MedWorm: Brain Tumor

Cancer in patients with motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease: record linkage studies

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:05 +0100

Conclusions People with MND, or MS, do not have an altered risk of cancer overall. There may sometimes be misdiagnosis between MND or MS and brain tumours. PD carries a reduced risk of cancer overall, of some smoking related cancers and of some cancers that are not smoking related. (Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry)

Metabolite Common Among Cancers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

A study published online on February 8 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reports that several distinct mutations found in a subset of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) result in excess production of the same metabolite. The enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which normally facilitates production of the metabolite {alpha}-ketoglutarate, is mutated in approximately 80% of secondary brain tumors. This mutant version of IDH1 promotes excess production of a different metabolite: R (-)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Role of ERCC1 promoter hypermethylation in drug resistance to cisplatin in human gliomas

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Overexpression of ERCC1 mRNA is associated with drug resistance to cisplatin in human gliomas, but the role of the ERCC1 promoter in drug resistance has not been demonstrated. We have used sodium bisulfite sequencing to compare ERCC1 promoter methylation patterns in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant glioma cells. The levels of ERCC1 DNA methylation, mRNA and protein in 32 human glioma samples were examined by methylation specific PCR, real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Meanwhile, cisplatin sensitivities to these human glioma samples were tested by histoculture drug response assay. Hypermethylation was observed in the upstream 5Kb region of the ERCC1 promoter of cisplatin-sensitive glioma cell lines. ERCC1 DNA methylation levels were highly variable in 32 hum...

Intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients with cancer

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:53 +0100

Conclusions: Intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cancer is often due to unique mechanisms. Prognosis is poor, but comparable to intracranial hemorrhage in the general population. Aggressive care is recommended despite high mortality, because many patients have good functional outcomes. (Source: Neurology)

Neurosurgeon-Scientist Eric C. Holland, MD, PhD to Join Health Enhancement Products Scientific Advisory Board

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:35:00 +0100

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 8, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB:HEPI) today announced Eric C. Holland, MD, PhD, Vice Chair, Translational Research, Department of Neurosurgery; Director, Brain Tumor Center; Emily Tow Jackson Chair in Oncology of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) has joined the Company's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) effective immediately. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

MRI-coupled Fluorescence Tomography Quantifies EGFR Activity in Brain Tumors

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:28:42 +0100

Conclusions: This preclinical study suggests that MRI-FMT with fluorescent EGF provides excellent discrimination between tumors based on EGFR status. Reliable quantification of receptor status using minimally invasive techniques would be an important innovation for investigating new and existing cancer treatments that target these cellular mechanisms in research animals, and may be applied to identify receptor amplification in human brain cancer patients. This study represents the first systematic multianimal validation of receptor-specific imaging using MRI-guided fluorescence tomography. (Source: Academic Radiology)

Phase 2 trial of talampanel, a glutamate receptor inhibitor, for adults with recurrent malignant gliomas

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Glioma cells secrete glutamate and also express [alpha]-amino-3-hydroxy-5 methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) glutamate receptors, which contribute to the proliferation, migration, and neurotoxicity of malignant gliomas. Talampanel is an oral AMPA receptor inhibitor with excellent central nervous system penetration and good tolerability in clinical trials for epilepsy and other neurologic disorders.A phase 2 trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of talampanel in patients with recurrent malignant glioma as measured by 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6).Thirty patients (22 with glioblastomas [GBMs] and 8 with anaplastic gliomas [AGs]; 63% men) with median age of 51 years (range, 20-67 years) and a median Karnofsky performance scale of 80 were included. Patients tolerated treatme...

Obama Administration Boosts NIH Funding in FY 2011 Budget Proposal

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:24:11 +0100

On February 1, 2010, the Obama Administration released its proposed budget for fiscal year 2011, including a boost of $1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  This budget implements the President’s pledge to impose an overall freeze in domestic discretionary, eliminating or cutting certain programs to permit increases for others.  In its press release announcing its budget proposal, the Department of Health and Human Services HHS) said that the $1 billion increase in NIH funding, to a total of $32.2 billion, will support innovative basic and clinical research projects.  According to HHS, “This effort will be guided by NIH’s five areas of exceptional research opportunities: supporting genomics and other high throughput technologies; translating bas...

