MedWorm: Astrocytoma

A 31-Year-Old Woman With a Transformed Low-grade Glioma [Clinical Crossroads]

JAMA — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

Low-grade gliomas in adults have an incidence of 0.8 to 1.2 per 100 000, and their causes are unknown. Despite their histological classification as low-grade, they cannot be cured by any current treatment mode, and no class I evidence exists to guide initial treatment of these tumors. Median survival ranges between 7.5 years and 10 years, with a 5-year survival probability between 55% and 86%. The prognosis depends on age, World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade, Karnofsky performance score, cytological type (oligodendroglioma vs astrocytoma), and, potentially, the extent of resection. Oligodendrogliomas with loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 1p and 19q have a distinctly more favorable prognosis and therapeutic response rate. Low-grade tumors progress to high-grade gliomas wit...

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Whole-Genome Profiling of Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas Highlights Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor {alpha} and Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase As Potential Therapeutic Targets [Pediatric Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:01:29 +0100

Conclusion To our knowledge, our data provides the first, comprehensive high-resolution genomic analysis of pediatric DIPG. Our findings of recurrent involvement of the PDGFR pathway as well as defects in DNA repair pathways coupled with gain of PARP-1 highlight two potential, biologically based, therapeutic targets directed specifically at this devastating disease. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

New Insights Into Susceptibility to Glioma [Neurological Review]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

The study of inherited susceptibility to cancer has been one of the most informative areas of research in the past decade. Most of the cancer genetics studies have been focused on the common tumors such as breast and colorectal cancers. As the allelic architecture of these tumors is unraveled, research attention is turning to other rare cancers such as glioma, which are also likely to have a major genetic component as the basis of their development. In this brief review we discuss emerging data on glioma whole genome–association searches to identify risk loci. Two glioma genome-wide association studies have so far been reported. Our group identified 5 risk loci for glioma susceptibility (TERT rs2736100, CCDC26 rs4295627, CDKN2A/CDKN2B rs4977756, RTEL1 rs6010620, and PHLDB1 rs498872)....

Malignant Astrocytomas: A System Disease [From JAMA]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

(Source: Archives of Neurology)

Correction: {alpha}2-Macroglobulin Inhibits the Malignant Properties of Astrocytoma Cells by Impeding {beta}-Catenin Signaling

Cancer Research — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:07:49 +0100

(Source: Cancer Research)

Anti-tumor immune response correlates with neurological symptoms in a dog with spontaneous astrocytoma treated by gene and vaccine therapy.

Vaccine — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pluhar GE, Grogan PG, Seiler C, Goulart M, Santacruz KS, Carlson C, Chen W, Olin MR, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG, Haines SJ, Ohlfest JR Gene therapy and vaccination have been tested in malignant glioma patients with modest, albeit encouraging results. The combination of these therapies has demonstrated synergistic efficacy in murine models but has not been reported in large animals. Gemistocytic astrocytoma (GemA) is a low-grade glioma that typically progresses to lethal malignancy despite conventional therapies. Until now there has been no useful animal model of GemA. Here we report the treatment of a dog with spontaneous GemA using the combination of surgery, intracavitary adenoviral interferon gamma (IFNgamma) gene transfer, and vaccination with glioma cell lysates mixed with ...

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Bioluminescent approaches for measuring tumor growth in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis.

Toxicologic Pathology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:52:03 +0100

Authors: Hawes JJ, Reilly KM Neurofibomatosis (NF1) patients are susceptible to multiple tumors of the nervous system including neurofibromas, optic glioma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), and astrocytoma. The Nf1+/-;Trp53+/- (NPcis) mouse model of NF1 spontaneously develops astrocytoma and MPNSTs that are very similar to human NF1 tumors. To use this model for testing potential therapeutics, we have developed systems that take advantage of bioluminescent reporters of tumor growth. We have generated E2F1 promoter-driving luciferase (ELUX) reporter mice to detect proliferating tumors in NPcis mice in vivo using bioluminescence. The power of this system is that it enables looking at tumor evolution and detecting spontaneous tumors at early stages of development as they...

Expression of growth factors in brain tumors: correlation with tumor grade, recurrence and survival.

Clinical Neuropathology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:22:05 +0100

Conclusion: The immunohistochemical study of expression of VEGF, EGFR, TGFβ2, TGFβ3, PDGF and p53 in all low-grade (Grade II) brain gliomas at the first operation may help to differentiate cases with slower evolution and longer survival from those with higher potential of anaplastic transformation. PMID: 20175962 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Neuropathology)

Ischemia induces regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) protein upregulation and enhances apoptosis in astrocytes

AJP: Cell Physiology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:22:56 +0100

This study suggests that ischemic stress increases RGS2 expression and that this condition contributes to enhanced apoptosis in C6 cells and primary astrocytes. The signaling it follows may involve PKC and p38 MAPK pathways. (Source: AJP: Cell Physiology)

Epidemiologic profile of pediatric brain tumors in Morocco

Child's Nervous System — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:48:12 +0100

Conclusions In this rare study focused on pediatric brain tumors in Morocco, most of the findings were consistent with past studies from other parts of the world. However, we found medulloblastoma to be the most common pediatric brain tumor followed by astrocytoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-010-1097-yAuthors Mehdi Karkouri, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Rochd Department of Pathology 24, rue Jalal Eddine Essayouti MA20100 Casablanca MoroccoSadia Zafad, Department of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology Hôpital du 20 Août 1953 Casablanca MoroccoMohammed Khattab, Rabat Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Rabat MoroccoNoureddine Benjaafar, National Institute of Oncology Rabat MoroccoHanan...

Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms are associated with survival in anaplastic glioma patients

Cancer — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are polymorphic enzymes that are responsible for glutathione conjugation of alkylators and scavenging of free radicals created by radiation. GST polymorphisms may result in altered or absent enzyme activity and have been associated with survival in patients with cancer. The authors of this report hypothesized that patients with anaplastic glioma (AG) who have GST genotypes that encode for lower activity enzymes will have longer survival than similar patients who have higher activity genotypes. The current study was performed to investigate the role of GST enzyme polymorphisms in predicting the survival of patients with AG.The medical records of 207 patients with AG from a single cancer center were reviewed retrospectively. Polymorphisms for the GST [mu]1 (...

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Comparison of two fMRI tasks for the evaluation of the expressive language function

Neuroradiology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:17:35 +0100

Conclusions Both language tasks are useful in evaluation of expressive language. The VGT is a more specific task, while the VFT is more unspecific but activates language-related areas that are not found with the VGT owing to its phonological component. Therefore, each task contributes to the lateralisation and localisation of expressive language areas with complementary information. The advisability of combining tasks to improve fMRI presurgical evaluation is confirmed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Functional NeuroradiologyDOI 10.1007/s00234-010-0667-8Authors Ana Sanjuán, Universitat Jaume I Departamento de Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología Avda. Sos Baynat, s/n 12071 Castellón de la Plana SpainJuan-Carlos Bustamante, Universitat Jaume I Depa...

CX3CR1 promotes recruitment of human glioma-infiltrating microglia/macrophages (GIMs).

Experimental Cell Research — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Held-Feindt J, Hattermann K, Müerköster SS, Wedderkopp H, Knerlich-Lukoschus F, Ungefroren H, Mehdorn HM, Mentlein R The transmembrane chemokine CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 are thought to be involved in the trafficking of immune cells during an immune response and in the pathology of various human diseases including cancer. However, little is known about the expression and function of CX3CR1 in human glioma-infiltrating microglia/macrophages (GIMs), representing the major cellular stroma component of highly malignant gliomas. Here, we show that CX3CR1 is overexpressed at both the mRNA and protein level in solid human astrocytomas of different malignancy grades and in glioblastomas. CX3CR1 was localized in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD11b...

Prognostic significance of histological grading, p53 status, YKL-40 expression, and IDH1 mutations in pediatric high-grade gliomas

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:52:48 +0100

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a series of 43 pediatric high-grade gliomas (21 anaplastic astrocytoma WHO grade III and 22 glioblastoma WHO grade IV), the prognostic value of histological grading and expression of p53 and YKL-40. Moreover, mutational screening for TP53 and IDH1 was performed in 27 of 43 cases. The prognostic stratification for histological grading showed no difference in overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas. Overexpression of YKL40 was detected in 25 of 43 (58%) cases, but YKL-40 expression was not prognostic in terms of OS and PFS. p53 protein expression was observed in 13 of 43 (31%) cases but was not prognostic. TP53 mutations were detected in five of 27 (18%) cases (four glioblastomas a...

A lower-dose, lower-toxicity cisplatin–etoposide regimen for childhood progressive low-grade glioma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:09:58 +0100

Abstract After successfully using cisplatin (30 mg/m2/day) and etoposide (150 mg/m2/day) in ten three-day courses for progressive low-grade gliomas, a subsequent protocol reduced the daily doses of cisplatin (to 25 mg) and etoposide (to 100 mg), with the objective of achieving the same response and three-year PFS rates with lower neurotoxicity and myelotoxicity. We treated 37 patients (median age 6 years); 23 had optochiasmatic tumours and nine were metastatic cases. Diagnoses were clinical in 13 cases and histological in 24, and comprised: pilocytic astrocytoma (17), ganglioglioma (3), pilomyxoid astrocytoma (2), and fibrillary astrocytoma (2). Treatment was prompted by radiological evidence of progression and/or clinical deterioration a median 18 ...

alpha-actinin 1 and alpha-actinin 4: Contrasting roles in the survival, motility, and rhoa signaling of astrocytoma cells.

Experimental Cell Research — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Quick Q, Skalli O alpha-Actinin is a prominent actin filament associated protein for which different isoforms exist. Here, we have examined whether the two highly homologous non-muscle alpha-actinin isoforms 1 and 4 exhibit functional differences in astrocytoma cells. The protein levels of these isoforms were differentially regulated during the development and progression of astrocytomas, as alpha-actinin 1 was higher in astrocytomas compared to normal brains whereas alpha-actinin 4 was elevated in high grade astrocytomas compared to normal brains and low grade astrocytomas. RNAi demonstrated contrasted contributions of alpha-actinin 1 and 4 to the malignant behavior of U-373, U-87 and A172 astrocytoma cells. While alpha-actinin 1 appeared to favor the expansion of U-373, U-87...

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Spinal epidermoid cyst with sudden onset of paraplegia

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:47:35 +0100

We describe an unusual presentation in a 3-year-old male child which mimicked astrocytoma clinicoradiologically. The child developed sudden onset of inability in walking and weakness of both lower limbs after a fall. There was a dramatic reversal of symptoms after surgery. Histopathology revealed an epidermoid cyst of the spine. On the first follow-up visit at 3 months, the child was asymptomatic. (Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics)

Is there a role for myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue in the management of childhood high-grade astrocytomas?

