MedWorm: Brain Tumor

Toxin-Based Targeted Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumors

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

Despite advances in conventional treatment modalities for malignant brain tumors—surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—the prognosis for patients with high-grade astrocytic tumor remains dismal. The highly heterogeneous and diffuse nature of astrocytic tumors calls for the development of novel therapies. Advances in genomic and proteomic research indicate that treatment of brain tumor patients can be increasingly personalized according to the characteristics of the targeted tumor and its environment. Consequently, during the last two decades, a novel class of investigative drug candidates for the treatment of central nervous system neoplasia has emerged: recombinant fusion protein conjugates armed with cytotoxic agents targeting tumor-specific antigens. The clinical applicab...

Arnold Sanderson obituary

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:23:25 +0100

My father, Arnold Sanderson, who has died aged 78, and my mother, Dorothy, were together for more than 61 years. They fell in love as teenagers when Mum had to attend the boys' grammar school at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, because she wanted to study science. Dad, then 17, was the school captain and two years older. He took it upon himself to look after her and they spent their teens collecting specimens and blowing things up – including the local slagheap, a blast that was rumoured to have been heard seven miles away.Dad became an eminent immunologist, but he may be best remembered for rescuing Edward Jenner's house, the Chantry, near Berkeley, Gloucestershire, and founding the Edward Jenner Museum. Jenner, the pioneer who established vaccination against smallpox, used to vaccinate ...

CD97 Gene Expression And Function Correlate With WT1 Protein Expression And Glioma Invasiveness

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center's VCU Massey Cancer Center and Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center (Richmond, VA) and Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) have discovered that suppression of Wilms tumor 1 protein (WT1) results in downregulation of CD97 gene expression in three glioblastoma cell lines and reduces the characteristic invasiveness exhibited by glial tumor cells... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

UCLA scientists boost memory by stimulating key site in brain

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0100

Have you ever gone to the movies and forgotten where you parked the car? New UCLA research may one day help you improve your memory.   UCLA neuroscientists have demonstrated that they can strengthen memory in human patients by stimulating a critical junction in the brain. Published in the Feb. 9 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, the finding could lead to a new method for boosting memory in patients with early Alzheimer's disease.    The UCLA team focused on a brain site called the entorhinal cortex. Considered the doorway to the hippocampus, which helps form and store memories, the entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in transforming daily experience into lasting memories.    "The entorhinal cortex is the golden gate to the brain's memory ...

Patient Sensitivity To Important Drug Target In Deadly Brain Cancer Predicted

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A recent discovery by Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) scientists enables the prediction of patient sensitivity to proposed drug therapies for glioblastoma - the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, investigated glioblastoma models characterized by cell signaling activation and gene amplification for their susceptibility to inhibitors of both the human MET oncogene and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR). An oncogene is a gene with the potential to cause cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

CT-based quantitative SPECT for the radionuclide (201)Tl: experimental validation and a standardized uptake value for brain tumour patients.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:30:02 +0100

Authors: Willowson K, Bailey D, Schembri G, Baldock C Abstract We have previously reported on a method for reconstructing quantitative data from (99m)Tc single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images based on corrections derived from X-ray computed tomography, producing accurate results in both experimental and clinical studies. This has been extended for use with the radionuclide (201)Tl. Accuracy was evaluated with experimental phantom studies, including corrections for partial volume effects where necessary. The quantitative technique was used to derive standardized uptake values (SUVs) for (201)Tl evaluation of brain tumours. A preliminary study was performed on 26 patients using (201)Tl SPECT scans to assess residual tumour after surgery and then to monitor response...

Pilot study on evaluation of any correlation between MR perfusion (K(trans)) and diffusion (apparent diffusion coefficient) parameters in brain tumors at 3 Tesla.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:30:02 +0100

Conclusion: We found that irrespective of brain tumor type, there is an inverse correlation between ADC and K(trans). Our findings highlight an intricate relationship between vascular permeability and the tumor microenvironment, probably modulating and/or interacting with changes such as increased cellularity, ischemic insult and varying extracellular matrix composition. PMID: 22275724 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cancer Imaging)

CD97 gene expression and function correlate with WT1 protein expression and glioma invasiveness

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group) Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University have discovered that suppression of Wilms tumor 1 protein (WT1) results in downregulation of CD97 gene expression in three glioblastoma cell lines and reduces the characteristic invasiveness exhibited by glial tumor cells. This finding is published online Feb. 7 in the Journal of Neurosurgery. Although further studies must be performed, the authors propose that CD97 may prove to be a new target for anti-glioma therapies. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Gene-Gene Interactions Between Interleukin-12A and Interleukin-12B with the Risk of Brain Tumor

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:03:55 +0100

DNA and Cell Biology Feb 2012, Vol. 31, No. 2: 219-223. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology)

Namibia: Mother Distances Herself From Financial Appeal

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:15:06 +0100

[New Era] Windhoek - The mother of 13-year-old Jade Sinead Abrahams who has a cancerous brain tumour, has distanced herself from a newspaper report in which the teenager's father requested the public for financial assistance for an operation. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Brain Tumor Eradication And Prolonged Survival

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Tocagen Inc. has announced the publication of data showing the company's investigational treatment for high grade glioma eradicates brain tumors and provides a dramatic survival benefit in mouse models of glioblastoma. Almost all mice receiving the top dose of Toca 511 followed by 5-FC were still alive at 180 days, which was the termination date for the experiment, whereas all control mice died by day 43. The article was published in the February issue of the Neuro-Oncology journal... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Hope For Patients With Deadly Brain Tumor

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Jim Black is fighting the meanest, most aggressive, most common kind of brain tumor in the United States: recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In the United States, each year, approximately 10,000 patients are affected by GBM. Now, a novel investigational device - available only at clinical trial sites - is offering new hope to these patients. The non-invasive procedure - called Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) - is delivered using a portable device - called the NovoTTF-100A System made by Novocure... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Discovery predicts patient sensitivity to important drug target in deadly brain cancer

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Van Andel Research Institute) A recent discovery by Van Andel Research Institute scientists enables the prediction of patient sensitivity to proposed drug therapies for glioblastoma - the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in humans. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Development and piloting of a brain tumour‐specific question prompt list

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this research was to develop a question prompt list aimed at increasing question asking and reducing the unmet information needs of adults with primary brain tumours, and to pilot the question prompt list to determine its suitability for the intended population. Thematic analysis of existing resources was used to create a draft which was refined via interviews with 12 brain tumour patients and six relatives, readability testing and review by health professionals. A non‐randomised before–after pilot study with 20 brain tumour patients was used to assess the acceptability and usefulness of the question prompt list, compared with a ‘standard brochure’, and the feasibility of evaluation strategies. The question prompt list developed covered seven main topics (diagnosis...

