MUHC study makes headway in understanding pediatric brain tumours
I rarely post press releases, but I’m especially proud of this one - Andre
A new study led by researchers at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) has significantly advanced the understanding of pediatric glioblastoma (pGBM) - the most deadly form of brain tumour. The study, published in the April 1 edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, reveals that there are at least two subsets of pGBM, which are activated through different genetic pathways. In addition their findings confirm that pGBM and the adult form (aGBM) are genetically distinct. These discoveries may lead to improved and disease-specific treatment that will halt tumour growth.
Glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM, is a particularly aggressive type of brain tumour that strikes apparently healthy people, from adults to children, without warning. “Adult GBM (aGBM) kills the vast majority of patients within two years of diagnosis,” says Dr. Nada Jabado, a researcher at the Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at McGill University, and senior author of the new study. “With around a 20 percent survival rate, pediatric GBM (pGBM) is only slightly less lethal than aGBM.”
“Overall, we know very little about pGBM,” she notes. “For many years pGBM and aGBM were considered to be the same disease, but we started to notice differences between the two in terms of survival, response to treatment and genetic abnormalities. Our findings confirm that pGBM and aGBM are triggered by different molecular events.”
Genetic testing conducted by the researchers, who include Dr. Andre Nantel from the Biotechnology Research Institute (National Research Council), also revealed that there are at least two different forms of pGBM. “Both subsets of pGBM show an abnormal production of a protein that may drive the growth of this tumour,” says Dr. Jabado. “We hope this study will provide scientists with better treatment targets for this devastating disease.”
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Je ne comprends rien, mais je suis fière de toi! ;-)
In simple terms, we started with the deadliest kind of pediatric brain cancer and showed that there was in fact two different kinds. One has a 5% survival rate (similar to what is found in adults) but the other type is a bit less deadly with 40% survival. Knowing which kind will have an impact on your choice of treatment.
Way to differentiate, Andre! Congrats! :-)