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

High-grade or malignant glioma represent 10% of pediatric brain tumors and are, taken as a whole, the second more frequent malignant histotype after medulloblastoma. Apart from a complete excision followed by full dose local radiotherapy, chemotherapy seems to give some beneficial to final outcome. Different trials have explored the role of high-dose chemotherapy that theoretically could give an advantage to these patients by overcoming blood-brain barrier, tumor cell chemo-resistance and inducing a wider number of responses. It is, however, still doubtful if better responses translate into improved outcome and which patients can have a true beneficial from this treatment strategy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:641-643. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Novel Proteins Regulated by mTOR in Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas of Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and New Therapeutic Implications.

The American Journal of Pathology — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tyburczy ME, Kotulska K, Pokarowski P, Mieczkowski J, Kucharska J, Grajkowska W, Roszkowski M, Jozwiak S, Kaminska B Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are rare brain tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a disease caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2, resulting in enhancement of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, dysregulation of cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Signaling via mTOR plays a role in multifaceted genomic responses, but its effectors in the brain are largely unknown. Therefore, gene expression profiling on four SEGAs was performed with Affymetrix Human Genome arrays. Of the genes differentially expressed in TSC, 11 were validated by real-time PCR on independent tumor samples and 3 SEGA-derived cultures. Expression of several ...

Association of AICD and Fe65 with Hirano bodies reduces transcriptional activation and initiation of apoptosis.

Neurobiology of Aging — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ha S, Furukawa R, Fechheimer M Hirano bodies are cytoplasmic inclusions predominantly found in the central nervous system associated with various conditions including aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since most studies of Hirano bodies have been performed in post-mortem samples, the physiological roles of Hirano bodies have not been investigated. Astrocytoma H4 cells were employed to test the hypothesis that Hirano bodies interact with and modulate signaling by the C-terminal fragment of amyloid-beta precursor protein (AICD). We demonstrated by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation that model Hirano bodies accumulate AICD. Since stimulation of transcription by AICD is dependent on its interaction with the nuclear adaptor protein Fe65, we examined localization of Fe65, ...

Intramedullary low grade astrocytoma and ependymoma. Surgical results and predicting factors for clinical outcome

Acta Neurochirurgica — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:46:05 +0100

Conclusion An MCS of less than 3 and a tumor extent of less than 5 levels are the most important factors for a favorable postoperative functional outcome. Therefore, surgery should be initiated before significant clinical symptomatology or substantial tumor growth occurs. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00701-009-0577-xAuthors Christian A. Eroes, University Clinic Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern Neurosurgical Department Marchioninistr. 15 81377 Munich GermanyStefan Zausinger, University Clinic Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern Neurosurgical Department Marchioninistr. 15 81377 Munich GermanyFriedrich-Wilhelm Kreth, University Clinic Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern Neurosurgical Department Marchioninistr. 15 81377 Munich GermanyRoland Goldbrunner,...

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High-grade intramedullary astrocytomas: 30 years' experience at the Neurosurgery Department of the University of Rome "Sapienza".

Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Surgical treatment did not ameliorate the postoperative neurological status; instead, in the majority of cases, it prompted a worsening of the deficit. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have a little influence on the length of survival. In this series, multimodality treatment of intramedullary high-grade astrocytomas has been shown to increase length of survival without improving the neurological status. PMID: 20121348 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine)

Implementation of Computer-Based Quality-of-Life Monitoring in Brain Tumor Outpatients in Routine Clinical Practice

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The software-generated graphic QOL profiles were found to be an important tool for screening patients for clinically relevant problems. Thus, computer-based QOL monitoring can contribute to an optimization of treatment (e.g., symptom management, psychosocial interventions) and facilitate data collection for research purposes. (Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

[Microsurgical treatment of intramedullary tumor in the superior cervical spinal cord.]

Journal of Southern Medical University — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Qin MJ, Peng B, Luo DD, Chen YD OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the curative effect of microsurgery for intramedullary tumor in the superior cervical spinal cord. METHODS: The clinical manifestations, microsurgical methods and results were reviewed retrospectively in 12 patients with intramedullary tumors in the superior cervical spinal cord. RESULTS: No death occurred in these cases after the operations. The intramedullary tumors were totally resected in 10 patients including 8 with ependymomas and 2 with astrocytomas, and subtotally in 2 patients with astrocytomas. The spinal functions of patients, graded by McCormick scale system 3 months after the operations, were improved in 8 cases and remained unchanged in 4 cases. Nine patients were followed up for 1-3 years after the operation...

Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of topotecan in a phase I trial of topotecan, tamoxifen, and carboplatin, in the treatment of recurrent or refractory brain or spinal cord tumors

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:24:48 +0100

Conclusions The recommended phase II doses are: tamoxifen 100 mg po bid, topotecan 0.75 mg/m2/d IV continuous infusion for 72 h, followed by carboplatin AUC = 3 IV on day 3. Measurable topotecan levels, both total and lactone, are observed in the CSF. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1242-zAuthors Robert J. Morgan, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research 1500 E. Duarte Rd. Duarte CA 91010 USATimothy Synold, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research 1500 E. Duarte Rd. Duarte CA 91010 USAAdam Mamelak, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Neurosurgery Duarte CA 91010 USADean ...

Lipoastrocytoma: Case report and review of the literature

Neuropathology — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of an astrocytoma involving the upper part of the cerebellar-pontine angle and the right portion of the clivus starting from the brainstem with a diffuse lipomatous component in a 39 year-old man. The patient was admitted with headache of 1 year's duration and diplopia over the previous 3 months. MRI revealed a ponto-cerebellar lesion that showed irregular enhancement after contrast administration. Subtotal excision of the tumor was accomplished. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy were not administered. Histologically the tumor showed the classical histology of low-grade astrocytoma and a portion of the lesion was composed of lipid-laden cells. Immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acid and S-100 proteins clearly demonstrated the glial nature of these cells....

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Pleomorphic granular cell astrocytoma in the pineal gland: Case report

Neuropathology — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pleomorphic granular cell astrocytoma in the pineal region is exceedingly rare, and its clinicopathological features are distinctive. A 67-year-old woman was admitted with a staggering gait. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion at the pineal gland accompanied by obstructive hydrocephalus. Following surgery, pathological examinations demonstrated a pleomorphic granular cell astrocytoma. The patient has been free from recurrence for 24 months after surgery without adjuvant therapy. The specimen exhibited nuclear and cytoplasmic pleomorphism. The nuclei varied in size, shape and coarseness. Variability was also observed in the eosinophilic granular bodies, Rosenthal fibers and spindle-shaped tumor cells. GFAP, S-100 and vimentin were immunohistochemically positive. Reticulin netw...

Intradural, extramedullary spinal cord granular cell tumor: A case report and clinicopathologic review of the literature

Neuropathology — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Granular cell tumor (GCT) of the spine is uncommon, with intradural extramedullary location being exceptionally rare. The non-specific clinical presentation and variable histologic patterns can make recognition of this tumor challenging. Two previous reports of GCT of the spine were reviewed (Medline 1960[ndash]2009) and analyzed with respect to this case report. The patients included two women and one man (mean age, 28.7 years). Patients presented with 3 to 4 months of lower back pain and/or lower extremity radiculopathy. The lesions appeared radiographically to be intradural and extramedullary or intramedullary. The tumors were found at T10 or L1-L2 space. Radiographically, all tumors enhanced homogenously on T1 post-gadolinium imaging with a mean tumor size of approximately 1.6 cm. Hist...

A Novel Cytotoxic Agent Induces Apoptosis in Malignant Gliomas in Vitro

Journal of Surgical Research — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:41:43 +0100

Background: High-grade gliomas, including the astrocytoma glioblastoma mutiforme (GBM), are devastating primary malignant brain tumors in children. Current standard-of-care therapy includes multimodality treatment with Temozolomide and focused-beam radiation following surgical debulking. This treatment has only modest efficacy with a mean (post-diagnosis) survival of only 14 months for GBM. There is a defined need for novel therapies in this disease with better long-term efficacy. Natural product compounds have been an important source for anti-cancer drug development. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the withanolide compound, Withaferin A (WA), for its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects against GBM cells in vitro to determine its potential as a novel agent in anti-glioma...

Extracellular osmolarity modulates G protein-coupled receptor-dependent ATP release from 1321N1 astrocytoma cells

AJP: Cell Physiology — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:04:02 +0100

We previously reported that ATP release from 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells could be stimulated either by activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) or by hypotonic stress. Cheema et al. (Cheema TA, Ward CE, Fisher SK. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 315: 755–763, 2005) have demonstrated that thrombin activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) in 1321N1 cells and primary astrocytes acts synergistically with hypotonic stress to gate the opening of volume-sensitive organic osmolyte and anion channels (VSOAC) and that hypertonic stress strongly inhibits PAR1 gating of VSOAC. We tested the hypothesis that a VSOAC-type permeability might comprise a GPCR-regulated pathway for ATP export by determining whether PAR1-sensitive ATP release from 1321N1 cells is similarly potentiated by hypot...

Correlations between in vivo 1H MRS and ex vivo 1H HRMAS metabolite measurements in adult human gliomas

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To assess how accurately ex vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) from small biopsy tissues relate to in vivo 1H MRS (from larger tumor volumes) in human astrocytomas.In vivo (PRESS, TE = 30 msec) and ex vivo (presaturation) 1H spectra of 17 human astrocytomas (4 grade II, 1 grade III and 12 glioblastomas) were quantified using LCModel. Concentrations of 11 metabolites and 2 lipid/macromolecules were retrospectively compared, with histogram analysis of the in vivo MRI data used to evaluate tumor heterogeneity.For homogeneous-appearing tumors, significant correlations were found between in vivo and ex vivo 1H MRS concentrations of those metabolites known to be metabolically stable in postmortem tissues (eg, creatine, myo-inositol, ...

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[Intramedullary tumors. Results of a national investigation in private neurosurgery.]

Neuro-Chirurgie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Total removal of the intramedullary tumors is a challenge. In cases of removal, the risk of worsening status is 18-19.5%. Subtotal or incomplete removal 27-40% risk of recurrence. PMID: 20097390 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neuro-Chirurgie)

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the distinction of high-grade cerebral gliomas from single metastatic brain tumors.

Acta Radiologica — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that MRS can differentiate high-grade gliomas from metastases, especially with peritumoral measurements, supporting the hypothesis that MRS can detect infiltration of tumor cells in the peritumoral edema. PMID: 20092374 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Radiologica)

Social outcomes in young adult survivors of low incidence childhood cancers

Journal of Cancer Survivorship — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:05:05 +0100

Conclusions and Implications for Cancer Survivors The study revealed important differences in social outcomes between survivors and controls early in adult life. Specific difficulties pertain to studying social status in early adulthood because of the natural transition characteristics for this age group. Therefore, longer follow-up is warranted. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11764-009-0112-3Authors Inga M. R. Jóhannsdóttir, Oslo University Hospital National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-term Effects after Cancer, Department of Clinical Cancer Research Montebello 0310 Oslo NorwayMarianne J. Hjermstad, The Cancer Centre, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval Oslo NorwayTorbjørn Moum, University of Oslo Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine P.O. ...