Scientists target cholesterol to treat brain tumors

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:56:15 +0100

(Source: Cancer)

W5: Life or death - who gets to decide?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:02:59 +0100

Hassan Rasouli, an electrical engineer, brought his family to Toronto from Iran, in the spring of 2010. Five months later, what was supposed to be routine surgery for a benign brain tumor, left Hassan unconscious. Bacterial meningitis had infected his brain. (Source: CTV Health)

CCND1 G870A Polymorphism with Altered Cyclin D1 Transcripts Expression Is Associated with the Risk of Glioma in a Chinese Population

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:05:10 +0100

DNA and Cell Biology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology)

'Cycling gave me my freedom back'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:28:41 +0100

'How cycling helped me fight my brain tumours' (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

New hope for patients with brain tumors

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:11:11 +0100

In the United States, each year, approximately 10,000 patients are affected by recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Now, a novel investigational device – available only at clinical trial sites – is offering new hope to these patients. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Heparan sulfate sulfatase SULF2 regulates PDGFR{alpha} signaling and growth in human and mouse malignant glioma

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:50:49 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated that the extracellular sulfatase, SULF2, an enzyme that regulates multiple HSPG-dependent RTK signaling pathways, was expressed in primary human GBM tumors and cell lines. Knockdown of SULF2 in human GBM cell lines and generation of gliomas from Sulf2–/– tumorigenic neurospheres resulted in decreased growth in vivo in mice. We found a striking SULF2 dependence in activity of PDGFRα, a major signaling pathway in GBM. Ablation of SULF2 resulted in decreased PDGFRα phosphorylation and decreased downstream MAPK signaling activity. Interestingly, in a survey of SULF2 levels in different subtypes of GBM, the proneural subtype, characterized by aberrations in PDGFRα, demonstrated the strongest SULF2 expression. Therefore, in a...

Dynamics of expression patterns of AQP4, dystroglycan, agrin and matrix metalloproteinases in human glioblastoma

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:53:17 +0100

Abstract  In human glioblastoma, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is disturbed. According to our concept, the glio-vascular relationships and thus the control of the BBB are essentially dependent on the polarity of astroglial cells. This polarity is characterized by the uneven distribution of the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4), dystroglycan and other molecules. Recently, we were able to show that the extracellular matrix component agrin is important for the construction and localization of the so-called orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs), which consist in AQP4. Here, combining freeze-fracture electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, we describe alterations of expression and distribution of AQP4, dystroglycan, agrin and the matrix metallopr...

18F-Fluoromisonidazole positron emission tomography may differentiate glioblastoma multiforme from less malignant gliomas

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:51:36 +0100

Conclusion  These preliminary data suggest that FMISO PET may distinguish GBM from lower grade gliomas. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00259-011-2037-0Authors Kenji Hirata, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, JapanShunsuke Terasaka, Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, JapanTohru Shiga, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, JapanNaoya Hattori, Department of Molecular Imaging, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, JapanKeiichi Magota, Department of Radiology, Ho...

Intracranial tumors in infants: long-term functional outcome, survival, and its predictors

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:50:30 +0100

Conclusion  About a third of the infants diagnosed with brain tumors (34%) had a good functional outcome and approximately a quarter of them (28%) were able to attend regular school or take up a skilled job. After tissue diagnosis, histological grade of tumor is the only independent predictor associated with outcome. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00381-012-1707-yAuthors Shibu Pillai, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children’s Hospital, 4480 Oak St, #K3-159, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3V4Mary Metrie, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children’s Hospital, 4480 Oak St, #K...

For Brain Cancer - A Thought-Provoking New Therapeutic Target?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common of all malignant brain tumors that originate in the brain. Patients with GBM have a poor prognosis because it is a highly aggressive form of cancer that is commonly resistant to current therapies. New therapeutic approaches are therefore much needed. Joanna Phillips, Zena Werb, and colleagues, at the University of California, San Francisco, have now identified a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study published in Neuro-Oncology shows brain tumor eradication and prolonged survival

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Canale Communications) Tocagen Inc. today announced the publication of data showing the company's investigational treatment for high grade glioma eradicates brain tumors and provides a dramatic survival benefit in mouse models of glioblastoma. Almost all mice receiving the top dose of Toca 511 followed by 5-FC were still alive at 180 days, which was the termination date for the experiment, whereas all control mice died by day 43. The article was published today in the February issue of the Neuro-Oncology journal. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center offers new hope for deadly brain tumor

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - San Diego) In the United States, each year, approximately 10,000 patients are affected by recurrant glioblastoma multiforme. Now, a novel investigational device - available only at clinical trial sites - is offering new hope to these patients. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Multiple eruptive pilomatricomas in a 9‐year‐old boy with glioblastoma

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract:  A 9‐year‐old male presented to our dermatology clinic with a recent history of developing numerous cutaneous pilomatricomas, and was subsequently discovered to have sustained a recurrence of his glioblastoma multiforme. Immunohistochemical staining of a representative pilomatricoma and his original brain tumor revealed upregulation and nuclear localization of beta‐catenin, a sign associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma. We hypothesize that the development of multiple pilomatricomas may have been a hallmark of this patient's tumor recurrence and provide support for a recent report of an association between multiple pilomatricomas and gliomatosis cerebri. (Source: Pediatric Dermatology)

Sodium-dependent Migration and Proliferation in Glioma Cells [Molecular Bases of Disease]

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have investigated the role of a glioma-specific cation channel assembled from subunits of the Deg/epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) superfamily, in the regulation of migration and cell cycle progression in glioma cells. Channel inhibition by psalmotoxin-1 (PcTX-1) significantly inhibited migration and proliferation of D54-MG glioma cells. Both PcTX-1 and benzamil, an amiloride analog, caused cell cycle arrest of D54-MG cells in G0/G1 phases (by 30 and 40%, respectively) and reduced cell accumulation in S and G2/M phases after 24 h of incubation. Both PcTX-1 and benzamil up-regulated expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor proteins p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Similar results were obtained in U87MG and primary glioblastoma multiforme cells maintained in primary culture and ...

An essential role for p38 MAPK in cerebellar granule neuron precursor proliferation

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:33 +0100

Abstract  Development of the cerebellum occurs postnatally and is marked by a rapid proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNPs). CGNPs are the cells of origin for SHH-driven medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Here, we investigated the role of ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases in CGNP proliferation. We found high levels of p38α in proliferating CGNPs. Concomitantly, members of the p38 pathway, such as ASK1, MKK3 and ATF-2, were also elevated. Inhibition of the Shh pathway or CGNP proliferation blunts p38α levels, irrespective of Shh treatment. Strikingly, p38α levels were high in vivo in the external granule layer of the postnatal cerebellum, Shh-dependent mouse medulloblastomas and human medulloblastoma...