National Institutes of Health Announces Identification of Subtypes of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:50:43 +0100

In a January 19, 2010, press release, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the publication of a study by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network identifying four distinct molecular subtypes of glioblasoma multiforme (GBM).  These findings were heralded as pointing the way toward more personalized approaches to treatment of GBM patients.   The research team for TCGA is a collaborative effort funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The NIH release stated, “Although the findings do not affect current clinical practice, the researchers said the results may lead to more personalized approaches to treating groups of GBM patients based on their genomic alterations.  The study, published Jan. 19, 2010 i...

State To Test Water, Soil In The Acreage

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

State To Test Water, Soil In The Acreage

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Diagnostic test kit for brain tumor patients

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:37:33 +0100

Pfizer Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to develop a companion diagnostic test kit for PF-04948568. (Source: Hospital IT Europe)

UCLA Neuro-oncology 10th Annual Brain Tumor Conference

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

UCLA Neuro-oncology 10th Annual Brain Tumor Conference

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

UCLA Neuro-oncology 10th Annual Brain Tumor Conference

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

QIAGEN Unit And Pfizer Enter Into An Agreement To Develop A Companion Diagnostic For Brain Tumor Patients

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and DxS (a wholly owned subsidiary of QIAGEN N.V.) (NASDAQ: QGEN; Frankfurt, Prime Standard: QIA) announced that they have entered into an agreement to develop a companion diagnostic test kit for PF-04948568 (CDX-110), an immunotherapy vaccine in development for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

QIAGEN Unit And Pfizer Enter Into An Agreement To Develop A Companion Diagnostic For Brain Tumor Patients

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and DxS (a wholly owned subsidiary of QIAGEN N.V.) (NASDAQ: QGEN; Frankfurt, Prime Standard: QIA) announced that they have entered into an agreement to develop a companion diagnostic test kit for PF-04948568 (CDX-110), an immunotherapy vaccine in development for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Financial terms of the diagnostic agreement have not been disclosed. On April 16, 2008, Pfizer and Celldex Therapeutics, Inc... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Selected Update: Systems biology: Network spreading

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:38:49 +0100

Identification of a small transcription factor network that is responsible for the mesenchymal behavior of glioma cells. (Source: Nature Signaling Update)

Annexin A2 Is a Molecular Target for TM601, a Peptide with Tumor-targeting and Anti-angiogenic Effects [Signal Transduction]

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:38:36 +0100

TM601 is a synthetic form of chlorotoxin, a 36-amino acid peptide derived from the venom of the Israeli scorpion, Leirius quinquestriatus, initially found to specifically bind and inhibit the migration of glioma cells in culture. Subsequent studies demonstrated specific in vitro binding to additional tumor cell lines. Recently, we demonstrated that proliferating human vascular endothelial cells are the only normal cell line tested that exhibits specific binding to TM601. Here, we identify annexin A2 as a novel binding partner for TM601 in multiple human tumor cell lines and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). We demonstrate that the surface binding of TM601 to the pancreatic tumor cell line Panc-1 is dependent on the expression of annexin A2. Identification of annexin A2 as a bi...

Activation of JAK/STAT signal pathway predicts poor prognosis of patients with gliomas

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:14:12 +0100

Abstract  JAK/STAT pathway transmits signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus in response to extracellular growth factors and cytokines. Activation of this pathway has been found in certain types of human tumors. The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between the JAK/STAT pathway in human gliomas and patients’ prognosis, which currently is unknown. Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect JAK-1, phosphorylated JAK-1, and STAT-3 expression patterns in the biopsies from 96 patients with primary gliomas. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the prognosis of patients. Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemical staining both indicated that the expression levels o...

Miracle as three-year-old girl's brain tumour simply disappears

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:03:16 +0100

A three-year old girl has stunned her parents and medics after fighting off an inoperable brain tumour all by herself. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Patterns of enrollment of infants with central nervous system tumours on cooperative group studies: a report from the canadian pediatric brain tumour consortium

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:59:54 +0100

Abstract  In children under the age of 3, the most common solid tumours are brain tumors. Treatment for many of these patients includes surgery, chemotherapy and rarely radiation therapy. Many clinical trials have been performed in an attempt to establish the best treatment for these patients. Patients enrolled on clinical trials contribute to the establishment of the best therapy. We performed a national survey of all children less than the age of three with brain tumours and examined the contribution these patients made to clinical trials. A data bank was established using data collected from Canadian pediatric oncology centers on children less than age 3 diagnosed with brain tumours between 1990 and 2005. Data were collected on the use of adjunctive treatment after surge...