Expression of cyclin D2, P53, Rb and ATM cell cycle genes in brain tumors

Medical Oncology — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:47:54 +0100

Abstract Cyclin D2, P53, Rb and ATM as cell cycle genes regulate cell growth and proliferation. Considering their roles, we assumed that they have different level of mRNA expression in different grades of brain tumors. To determine this point, we investigated the mRNA expression in two types of brain tumors, including astrocytoma and meningioma. The mRNA of 52 brain tumor samples were extracted; cyclin D2, P53, Rb and ATM mRNA expression was quantified using the real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We compared mRNA expression of these genes between astrocytoma and meningioma tumors and also between different grades of them. Cyclin D2, P53, Rb and ATM had higher expression in astrocytoma than meningioma tumors. Higher grade (III and IV) of...

Expression of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C isoenzymes in cultured astrocytes activated after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Signal transduction pathways, involved in cell cycle and activities, depend on various components including lipid signalling molecules, such as phosphoinositides and related enzymes. Many evidences support the hypothesis that inositol lipid cycle is involved in astrocytes activation during neurodegeneration. Previous studies investigated the pattern of expression of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) family isoforms in astrocytes, individuating in cultured neonatal rat astrocytes, supposed to be quiescent cells, the absence of some isoforms, accordingly to their well known tissue specificity. The same study was conducted in cultured rat astrocytoma C6 cells and designed a different pattern of expression of PI-PLCs in the neoplastic counterpart, accordingly to literature sug...

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Oncogenic BRAF Mutation with CDKN2A Inactivation Is Characteristic of a Subset of Pediatric Malignant Astrocytomas

Cancer Research — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:08:20 +0100

Findings suggest the investigation of B-RAF inhibitors for effectiveness in treating a subset of highly malignant brain tumors that occur in children. (Source: Cancer Research)

Glutamate receptors in pediatric tumors of the central nervous system.

Cancer Biology and Therapy — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:50:12 +0100

This study explores expression of glutamate receptor subunits in pediatric CNS tumors. Samples from 8 ependymomas, 4 glioblastomas, 6 medulloblastomas and 8 low grade astrocytomas were analysed. RNA was used for semiquantitative and quantitative RT-PCR. We examined expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR1-NR3B, AMPA receptor subunits GluR1-GluR4, kainate receptor subunits GluR5-GluR7, KA1, KA2 and metabotropic receptor subunits mGluR1-8. Paraffin embedded samples were immunohistochemically stained for selected subunits. All glutamate receptor subunits were differentially expressed in the tumors examined. Expression of NR2D, NR3A, KA1, GluR4, mGluR1, mGluR4, mGluR5 and mGluR6 was higher in the high grade tumors compared to human brain (HB). In low grade astrocytomas expression of glutamate ...

Glioma Pathophysiology: Insights Emerging from Proteomics

Brain Pathology — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Proteomics is increasingly employed in both neurological and oncological research to provide insight into the molecular basis of disease but rarely has a coherent, novel pathophysiological insight emerged. Gliomas account for >50% of adult primary intracranial tumors, with malignant gliomas (anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme) being the most common. In glioma, the application of proteomic technology has identified altered protein expression but without consistency of these alterations or their biological significance being established. A systematic review of multiple independent proteomic analyses of glioma has demonstrated alterations of 99 different proteins. Importantly 10 of the 99 proteins found differentially expressed in glioma [PHB, Hsp20, serum albumin, epidermal ...

Basal Ganglia Location of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas in Two Infants

Pediatric Neurology — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:55:40 +0100

Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas are benign tumors that constitute one of the primary features of tuberous sclerosis. Two infants with tuberous sclerosis had very unusual subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, confirmed on biopsy in one of the infants. In both cases, contrast-enhanced cranial magnetic resonance imaging suggested a calcified intra-axial mass with diffuse basal ganglia involvement extending into the lateral ventricle. Computed tomography confirmed calcification in both cases. The first patient had right temporal lobectomy for intractable epilepsy. Biopsy of the basal ganglia lesion in that case suggested subependymal giant cell astrocytoma. In infants, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas can present with unusual morphology and may feature diffuse basal ganglia involvemen...

Sirolimus in renal transplant recipients with tuberous sclerosis complex: clinical effectiveness and implications for innate immunity

Transplant International — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by constitutively activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) resulting in nonmalignant tumours of several organs and consequently renal failure. Recent reports suggest a possible beneficial role of the mTOR-inhibitor (mTOR-I) sirolimus for TSC; however, safety and efficiency of sirolimus in TSC patients after renal transplantation, both as primary immunosuppressant as well as anti-proliferative agent, are still undefined. Moreover, it is currently unknown whether the TSC mutation affects the primary immune response in these patients. In this article, we report on three TSC patients after renal transplantation who have been converted from a calcineurin-inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression to sirolimus. During 2 years of follow-up, renal allo...

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Oncogenic BRAF Mutation with CDKN2A Inactivation Is Characteristic of a Subset of Pediatric Malignant Astrocytomas.

Cell Research — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schiffman JD, Hodgson JG, Vandenberg SR, Flaherty P, Polley MY, Yu M, Fisher PG, Rowitch DH, Ford JM, Berger MS, Ji H, Gutmann DH, James CD Malignant astrocytomas are a deadly solid tumor in children. Limited understanding of their underlying genetic basis has contributed to modest progress in developing more effective therapies. In an effort to identify such alterations, we performed a genome-wide search for DNA copy number aberrations (CNA) in a panel of 33 tumors encompassing grade 1 through grade 4 tumors. Genomic amplifications of 10-fold or greater were restricted to grade 3 and 4 astrocytomas and included the MDM4 (1q32), PDGFRA (4q12), MET (7q21), CMYC (8q24), PVT1 (8q24), WNT5B (12p13), and IGF1R (15q26) genes. Homozygous deletions of CDKN2A (9p21), PTEN (10q26), and ...

Effects of water-soluble functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes examined by different cytotoxicity methods in human astrocyte D384 and lung A549 cells.

Toxicology — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study indicates that properties obtained by chemical functionalization, such as water solubility, high dispersibility and low agglomeration tendency are relevant factors in modulating cytotoxicity of CNTs. PMID: 20079395 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Toxicology)

Phase II trial of intratumoral BCNU injection and radiotherapy on untreated adult malignant glioma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:44:38 +0100

Abstract DTI-015 (BCNU dissolved in ethanol) utilizes solvent facilitated perfusion (SFP) for intratumoral drug delivery. A phase II clinical trial of DTI-015 and fractionated external beam radiotherapy on newly diagnosed, malignant gliomas investigated early changes in tumour physiology and metabolism, clinical outcome and safety. Pre- and post DTI-015 injection neuro-imaging included computed tomography (CT) cerebral blood flow and volume, glucose and thallium single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical status was determined before and after DTI-015, prior to radiotherapy and 3 monthly thereafter until progression (defined by Macdonald criteria). Primary endpoint was radiographic response. Secondary endpoints wer...

Gangliosides induce autophagic cell death in astrocytes

British Journal of Pharmacology — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and implications: Gangliosides released under pathological conditions may induce autophagic cell death of astrocytes, identifying a neuropathological role for gangliosides. (Source: British Journal of Pharmacology)

Ecthyma gangrenosum caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a patient with astrocytoma treated with chemotherapy

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:05:30 +0100

Abstract Ecthyma gangrenosum, presenting as embolic lesions caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, has distinct pathognomonic features and a high mortality rate in patients with bacteremia, but when recognized early is easily treated. In this case report we describe this disseminated infection in an adult patient treated with chemotherapy for an astrocytoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10156-009-0017-0Authors Filip Yves Francine Léon De Vos, Erasmus University Department of Medical Oncology, Daniel den Hoed Center Groene Hilledijk 301 3075 EA Rotterdam The NetherlandsTom Alexander Middelburg, Erasmus University Department of Dermatology, Daniel den Hoed Center Rotterdam The NetherlandsCaroline Seynaeve, Erasmus University Department ...

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Cytogenetic analysis of paediatric astrocytoma using comparative genomic hybridisation and fluorescence in-situ hybridisation

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:50:12 +0100

Abstract Little is known about the cytogenetic and molecular genetic events that lead to the formation of paediatric astrocytoma. We have analysed 57 paediatric astrocytoma (WHO grades I–IV) using comparative genomic hybridisation in order to identify common regions of abnormality. Large regions of copy number alterations were infrequent with 71% of tumours demonstrating no genomic imbalance. Furthermore, the most frequent aberrations (including gain of 6q, 2q, and 7q, and loss of 16 and 12q) occurred in only a subset of cases. High-copy number amplification was seen in five tumours at 12 different regions. The presence of copy number alterations was significantly associated with increasing grade of malignancy, and gain of 12q and the presence of high-copy number amplifi...

Unsuspected tracheal web inhibits endotracheal intubation: report of a case

Journal of Anesthesia — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:59:42 +0100

Abstract A 66-year-old woman was scheduled for resection of a recurrent brain astrocytoma. During anesthesia induction, endotracheal intubation became impossible. Urgent bronchoscopy under laryngeal mask ventilation visualized a subglottic web 1 cm below the vocal cords. After bronchoscopic ablation with argon plasma coagulation, the airway intubation was successful. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical ReportDOI 10.1007/s00540-009-0844-2Authors Shinichi Yamamoto, Utsunomiya Social Insurance Hospital Department of General Thoracic Surgery 11-17 Minamitakasagotyo Utsunomiya Tochigi 321-0143 JapanKenji Tetsuka, Jichi Medical University Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery 3311-1 Yakushiji Shimotsuke Tochigi 329-0498 JapanYukio Sato, Jich...

{alpha}2-Macroglobulin Inhibits the Malignant Properties of Astrocytoma Cells by Impeding {beta}-Catenin Signaling

Cancer Research — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:20:01 +0100

Study of a negative modifier complex that appears to affect an important signaling pathway in brain tumors may offer a new therapeutic direction. (Source: Cancer Research)

Diffuse central nervous system protoplasmic astrocytoma

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a 3-year-old female with diffuse protoplasmic astrocytoma with parenchymal involvement and leptomeningeal spread. This tumour proved extremely difficult to diagnose and followed a progressive course. Three superficial biopsies did not give the diagnosis and this was only confirmed 8 months from presentation from a larger fourth biopsy taken deeper from the cerebellum. To our knowledge this case represents the distinct presentation of protoplasmic astrocytoma presenting as extensive diffuse meningeal disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

High-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy detects glycine as a biomarker in brain tumors.

