Novel Insights on Brain Tumor Formation

Glioma tumors are a rare type of tumor occurring within various areas of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. These tumors begin in different glial cells, known for their role in supporting neurons, that surround nervous tissue. At the time of writing, more than 90% of patients with high-grade tumors die within five years. Glioma tumors are particularly life-threatening due to their mutation rate and progressive spread and are currently treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and experimental clinical trials. To further understand how this devastating form of brain cancer takes over the body, a global research team investigated gliomas’ signaling with other cells within the brain.

The group, who worked alongside experts at the University of Leeds, published their work in the journal Cell. They hoped to understand more about why gliomas progress to a higher-grade form and how they can still survive and grow post-treatment.

“This study, which required a global effort to acquire enough glioma samples to adequately power it, has allowed us to gain unprecedented insight into how these deadly tumors progress, and ways that we might finally be able to stop them,” says Dr. Lucy Stead, Associate Professor of Brain Cancer Biology at the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine.

To begin, the team collected glioma samples over time to assess their transition from low-grade to high-grade, as well as before and after treatment. Then, they looked at how these cells changed and analyzed whether intervention with novel drugs stopped their continued adaptations. As the researchers identified these previously unknown cellular reactions and which drugs were effective against tumor regeneration, they identified potential avenues of treatment for patients. 

“It seems from my experience that a one size fits all approach is applied to treatment at the moment and any form of targeting treatment specifically to suit the person must be an improvement,” says Dr. Stead. “The fact that research is being undertaken has also a beneficial effect for patients and their families. It generates hope.”

By analyzing tissue samples from all over the globe, the team also discovered some insightful findings about the differences in tumor development between individuals. Dr. Varn, postdoctoral associate and first author of the study, states, “This study has made it clear that not every tumor changes in the same way. Knowing this is going to allow us to develop therapies that are better tailored towards each patient’s disease in the future.”