Role of the AKT pathway in microRNA expression of human U251 glioblastoma cells.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:22:29 +0100

Authors: Zhou X, Ren Y, Han L, Mei M, Xu P, Zhang CZ, Wang GX, Jia ZF, Pu PY, Kang CS Activation of the AKT (serine-threonine kinase) pathway is a common feature in glioblastoma cells. Downstream factors of the AKT pathway are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cellular migration and angiogenesis. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small non-coding RNAs that block targeted mRNA expression at the post-transcriptional level. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the AKT pathway in regulating miRNA. The changes of miRNA expression profile in human glioblastome U251 cells after AKT small interfering RNA transfection were examined by a microarray, and confirmed by Northern blotting. Down-regulation of AKT expression by siRNA decreased the activity of AKT pathway...

QIAGEN Unit And Pfizer Enter Into An Agreement To Develop A Companion Diagnostic For Brain Tumor Patients

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0100

Pfizer Inc. and DxS (a wholly owned subsidiary of QIAGEN N.V.) (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: QIA) today announced that they have entered into an agreement to develop a companion diagnostic test kit for PF-04948568 (CDX-110), an immunotherapy vaccine in development for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Association of stem cell marker CD133 expression with dissemination of glioblastomas

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:11:47 +0100

Abstract  Dissemination of glioblastoma was once considered rare but is now increasingly encountered with longer survival of glioblastoma patients. Despite the potential negative impact of dissemination on clinical outcome, however, molecular markers useful for prediction of dissemination risk still remains ill defined. We tested in this study for an association between the expression of stem cell marker CD133 and the risk of dissemination in 26 cases of glioblastoma (16 with dissemination and 10 without dissemination). The protein expression of CD133 was examined by western blot analysis of tumor specimens, and the CD133 expression levels were quantified by densitometry and normalized to β-actin. The results indicated that CD133 expression levels are significantly higher ...

Miracle as girl, 3, recovers from brain tumour after it simply disappears

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:42:53 +0100

A three-year old girl has stunned her parents and medics after fighting off an inoperable brain tumour all by herself. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Symposium on the Future of Therapeutics Inaugurates New UCSF Department

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:31:40 +0100

February 3, 2010In the first symposium held by the newly minted UCSF Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, researchers described progress in the fields of systems biology, pharmacogenomics, and bioengineering, and how scientists in these fields are working in concert to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics to effectively and safely diagnose and treat disease. The conference, Picking up the Pace of Therapeutics Research and Application, was held January 26, 2010 at the William J. Rutter Center on the UCSF Mission Bay Campus. Strategies shared included the targeted delivery of therapeutics with nano- and micro-technologies, drug design aimed at biological networks rather than any one metabolic step, and the engineering of cheap but sturdy medical devices to help pati...

A case report of pseudoprogression followed by complete remission after proton-beam irradiation for a low-grade glioma in a teenager: the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A fourteen years-old boy was treated post-operatively with proton therapy for a recurrent low-grade oligodendroglioma located in the tectal region. Six months after the end of irradiation (RT), a new enhancing lesion appeared within the radiation fields. To differentiate disease progression from radiation-induced changes, dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSCE) MRI was used with a T2* sequence to study perfusion and permeability characteristics simultaneously. Typically, the lesion showed hypoperfusion and hyperpermeability compared to the controlateral normal brain. Without additional treatment but a short course of steroids, the image disappeared over a six months period allowing us to conclude for a pseudo-progression. The patient is alive in complete remission more than 2 years...

IDH1 Gene Mutations: A New Paradigm in Glioma Prognosis and Therapy?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Labussiere M, Sanson M, Idbaih A, Delattre JY PMID: 20133500 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Oncologist)

Novel Proteins Regulated by mTOR in Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas of Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and New Therapeutic Implications.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tyburczy ME, Kotulska K, Pokarowski P, Mieczkowski J, Kucharska J, Grajkowska W, Roszkowski M, Jozwiak S, Kaminska B Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are rare brain tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a disease caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2, resulting in enhancement of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, dysregulation of cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Signaling via mTOR plays a role in multifaceted genomic responses, but its effectors in the brain are largely unknown. Therefore, gene expression profiling on four SEGAs was performed with Affymetrix Human Genome arrays. Of the genes differentially expressed in TSC, 11 were validated by real-time PCR on independent tumor samples and 3 SEGA-derived cultures. Expression of several ...