International Journal of Oncology — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:49:17 +0100

Authors: Righi V, Andronesi OC, Mintzopoulos D, Black PM, Tzika AA The non-essential amino acid neurotransmitter glycine (Gly) may serve as a biomarker for brain tumors. Using 36 biopsies from patients with brain tumors [12 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM); 10 low-grade (LG), including 7 schwannoma and 3 pylocytic astrocytoma; 7 meningioma (MN); 7 brain metastases (MT), including 3 adenocarcinoma and 4 breast cancer] and 9 control biopsies from patients undergoing surgery for epilepsy, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of glycine may distinguish among these brain tumor types. Using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we determined a theoretically optimum echo time (TE) of 50 ms for distinguishing Gly signals from overlapping myo-...

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Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p53 and micro vessel density: Grade II vs. Grade III astrocytoma.

Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study was carried out to compare proliferative indices using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), extent of p53 expression and micro vessel morphometric parameters in patients with low grade and anaplastic astrocytoma. Twenty-five patients, each of grade II and grade III astrocytoma were evaluated using monoclonal antibodies to PCNA, p53 protein and factor VIII related antigen. PCNA, p53-labeling indices were calculated along with micro vessel morphometric analysis using Biovis Image plus Software. Patients with grade III astrocytoma had higher PCNA and p53 labeling indices as compared with grade II astrocytoma (29.14 plus/minus 9.87% vs. 16.84 plus/minus 6.57%, p 0.001; 18.18 plus/minus 6.14% vs. 6.14 plus/minus 7.23%, p 0.001, respectively). Micro vessel percentage area of pat...

[Pilomyxoid astrocytoma. Three cases and review.]

Neurocirugia — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS. PMA is an histological entity related to PA with a greater trend to regrowth and cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, therefore strict follow-up and oncological treatment is recommended. PMID: 20186371 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurocirugia)

Mutant IDH1-specific immunohistochemistry distinguishes diffuse astrocytoma from astrocytosis

Acta Neuropathologica — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:44:59 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondenceDOI 10.1007/s00401-009-0632-yAuthors Sandra Camelo-Piragua, Massachusetts General Hospital James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories Boston MA USAMichael Jansen, Massachusetts General Hospital James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories Boston MA USAAniruddha Ganguly, Massachusetts General Hospital James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories Boston MA USAJ. ChulMin Kim, Massachusetts General Hospital James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories Boston MA USADavid N. Louis, Massachusetts General Hospital James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories Boston MA USACatherine L. Nutt, Massachusetts General Hospital James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories Boston MA USA Journal Acta NeuropathologicaOnline ISSN 1432-0533Print ISSN 0001-6322 (Sou...

Association of molecular alterations, including BRAF, with biology and outcome in pilocytic astrocytomas

Acta Neuropathologica — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:44:59 +0100

Abstract Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common glioma in the pediatric population. PAs can exhibit variable behavior that does not always correlate with location. Although oncogenic rearrangements of the BRAF gene have recently been described in PAs, it is not clear whether such alterations have an impact on outcome. An institutional cohort of 147 PAs (118 with outcome data) from both cerebellar and non-cerebellar locations (spine, diencephalon, midbrain, brainstem, and cortex) was utilized in this study. Parameters included quantification of characteristic morphologic variables as well as genes and molecular loci previously shown to be of relevance in high-grade gliomas, including 1p, 9p, 10q, 17p, 19q, and BRAF. Neither 1p, 9p, and 10q nor 19q showed significant a...

Prognostic factors in pediatric high-grade astrocytoma: the importance of accurate pathologic diagnosis

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:45:25 +0100

Abstract To characterize a population of pediatric high-grade astrocytoma (HGA) patients by confirming the proportion with a correct diagnosis, and determine prognostic factors for survival in a subset diagnosed with uniform pathologic criteria. Sixty-three children diagnosed with HGA were treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1977 and 2004. A single neuropathologist (P.C.B.) reviewed all available histologic samples (n = 48). Log-rank analysis was used to compare survival by patient, tumor, and treatment factors. Median follow-up was 16 months for all patients and 155 months (minimum 54 months) for surviving patients. Median survival for all patients (n = 63) was 14 months with 10 long-term survivors (survival >48 mont...

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FRAT1 expression and its correlation with pathologic grade, proliferation, and apoptosis in human astrocytomas

Medical Oncology — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:49:01 +0100

In conclusion, FRAT1 may be an important factor in the tumorigenesis and progression of astrocytoma, which could be used as a potential biomarker for pathological diagnosis of malignancy and a target for biological therapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory original paperDOI 10.1007/s12032-009-9402-xAuthors Geng Guo, Fourth Military Medical University Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital 15# West Chang Le Road 710032 Xi’an Shaanxi Province People’s Republic of ChinaBolin Liu, Fourth Military Medical University Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital 15# West Chang Le Road 710032 Xi’an Shaanxi Province People’s Republic of ChinaChengliang Zhong, Fourth Military Medical University Department of Health Statistics, Faculty of Preventative Medicine 17# West Chang Le ...

Ten years observation and treatment of multifocal pilocytic astrocytoma

Articles of Folia Neuropathologica - TERMEDIA publishing house — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:45:26 +0100

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) usually occurs in younger patients. It is a benign, generally well-delineated, WHO grade I tumour with favorable prognosis, which makes it different from diffuse astrocytomas, classified as higher grades of maligancy. A case study of PA was presented in a young female patient, observed and treated at the Neurosurgical Department for the period of 10 years, during which time she had frequent surgical procedures due to recurrence and dissemination of the tumour. The initial symptom of the disease was epileptic seizure at the age of 16. Neuroradiological study revealed cerebral tumour in the right temporal lobe, then the first temporal lobe surgery followed by re-operation and radiotherapy was performed. The patient developed hydrocephalus, treated with the ventri...

Off-Therapy Headaches in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients: A Retrospective Review

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:17:24 +0100

To determine the incidence, timing, and characteristics of headaches in a population of off-therapy pediatric brain tumor patients, a retrospective chart review was conducted on 3 subpopulations of children followed in a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology clinic in the Southeastern United States. Data collected included tumor type and location, treatment, associated symptoms, and description and timing of headaches. In all, 81 charts were reviewed from which headaches in 3 subtypes of tumors were identified (29 medulloblastomas, 36 cerebellar juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas [JPAs], and 16 craniopharyngiomas). Off-therapy headaches were noted in 6 (21%) of medulloblastomas, 10 (28%) of JPAs, and 19 (56%) of craniopharyngiomas. Almost half of those patients with prediagnosis headaches had recu...

Ischemia induces Regulator of G-protein Signaling (RGS2) protein overexpression and enhances apoptosis in astrocytes.

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, this study suggests that ischemic-stress increased RGS2 expression and that this condition contributed to enhanced apoptosis in C6 cells and primary astrocytes. The signaling it follows may involve PKCdelta and P38 MAPK pathways. PMID: 20032508 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology)

Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation Research Grants

ScanGrants feed — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) is soliciting grant applications for the calendaryear 2010. Grant sums will be awarded for up to a two-year period, at a maximum of up to$25,000 per year. CBTF accepts grant applications from everywhere in the greater UnitedStates. Grant applications may be submitted from researchers that have not received fundingfrom the NIH for the proposed study. All proposed studies must have the approval of theproposing institution’s Institutional Review Board (if appropriate) at the time of funding.Two grant applications will be selected for funding from special set-aside funds for a one-yearperiod for up to $30,000. One will be selected for low-grade juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma andthe other for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Evaluation Criter...

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Spectroscopy of untreated pilocytic astrocytomas: do children and adults share some metabolic features in addition to their morphologic similarities?

Child's Nervous System — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:43:49 +0100

Conclusions The well-known positive correlation between increase of tCho and the grade of gliomas seems to be violated by WHO grade I pilocytic astrocytomas showing a wide range of tCho values with an even marked increase in some cases. No significant differences have been identified in the MR spectroscopy metabolite profiles between paediatric and adult pilocytic astrocytomas. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1062-9Authors Luciana Porto, Goethe-Universität Neuroradiology Department Frankfurt am Main GermanyMatthias Kieslich, Goethe-Universität Neuropediatric Department Frankfurt am Main GermanyKea Franz, Goethe-Universität Neurosurgery Department Frankfurt am Main GermanyThomas Lehrbecher, Goethe-Universität Pediatric Haem...

Recursive partitioning analysis of prognostic factors in WHO grade III glioma patients treated with radiotherapy or radiotherapy plus chemotherapy

BMC Cancer — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study shows that RPA grouping with clinical prognostic factors can successfully predict the survival of patients with WHO grade III glioma. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Expression of KIT Receptor Tyrosine Kinase in Endothelial Cells of Juvenile Brain Tumors

Brain Pathology — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

KIT receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed in tumor endothelial cells of adult glioblastomas, but its expression in pediatric brain tumor endothelial cells is unknown. We assessed expression of KIT, phosphorylated KIT, stem cell factor (SCF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in 35 juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas and 49 other pediatric brain tumors using immunohistochemistry, and KIT messenger RNA (mRNA) using in situ hybridization. KIT and phospho-KIT were moderately or strongly expressed in tumor endothelia of 37% and 35% of pilocytic astrocytomas, respectively, whereas marked SCF and VEGFR-2 expression was uncommon. KIT mRNA was detected in tumor endothelial cells. Tumor endothelial cell KIT expression was strongly (P < 0.01) associated with endothelial cell phos...

Primary ciliogenesis defects are associated with human astrocytoma/ glioblastoma cells

BMC Cancer — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The recent discovery of the importance of primary cilia in a variety of cell functions raises the possibility that this structure may have a role in a variety of cancers. Our finding that the formation of the primary cilium is disrupted in cells derived from astrocytoma/glioblastoma tumors provides the first evidence that altered primary cilium expression and function may be part of some malignant phenotypes. Further, we provide the first evidence that ciliogenesis is not an all or none process; rather defects can arrest this process at various points, particularly at the stage subsequent to basal body association with the plasma membrane. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Late Recurrence in Pediatric Cancer: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

JNCI — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:01:46 +0100

Conclusion Late recurrence is a risk for some pediatric cancers. By understanding diagnosis-specific risks, patients, families, and their medical providers can be better informed of the probability of cure. (Source: JNCI)

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Mutant Metabolic Enzymes Are at the Origin of Gliomas

Cancer Research — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:07:47 +0100

Mutations of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) metabolic enzymes IDH1 and IDH2 have been found to be frequent and early genetic alterations in astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. All mutations identified to date affect a single amino acid located within the isocitrate binding site (R132 of IDH1 and the analogous R172 residue of IDH2). IDH1 and IDH2 mutations define a specific subtype of gliomas and may have significant utility for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with these tumors. [Cancer Res 2009;69(24):9157–9] (Source: Cancer Research)

PTP{micro} suppresses glioma cell migration and dispersal

Neuro-Oncology — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:25:11 +0100

The cell-surface receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase mu (PTPµ) is a homophilic cell adhesion molecule expressed in CNS neurons and glia. Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the highest grade of primary brain tumors with astrocytic similarity and are characterized by marked dispersal of tumor cells. PTPµ expression was examined in human GBM, low-grade astrocytoma, and normal brain tissue. These studies revealed a striking loss of PTPµ protein expression in highly dispersive GBMs compared to less dispersive low-grade astrocytomas and normal brain. We hypothesized that PTPµ contributes to contact inhibition of glial cell migration by transducing signals in response to cell adhesion. Therefore, loss of PTPµ may contribute to the extensive dispersal of GBMs. The migration o...

