Study Uncovers How Brain Tumors Evolve During Treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common brain cancers, primarily affecting an individual’s spine and/or brain. This malignant tumor forms from astrocytes, which support nerve cells. These tumors usually grow and spread very quickly, which creates pressure and destroys healthy tissue.

In 2008, the glioblastoma multiforme genome was characterized by the Cancer Genome Atlas. Since then, scientists have directed their efforts toward examining transcriptomic and genomic data for new therapeutic targets that will improve patient clinical outcomes. Despite this, the five-year survival rates for this aggressive cancer remain below 5%.

In a new study, scientists recently demonstrated how brain tumors evolve when therapy is administered, a discovery that will help learn more about how cancers become resistant to treatments and increase rates of mortality. The study was coled by Milan G. Chheda and Li Ding, both of whom are associate professors of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. Chheda is also part of the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.

For their research, the scientists conducted an analysis on 228 high-grade astrocytoma and glioblastoma tumors from 200 patients. Their objective was to find out which mutated proteins and molecules helped make these tumors treatment-resistant.

They divided the tumors into subsets, which allowed them to observe the changes in the proteins when the tumors continued to grow or returned after treatment was administered. The scientists discovered different genetic modifications that merged on certain cellular events which affected metabolism and protein interactions in the tumors.

The scientists also observed a crucial role of the PTPN11 gene. This may serve as a point of focus for potential therapies in the future. With the recurrence of tumors being almost a given in high-grade gliomas, better understanding of how tumors change, particularly in response to treatment, may improve therapeutic strategies.

The study had a number of limitations, including the fact that it utilized a modest sample size with limited racial and ethnic diversity. The scientists also relied on a bulk sampling strategy and didn’t include smaller subsets in major analyzes. Furthermore, the conclusions made were based mainly on statistical associations between available clinical parameters and molecular observations, with limited mechanistic validation.

The scientists reported their findings in the “Cancer Cell” journal. Some of the researchers involved in the study included Jingxian Liu, Kathleen J. Imbach, Song Cao, Yi-Ting Wang, Jennifer E. Kyle, Ilya Strunilin, Weiping Ma, Natalie M. Clark, Zev A. Binder and Lijun Chen, among others.

Such studies may be instrumental in shaping the future treatments for brain cancer that are brought to market by different drug developers, including CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP).

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

About BioMedWire

BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.

BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer

BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com

BioMedWire is powered by IBN