A meningioma with peripheral rim enhancement on MRI

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:00 +0100

Abstract  Meningiomas are common, typically benign intracranial neoplasms with well-demarcated borders. Meningiomas with indistinct boundaries have been reported. These can invade surrounding structures, and present surgical and diagnostic challenges. We present the case of an unusual meningioma in a 53-year-old male in which preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an irregular lesion with clear boundaries and peripheral rim enhancement. Intraoperatively, however, no cleavage plane was apparent. Histological examination showed an increase of fibroconnective tissue with proliferation of dilated vessels in the periphery of the tumor concordant with the rim. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumor was positive for EMA and CD34, but negative for CEA, Ki67, and ...

Noninvasive imaging technique may replace risky brain tumor biopsies

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:24:51 +0100

(Source: HemOncToday.com)

Del Mar Pharmaceuticals Granted U.S. Orphan Drug Designation For VAL-083 For The Treatment Of Glioma

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:36:00 +0100

DelMar Pharma today announced that the United States FDA Office of Orphan Products Development has granted orphan drug designation for VAL-083 for the treatment of glioma, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Early prediction of response to Vorinostat in an orthotopic rat glioma model

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor and is uniformly fatal despite aggressive surgical and adjuvant therapy. As survival is short, it is critical to determine the value of therapy early on in treatment. Improved early predictive assessment would allow neuro‐oncologists to personalize and adjust or change treatment sooner to maximize the use of efficacious therapy. During carcinogenesis, tumor suppressor genes can be silenced by aberrant histone deacetylation. This epigenetic modification has become an important target for tumor therapy. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, Vorinostat, Zolinza) is an orally active, potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. A major shortcoming of the use of HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of patients with brain tumors is t...

In silico Experimentation of Glioma Microenvironment Development and Anti-tumor Therapy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

by Yu Wu, Yao Lu, Weiqiang Chen, Jianping Fu, Rong Fan Tumor cells do not develop in isolation, but co-evolve with stromal cells and tumor-associated immune cells in a tumor microenvironment mediated by an array of soluble factors, forming a complex intercellular signaling network. Herein, we report an unbiased, generic model to integrate prior biochemical data and the constructed brain tumor microenvironment in silico as characterized by an intercellular signaling network comprising 5 types of cells, 15 cytokines, and 69 signaling pathways. The results show that glioma develops through three distinct phases: pre-tumor, rapid expansion, and saturation. We designed a microglia depletion therapy and observed significant benefit for virtual patients treated at the early stages but striki...

Deletion of the SPARC acidic domain or EGF-like module reduces SPARC-induced migration and signaling through p38 MAPK/HSP27 in glioma

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, deletions of the acidic domain and EGF-like module have differential effects on cell surface binding and HSP27 protein stability; however, both regions regulate SPARC-induced migration and signaling through HSP27. Our data link the domains of SPARC with different functions and suggest one or both of the constructs as potential therapeutic agents to inhibit SPARC-induced migration. (Source: Carcinogenesis)

A dialog between glioma and microglia that promotes tumor invasiveness through the CCL2/CCR2/interleukin-6 axis

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study has uncovered a mechanism by which glioma cells exploit microglia for increased invasiveness. Specifically, glioma-derived CCL2 acts upon CCR2-bearing microglia, which then produces IL-6 to stimulate gliomas. The CCL2/CCR2/IL-6 loop is a potential therapeutic target for the currently incurable malignant gliomas. (Source: Carcinogenesis)

5-Aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence as immediate intraoperative indicator to improve the safety of malignant or high-grade brain tumor diagnosis in frameless stereotactic biopsies

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:11 +0100

Conclusion  5-ALA fluorescence in stereotactic biopsies can increase the safety and accuracy of these procedures by reducing sampling errors and eliminating the need for multiple samples and/or frozen section verification, creating a more accurate, faster and safer procedure for cases of suspected malignant or high-grade brain tumors situated in deep or eloquent areas. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00701-012-1290-8Authors Gord von Campe, Universitätsklinik für Neurochirurgie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, AustriaMichael Moschopulos, Department of Neuropathology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, SwitzerlandMartin Hefti, Neurochirurgisches Zentrum, Klinik Am Rosenberg, Hasenbühlstrasse 11, 9410 Heiden, Switzerland ...

Blood glutamate scavengers prolong the survival of rats and mice with brain-implanted gliomas

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:10:49 +0100

Summary  L-Glutamate (Glu) plays a crucial role in the growth of malignant gliomas. We have established the feasibility of accelerating a naturally occurring brain to-blood Glu efflux by decreasing blood Glu levels with intravenous oxaloacetate, the respective Glu co-substrate of the blood resident enzyme humane glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase (hGOT). We wished to demonstrate that blood Glu scavenging provides neuroprotection in the case of glioma. We now describe the neuroprotective effects of blood Glu scavenging in a fatal condition such as brain-implanted C6 glioma in rats and brain-implanted human U87 MG glioma in nude mice. Rat (C-6) or human (U87) glioma cells were grafted stereotactically in the brain of rats or mice. After development of tumors, the animals w...

Secrets of the inner voice unlocked

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:19:00 +0100

Conclusion This study of 15 people undergoing brain surgery has demonstrated a method of reconstructing the sound of a heard word using only the signals obtained from the brain. This study represents an important progression in the field of speech reconstruction, which has the potential to improve the lives of many who suffer from speech difficulties in the future. But the words, when reconstructed, were not of good enough quality to be recognised by a human listener when played. The words could only be identified when the original and reconstructed sound patterns were compared visually. The researchers suggest that improving the brain sensors detecting the STG brain activity may, in the future, improve the reconstructed sound to a level that could be understood by a person listening. The ...