Pediatric tumors of the spine.

Cancer Imaging — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:48:03 +0100

Authors: Huisman TA Spinal cord neoplasms are rare lesions in children. Most of the spinal cord neoplasms are astrocytomas. Frequently the clinical symptoms are non-specific. Back pain is often the leading symptom. Diagnosis is often delayed. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice. Preoperative brain and spine imaging covering the entire spine is mandatory to exclude cerebrospinal fluid seeding. PMID: 19965293 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cancer Imaging)

Germany Starts Its Part In The International Cancer Genome Project

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Brain tumors are the primary cause of cancer mortality in children. Even if a cure is possible, young patients often suffer tremendously from the stressful treatment which can be harmful to the developing brain. Therefore, there is an urgent need for target-oriented, gentle treatment methods. The most important childhood brain tumors are medulloblastoma, which is diagnosed in approximately one hundred young patients each year in Germany, and pylocytic astrocytoma, which is diagnosed in about 200 children each year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma with benign histological phenotype and multiple intracranial localizations at presentation

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:10:07 +0100

We report the sixth, and first noninfantile, case of DIA/DIG with multifocal initial presentation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s11060-009-0075-2Authors E. Uro-Coste, Rangueil University Hospital Department of Pathology Toulouse FranceG. Ssi-Yan-Kai, Rangueil University Hospital Department of Pathology Toulouse FranceC. Guilbeau-Frugier, Rangueil University Hospital Department of Pathology Toulouse FranceS. Boetto, Purpan University Hospital Department of Neurosurgery Toulouse FranceA. I. Bertozzi, Children University Hospital Department of Haematology-Oncology Toulouse FranceA. Sevely, Purpan University Hospital Department of Radiology Toulouse FranceK. Lolmede, INSERM U858 Toulouse FranceM. B. Delisle, Rangueil University Hospital Department of Pathol...

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NOA-04 Randomized Phase III Trial of Sequential Radiochemotherapy of Anaplastic Glioma With Procarbazine, Lomustine, and Vincristine or Temozolomide [Neurooncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:02:12 +0100

Conclusion Initial radiotherapy or chemotherapy achieved comparable results in patients with anaplastic gliomas. IDH1 mutations are a novel positive prognostic factor in anaplastic gliomas, with a favorable impact stronger than that of 1p/19q codeletion or MGMT promoter methylation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Study: MRI technique can help plan removal of benign brain tumors in children

Health Imaging News — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:36:36 +0100

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and white matter tractography successfully identifies white matter fibers stemming from the precentral gyrus prior to surgery within the posterior limb of the internal capsule in children with thalamic juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas, or benign tumors in the thalamus of the brain, said a study published in the December issue of Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. (Source: Health Imaging News)

Study: MRI technique can help plan removal of benign brain tumors in children

Health Imaging News — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:36:36 +0100

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Increases Ability To Remove Benign Tumors In Children Minimizes Postoperative Neurological Problems

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A new study published this week in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics finds that operative plans for removing Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma, or JPA, tumors in the thalamus of the brain can be augmented with Diffusion Tensor Imaging, or DTI. The sensitivity of DTI imaging allows for the visualization of nerve fiber bundles in the brain. This information can maximize the potential of completely removing the tumor while avoiding damage to the fiber bundles that are directly related to motor functions of the patient... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Increases Ability To Remove Benign Tumors In Children Minimizes Postoperative Neurological Problems

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A new study published this week in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics finds that operative plans for removing Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma, or JPA, tumors in the thalamus of the brain can be augmented with Diffusion Tensor Imaging, or DTI. The sensitivity of DTI imaging allows for the visualization of nerve fiber bundles in the brain... (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

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Progesterone and estradiol effects on SRC-1 and SRC-3 expression in human astrocytoma cell lines

Endocrine — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:24:36 +0100

In this study, we determined progesterone and estrogen receptor isoform expression in two human astrocytoma cell lines with different evolution grade (U373, grade III; and D54, grade IV) by Western Blot. We studied the role of P4 and E2 on SRC-1 and SRC-3 expression in U373 and D54 cell lines by RT–PCR and Western blot. In U373 cells, P4 did not modify SRC-1 expression, but in D54 cells it increased SRC-1 mRNA expression after 12 h of treatment without significant changes after 24 h. P4 also increased SRC-1 protein content after 24 h, but reduced it after 48 h. E2 did not change SRC-1 expression in any cell line. SRC-3 expression was not regulated by either E2 or P4. Our data suggest that SRC-1 and SRC-3 expression is differentially regulated by sex steroid hormones...

Young Cancer Survivors May Risk Late Recurrence (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:21:58 +0100

Survivors of some pediatric cancers may be at risk for late recurrence, particularly if they've had Ewing sarcoma or astrocytoma, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

Spontaneous canine gliomas: overexpression of EGFR, PDGFRα and IGFBP2 demonstrated by tissue microarray immunophenotyping

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:17:40 +0100

Abstract Fifty-seven spontaneous canine gliomas were histologically classified and graded using the latest World Health Organization (WHO 2007) criteria for classification of human gliomas. A total of 19 canine astrocytomas were classified as follows: grade IV (GBM) n = 7; grade III n = 5; and grade II, n = 7. Thirty-eight oligodendrogliomas were classified as either grade III (anaplastic) n = 35 or low grade II n = 3. Tissue microarray (TMA) immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate tumor expression of EGFR, PDGFRa and IGFBP2, three key molecules of known pathophysiological importance in human gliomas. Findings were correlated with tumor classification and grade. Increased EGFR expression was demonstrated in 57% of GBMs, 40%...

Children with Ewing’s sarcoma, astrocytoma most likely to experience late recurrence

HemOncToday.com — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +0100

(Source: HemOncToday.com)

Diffusion tensor imaging increases ability to remove benign tumors in children

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine) A new study published this week in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics finds that operative plans for removing juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, or JPA, tumors in the thalamus of the brain can be augmented with Diffusion Tensor Imaging, or DTI. The sensitivity of DTI imaging allows for the visualization of nerve fiber bundles in the brain. This information can maximize the potential of completely removing the tumor while avoiding damage to the fiber bundles that are directly related to motor functions of the patient. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Abstract C12: EGFR signaling controls the chromatin binding status of BMI1 through a CK2/PP1 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation pathway and affects astrocytoma proliferation and neural stem cell differentiation

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:33 +0100

We present studies linking cell surface EGF signaling and nuclear BMI1 chromatin binding. We demonstrate that BMI1 is specifically phosphorylated by EGFR signaling using EGF and TGF, but not by other ligands tested. We have identified three amino acids encompassing the phosphorylation site in response to EGFR signaling, and show that CK2 and PP1 are necessary for control of BMI1 phosphorylation. This phosphorylation alters the chromatin binding state of BMI1 and transcriptional regulation in astrocytoma cells. Interestingly we find that BMI1 can alter transcriptional profiles in both EGF-dependent and independent ways, suggesting that different signaling pathways could have specific effects on changing the BMI1-dependent epigenetic state of subsets of genes. Furthermore, EGF-induced phosph...

Abstract C10: Neural stem cells and lineage-restricted progenitors can initiate malignant astrocytoma formation in somatic tumor suppressor mouse models

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:32 +0100

Malignant astrocytomas are infiltrative and incurable brain tumors. Despite profound therapeutic implications, the identity of the cell (or cells) of origin has not been rigorously determined. We previously reported mouse models based on conditional inactivation of the human astrocytoma-relevant tumor suppressors Nf1, p53, and Pten, wherein through somatic loss of heterozygosity, mutant mice develop tumors with 100% penetrance. In the present study, we show that tumor suppressor inactivation in neural stem cells induces malignant astrocytoma formation. Genetic targeting of lineage-restricted progenitors alone is also sufficient to initiate astrocytomas. We demonstrate in vivo that transformed cells and their progeny undergo infiltration and multi-lineage differentiation in situ during tumo...

FGF-1-Induced Reactions for Biogenesis of apoE-HDL are Mediated by Src in Rat Astrocytes

Journal of Biochemistry — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:10:07 +0100

Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is released from astrocytes in stress and stimulates MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways in autocrine fashion to increase synthesis of cholesterol and 25-OH-cholesterol, and to induce transport and secretion of apoE, respectively. FGF-1-induced phosphorylation of Src, and phosphorylation of MEK, ERK and Ark was inhibited by Src inhibitors in rat astrocytes. Src inhibitors also suppressed FGF-1-induced increase of biosynthesis and release of cholesterol and increase of apolipoprotein E (apoE) secretion. The results were reproduced in rat astrocytoma cells transfected by rat apoE and in 3T3-L1 cells. Down-regulation of Src expression reduced FGF-1-induced phosphorylation of the signalling protein and subsequent reactions. Increase by FGF-1 of messages of apoE and...

Multiparametric characterization of grade 2 glioma subtypes using magnetic resonance spectroscopic, perfusion, and diffusion imaging.

Translational Oncology — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion and diffusion imaging provide quantitative MR parameters that can help to differentiate grade 2 oligodendrogliomas from grade 2 astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas. The large variations in the magnitude and spatial extent of the metabolic lesions between patients and the fact that their values are not correlated with the other imaging parameters indicate that MR spectroscopic imaging may provide complementary information that is helpful in targeting therapy, evaluating residual disease, and assessing response to therapy. PMID: 19956389 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Translational Oncology)

Brain Tumor Stem-Like Cells Identified by Neural Stem Cell Marker CD15.

Translational Oncology — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mao XG, Zhang X, Xue XY, Guo G, Wang P, Zhang W, Fei Z, Zhen HN, You SW, Yang H In recent years, a small number of cells that have stem cell properties were identified in human gliomas called brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs), which were thought to mainly contribute to the initiation and development of gliomas and could be identified by the surface marker CD133. However, recent studies indicated that the expression of CD133 might be regulated by environmental conditions such as hypoxia and that there might be CD133(-) BTSCs. Genetic mouse models demonstrated that some gliomas originated from transformed neural stem cells (NSCs). Therefore, we investigated the expression of CD15, a surface marker for NSCs, in tumor spheres derived from astrocytoma and ependymoma. CD15(+) cells iso...

