University of Plymouth researchers in the UK have identified the proteins that underlie the growth and development of common brain tumors. Their findings could, in the long run, trigger the development of new treatments which are less invasive.
Through investigations undertaken at labs at the Plymouth Science Park, PhD students, together with other scientists studied the molecular subtypes of tumors called meningiomas. They found that ANXA3, a type of protein, was a key driver behind the growth of some meningioma cells. By inhibiting the functioning of these proteins, the team was able to slow down, and in some instances, altogether halt the growth of the tumor cells.
The findings of their research appeared in the eBioMedicine journal. The authors write that their findings increase the hope for developing minimally invasive treatment options for individuals diagnosed with meningioma. Currently, radiotherapy and surgery are the go-to treatments for patients with these tumors.
Prof. Oliver Hanemann led the study, which was a part of the PhD work undertaken by his student Maryam Shah.
Hanemann explains that future treatments for meningioma could be personalized by targeting the ANXA3 protein in patients diagnosed with meningioma, especially those patients whose meningioma tumors have been linked to mutations in the NF2 gene. He adds that additional studies need to be undertaken before this new approach can be made available to patients, and says their study is a significant initial step in that direction.
The study led by Prof. Hanemann is another significant milestone adding to other studies that have been conducted by the Center of Excellence focusing on brain tumor research at the university. The center has focused its brain tumor research on low-grade tumors. These grow less aggressively and commonly affect young adults and children.
The center devotes most of its research resources to meningiomas that are, in most cases, non-cancerous. However, these growths that vary in size can trigger serious or life-threatening complications. The gravity of the complications depends on where the tumors are located and on their size.
Researchers have been undertaking numerous studies aimed at establishing the different factors which could increase the risk of meningioma development. One such study suggested that a commonly used birth control injection increased the risk of meningioma onset in women and the manufacturer of that birth control injection updated the data sheets of these products to inform healthcare providers about this risk.
As more is known about the factors leading to the development of meningiomas, it will become easier to develop treatments against these tumors and even prevent their onset. Companies like CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) are investing considerable resources with the aim of commercializing effective treatments against different tumors afflicting the brain and central nervous system. A time is therefore coming when these conditions could be as treatable as diseases affecting other parts of the body.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CNSP
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