Anticancer Activity of Vitamin E-Derived Compounds in Murine C6 Glioma Cells.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mazzini F, Betti M, Canonico B, Netscher T, Luchetti F, Papa S, Galli F PMID: 20135669 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: ChemMedChem)

Rapid and sensitive assessment of the IDH1 and IDH2 mutation status in cerebral gliomas based on DNA pyrosequencing

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:36 +0100

Abstract  Diffusely infiltrating cerebral gliomas frequently carry point mutations in codon 132 of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene or in codon 172 of the IDH2 gene, which are both clinically important as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Here, we report on a method that allows for the rapid detection of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations based on pyrosequencing. The method is applicable to routinely processed tissue specimens and provides quantitative mutation data within less than one working day. Due to its high sensitivity, the technique may also be used for the diagnostic assessment of IDH1 or IDH2 mutation in tissue samples with low tumor cell content, such as the infiltration zone of diffuse gliomas. Using pyrosequencing and/or conventional cycle sequencing of IDH1 and...

The prognostic IDH1R132 mutation is associated with reduced NADP+-dependent IDH activity in glioblastoma

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:48:43 +0100

Abstract  Somatic mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene (IDH1) occur at high frequency in gliomas and seem to be a prognostic factor for survival in glioblastoma patients. In our set of 98 glioblastoma patients, IDH1 R132 mutations were associated with improved survival of 1 year on average, after correcting for age and other variables with Cox proportional hazards models. Patients with IDH1 mutations were on average 17 years younger than patients without mutation. Mutated IDH1 has a gain of function to produce 2-hydroxyglutarate by NADPH-dependent reduction of α-ketoglutarate, but it is unknown whether NADPH production in gliomas is affected by IDH1 mutations. We assessed the effect of IDH1 R132 mutations on IDH-mediated NADPH production in glio...

RECK-mediated inhibition of glioma migration and invasion

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

RECK is an anti-tumoral gene whose activity has been associated with its inhibitory effects regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP. RECK level decreases as gliobastoma progresses, varying from less invasive grade II gliomas to very invasive human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Since RECK expression and glioma invasiveness show an inverse correlation, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether RECK expression would inhibit glioma invasive behavior. We conducted this study to explore forced RECK expression in the highly invasive T98G human GBM cell line. Expression levels as well as protein levels of RECK, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP were assessed by qPCR and immunoblotting in T98G/RECK+ cells. The invasion and migration capacity of RECK+ cells was inhibited in transwell and wound as...

Profile of Early Occurring Spontaneous Tumors in Han Wistar Rats.

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This report is intended to establish a general profile of tumor occurrence in young Han Wistar rats. Data were collected and evaluated from 29 rat carcinogenicity studies and from a few 2-, 4-, 13-, and 26-week studies conducted between 1995 and 2009 at Huntingdon Life Sciences, UK. The route of administration was dietary, oral gavage, or inhalation, and the analysis was confined to sporadic deaths (decedents) in carcinogenicity studies. In Han Wistar rats, the most common and earliest occurring tumor was malignant lymphoma in both sexes, the earliest being seen in the 16th and 26th week in males and females, respectively. The incidence of malignant lymphoma was slightly higher in males than in females. The second most common type of tumor was brain tumors in males and mammary tumors in fe...