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Treatment of pineal region lesions: our experience in 39 patients.

Collegium Antropologicum — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sajko T, Kudelić N, Lupret V, Lupret V, Nola IA The pineal region is the origin of lesions with a highly diverse histopathology. The aim of this study was to present our experience in treating patients with the pineal region lesions. In period between 1990 and 2007, 39 patients with pineal region lesions were operated on at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital "Sestre milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia. The study group consisted of 21 female and 18 male patients with the median age of 24.4 years (4-66 years). Surgery was performed using the infratentorial supracerebellar approach in all patients. The pineal region lesions were removed totally in 23 (58.97%), subtotal in 14 (35.9%) and partially in 2 (5.13%) patients. Pathohistological examination revealed 13 pi...

Characterization of TEM1/endosialin in human and murine brain tumors

BMC Cancer — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: TEM1/endosialin was induced in the vasculature of high-grade brain tumors where its expression was inversely correlated with patient age. Although lack of TEM1/endosialin did not suppress growth of intracranial GBM xenografts, it did increase tumor vascularity. The cellular localization of TEM1/endosialin and its expression profile in primary and metastatic brain tumors support efforts to therapeutically target this protein, potentially via antibody mediated drug delivery strategies. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Pregnancy and radiotherapy: Management options for minimising risk, case series and comprehensive literature review

Australasian Radiology — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy in patients with cancer who are pregnant. Our review provided extended follow-up results in nine cases, presents a technical discussion on measures taken to minimise foetal radiation exposure and provides a comprehensive summary of the literature. Nine patients who received radiotherapy while pregnant are described. The clinical presentation and outcomes of these and 100 additional cases identified on a systematic literature review are presented. Comparisons of scattered radiation doses from three linear accelerators are presented. The average maternal follow-up in our series was 8.9 years with one patient having a recurrence of their astrocytoma. In terms of foetal outcome, there were one death in utero, one elective termination...

Misdiagnosed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma secondary to cranial astrocytoma

Chinese Journal of Cancer Research — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:04:54 +0100

Abstract A case of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) which was misdiagnosed as adult Still’s disease was presented. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of this case and related literatures were analyzed and reviewed. The patient was finally diagnosed as AITL (Ann Arbor classification: Stage IIIB) secondary to cranial astrocytoma (WHO classification: Stage III), complicated with severe pulmonary infection because of long time treatment of corticosteroid and misdiagnosis (about one and a half year). It is concluded that AITL is a rare disease which was easily misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of AITL should combine the clinical manifestation with pathological biopsy as well as corresponding immunohistochemical tests. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case Re...

The expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 is related to MIB-1 labeling index and predicts survival of glioblastoma patients

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:51:28 +0100

Abstract Although there are many reports on the clinical use of the MIB-1 labeling index (LI), which is a measure of proliferative activity in astrocytomas; its significance varies between studies. There are no known molecules that are directly linked to the MIB-1 LI in astrocytomas. We evaluated the clinical value of the MIB-1 LI in our human glioblastoma cases and determined the molecules that possibly influenced the MIB-1 LI. An immunohistochemical study of the MIB-1 protein was performed and MIB-1 LIs of 38 glioblastomas were determined. In the same cases, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRA), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 (S1P1), which are known regulators of glioma cell proliferation, were detected ...

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Neurofibromatosis type 1 and high-grade tumors of the central nervous system

Child's Nervous System — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:49:44 +0100

Conclusion High-grade CNS tumors may occur in children with NF1. Although tumors in NF patients are generally benign, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion of malignancy in patients whose tumors are in an unusual location or behave in an uncharacteristically aggressive manner. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1024-2Authors Amy Rosenfeld, Phoenix Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders 1919 East Thomas Road Building B Phoenix AZ 85016 USARobert Listernick, Children’s Memorial Hospital Department of Pediatrics 2300 Children’s Plaza Box #16 Chicago IL 60614 USAJoel Charrow, Children’s Memorial Hospital Department of Genetics, Birth Defects, and Metabolism 2300 Children’s Plaza Box #59 Chicago...

Rosette forming glioneuronal tumor pineal gland and tectum: An intraoperative diagnosis on smear preparation

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We present an extremely rare case of newly described entity called rosette forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT), involving the pineal gland, tectum, and the adjacent thalamus in a 22-year-old male. Interestingly, the ventricular system was not involved in this case. The tumor was diagnosed intraoperatively on smear preparation on cytomorphology. If sampled adequately, it is fairly easy to diagnose RGNT on smear preparation as it has a very distinctive cytomorphology of being composed of two population of cell. One of the components is pilocytic astrocytoma and the other is composed of small cells with scant cytoplasm, vesicular nuclei, arranged around neuropil-like material forming "neurocytic rosettes." To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of RGNT in this rare location being ...

Signaling in Malignant Astrocytomas: Role of Neural Stem Cells and Its Therapeutic Implications.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alcantara Llaguno SR, Chen J, Parada LF Malignant astrocytomas are infiltrative and aggressive brain tumors. Conventional forms of therapy have not been effective in controlling this incurable disease. Recent advances in understanding the molecular biology of these tumors have revealed potential mechanisms by which astrocytoma cells undergo tumor initiation, progression, and maintenance, as well as possible avenues for targeted therapeutics. Studies on the role of neural stem cells as cells of origin and tumor-propagating cells have also greatly increased our understanding of the biology and clinical behavior of these tumors. An integrated view of the genetics, signal transduction, and cell biology of astrocytomas, as well as clinical data from patients, will provide a more us...

IDH1 mutations in low-grade astrocytomas predict survival but not response to temozolomide

Neurology — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:01:51 +0100

Conclusion: These results indicate that IDH1 mutations identify a subgroup of gliomas with an improved survival, but are unrelated to the temozolomide response. (Source: Neurology)

MAPK pathway activation and the origins of pediatric low-grade astrocytomas

Journal of Cellular Physiology — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Low-grade astrocytomas (LGAs) are the most common type of brain tumor in children. Until recently, very little was known about the underlying biology and molecular genetics of these tumors. However, within the past year a number of studies have shown that the MAPK pathway is constitutively activated in a high proportion of LGAs. Several genetic aberrations which generate this deregulation of the MAPK pathway have been identified, most notably gene fusions between KIAA1549 and BRAF. In this review we summarize these findings, discuss how these gene fusions may arise and consider possible implications for diagnosis and treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology)

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Assessment of 1p/19q status by fluorescence <i>in situ</i> hybridization assay: A comparative study in oligodendroglial, mixed oligoastrocytic and astrocytic tumors

Neurology India — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:36:08 +0100

Conclusion</b> : Loss of 1p/19q is strongly associated with oligodendroglial phenotype, while astrocytic tumors are more likely to show p53 over-expression. p53 expression and 1p/19q status appear to be mutually exclusive. (Source: Neurology India)

Goldhirsh Foundation 2010 Grant Cycle of the Brain Tumor Research Awards Program

ScanGrants feed — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The Goldhirsh Foundation is pleased to announce the 2010 Grant Cycle of the Brain Tumor Research Awards Program. The next application deadline is Thursday, January 7, 2010, 12:00 Noon, U.S. and Canada Eastern Time (GMT-5) for awards beginning on July 1, 2010. The Goldhirsh Foundation was established by Bernard A. Goldhirsh in 2000, shortly after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Since his death in 2003, the Board of Directors of the Foundation (which includes his two children) has been shaping a grantmaking program that reflects his values and entrepreneurial spirit. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people touched by the organizations and projects we support.A significant portion of the Foundation’s annual grantmaking is devoted to support for brain tumor re...

Chronic uncal herniation secondary to posterior fossa shunting: case report and literature review

Child's Nervous System — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:54:26 +0100

Conclusion We conclude that a negative pressure gradient in the posterior fossa, relative to the supratentorial compartment, is the etiology of the chronic uncal herniation in our patient. Comparing the case reports in the literature with our case, we postulate that chronic uncal herniation is a complication of shunting of a posterior fossa fluid cavity in children, many of them with Dandy–Walker syndrome and/or other cerebellar cystic formations. The treatment priority at presentation should be to rule out shunt malfunction. In the event of association with clinical over-drainage syndrome, there may be a role for changing the shunt system into a more conservative drainage combination. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1027-zAut...

Atypical Pilocytic Astrocytoma of the Third Ventricle Appearing as a Colloid Cyst

Klinische Neuroradiologie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:32:39 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondenceDOI 10.1007/s00062-009-9016-xAuthors Ulrich Missler, Evangelisches und Johanniter Klinikum Niederrhein Central Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Duisburg GermanyMichael Zimmermann, Evangelisches und Johanniter Klinikum Niederrhein Department of Neurosurgery Duisburg GermanyHolger Grehl, Evangelisches und Johanniter Klinikum Niederrhein Department of Neurology Duisburg Germany Journal Clinical NeuroradiologyOnline ISSN 1615-6706Print ISSN 0939-7116 (Source: Klinische Neuroradiologie)

Extracellular Osmolarity Modulates G protein-Coupled Receptor Dependent ATP Release from 1321N1 Astrocytoma Cells.

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Blum AE, Walsh BC, Dubyak GR We previously reported that ATP release from 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells could be stimulated either by activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) or hypotonic stress. Cheema et al. (12) have demonstrated that thrombin activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) in 1321N1 cells and primary astrocytes acts synergistically with hypotonic stress to gate the opening of volume-sensitive organic osmolyte and anion channels (VSOAC) and that hypertonic stress strongly inhibits PAR1-gating of VSOAC. We tested the hypothesis that a VSOAC-type permeability might comprise a GPCR-regulated pathway for ATP export by determining whether PAR1-sensitive ATP release from 1321N1 cells is similarly potentiated by hypotonicity but suppressed by hypertoni...

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Human BLCAP transcript: new editing events in normal and cancerous tissues

International Journal of Cancer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Bladder cancer-associated protein (BLCAP) is a highly conserved protein among species, and it is considered a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene originally identified from human bladder carcinoma. However, little is known about the regulation or the function of this protein. Here, we show that the human BLCAP transcript undergoes multiple A-to-I editing events. Some of the new editing events alter the highly conserved amino terminus of the protein creating alternative protein isoforms by changing the genetically coded amino acids. We found that both ADAR1 and ADAR2-editing enzymes cooperate to edit this transcript and that different tissues displayed distinctive ratios of edited and unedited BLCAP transcripts. Moreover, we observed a general decrease in BLCAP-editing level in astrocytom...

