Study reveals genes behind brain tumours

A team of researchers has pinpointed a handful of genes that could drive the formation of medulloblastoma, the most aggressive and frequent form of brain tumour found in children.

The team was led by Professor Brandon Wainwright, Dr Laura Genovesi and Dr Melissa Davis from The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience.

Professor Brandon Wainwright said these genes provided potential targets for .

"Brain tumours are the most common cause of cancer death in ," Professor Wainwright said.

"Those who do survive often experience significant neurological, intellectual and physical disabilities as a result of their treatment, which involves surgical removal of the tumour followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

"We clearly need more effective and less invasive options to treat and improve outcomes for both children and adults with this devastating disease."

There are four different sub-types of medulloblastoma, each with their own molecular signature.

The researchers identified underlying genetic regulatory networks that were present in all of the sub-types, a discovery that Professor Wainwright said was important in advancing treatments.

"We are now searching for existing drugs that may block these gene networks and act as viable treatment alternatives for medulloblastoma."

The team, which included researchers from Australia, Singapore, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, made the discovery after screening 85 tumours.

The results were published this week in the highly prestigious scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

Subscribers to the journal can access the paper here.

Citation: Study reveals genes behind brain tumours (2013, October 31) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-10-reveals-genes-brain-tumours.html
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