Targeted Therapy Disappoints in Recurrent Brain Tumors (CME/CE)

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00:00 +0100

High hopes for treating recurrent glioblastoma with the novel, targeted antiangiogenic enzastaurin have been diminished by disappointing phase III results. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

Partially Resected Gliomas: Diagnostic Performance of Fluid-attenuated Inversion Recovery MR Imaging for Detection of Progression [NEURORADIOLOGY]

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:54:30 +0100

An encapsulation of the resection cavity, presumably by tumor cells, of partially resected gliomas results in an increase in signal intensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MR images within the resection cavity. (Source: Continuous Publishing articles)

Medical oncology: Treatment and management of malignant gliomas

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:44:58 +0100

Authors: Deric M. Park, Sith Sathornsumetee & Jeremy N. Rich The considerable progress made in the field of clinical neuro-oncology and the understanding of brain tumor biology is generating cautious optimism. Treatment options for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common form of malignant gliomas, now include anti-angiogenic therapy after failure of standard multi-modality treatments. Furthermore, scientific advancements are providing new insights into disease pathogenesis and point to novel therapeutic approaches for a disease that traditionally lacked treatment options. (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Oncology)

FAQ:For Dr. Bob Fink Re: ventricles One MRI report said that my son~s 4th ventricle was enlarged, however the MRI prior to...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

FAQ:For Dr. Bob Fink Re: ventricles One MRI report said that my son~s 4th ventricle was enlarged, however the MRI prior to...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

FAQ:For Dr. Bob Fink Re: ventricles One MRI report said that my son~s 4th ventricle was enlarged, however the MRI prior to...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

FAQ:For Dr. Bob Fink Re: ventricles One MRI report said that my son~s 4th ventricle was enlarged, however the MRI prior to...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

FAQ:For Dr. Bob Fink Re: ventricles One MRI report said that my son~s 4th ventricle was enlarged, however the MRI prior to...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

FAQ:For Dr. Bob Fink Re: ventricles One MRI report said that my son~s 4th ventricle was enlarged, however the MRI prior to...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:35:06 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:35:06 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:35:06 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:35:06 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:35:06 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:35:06 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Radiation Therapy Harms the Brain, Causing Memory and Attention Problems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Radiation therapy for the treatment of brain tumors may lead to cognitive decline later in life, according to a study conducted by researchers from VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and published in The Lancet Neurology.Scientists have known for some time that radiation therapy can damage healthy brain tissue, but prior research found no immediate negative effects from the treatment. In the new study, researchers conducted brain function tests on 65 patients who had undergone treatment for low-grade glioma 12 years previously.Low-grade glioma is one of the most common forms of brain tumor. It is non-carcinogenic, and can often be removed with surgery. However, many doctors use radiotherapy following surgery.The researchers found that a full 53 percent of...

PERK-Dependent Regulation of Ceramide Synthase 6 and Thioredoxin Play a Key Role in mda-7/IL-24-Induced Killing of Primary Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:08:11 +0100

Studies of an interleukin that triggers apoptosis of brain tumor cells suggest the benefits of activating a pathway of ER stress in cancer cells as an effective therapeutic strategy to treat brain cancer. (Source: Cancer Research)

ZNF238 Is Expressed in Postmitotic Brain Cells and Inhibits Brain Tumor Growth

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:08:11 +0100

Findings prompt evaluation of a differentiation-promoting zinc finger transcription factor that can block the growth of brain tumors as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in human brain cancers. (Source: Cancer Research)

Patient safety concerns for cognitively impaired patients with brain tumors.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Doherty L, Lafrankie DC Patients with malignant gliomas often have safety concerns not common in patients with other types of cancer. Neurologic and cognitive deficits make the care of such patients more complex, with much of the burden of care falling to the primary caretaker and family. PMID: 20118033 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing)

Caring for someone with high-grade glioma: a time of rapid change for caregivers.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to articulate the experiences of family caregivers of people diagnosed with high-grade glioma and to describe their information and support needs. A grounded theory method was adopted. Twenty-one family caregivers of people with high-grade glioma were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A constant comparison method of data analysis was employed. A central theme, A Time of Rapid Change and two sub-themes, Renegotiating Relationships and Learning to be a Caregiver, emerged to describe the experiences of participants. Caregiving was characterised by numerous role and life changes from the moment of diagnosis. Caregivers in this study reported experiences similar to those described by caregivers of people with other cancers. What differed for this group was th...