Pathologic intracellular signaling in childhood pilocytic astrocytomas

Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:01:48 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Alterations of BRAF and HIPK2 loci predominate in sporadic pilocytic astrocytoma

Neurology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:01:48 +0100

Conclusions: BRAF rearrangement represents the most common genetic alteration in sporadic, but not neurofibromatosis type 1-associated, pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs). These findings implicate BRAF in the pathogenesis of these common low-grade astrocytomas in children, and suggest that PAs arise either from NF1 inactivation or BRAF gain of function. (Source: Neurology)

Characterization of R132H Mutation-specific IDH1 Antibody Binding in Brain Tumors

Brain Pathology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Heterozygous point mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)1 codon 132 are frequent in grade II and III gliomas. Recently, we reported an antibody specific for the IDH1R132H mutation. Here we investigate the capability of this antibody to differentiate wild type and mutated IDH1 protein in central nervous system (CNS) tumors by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results of protein analysis are correlated to sequencing data. In Western blot, anti-IDH1R132H mouse monoclonal antibody mIDH1R132H detected a specific band only in mutated tumors. Immunohistochemistry of 345 primary brain tumors demonstrated a strong cytoplasmic and weaker nuclear staining in 122 cases. Correlation with direct sequencing of 186 cases resulted in consensus of 177 cases. Genetic retesting of cases with confli...

Primary spinal cord glioma: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database study

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:44:59 +0100

Abstract To characterize the overall survival (OS) and cause specific survival (CSS), and variables affecting outcome, in patients with primary spinal cord astrocytoma (SCA) and ependymoma (SCE). About 664 patients with SCA and 1,057 patients with SCE were analyzed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. For grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 SCA, the 5-year OS was 82, 70, 28 and 14%; the 5-year CSS was 89, 77, 36 and 20%. For SCA, lower grade, younger age, and undergoing resection significantly improved OS and CSS; treatment without radiotherapy was favorable for CSS. Smaller tumor size also improved survival. For grade 1, 2, and 3 SCE, the 5-year OS was 92, 97 and 58%; the 5-year CSS was 100, 98 and 64%. For SCE, lower grade, younger age, and undergoing resectio...

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Multiple extracranial metastases from secondary glioblastoma multiforme: a case report and review of the literature

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:44:58 +0100

Abstract Extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is very rare, in spite of very aggressive tumor behavior and being documented in only a few patients. In this article we present a 25-year-old man with secondary glioblastoma associated with extracranial progression and distant metastasis. He was diagnosed by magnetic resononce (MR) with an intracranial lesion in the right parietofrontal region, which was subsequently resected. Histology revealed a diffuse astrocytoma (grade II). The tumor recurred 1 year later and the patient received a second craniotomy. A diagnosis of GBM was made. After radiotherapy, he presented with right cervical lymph node metastases. The cytomorphological features supported a diagnosis of metastatic glioblastoma multiforme. The...

Imaging of hypoxic lesions in patients with gliomas by using positron emission tomography with 1-(2-[(18)F] fluoro-1-[hydroxymethyl]ethoxy)methyl-2-nitroimidazole, a new (18)F-labeled 2-nitroimidazole analog.

Journal of Neurosurgery — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Imaging with FRP-170 PET can visualize hypoxic lesions in patients with glioma, as confirmed by histological examination. This new method can assess tumor hypoxia preoperatively and noninvasively. PMID: 19895196 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

Correlation of glioma proliferation assessed by flow cytometry with 99mTc-Tetrofosmin SPECT uptake

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:46:54 +0100

Conclusion: Initial evidence suggests that 99mTc-TF could provide a non-invasive indicator of glioma proliferative activity. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia after treatment with temozolomide in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme.

Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:26:02 +0100

Authors: Kim SJ, Park TS, Lee ST, Song J, Suh B, Kim SH, Jang SJ, Lee CH, Choi JR Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute leukemia after treatment with temozolomide have rarely been described in the literature. Only 10 cases in association with temozolomide have been documented. The cases included anaplastic astrocytoma (4 cases), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (2 cases), low grade astrocytoma (2 cases), low grade oligodendroglioma (1 case), and one case of secondary Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme. Here we report a novel case of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia associated with der(1;7)(q10;p10) in a glioblastoma multiforme patient treated with temozolomide. Results of bone marrow morph...

Evaluation of intracranial space-occupying lesion with Tc99m-glucoheptonate brain single photon emission computed tomography in treatment-naïve patients

Journal of Postgraduate Medicine — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:50:47 +0100

Conclusions : Glucoheptonate has high degree of specificity for neoplastic tissues of brain and may be used as a tracer for SPECT study to differentiate neoplastic intracranial lesions from non-neoplastic ones. (Source: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine)

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Concurrent sequence variation of TP53 and TP73 genes in anaplastic astrocytoma.

Genetics and Molecular Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:03 +0100

Authors: Anselmo NP, Rey JA, Almeida LO, Custódio AC, Almeida JR, Clara CA, Santos MJ, Casartelli C Disruption or loss of tumor suppressor gene TP53 is implicated in the development or progression of almost all different types of human malignancies. Other members of the p53 family have been identified. One member, p73, not only shares a high degree of similarity with p53 in its primary sequence, but also has similar functions. Like p53, p73 can bind to DNA and activate transcription. Using PCR-SSCP and gene sequencing, we analyzed the TP53 and TP73 genes in a case of a grade III anaplastic astrocytoma that progressed to glioblastoma. We found a deletion of AAG at position 595-597 of TP53 (exon 6), resulting in the deletion of Glu 199 in the protein and a genomic polymorphism of TP...

5-lipoxygenase pathway promotes cell proliferation in human glioma cell lines.

Clinical Neuropathology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We confirmed the expression of 5-LO in various human brain tumors and demonstrated the partial suppression of tumor growth by inhibitors of the 5-LO-LTA4 hydrolase pathway in human glioma cell lines. The 5-LO-LTA4 pathway might play roles in the proliferation of human glioma cells. PMID: 19919819 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Neuropathology)

Factors associated with progression-free survival and long-term neurological outcome after resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: analysis of 101 consecutive cases.

Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Gross-total resection can be safely achieved in the vast majority of IMSCTs when an intraoperative plane is identified, independent of pathological type. The incidence of acute perioperative neurological decline increases with patient age but will improve to baseline in nearly half of patients within 1 month. Long-term improvement in motor, sensory, and bladder dysfunction may be achieved in a slight majority of patients and occurs more frequently in patients in whom a surgical plane can be identified. A GTR should be attempted for ependymoma and hemangioblastoma, but it may not affect PFS for astrocytoma. For all tumors, the intraoperative finding of a clear tumor plane of resection carries positive prognostic significance across all pathological types. PMID: 19929363 [Pub...

Postoperative surveillance magnetic resonance imaging for cerebellar astrocytoma.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated the utility and yield of such strategy for pilocytic and non-pilocytic cerebellar astrocytomas. METHODS: A 20-year retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing resection of cerebellar astrocytoma at a single institution. A negative MRI string (NMS) ratio was computed as the fraction of total follow-up period over which surveillance neuroimaging was negative for recurrence or progression. Chi-squared analysis differentiated NMS ratio by resection extent and lesion histopathology. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with pilocytic (n=15) and non-pilocytic (n=13) astrocytoma underwent 34 craniotomies, with total resection in 19 cases. Surveillance MRIs (n=167) among total resection patients were uniformly negative for recurrent disease at average seven years follo...

The metabolic epicenter of supratentorial gliomas: a 1H-MRSI study.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The concept of the metabolic epicenter eliminates several problems related to existing methods of classifying glioma location. The location of the metabolic epicenter is strongly correlated with overall survival and histopathological grade, suggesting that it reflects biological factors underlying glioma growth and malignant dedifferentiation. These findings may be clinically relevant to predicting patterns of local glioma recurrence, and in planning resective surgery or radiotherapy. PMID: 19960747 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences)

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Intrathecal liposomal cytarabine in combination with temozolomide in low-grade oligoastrocytoma with leptomeningeal dissemination

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:49:38 +0100

Abstract Leptomeningeal dissemination of low-grade gliomas is an uncommon event. A 43-year old male presented with dizziness, gait ataxia, and diplopia. A nonenhancing lesion in the right cerebellar peduncle was identified, subtotally resected, and diagnosed as a grade II astrocytoma. After one year a nodular spread in the brain and leptomeninges was diagnosed, so the patient started chemotherapy with temozolomide and liposomal cytarabine. Complete remission was achieved after 12 months of treatment and the patient is still free from the disease after a follow-up of 24 months. We suggest that this combination may be a valuable treatment option. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s11060-009-0040-0Authors Maria Grazia Passarin, USSL 22 ...

Caspase-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species in human astrocytoma cells contributes to resistance to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis

Cell Death and Differentiation — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: K Choi, S-W Ryu, S Song, H Choi, S W Kang & C Choi (Source: Cell Death and Differentiation)

Hepatocyte growth factor in cerebrospinal fluid is associated with mortality and recurrence of glioblastoma, and could be of prognostic value

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:59:10 +0100

Abstract Malignant gliomas—glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma—are among the most fatal forms of cancer in humans. It has been suggested that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a reliable predictor of glioma malignancy; amounts of HGF are directly related to cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, low apoptotic rate, and poor prognosis (WHO III and IV). We measured the HGF content of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with malignant glioma glioblastoma multiforme (WHO IV; n = 14), anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO III; n = 4), and meningioma (WHO I; n = 9), and from control subjects (n = 25), and found a high concentration of HGF in patients with malignant glioma. However, CSF concentrations from glioblastoma multiforme ...

Rapamycin (sirolimus) in tuberous sclerosis associated pediatric central nervous system tumors

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is associated with hamartomatous growths including subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs). Since chemo-radiation therapies offer scant benefit, oncologists had traditionally been little involved in managing SEGAs. Recent evidence demonstrating rapamycin efficacy in adults and children with TSC-associated tumors foresee a practice change. We summarize our institutional experience and literature review that highlight potential benefits and hazards of rapamycin therapy, for TSC patients with SEGA, and other syndromal brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Anticancer properties of Ganoderma lucidum methanol extracts in vitro and in vivo.

Nutrition and Cancer — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:12:03 +0100

Authors: Harhaji Trajković LM, Mijatović SA, Maksimović-Ivanić DD, Stojanović ID, Momcilović MB, Tufegdzić SJ, Maksimović VM, Marjanović ZS, Stosić-Grujicić SD Anticancer activities of various extracts of the medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, have been widely demonstrated and are mainly associated with the presence of different bioactive polysaccharides and triterpenoids. We have evaluated and compared in vitro and in vivo the antitumor effects of two preparations from Ganoderma lucidum: a methanol extract containing total terpenoids (GLme) and a purified methanol extract containing mainly acidic terpenoids (GLpme). Both extracts inhibited tumor growth of B16 mouse melanoma cells inoculated subcutaneously into synge...

