy if necessary.

Oxygen-free energy designed to fuel brain development spurs on growth of cancer

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:13:13 EST

The metabolic process which fuels the growth of many cancers has its origins in normal brain growth finds a new study. Using knock-out mice the study shows that interfering with Hexokinase-2 (Hk2), an enzyme integral to glucose metabolism, reduces the aggressiveness of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children, and allows long term survival of mice.

Genomic sequencing identifies mutant 'drivers' of common brain tumor

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:21:21 EST

Large-scale genomic sequencing has revealed two DNA mutations that appear to drive about 15 percent of meningiomas report scientists. Experimental drugs that inhibit these mutant gene pathways are in clinical trials and have shown promising activity.

Enzyme involved in deadly brain tumors identified

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:20:20 EST

One of the most common types of brain tumors in adults, glioblastoma multiforme, is one of the most devastating. Even with recent advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the aggressive and invasive tumors become resistant to treatment, and median survival of patients is only about 15 months. Researchers have now identified an important association between the naturally occurring enzyme Kallikrein 6, also known as KLK6, and the malignant tumors.

New Biomarker May Help in Detecting Gliomas

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:16:16 EST

Researchers using sophisticated genetic testing techniques have identified a promising new biomarker for diagnosis of glioma—the most common type of malignant brain tumor.

Smaller radiation fields can spare brain when treating tumors, research finds

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:42:42 EST

New research shows that patients suffering from aggressive brain tumors can be effectively treated with smaller radiation fields to spare the rest of the brain and preserve cognition.

Targeted therapy proves effective against brain tumors in preclinical studies

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:33:33 EST

Researchers have published the first evidence that inhibiting focal adhesion kinase with CFAK-Y15 can control the growth of glioblastoma tumors.

New immune therapy successfully treats brain tumors in mice

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:26:26 EST

Using an artificial protein that stimulates the body's natural immune system to fight cancer, a research team has engineered a lethal weapon that kills brain tumors in mice while sparing other tissue. If it can be shown to work in humans, it would overcome a major obstacle that has hampered the effectiveness of immune-based therapies.

New targets for drugs to defeat aggressive brain tumor

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:27:27 EST

Researchers have identified over 125 genetic components in a chemotherapy-resistant, brain tumor-derived cell line, which could offer new hope for drug treatment to destroy the cancer cells. The potential drug targets were identified after testing more than 5,000 genes derived from glioblastoma multiforme.

MicroRNA-218 targets medulloblastoma, most aggressive childhood brain cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:42:42 EST

A new study shows that in medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor of children, microRNA-218 is especially low. The article also shows that adding microRNA-218 to neural stem cells engineered to develop medulloblastoma decreases the development of the cancer.

Research shows immune system response is detrimental to novel brain cancer therapy

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:56:56 EST

For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that the response of natural killer (NK) cells is detrimental to glioblastoma virotherapy, a novel way of treating malignant brain cancer by injecting a virus into the tumor. A number of clinical trials are currently underway to test whether glioblastoma virotherapy will facilitate antitumor efficacy, but new research shows that in pre-clinical models, NK cells are killing off the virus – infected cells, thus rendering the therapy less effective.

Researchers successfully destroy brain tumor cells; Use unique combination of diet and radiation therapy

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:26:26 EST

A team of brain cancer researchers has effectively treated brain tumor cells using a unique combination of diet and radiation therapy.

Lung cancer patients with pockets of resistance prolong disease control by 'weeding the garden'

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 08:59:59 EST

This study of 65 patients showed that continuing either crizotinib or erlotinib after the treatment of resistant pockets with focused radiation ("weeding the garden") was associated with more than half a year of additional cancer control.

Gene involved in lung tumor growth identified

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:21:21 EST

Lung cancer researchers have identified a gene that plays a role in the growth and spread of non-small cell lung cancer tumors, opening the door for potential new treatment options.

'Chemo brain': Researchers identify physiological evidence of chemotherapy-induced changes in the brain

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:33:33 EST

Chemotherapy can induce changes in the brain that may affect concentration and memory, according to a new study. Using positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography, researchers were able to detect physiological evidence of chemo brain, a common side effect in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Metabolic protein launches sugar feast that nurtures brain tumors

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:40:40 EST

PKM2 slips into nucleus to promote cancer; potential biomarker and drug approach discovered.

Patient's own immune cells may blunt viral therapy for brain cancer

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:30:30 EST

Doctors now use cancer-killing viruses to treat some patients with lethal, fast-growing brain tumors. Clinical trials show that these therapeutic viruses are safe but less effective than expected. A new study shows that the patient's own immune system quickly works to eliminate the anticancer virus, and it discovered how this happens.

Reconsidering cancer's bad guy

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:46:46 EST

Researchers have found that a protein, known for causing cancer cells to spread around the body, is also one of the molecules that trigger repair processes in the brain.

Clues to cause of kids' brain tumors

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:12:12 EST

Insights from a genetic condition that causes brain cancer are helping scientists better understand the most common type of brain tumor in children.