Defects In The Packaging Of DNA In Malignant Brain Tumors

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Glioblastomas grow extremely aggressively into healthy brain tissue and, moreover, are highly resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, they are regarded as the most malignant type of brain tumor. Currently available treatment methods are frequently not very effective against this type of cancer. Glioblastoma can affect people of all ages, but is less common in children than in adults... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Inhibition of sphingosine kinase 1 suppresses proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia by attenuating activity of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:  SphK1 and SphK2 are involved in proliferation of glioma cells in hypoxic conditions through distinct signalling pathways. SphK1, but not SphK2, promotes cell population expansion in hypoxic conditions by activating ERK. (Source: Cell Proliferation)

A thought-provoking new therapeutic target for brain cancer?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common of all malignant brain tumors that originate in the brain. Patients with GBM have a poor prognosis because it is a highly aggressive form of cancer that is commonly resistant to current therapies. As reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers have now identified the protein SULF2 as a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

[News] Qiagen acquires new rights for personalised cancer care

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

As the push towards personalised healthcare in many developed and emerging economies continues, the race to develop quick and accurate companion diagnostic tests is hotting up, with cancer diagnostics at the forefront. In the past week Qiagen (Hilden, Germany) announced its acquisition of worldwide exclusive rights to develop a genetic test for the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) biomarker, which would potentially be used in conjunction with a new class of lung-cancer drugs, and similar rights to develop a test for mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2), which have been implicated in low-grade gliomas, anaplastic gliomas, secondary glioblastoma, and acute myeloid leukaemia. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

[Cancer and Society] Medikidz explain cancer

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Medikidz are a gang of superheroes with a mission—to explain medical information to children in plain language. In a series that includes titles such as What's up with Lyndon? Medikidz explain osteosarcoma, these five superheroes help kids understand brain tumours, melanoma, and several other types of cancer that affect children and families. Each 32-page book is designed as a graphic novel with vibrant illustrations and recurring themes and characters to keep kids engaged with the medical content. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Increased levels of deleted in malignant brain tumours 1 (DMBT1) in active bacteria‐related appendicitis

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate that bacteria‐related active inflammation results in a sharp increase of DMBT1 levels in enterocytes. These findings substantiate the view that DMBT1 is of functional relevance for host defence and modulation of the course of intestinal bacteria‐related inflammatory responses. (Source: Histopathology)

Pseudotumoral form of neuroschistosomiasis: report of three cases in ganzi, china.

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wan H, Masataka H, Zhang LP, Zheng DF Abstract Abstract. The authors report three rare cases of neuroschistosomiasis lacking extracranial involvement. No parasitic eggs were detected in the stool with the Kato-Katz thick smear methods. Computed tomography of the brains showed hypodense signals, and magnetic resonance imaging showed isointense signals on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images, and intensely enhancing nodules in the brain after intravenous administration of gadolinium. High-grade gliomas were suspected, and operations or radiosurgery was performed. Cerebral schistosomiasis was confirmed in all cases by biopsy of the brain lesions, revealing granulomas containing embedded Schistosoma japonicum eggs. All cases were definitively diagnose...

[Treatment of neuropathic pain with lacosamide].

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Lacosamide can be an effective and well-tolerated alternative in the treatment of neuropathic pain and, moreover, its intravenous use can achieve pain control faster or be suitable when it is not tolerated orally. PMID: 22278893 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Revista de Neurologia)

Childhood Brain Tumors Linked To Newly Discovered Mutations

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

A recent study published in the online edition of the scientific journal Nature Genetics of rare, lethal childhood tumors of the brainstem has revealed that almost 80% of tumors contain gene mutations that have previously not been associated with cancer. According to early evidence, gene alterations also implicate other aggressive pediatric brain tumors. The results provide a significant insight into a poorly understood tumor that has a mortality rate of over 90% in patients within two years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Brain Tumors in Children- Current Therapies and Newer Directions

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:55 +0100

Abstract  Brain tumors are the second most common malignancy and the major cause of cancer related mortality in children. Though significant advances in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have evolved over the years, overall survival rate remains less than 75%. Malignant gliomas, high risk medulloblastoma with recurrence and infant brain tumors continue to be a major cause of therapeutic frustration. Even today diffuse pontine gliomas are universally fatal. Though tumors like low grade glioma have an overall excellent survival, recurrences and progression in eloquent areas pose therapeutic challenges. As research continues to unravel the biology including key molecules and signaling pathways responsible for the oncogenesis of different childhood ...

Central nervous system lymphoma occurring in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:44:48 +0100

We report a case of CNS primitive lymphoma in an adult patient who resulted positive for NF1 at genetic testing. At present, only one case of CNS lymphoma in an adult patient displaying clinical criteria for NF1 diagnosis has been reported. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10072-011-0886-8Authors Marica Eoli, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Milan, ItalyDonata Bianchessi, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyAnna Luisa Di Stefano, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyElena Prodi, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyElena Anghileri, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologic...

Monoallelic Expression Determines Oncogenic Progression and Outcome in Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Although monoallelic expression (MAE) is a frequent genomic event in normal tissues, its role in tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here we carried out single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays on DNA and RNA from a large cohort of pediatric and adult brain tumor tissues to determine the genome-wide rate of MAE, its role in specific cancer-related genes, and the clinical consequences of MAE in brain tumors. We also used targeted genotyping to examine the role of tumor-related genes in brain tumor development and specifically examined the clinical consequences of MAE at TP53 and IDH1. The genome-wide rate of tumor MAE was higher than in previously described normal tissue and increased with specific tumor grade. Oncogenes, but not tumor suppressors, exhibited significantly higher MAE in high-grade c...

Classifying Human Brain Tumors by Lipid Imaging with Mass Spectrometry

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Brain tissue biopsies are required to histologically diagnose brain tumors, but current approaches are limited by tissue characterization at the time of surgery. Emerging technologies such as mass spectrometry imaging can enable a rapid direct analysis of cancerous tissue based on molecular composition. Here, we illustrate how gliomas can be rapidly classified by desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging, multivariate statistical analysis, and machine learning. DESI-MS imaging was carried out on 36 human glioma samples, including oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, and oligoastrocytoma, all of different histologic grades and varied tumor cell concentration. Gray and white matter from glial tumors were readily discriminated and detailed diagnostic information could ...

A Pharmacologic Inhibitor of the Protease Taspase1 Effectively Inhibits Breast and Brain Tumor Growth

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we developed and evaluated small molecule inhibitors of Taspase1 as a new candidate class of therapeutic modalities. Genetic deletion of Taspase1 in the mouse produced no overt deficiencies, suggesting the possibility of a wide therapeutic index for use of Taspase1 inhibitors in cancers. We defined the peptidyl motifs recognized by Taspase1 and conducted a cell-based dual-fluorescent proteolytic screen of the National Cancer Institute diversity library to identify Taspase1 inhibitors (TASPIN). On the basis of secondary and tertiary screens the 4-[(4-arsonophenyl)methyl]phenyl] arsonic acid NSC48300 was determined to be the most specific active compound. Structure–activity relationship studies indicated a crucial role for the arsenic acid moiety in mediating Taspase1 inhibi...