Musical hallucinations following insular glioma resection.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Isolan GR, Bianchin MM, Bragatti JA, Torres C, Schwartsmann G Hallucinations can be auditory, visual, tactile, gustatory, or olfactory, and can be caused by psychiatric (such as schizophrenia and depression), neurological (such as cerebrovascular accidents, neoplasia, and infection), or endocrine and metabolic disorders. Musical hallucinations related to neurological disorders are rare. The authors present a case of a patient with a right insular glioma who developed transient musical hallucinations after microsurgical resection of the tumor. PMID: 20121444 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neurosurgical Focus)

Surgical management of World Health Organization Grade II gliomas in eloquent areas: the necessity of preserving a margin around functional structures.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This no-margin technique, based on the subpial dissection, and the repetition of both cortical and subcortical stimulation to preserve eloquent cortex as well as the white matter tracts (U-fibers, projection pathways, and long-distance connectivity) allow optimization of the extent of resection while preserving the quality of life (despite transitory impairment) thanks to mechanisms of brain plasticity. PMID: 20121443 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neurosurgical Focus)

Intraoperative electrical stimulation in awake craniotomy: methodological aspects of current practice.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Szelényi A, Bello L, Duffau H, Fava E, Feigl GC, Galanda M, Neuloh G, Signorelli F, Sala F There is increasing evidence that the extent of tumor removal in low-grade glioma surgery is related to patient survival time. Thus, the goal of resecting the largest amount of tumor possible without leading to permanent neurological sequelae is a challenge for the neurosurgeon. Electrical stimulation of the brain to detect cortical and axonal areas involved in motor, language, and cognitive function and located within the tumor or along its boundaries has become an essential tool in combination with awake craniotomy. Based on a literature review, discussions within the European Low-Grade Glioma Group, and illustrative clinical experience, the authors of this paper provide an overvi...

Intraoperative use of diffusion tensor imaging fiber tractography and subcortical mapping for resection of gliomas: technical considerations.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bello L, Castellano A, Fava E, Casaceli G, Riva M, Scotti G, Gaini SM, Falini A Resection of lesions involving motor or language areas or pathways requires the intraoperative identification of functional cortical and subcortical sites for effectively and safe guidance. Diffusion tensor (DT) imaging and fiber tractography are MR imaging techniques based on the concept of anisotropic water diffusion in myelinated fibers, which enable 3D reconstruction and visualization of white matter tracts and provide information about the relationship of these tracts to the tumor mass. The authors routinely used DT imaging fiber tractography to reconstruct various tracts involved in the motor and/or language system in a large series of patients with lesions involving the motor and/or language...

Multimodal navigation in the functional microsurgical resection of intrinsic brain tumors located in eloquent motor areas: role of tractography.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The integration of anatomical and functional studies allows a safe functional resection of the brain tumors located in eloquent areas. Multimodal navigation allows integration and correlation among preoperative and intraoperative anatomical and functional data. Cortical motor functional areas are anatomically and functionally located preoperatively thanks to MR and fMR imaging and subcortical motor pathways with DT imaging and tractography. Intraoperative confirmation is done with CS and N20 inversion wave for cortical structures and with sCS for subcortical pathways. With this protocol the authors achieved a good volumetric resection in cortical and subcortical tumors located in eloquent motor areas, with an increase in the incidence of neurological deficits in the immediate p...

The reliability of neuroanatomy as a predictor of eloquence: a review.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pouratian N, Bookheimer SY The adjacency of intracranial pathology to canonical regions of eloquence has long been considered a significant source of potential morbidity in the neurosurgical care of patients. Yet, several reports exist of patients who undergo resection of gliomas or other intracranial pathology in eloquent regions without adverse effects. This raises the question of whether anatomical and intracranial location can or should be used as a means of estimating eloquence. In this review, the authors systematically evaluate the factors that are known to affect anatomical-functional relationships, including anatomical, functional, pathology-related, and modality-specific sources of variability. This review highlights the unpredictability of functional eloquence based...

Intraoperative stimulation techniques for functional pathway preservation and glioma resection.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sanai N, Berger MS Although a primary tenet of neurosurgical oncology is that survival can improve with greater tumor resection, this principle must be tempered by the potential for functional loss following a radical removal. Preoperative planning with functional and physiological imaging paradigms, combined with intraoperative strategies such as cortical and subcortical stimulation mapping, can effectively reduce the risks associated with operating in eloquent territory. In addition to identifying critical motor pathways, these techniques can be adapted to identify language function reliably. The authors review the technical nuances of intraoperative mapping for low- and high-grade gliomas, demonstrating their efficacy in optimizing resection even in patients with negative m...

High-grade intramedullary astrocytomas: 30 years' experience at the Neurosurgery Department of the University of Rome "Sapienza".