For brain tumors, origins matter

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:36:36 EST

Since stem cells and progenitor cells are regulated by different growth factors, brain tumors arising from these cells might respond differently to different therapies. Researchers found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces stem cell growth, but inhibits neuronal progenitor growth. bFGF also blocks the growth of tumors that originate from progenitors. This study suggests bFGF-like molecules might be used to treat medulloblastoma -- but only tumors with the appropriate origins.

Detection, analysis of 'cell dust' may allow diagnosis, monitoring of brain cancer

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:37:37 EST

A novel miniature diagnostic platform using nuclear magnetic resonance technology is capable of detecting minuscule cell particles known as microvesicles in a drop of blood. Microvesicles shed by cancer cells are even more numerous than those released by normal cells, so detecting them could prove a simple means for diagnosing cancer.

Novel metabolic programs found driving aggressive brain tumors

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:24:24 EST

Researchers have identified metabolic signatures that may pave the way for personalized therapy in glioma, a type of tumor that starts in the brain.

Combination treatment may improve survival of breast cancer patients with brain metastases

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EDT

Adding an angiogenesis inhibitor to treatment with a HER2-inhibiting drug could improve outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who develop brain metastases. Investigators report the first preclinical study combining antiangiogenic and anti-HER2 drugs in an animal model of brain metastatic breast cancer.

Repeated surgeries appear to extend life of patients with deadliest of brain cancers

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:31:31 EDT

People who undergo repeated surgeries to remove glioblastomas -- the most aggressive and deadliest type of brain tumors -- may survive longer than those who have just a one-time operation, new research suggests.

New anti-tumor cell therapy strategies are more effective

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:29:29 EDT

Targeted T-cells can seek out and destroy tumor cells that carry specific antigen markers. Two novel anti-tumor therapies that take advantage of this T-cell response are described in two new studies.

Aggressive brain tumors can originate from a range of nervous system cells

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:23:23 EDT

Scientists have long believed that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, begins in glial cells that make up supportive tissue in the brain or in neural stem cells. However, researchers have now found that the tumors can originate from other types of differentiated cells in the nervous system, including cortical neurons.

Obesity promotes tumor growth regardless of diet

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:46:46 EDT

Researchers may have discovered a new explanation as to why obese patients with cancer often have a poorer prognosis compared with those who are lean.

Neural-like stem cells from muscle tissue may hold key to cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:21:21 EDT

Scientists have taken the first steps to create neural-like stem cells from muscle tissue in animals.

Breakthrough on immune system and brain tumors

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:21:21 EDT

In what could be a breakthrough in the treatment of deadly brain tumors, a team of researchers has discovered that the immune system reacts differently to different types of brain tissue, shedding light on why cancerous brain tumors are so difficult to treat.

First evidence of fetal DNA persisting in human brain tissue

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:39:39 EDT

Small portions of male DNA, most likely left over in a mother's body by a male fetus can be detected in the maternal brain relatively frequently, according to a report published Sept. 26 in the open access journal PLOS ONE by William Chan of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and his colleagues.

Brain tumours: Artificial stimulation of the immune system could mean less aggressive treatment

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:26:26 EDT

Brain metastases are common secondary complications of other types of cancer, particularly lung, breast and skin cancer. The body’s own immune response in the brain is rendered powerless in the fight against these metastases by inflammatory reactions. Researchers have now, for the first time, precisely characterized the brain’s immune response to infiltrating metastases. This could pave the way to the development of new, less aggressive treatment options.

Isolating stem cells from brain tumors

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:37:37 EDT

A new video protocol details an assay to identify brain tumor initiating stem cells from primary brain tumors. Through flow cytometry, scientists separate stem cells from the rest of the tumor, allowing quick and efficient analysis of target cells. This approach has been effectively used to identify similar stem cells in leukemia patients.

Cannabinoid may treat brain cancer

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:25:25 EDT

Researchers are evaluating the safety and tolerability of a synthetic cannabinoid called dexanabinol. Delivered as a weekly intravenous infusion, the drug is being tested in patients with all forms of brain cancer, both primary and metastatic.

Fighting melanoma's attraction to the brain

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:56:56 EDT

A researcher is delving deeper into the way the brain attracts cancer cells, and his breakthrough is giving scientists new hope for better therapies.

Fasting makes brain tumors more vulnerable to radiation therapy

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:23:23 EDT

A new study is the first to show that controlled fasting improves the effectiveness of radiation therapy in cancer treatments, extending life expectancy in mice with aggressive brain tumors.

Potential drug discovered for deadly brain cancer

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:14:14 EDT

Scientists in Singapore have identified a biomarker of the most lethal form of brain tumors in adults -- glioblastoma multiforme. The scientists found that by targeting this biomarker and depleting it with a potential drug, they were able to prevent the progression and relapse of the brain tumor.

Genomic variant that increases risk of brain tumors discovered

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:33:33 EDT

People who carry a “G” instead of an “A” at a specific spot in their genetic code have roughly a six-fold higher risk of developing certain types of brain tumors a study has found.