A unified impulse response model for DCE‐MRI

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We describe the gamma capillary transit time model, a generalized impulse response model for DCE‐MRI that mathematically unifies the Tofts‐Kety, extended Tofts‐Kety, adiabatic tissue homogeneity, and two‐compartment exchange models. By including a parameter (α−1) representing the width of the distribution of capillary transit times within a tissue voxel, the GCTT model discriminates tissues having relatively monodisperse transit time distributions from those having a large degree of heterogeneity. All five models were compared using in vivo data acquired in three brain tumors (one glioblastoma multiforme, one pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, and one anaplastic meningioma) and Monte Carlo simulations. Our principal findings are : (1) The four most commonly used models for dynamic c...

Stunning 7-Year Survival Difference in Brain Tumor TrialStunning 7-Year Survival Difference in Brain Tumor Trial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:23:42 +0100

A study of patients with oligodendrogliomas has a practice-changing result. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

New MRI Technique Helps Diagnose Gliomas

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:01 +0100

A new magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technique provides a definitive diagnosis of brain cancer based on imaging of a protein associated with a mutated gene found in 80 percent of low- and intermediate-grade gliomas, according to a new study published January 26 in Nature Medicine. (Source: Diagnostic Imaging)

Mutations Tied To Aggressive Childhood Brain Tumors Revealed By Cancer Sequencing Initiative

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers studying a rare, lethal childhood tumor of the brainstem discovered that nearly 80 percent of the tumors have mutations in genes not previously tied to cancer. Early evidence suggests the alterations play a unique role in other aggressive pediatric brain tumors as well. The findings from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) offer important insight into a poorly understood tumor that kills more than 90 percent of patients within two years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Inhibition and eradication of human glioma with tumor-targeting Salmonella typhimurium in an orthotopic nude-mouse model.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:36:30 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated that the Salmonella typhimurium A1-R tumor-targeting strain can inhibit and eradicate human glioma in an orthotopic nude-mouse model. S. typhimurium A1-R was administered by injection through a craniotomy open-window or intravenously in nude mice. To establish the model, 2 x 105 U87-RFP human glioma cells were injected stereotactically into the mouse brain through the craniotomy open window. Two weeks after glioma-cell implantation, mice were treated with S. typhimurium A1-R [2 x 10 ( 7) CFU/200 μl intravenous injection (i.v.) or 1 x 10 ( 6) CFU/1 μl intracranial injection (i.c.)] once a week for 3 weeks. Brain tumors were observed by fluorescence imaging through the craniotomy open window over time. S. typhimurium A1-R, administered i.c., inhibited brain t...

Aurora A is differentially expressed in gliomas, is associated with patient survival in glioblastoma and is a potential chemotherapeutic target in gliomas.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:36:21 +0100

Authors: Lehman NL, O'Donnell JP, Whiteley LJ, Stapp RT, Lehman TD, Roszka KM, Schultz LR, Williams CJ, Mikkelsen T, Brown SL, Ecsedy JA, Poisson LM Abstract Aurora A is critical for mitosis and is overexpressed in several neoplasms. Its overexpression transforms cultured cells, and both its overexpression and knockdown cause genomic instability. In transgenic mice, Aurora A haploinsufficiency, not overexpression, leads to increased malignant tumor formation. Aurora A thus appears to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressor functions. Here, we report that Aurora A protein, measured by quantitative protein gel blotting, is differentially expressed in major glioma types in lineage-specific patterns. Aurora A protein levels in WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas (n = 16) and grade I...

Patient Care Could Be Revolutionized By Diagnostic Brain Tumor Test

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed what they believe to be the first clinical application of a new imaging technique to diagnose brain tumors. The unique test could preclude the need for surgery in patients whose tumors are located in areas of the brain too dangerous to biopsy. This new magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technique provides a definitive diagnosis of cancer based on imaging of a protein associated with a mutated gene found in 80 percent of low- and intermediate-grade gliomas. Presence of the mutation also means a better prognosis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Care and support needs of patients and carers early post-discharge following treatment for non-malignant brain tumour: establishing a new reality

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:32:03 +0100

Conclusion  Participants had a tendency to rely on informal support networks but identified unmet information and support needs particularly for carers. These findings highlight the need for more efficient and effective discharge preparation, referral to services and supports, provision of timely information and support for family caregivers of those with brain tumour. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-16DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1383-1Authors Petrea Cornwell, Metro North Health Service District, Queensland Health, Chermside, AustraliaBronwyn Dicks, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, AustraliaJennifer Fleming, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Luc...

A case of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis predominantly involving the cervical spinal cord and mimicking chronic meningitis.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0100

Authors: Heijink DS, Urgun K, Sav A, Seker A, Konya D Abstract Gliomas may rarely arise in the leptomeninges without any evidence of intraaxial involvement. A case of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) histologically diagnosed as oligoastrocytoma is presented. A 50-year-old woman presented with nausea, vomiting and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cranium and cervical region revealed dural thickening starting from the craniocervical junction to the level of C4 without any parenchymal lesions. CSF examination showed an increase in protein and decrease in glucose levels. There were neither any kind of atypical cells nor any kind of growth in bacterial cultures. The patient underwent biopsy at the level of C1 for diagnosis. The specimen wa...

Defects in the packaging of DNA in malignant brain tumors

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres) In children with glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive brain tumor, scientists have discovered mutations that affect the function of proteins known as histones. Histones serve as coils around which the DNA wraps. At the same time, histones regulate gene activity. Mutations in histone genes have never before been tied to a disease. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg University Hospitals and McGill University in Canada have now reported their findings in Nature. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Evaluation of novel combined carbogen USPIO (CUSPIO) imaging biomarkers in assessing the anti‐angiogenic effects of cediranib (AZD2171) in rat C6 gliomas

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to evaluate CUSPIO biomarkers for the assessment of tumour response to anti‐angiogenic therapy. CUSPIO imaging was performed in subcutaneous rat C6 gliomas before and 2 days after treatment with the potent VEGF signalling inhibitor cediranib (n=12), or vehicle (n=12). Histological validation of Hoechst 33342 uptake (perfusion), smooth muscle actin staining (maturation), pimonidazole adduct formation (hypoxia) and necrosis were sought. Following treatment, there was a significant decrease in fractional blood volume (‐43%, p<0.01) and a significant increase in haemodynamic vascular functionality (treatment altered ΔR2*carbogen from 1.2 to ‐0.2 s‐1, p<0.05). CUSPIO imaging revealed an overall significant decrease in plasma perfusion (‐27%, p<0.05) followin...

