Scientists are exploring new mechanisms to combat an aggressive brain tumor

This tumor can be diagnosed at any age, but is most often discovered in people over 65 years old, according to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Glioblastoma consists of a special type of cell known as astrocyte, which makes up the bulk of the cells in the central nervous system. This tumor is characterized by its rapid spread to other areas of the brain, which negatively affects the patient’s physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities, and limits the ability to perform daily tasks.

In this regard, scientists at the Robert H. Lurie Center at Northwestern University continue their efforts to better understand this disease and develop new treatments through research and clinical trials.

Dr. Jason Miska, assistant professor of neurosurgery, explained that the hypoxic state inside the tumor drives many aspects of its growth and resistance to treatment. Therefore, understanding these mechanisms can open horizons for new treatments.

Miska made an important discovery regarding special immune cells in the tumor environment, known as tumor-associated myeloid cells. The results suggest that targeting these cells may be a promising strategy to slow tumor growth and improve treatment response.

In addition to surgery and chemotherapy, stimulating the immune system is essential in treating glioblastoma, as there are limited immune cells.

In a recent study, scientists used a pharmaceutical agonist to target a specific pathway in tumor cells, which helped reprogram immune responses.

Dr. Hinda Najm, a postdoctoral fellow, said the results showed that activating this pathway can make a big difference in the immune response to the tumor.

The use of specific B cells to fight tumors has also been studied. Research has shown that B-cell vaccines can infiltrate the tumor and produce antibodies that fight the tumor cells and prevent their spread.

In addition, a new technology based on ultrasound has been developed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, allowing drugs and immunotherapy to be delivered directly to tumors. This is considered an important development in the treatment of glioblastoma, given the difficulty of treating this type of cancer.

Thanks to these research and innovations, scientists are opening new doors to better understand and develop more effective treatments against glioblastoma, which heralds promising prospects for the future.

Source: Medical Express