Infants with brain tumors might avoid chemotherapy due to a potential new drug therapy.
A New Approach to Fighting Cancer in Infants
Brain tumors in infants, specifically high-grade gliomas, may soon be treated differently through targeted medications, according to new research. Unlike older children, where only 20% survive more than five years, babies and young children diagnosed before 12 months old have a better chance, with around two-thirds surviving five years or more.
The reason? Infant gliomas seem to be biologically distinct, and a new study suggests that these tumors have unique molecular characteristics compared to those in older children.
The Latest Findings
Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), Hopp Children's Cancer Centre Heidelberg, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and St Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that over half of the samples tested had a distinct genetic makeup from other forms of childhood brain tumors.
To test the efficacy of this knowledge, they experimented on mice with brain tumors caused by the same genetic weaknesses. They found that the drug lorlatinib significantly shrunk tumors in seven out of eight mice, while tumors in mice given chemotherapy kept growing, though at a slower rate.
A Possible Treatment Breakthrough
The implications of this research could change the way we approach treating infant gliomas. Instead of subjecting them to harmful chemotherapy, we could use targeted drugs to exploit the tumor's unique molecular weaknesses. Clinical trials for these precision medicines are now open.
Exciting Advancements in Cancer Treatment
This breakthrough is not an isolated incident. Research in cancer treatments is evolving rapidly. For example, scientists are exploring the use of flashing blue lights to trigger cancer-fighting cells, while statins could potentially reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 40%. Other research involves programming beneficial bacteria to fight cancer.
Looking Ahead
Professor Chris Jones, professor of paediatric brain tumor biology at the ICR, states, "We showed that brain tumors in infants have particular genetic weaknesses that could be targeted with existing drugs - and clinical trials are planned to test the benefit of these precision medicines as a first-line treatment as soon as possible."
The ICR anticipates that this research will alter the World Health Organisation's diagnostic guidelines, classifying brain tumors in infants separately from other childhood brain tumors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does radiation kill cancer if it causes cancer?
Although radiation can cause cancer due to its impact on DNA, it's important to remember that guns can be used for both good and evil. Radiation therapy targets cancer cells more effectively because their rapid division means that some of their DNA repair mechanisms are less efficient. A focused beam of radiation is used to minimize damage to healthy cells, but it does slightly increase the chances of developing a second cancer.
Read More:
- Beneficial Bacteria Programmed to Fight Cancer
- Statins and Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction
- Cancer-Fighting Cells Triggered by Blue Lights
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