Cancer sequencing initiative discovers mutations tied to aggressive childhood brain tumors

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:10:10 +0100

A cancer sequencing initiative has discovered mutations tied to aggressive childhood brain tumors. Early evidence suggests the alterations play a unique role in other aggressive pediatric brain tumors as well. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Experts recommend genetic counseling for young sarcoma patients

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:41:39 +0100

Genetic testing may help sarcoma patients and their famlies know their risk of other cancers later in life If your child is diagnosed with a sarcoma—a tumor in connective tissue like muscles or bones—it’s natural to become totally focused on his immediate recovery. But what if beating sarcoma wasn’t the only time your child might face cancer? Data shows that there is a link between sarcomas and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare condition that raises a person’s risk of developing one or more cancers to as high as 85 percent. Cancers typically diagnosed in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome include breast cancer, sarcomas, brain tumors, acute leukemia and adrenal cortical carcinoma. Recently, the list has been expanded to include colon cancer and stomach cancer. Li-Fraumeni syndrome m...

Cancer sequencing initiative discovers mutations tied to aggressive childhood brain tumors

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) Researchers studying a rare, lethal childhood tumor of the brainstem discovered that nearly 80 percent of the tumors have mutations in genes not previously tied to cancer. Early evidence suggests the alterations play a unique role in other aggressive pediatric brain tumors as well. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Driver mutations in histone H3.3 and chromatin remodelling genes in paediatric glioblastoma

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jeremy Schwartzentruber, Andrey Korshunov, Xiao-Yang Liu, David T. W. Jones, Elke Pfaff, Karine Jacob, Dominik Sturm, Adam M. Fontebasso, Dong-Anh Khuong Quang, Martje Tönjes, Volker Hovestadt, Steffen Albrecht, Marcel Kool, Andre Nantel, Carolin Konermann, Anders Lindroth, Natalie Jäger, Tobias Rausch, Marina Ryzhova, Jan O. Korbel, Thomas Hielscher, Peter Hauser, Miklos Garami, Almos Klekner, Laszlo Bognar, Martin Ebinger, Martin U. Schuhmann, Wolfram Scheurlen, Arnulf Pekrun, Michael C. Frühwald, Wolfgang Roggendorf, Christoph Kramm, Matthias Dürken, Jeffrey Atkinson, Pierre Lepage, Alexandre Montpetit, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Krzystof Zakrzewski, Pawel P. Liberski, Zhifeng Dong, Peter Siegel, Andreas E. Kulozik, Marc Zapatka, Abhijit Guha, David Malkin, J...

Evaluation of biocompatibility and anti-glioma efficacy of doxorubicin and irinotecan drug-eluting bead suspensions in alginate

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:53:16 +0100

Discussion  We conclude that the alginate suspension of irinotecan DEBs can be considered safe and effective in a clinical setting. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlesPages 50-59DOI 10.1007/s12094-012-0761-yAuthors Silke Glage, Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, GermanyAndrew L. Lewis, Biocompatibles UK Ltd., Farnham Business Park Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8QL UKPatricia Mertens, International Neuroscience Institute, Rudolf-Pichlmayrstr. 4, 30625 Hannover, GermanySteffen Baltes, International Neuroscience Institute, Rudolf-Pichlmayrstr. 4, 30625 Hannover, GermanyPeter Geigle, CellMed AG, Industriestrasse 19, 63755 Alzenau, GermanyThomas Brinker, Inte...

Methylation status of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyl transferase promoter region in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with brain metastasis

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:53:10 +0100

Conclusions  NSCLC patients with brain metastasis treated by brain surgery followed by radiotherapy may have a higher chance of relapse when the tumour has methylation of the MGMT promoter region. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlesPages 31-35DOI 10.1007/s12094-012-0758-6Authors Kenji Hashimoto, Neurosurgery Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 JapanYoshitaka Narita, Neurosurgery Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 JapanYuko Matsushita, Neurosurgery Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 JapanYasuji Miyakita, Neurosurgery Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 JapanMakoto...

Diagnostic brain tumor test could revolutionize care of patients with low-grade gliomas

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:53:06 +0100

Researchers have developed what they believe to be the first clinical application of a new imaging technique to diagnose brain tumors. (Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center News)

Semantic memory is impaired in patients with unilateral anterior temporal lobe resection for temporal lobe epilepsy

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, therefore, we investigated the semantic performance of 20 patients with resection for chronic temporal lobe epilepsy with a full battery of semantic assessments, including more sensitive measures of semantic processing. The results provide a bridge between the current clinical observations about resection for temporal lobe epilepsy and the expectations from semantic dementia and other neuroscience findings. Specifically, we found that on simple semantic tasks, the patients’ accuracy fell in the normal range, with the exception that some patients with left resection for temporal lobe epilepsy had measurable anomia. Once the semantic assessments were made more challenging, by probing specific-level concepts, lower frequency/more abstract items or measuring reaction times...

Balancing self‐renewal and differentiation by asymmetric division: Insights from brain tumor suppressors in Drosophila neural stem cells

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:40:09 +0100

AbstractBalancing self‐renewal and differentiation of stem cells is an important issue in stem cell and cancer biology. Recently, the Drosophila neuroblast (NB), neural stem cell has emerged as an excellent model for stem cell self‐renewal and tumorigenesis. It is of great interest to understand how defects in the asymmetric division of neural stem cells lead to tumor formation. Here, we review recent advances in asymmetric division and the self‐renewal control of Drosophila NBs. We summarize molecular mechanisms of asymmetric cell division and discuss how the defects in asymmetric division lead to tumor formation. Gain‐of‐function or loss‐of‐function of various proteins in the asymmetric machinery can drive NB overgrowth and tumor formation. These proteins control either the...

MGMT promoter hypermethylation and its associations with genetic alterations in a series of 350 brain tumors

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:56:38 +0100

The objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate MGMT promoter hypermethylation status for a series of 350 human brain tumors, including 275 gliomas of different malignancy grade, 21 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines, and 75 non-glial tumors. The analysis was performed by methylation-specific PCR and capillary electrophoresis. MGMT expression at the protein level was also evaluated by both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting analysis. Associations of MGMT hypermethylation with IDH1/IDH2 mutations, EGFR amplification, TP53 mutations, and 1p/19q co-deletion, and the prognostic significance of these, were investigated for the gliomas. MGMT promoter hypermethylation was identified in 37.8% of gliomas, but was not present in non-glial tumors, with the excepti...

Hematogenous extraneural metastasis of the germinomatous component of a pineal mixed germ cell tumor

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:56:01 +0100

Abstract  A 23-year-old man presented with a mass in the pineal region and obstructive hydrocephalus. A neuroendoscopic biopsy for the lesion, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, and focal irradiation were conducted as initial treatment. Histological diagnosis of the biopsy specimen was germinoma. He underwent further irradiation and two tumor resections. Histological diagnosis was mature teratoma without a germinomatous component. After serial treatments, the intracranial lesion was controlled. However, 14 months after presentation, extraneural lesions were confirmed in the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneal space. The biopsy specimen of the retroperitoneal space lesion was histologically diagnosed as germinoma. Although chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposid...

