A promising candidate for drugs for the treatment of brain cancer

The deadliest form of brain cancer has been brought under control

Roman Ivanov, Computer

Oncologists from the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have identified a biomarker of the most lethal form of brain tumors in adult patients – glioblastoma multiforme.

But even more importantly, using this marker as a target and reducing its concentration under the influence of a potential drug, as scientists have shown, avoids further progress, as well as a new relapse of a deadly tumor. A report on the work done (Chan et al., Targeting Glioma Stem Cells by Functional Inhibition of a Prosurvival OncomiR-138 in Malignant Gliomas) is published in the journal Cell Reports.

According to the researchers, they have identified the main regulator miR-138, which is absolutely necessary for the progress and recurrence of a deadly form of brain cancer. Studies on the anti-cancer efficacy of the experimental anti-miR-138 drug were carried out on cell cultures and mice. As a result, it was shown that brain tumors of animals that underwent appropriate therapy did not progress for 9 months while the observation was going on.

Malignant glioma is considered the most destructive and deadly form of brain cancer. Recently, there is more and more evidence that the ability of these tumors to relapse and their resistance to the effects of chemicals is due to the presence of glioma stem cells (HSCs). In the current work, it has been demonstrated that HSC expresses micro-RNA-138 (miR-138), the elimination of which under the action of a test drug dramatically reduces the growth rate and survival rate of HSC in cell culture.

Research scheme. Above: the path of the control group, where miR-138 is not affected – the tumor is progressing.
At the bottom: a violent decrease in the concentration of miR-138, which leads to the gradual death of the tumor. (Illustration by A*STAR.)

An additional "bonus", following from the results obtained, was that miR-138 can be used as a diagnostic marker for immediate anti-cancer therapy.

Prepared based on the materials of A*STAR Research:
A*STAR Scientists Discover Potential Drug for Deadly Brain Cancer.
This discovery can potentially prevent the progression and relapse of deadly brain tumours.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru06.09.2012