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Surgical treatment did not ameliorate the postoperative neurological status; instead, in the majority of cases, it prompted a worsening of the deficit. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have a little influence on the length of survival. In this series, multimodality treatment of intramedullary high-grade astrocytomas has been shown to increase length of survival without improving the neurological status. PMID: 20121348 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine)

Implementation of Computer-Based Quality-of-Life Monitoring in Brain Tumor Outpatients in Routine Clinical Practice

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The software-generated graphic QOL profiles were found to be an important tool for screening patients for clinically relevant problems. Thus, computer-based QOL monitoring can contribute to an optimization of treatment (e.g., symptom management, psychosocial interventions) and facilitate data collection for research purposes. (Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

Symptoms and Suffering at the End-of-Life in Children with Brain Tumors (522)

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Define the epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and toxicity of therapy in children with brain tumors. (Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Lisa Kaminsky Millar

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Scientists Decode Brain Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:25 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Erratum to: Hepatocyte growth factor production is stimulated by gangliosides and TGF-β isoforms in human glioma cells

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:59:13 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retraction NoteDOI 10.1007/s11060-010-0120-1Authors Sheng-hua Chu, NO. 3 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery Shanghai 201900 ChinaYan-bin Ma, NO. 3 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery Shanghai 201900 ChinaHong Zhang, NO. 3 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery Shanghai 201900 ChinaDong-fu Feng, NO. 3 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery Shanghai 201900 ChinaZhi-an Zhu, NO. 3 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Depar...

Med Sci Monit 2010; 16(2):CS18-23 "A misdiagnosed patient: 16 years of locked-in syndrome, the influence of rehabilitation"

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:18:38 +0100

Conclusions: It is important to carry out full diagnostics before determining a terminal stage and to continue a rehabilitation program and multisensory stimulation. Even after 16 year of lying in bed without communication there is a chance in LiS to witness improvement after stimulation, without any signs of dementia. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Research Library: The transcriptional network for mesenchymal transformation of brain tumours

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:18:10 +0100

(Source: Nature Signaling Update)

IIp45 Inhibits Cell Migration through Inhibition of HDAC6 [Molecular Basis Of Cell and Developmental Biology]

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:36:35 +0100

We examined the protein expression patterns of IIp45 and HDAC6 in glioma tissues. Elevated protein levels of HDAC6 were found in high grade glioma samples, in contrast to the decreased protein expression of IIp45. The potential negative regulation of HDAC6 expression by IIp45 was confirmed in cell lines with altered IIp45 expression by constitutive overexpression or small interfering RNA knockdown. Protein turnover study revealed that overexpression of IIp45 significantly reduces the intracellular protein stability of endogenous HDAC6, indicating a possible mechanism for the negative regulation of HDAC6 by IIp45. Results from the HDAC activity assay demonstrated that overexpressed IIp45 effectively decreases HDAC6 activity, increases acetylated -tubulin, and reduces cell migration. The inc...

New therapies improving survival in patients with glioblastoma

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Is there an advantage to administering bevacizumab directly to brain tumors using microcatheters?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Living With a Brain Tumor - A Conference for Patients and Families in Washington, DC

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

New therapies improving survival in patients with glioblastoma

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Is there an advantage to administering bevacizumab directly to brain tumors using microcatheters?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Living With a Brain Tumor - A Conference for Patients and Families in Washington, DC

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

New therapies improving survival in patients with glioblastoma

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Is there an advantage to administering bevacizumab directly to brain tumors using microcatheters?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Living With a Brain Tumor - A Conference for Patients and Families in Washington, DC

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

New therapies improving survival in patients with glioblastoma

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Is there an advantage to administering bevacizumab directly to brain tumors using microcatheters?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Living With a Brain Tumor - A Conference for Patients and Families in Washington, DC

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

New therapies improving survival in patients with glioblastoma

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Is there an advantage to administering bevacizumab directly to brain tumors using microcatheters?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Living With a Brain Tumor - A Conference for Patients and Families in Washington, DC

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

New therapies improving survival in patients with glioblastoma

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

Is there an advantage to administering bevacizumab directly to brain tumors using microcatheters?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:43 +0100

(Source: Clinical Trials And Noteworthy Treatments For Brain Tumors)

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