Intra-operative 3-T MRI for paediatric brain tumours: challenges and perspectives

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:47 +0100

Abstract  MRI is the ideal modality for imaging intracranial tumours. Intraoperative MRI (ioMRI) makes it possible to obtain scans during a neurosurgical operation that can aid complete macroscopic tumour resection — a major prognostic factor in the majority of brain tumours in children. Intra-operative MRI can also help limit damage to normal brain tissue. It therefore has the potential to improve the survival of children with brain tumours and to minimise morbidity, including neurological deficits. The use of ioMRI is also likely to reduce the need for second look surgery, and may reduce the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. High-field MRI systems provide better anatomical information and also enable effective utilisation of advanced MRI techniques such as perfusi...

Study: MRS may provide diagnostic, prognostic biomarker for brain tumors

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:14:01 +0100

A new magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technique may offer a method to detect and track a protein associated with a genetic mutation in brain tumor cancer cells. The method could inform diagnosis of glioma and provide prognostic information, according to a study published online Jan. 26 in Nature Medicine. (Source: Health Imaging News)

Driver mutations in histone H3.3 and chromatin remodelling genes in paediatric glioblastoma

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:37:24 +0100

Authors: Jeremy Schwartzentruber, Andrey Korshunov, Xiao-Yang Liu, David T. W. Jones, Elke Pfaff, Karine Jacob, Dominik Sturm, Adam M. Fontebasso, Dong-Anh Khuong Quang, Martje Tönjes, Volker Hovestadt, Steffen Albrecht, Marcel Kool, Andre Nantel, Carolin Konermann, Anders Lindroth, Natalie Jäger, Tobias Rausch, Marina Ryzhova, Jan O. Korbel, Thomas Hielscher, Peter Hauser, Miklos Garami, Almos Klekner, Laszlo Bognar, Martin Ebinger, Martin U. Schuhmann, Wolfram Scheurlen, Arnulf Pekrun, Michael C. Frühwald, Wolfgang Roggendorf, Christoph Kramm, Matthias Dürken, Jeffrey Atkinson, Pierre Lepage, Alexandre Montpetit, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Krzystof Zakrzewski, Pawel P. Liberski, Zhifeng Dong, Peter Siegel, Andreas E. Kulozik, Marc Zapatka, Abhijit Guha, David Malkin, J...

Summary Report on the Graded Prognostic Assessment: An Accurate and Facile Diagnosis-Specific Tool to Estimate Survival for Patients With Brain Metastases [Neurooncology]

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Prognostic factors for patients with brain metastases vary by diagnosis, and for each diagnosis, a robust separation into different GPA scores was discerned, implying considerable heterogeneity in outcome, even within a single tumor type. In summary, these indices and related worksheet provide an accurate and facile diagnosis-specific tool to estimate survival, potentially select appropriate treatment, and stratify clinical trials for patients with brain metastases. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Bevacizumab and irinotecan in children with recurrent or refractory brain tumors: Toxicity and efficacy trends

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionBevacizumab‐related acute toxicity appears to be low in children, even in combination with irinotecan. Further prospective trials are required to confirm the hypothetical efficacy of bevacizumab and to assess the risk of long‐term toxicity especially in the youngest children. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Targeting the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 in medulloblastoma

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractEnhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2 that catalyzes the trimethylation of histone H3 on Lys 27, and represses gene transcription. EZH2 enhances cancer‐cell proliferation and regulates stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that EZH2 is highly expressed in medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor of childhood, and this altered expression is correlated with genomic gain of chromosome 7 in a subset of medulloblastoma. Inhibition of EZH2 by RNAi suppresses medulloblastoma tumor cell growth. We show that 3‐deazaneplanocin A, a chemical inhibitor of EZH2, can suppress medulloblastoma cell growth partially by inducing apoptosis. Suppression of EZH2 expression diminishes the ability of tumor cells...

The regulation of cysteine cathepsins and cystatins in human gliomas

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractCysteine cathepsins play an important role in shaping the highly infiltrative growth pattern of human gliomas. We have previously demonstrated that the activity of cysteine cathepsins is elevated in invasive GBM cells in vitro, in part due to attenuation of their endogenous inhibitors, the cystatins. To investigate this relationship in vivo, we established U87‐MG xenografts in NOD/SCID‐eGFP mice. Here, tumour growth correlated with an elevated enzymatic activity of CatB both in the tumour core and at the periphery, whereas CatS and CatL levels were higher at the xenograft edge compared to the core. Reversely, StefB expression was detected in the tumour core, but it was generally absent in the tumour periphery, suggesting that down‐regulation of this inhibitor correlates with ...

In vivo intraoperative confocal microscopy for real-time histopathological imaging of brain tumors.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Further study will be necessary for better definition of the role of intraoperative confocal microscopy as a routine adjunct for intraoperative brain tumor diagnosis. PMID: 22283191 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

The expression and effects the CABYR-c transcript of CABYR gene in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. CABYR-c is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and may play an oncogenic role in heptocarcinogenesis as well as its progression. PMID: 22285430 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bulletin du Cancer)

Efficacy of vincristine administered via convection-enhanced delivery in a rodent brainstem tumor model documented by bioluminescence imaging

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:44:15 +0100

Conclusions  VCR administered by CED was effective in reducing tumors and prolonging survival time. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00381-012-1690-3Authors Guifa Xi, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Falk Brain Tumor Center, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 2300 Children’s Plaza, 2430N Halsted St, Box # 28, Chicago, IL 60614, USAVeena Rajaram, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Children’s Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children’s Plaza, Box # 28, Chicago, IL 60614, USABabara Mania-Farnell, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University Calumet, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323, USAChandra S. Mayanil, Department of Development Biology, Children’s Memorial Research Cent...

Are the psychological needs of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer adequately identified and treated?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:19:03 +0100

ConclusionsMany adolescent survivors of cancer experience psychological difficulties that are not adequately managed by current services, underscoring the need for long‐term surveillance. In addition to prescribing regular psychological evaluations, clinicians should closely monitor whether current support services appropriately meet survivors' needs, particularly for lower‐income survivors and those treated with cranial radiation therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psycho-Oncology)

The challenge to remove diffuse low-grade gliomas while preserving brain functions

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:43:52 +0100

Abstract  WHO grade II glioma, i.e. diffuse low-grade glioma, is a pre-malignant tumour, usually revealed by seizures in young patients with a normal life. This tumour has a constant growth, and will inescapably become anaplastic. Surgical resection significantly increases the overall survival by delaying the malignant transformation. Thus, the dilemma is to perform early surgery in order to optimise the extent of resection (and thus the median survival) by removing smaller tumours while preserving the quality of life. To this end, the new concept proposed in this review is to achieve surgical resection according to functional and not to oncological boundaries. In other words, the principle is to first understand the cerebral anatomo-functional organisation at the individua...

