Currently, a glioblastoma multiforme diagnosis comes with a relatively poor prognosis: 25% survival after 1 year, and 5% after 5 years. Researchers have been looking to not only expand their understanding of glioblastoma – including how this rare cancer develops – but what type of treatment options may be available. According to Medical XPress, researchers were able to evaluate syngeneic EPSC-derived neural stem cells and tumor initiating cells to gain deeper insight into glioblastoma. To learn more, take a look at the research findings published in Nature Communications.

The Research

Funded by Brain Tumor Research, this particular study sought to understand whether targets could be discovered to personalize glioblastoma treatment. Altogether, researchers used 10 patients within this study. To begin, researchers developed a research technique utilizing analytical computer programs alongside laboratory work. Through this, researchers then evaluated various cells to understand how the cancer develops. By comparing healthy cells versus malignant (cancerous) cells, researchers are better able to understand what prompts certain changes.

In the past, researchers have hypothesized that the cancerous cells begin in neural stem cells. Through this particular study, researchers were able to learn more about what specific molecular actions occur to prompt these changes. This is especially important for patients with glioblastoma. The cancer is not just extremely aggressive and fast-spreading, but is often resistant to treatment. Thus, developing a deeper understanding of the cancer – and learning what potential therapeutic targets exist – is crucial to improving patient outcomes.

Much research is still needed to identify potential therapeutic targets. However, this study did highlight certain promising elements. Certain glioblastoma tumors are able to control a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells. By controlling the movement of these cells, the tumor is able to extend its own lifespan. Learning how to stop this movement could assist therapeutic development moving forward.

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is considered an aggressive and fast-growing form of astrocytoma, a brain cancer which begins in astrocyte cells. Due to the tumors’ capability in generating their own blood supply, these tumors are often fast-growing. Typically, the cancer begins in the brain and spinal cord. While it does often spread through brain tissue, it does not typically spread to other bodily organs. Males are more likely to develop glioblastomas than females. When symptoms appear, these include:

• Persistent headaches
• Changes in vision (double vision, blurred vision)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Difficulty thinking or speaking
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Seizures

Learn more about glioblastoma.