[Image-guided radiation therapy : Paradigm change in radiation therapy.]

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

[Image-guided radiation therapy : Paradigm change in radiation therapy.] Radiologe. 2012 Jan 26; Authors: Wenz F, Belka C, Reiser M, Schönberg SO Abstract CLINICAL ISSUE: The introduction of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) has changed the workflow in radiation oncology more dramatically than any other innovation in the last decades. STANDARD TREATMENT: Imaging for treatment planning before the initiation of the radiotherapy series does not take alterations in patient anatomy and organ movement into account. TREATMENT INNOVATIONS: The principle of IGRT is the temporal and spatial connection of imaging in the treatment position immediately before radiation treatment. DIAGNOSTIC ASSE...

Comparison between intensity normalization techniques for dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)‐MRI estimates of cerebral blood volume (CBV) in human gliomas

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:The results suggest Gaussian normalization of leakage‐corrected CBV maps may be the best choice for image intensity correction for use in large‐scale, multicenter clinical trials where MR scanners and protocols vary widely due to ease of implementation, lowest variability, and highest tumor to normal tissue contrast. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Is T2* Enough to Assess Oxygenation? Quantitative Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Analysis in Brain Tumor [Experimental Studies]

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Additional measurements, such as BVf, T2, and B0, are needed to obtain reliable information on oxygenation with BOLD MR imaging. The proposed quantitative BOLD approach, which includes these measurements, appears to be a promising tool with which to map tumor oxygenation. © RSNA, 2011 (Source: Radiology)

Diagnostic brain tumor test could revolutionize care of patients

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(UT Southwestern Medical Center) Researchers have developed what they believe to be the first clinical application of a new imaging technique to diagnose brain tumors. The unique test could preclude the need for surgery in patients whose tumors are located in areas of the brain too dangerous to biopsy. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Pyruvate Protects the Brain Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Activating the Erythropoietin Signaling Pathway.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Pyruvate activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-EPO signaling cascade in neurons and glia could protect the brain from ischemia-reperfusion injury. PMID: 22282883 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Stroke)

Prognostic significance of MRP5 immunohistochemical expression in glioblastoma

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:14:31 +0100

Conclusion  The present results imply that MRP5 index may hold a prognostic role in patients with GBM. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00280-012-1832-zAuthors George A. Alexiou, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceAnna Goussia, Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceSpyridon Voulgaris, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceAndreas D. Fotopoulos, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceGeorge Fotakopoulos, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceAntigoni Ntoulia, Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GreeceA...

Intracranial Masson tumor: case report and literature review

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:04:09 +0100

We report a third case of a neonate who presented with the appearance of a metastatic brain tumor involving the orbit, sella, and cerebellum that was ultimately proven to be IPEH. A thorough literature review of IPEH is presented and we discuss this clinical entity and its management. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11060-012-0799-2Authors Chie-Schin Shih, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Room 4340, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USARichard Burgett, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University, Indianapolis and Midwest Eye Institute, 200 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290, USAJose Bonnin, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, India...

Potential New Pathway Can Overcome Glioblastoma Resistance

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in humans, and is one of the most resistant to current treatments. Individuals with the disease typically survive around 15 months. Earlier research concentrated on activating the (apoptosis) cell death pathway through therapeutic agents like tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Most of these experiments were however impeded by resistance. Chunhai "Charlie" Hao, M.D., Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Way Discovered To Image Brain Tumors And Predict Recurrence

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

After people with low-grade glioma, a type of brain cancer, undergo neurosurgery to remove the tumors, they face variable odds of survival - depending largely on how rapidly the cancer recurs. Even though their doctors monitor the tumor closely with sophisticated imaging, it is difficult to determine with certainty whether cancer has returned in a more malignant state that requires aggressive treatment... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Protein and phosphoprotein levels in glioma and adenocarcinoma cell lines grown in normoxia and hypoxia in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We identified subsets of proteins with clearly concordant/discordant behavior between gliomas and adenocarcinomas. In general, monolayer to 3D culture differences are clearer than normoxia to hypoxia differences, with anti-apoptotic, cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell survival pathways emphasized in the former and mTOR pathway, transcription, cell-cycle arrest modulation, and increased cell motility in the latter. (Source: Proteome Science)

“Donut’s Shape” Radiosurgical Treatment Planning for Large Cystic Metastatic Brain Tumors

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2011; 54: 286-289DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1297987Radiosurgical management of large cystic metastatic brain tumors represents a significant challenge. Nevertheless, modified dose planning has shown beneficial results in such cases.“Donut’s shape” radiosurgical treatment planning is based on the chain-like application of multiple, small-sized isocenters for selective coverage of the contrast-enhancing tumor capsule and minimal irradiation of the central cystic area. Such an approach was used for the management of large cystic intracranial metastases, which were not accompanied by a significant mass effect and did not require immediate volume reduction. Treatment was done using Leksell Gamma Knife model C with automatic positioning system. The majority of treated les...

A proteome comparison between physiological angiogenesis and angiogenesis in glioblastoma.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mustafa DA, Dekker LJ, Stingl C, Kremer A, Stoop M, Sillevis Smitt PA, Kros JM, Luider TM Abstract The molecular pathways involved in neovascularization of regenerating tissues and tumor angiogenesis resemble each other. However, the regulatory mechanisms of neovascularization under neoplastic circumstances are unbalanced leading to abnormal protein expression patterns resulting in the formation of defective and often abortive tumor vessels. Because gliomas are among the most vascularized tumors, we compared the protein expression profiles of proliferating vessels in glioblastoma with those in tissues in which physiological angiogenesis takes place. By using a combination of laser microdissection and LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry comparisons of protein profiles were made....

Morphofunctional aspects of the blood-brain barrier.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nico B, Ribatti D Abstract The blood-brain barrier (BBB) selectively controls the homeostasis of the Central Nervous System (CNS) environment by the specific structural and biochemical features of the endothelial cells, pericytes and glial endfeet, which represent the cellular components of the mature BBB. Endothelial tight junctions (TJs) are the most important structural component of the BBB, and molecular alteration in the phosphorylation state of some TJs proteins, like ZO-1 or occludin, are crucial in determining alterations in the control of BBB vascular permeability. Astrocytes endfeet enveloping the vessels wall, are considered important in the induction and maintenance of the BBB, through secretion of soluble factors, which modulate the expression of enzymatic com...

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