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Frequent promoter hypermethylation of Wnt pathway inhibitor genes in malignant astrocytic gliomas

International Journal of Cancer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Aberrant activation of wingless (Wnt) signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. Recent studies suggested a role of Wnt signaling in gliomas, the most common primary brain tumors. We investigated 70 gliomas of different malignancy grades for promoter hypermethylation in 8 genes encoding members of the secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, SFRP5), dickkopf (DKK1, DKK3) and naked (NKD1, NKD2) families of Wnt pathway inhibitors. All tumors were additionally analyzed for mutations in exon 3 of the [beta]-catenin gene (CTNNB1). While none of the tumors carried CTNNB1 mutations, we found frequent promoter hypermethylation of Wnt pathway inhibitor genes, with at least one of these genes being hypermethylated in 6 of 16 diffuse astrocytomas (38%), 4 of 14 anapl...

Cytogenetic study of glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands: A case report

Neuropathology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands (GTNI) is a recently recognized glioneuronal neoplasm but it was classified as an astrocytic tumor by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007. We performed a cytogenetic study in a case of GTNI arising in a 55-year-old man and analyzed its genetic alteration. It presented as a heterogeneously enhancing, multi-lobulating solid mass on MRI. Histopathologically, the tumor showed the biphasic feature of the predominating micronodular neuropil-like islands and the diffusely infiltrating glial component. In addition, the prominent blood vessels with perivascular hyalinization were observed. On cytogenetic study, loss of 4q, 5q, 11p and gain of 6p, 7, 8, 11q, 12p, 15q were found. The remaining tumor after subtotal resection progressed 7 months lat...

Water Diffusivity: Comparison of Primary CNS Lymphoma and Astrocytic Tumor Infiltrating the Corpus Callosum

American Journal of Roentgenology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:02:34 +0100

CONCLUSION. The water diffusivity and the ADC ratio of the tumor to normal-appearing corpus callosum of astrocytic tumor differ significantly from those of lymphoma infiltrating the corpus callosum, allowing reliable differentiation of the two types of tumor. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

Early termination of ISRCTN45828668, a phase 1/2 prospective, randomized study of Sulfasalazine for the treatment of progressing malignant gliomas in adults

BMC Cancer — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although the proper influence of sulfasalazine treatment on patient outcome was difficult to ascertain in these debilitated patients with a large tumor burden (median KPS=50), ISRCTN45828668 was terminated after its interim analysis. This study urges to exert cautiousness in future trials of Sulfasalazine for the treatment of malignant gliomas.Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN45828668 (Source: BMC Cancer)

Heparanase expression of glioma in human and animal models.

Journal of Neurosurgery — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Glioma tissues contain increased levels of heparanase. Multiple cell types contribute to the expression of heparanase, including neovessel endothelial cells, tumor cells, and infiltrated neutrophils. Heparanase plays an important role in the control of cell proliferation and invasion. Animal models using Ast11.9-2 and primary neurospheres are suitable for antitumor studies targeting heparanase. PMID: 19835469 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

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Change in Intracellular pH Causes the Toxic Ca(2+) Entry via NCX1 in Neuron- and Glia-Derived Cells.

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shono Y, Kamouchi M, Kitazono T, Kuroda J, Nakamura K, Hagiwara N, Ooboshi H, Ibayashi S, Iida M Brain hypoxia or ischemia causes acidosis and the intracellular accumulation of Ca(2+) in neuron. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the interaction between intracellular pH and Ca(2+) during transient acidosis and its effects on the viability of neuronal and glial cells. Intracellular Ca(2+) and pH were measured using the fluorescence of fura-2 and 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester in neuroblastoma (IMR-32), glioblastoma (T98G), and astrocytoma (CCF-STTG1) cell lines. The administration of 5 mM propionate caused intracellular acidification in IMR-32 and T98G cells but not in CCF-STTG1 cells. After the removal of propionate, the intr...

In pursuit of prognostic factors in children with pilocytic astrocytomas

Child's Nervous System — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:16:19 +0100

Conclusions Aside from GTR, no other clinical, histopathological, or immunohistochemical features were found to be related to the prognosis. We postulate that strict follow-up is recommended if piloA is associated with high mitotic activity/Ki67-LI, or if GTR cannot be achieved at surgery. Tumor recurrence or progression of the residual lesion should be strictly observed. In some aspects, childhood piloA remains an enigmatic tumor. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-0990-8Authors Aline Paixão Becker, University of São Paulo Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine Ribeirão Preto SP BrazilRicardo Santos de Oliveira, University of São Paulo Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatom...

Integrated Molecular Analysis Suggests a Three-Class Model for Low-Grade Gliomas: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Genomics — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and morphologic data for class discovery suggests a three class model for low-grade gliomas. Class I represents tumors with molecular similarity to pilocytic astrocytomas, class II tumors are similar to 1p/19q codeleted oligodendrogliomas, and class III represents infiltrative low-grade gliomas. This classification is similar to current clinical paradigms for low-grade gliomas; our work suggests a molecular basis for such models. This classification may supplement or may serve as the basis for a molecular pathologic alternative to current grading schemes for low-grade gliomas and may highlight potential targets for future biologically-based treatments or strategies for future clinical trials. PMID: 19835948 [PubMed - as supplied by p...

Trigeminal nerve root entry zone pilocytic astrocytoma in an adult: a rare case of an extraparenchymal tumor

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:28:56 +0100

We describe a pilocytic astrocytoma of the CPA that was found to arise from the proximal portion of trigeminal nerve without any anatomic continuity with the brain stem and the cerebellum. Pre-operative MRI suggested a schwannoma. The proposed origin of this extremely rare tumor is the root entry zone of the involved nerve. The tumor was completely resected via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s11060-009-0020-4Authors Formica Francesco, Università Politecnica delle Marche Clinica di Neurochirurgia v. Conca no 71 60020 Ancona ItalyIacoangeli Maurizio, Università Politecnica delle Marche Clinica di Neurochirurgia v. Conca no 71 60020 Ancona ItalyChiriatti Stefano, Università Politecnica delle Marche Clinica di Neuroc...

Pilocytic astrocytoma as a predominant component of a recurrent complex type DNT.

Folia Neuropathologica — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:58:03 +0100

We report an unusual case of a 7-year-old girl with a temporal lobe DNT, which recurred four years after subtotal resection of the tumour. In the recurrent lesion we identified pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) as a predominant component of the tumour. Small pieces of the removed tissues also disclosed remnants of DNT. Clinical presentation of the primary tumour consisted of partial simple seizures, while the recurrent tumour manifested with headache and vomiting. Likewise, the radiological appearance of both tumours was different. We conclude that patients with incompletely removed DNT may suffer local recurrence of that tumour. In rare cases development of a secondary, histologically different neoplasm may also occur. PMID: 19813149 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Folia Neuropathologica)

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Expression of RCAS1 protein in microglia/macrophages accompanying brain tumours. An immunofluorescence study.

Folia Neuropathologica — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:58:03 +0100

Authors: Adamek D, Radwańska E, Gajda M The expression of protein RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells), possibly involved in the mechanisms of evasion of immune surveillance by tumours, has been studied in brain astrocytomas grade III and IV and in metastatic carcinomas to the brain by means of double immunofluorescence with antibodies against RCAS1 and respectively anti-GFAP (astroglia) or CD68 or CD74 (macrophages/microglia). Expression of RCAS1 has been reported in many types of carcinomas and in some normal cells, including bone marrow macrophages. Nakabayashi and coworkers recently reported expression of RCAS1 in gliomas. So far no attention has been paid to expression of RCAS1 in non-neoplastic cellular elements of tumours such as macrophages and ...

Primary postoperative chemotherapy without radiotherapy for treatment of brain tumours other than ependymoma in children under 3 years: Results of the first UKCCSG/SIOP CNS 9204 trial

European Journal of Cancer — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study highlights the differing therapeutic challenges presented by the malignant brain tumours of early childhood, the importance of surgical approaches and the need to explore individualised brain sparing approaches to the range of malignant brain tumours that present in early childhood. (Source: European Journal of Cancer)

Brain Tumor: Anaplastic Astrocytoma

MyBiopsy.org — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Anaplastic Astrocytoma is a primary grade III (malignant) brain tumor. Anaplastic Astrocytoma comprises about 4 percent of all primary brain tumors diagnosed in the United States. (Source: MyBiopsy.org)

Brain Tumor: Glioblastoma

MyBiopsy.org — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Glioblastoma is a type of primary malignant brain tumor. Glioblastoma is also known as grade 4 (IV) astrocytoma, Glioblastoma multiforme and GBM. (Source: MyBiopsy.org)

Brain Tumor: Pilocytic Astrocytoma

MyBiopsy.org — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Pilocytic Astrocytoma is a type of benign brain tumor that rarely spreads into surrounding tissues. Starting in brain cells called astrocytes, this type of tumor is slow-growing tumor but can become very large. (Source: MyBiopsy.org)

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Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 regulates glioma cell proliferation and correlates with patient survival

International Journal of Cancer — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that signals through a family of G protein-coupled receptors consisting of 5 members termed S1P1-5, and it regulates cellular proliferation, migration and survival. We investigated the expression and role of S1P receptors in glioma. Human glioma expressed S1P1, S1P2, S1P3, and S1P5 by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Expression of the S1P1 was significantly lower in glioblastoma than in the normal brain (p < 0.01) and diffuse astrocytoma (p < 0.05). Immunoblotting showed that normal brain expressed more S1P1 protein than did glioblastoma. Immunohistochemistry showed that S1P1 was localized predominantly in the astrocytes in the normal brain, but no staining was observed in glioblastoma. Downregulation of S1P1 expression correlated with...

Thromboxane A(2) receptor-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation: involvement of PKC-delta and PKC-varepsilon in the shedding of epidermal growth factor receptor ligands.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP)-mediated transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through the shedding of EGFR ligands. A TP agonist U46619 caused the phosphorylation of EGFR in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells, which was inhibited by an EGFR selective inhibitor AG1478 and by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) inhibitor TAPI-2, indicating TP stimulation caused the EGFR transactivation through the EGFR ligand shedding. Since 1321N1 cells expressed heparin binding-EGF (HB-EGF) mRNA, the mechanism of TP-mediated EGFR transactivation was examined in HEK293 cells expressing alkaline phosphatase-conjugated HB-EGF and TP. U46619 caused the shedding of HB-EGF in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The TP-mediated shedding was inhibited by a furin inhibito...

Monoclonal antibody specific for IDH1 R132H mutation

Acta Neuropathologica — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:32:00 +0100

Abstract IDH1 R132H mutations occur in approximately 70% of astrocytomas and oligodendroglial tumors. We developed a mouse monoclonal antibody targeting the IDH1 R132H mutation. Here, we show the high specificity and sensitivity of this antibody on Western blots and tissue sections from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumor specimens. This antibody is highly useful for tumor classification, in detecting single infiltrating tumor cells and for the characterization of the cellular role of mutant IDH1 protein. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short ReportDOI 10.1007/s00401-009-0595-zAuthors David Capper, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology Im Neuenheimer Feld 220/221 69120 Heidelberg GermanyHanswalter Zentgraf, Ge...

Neurofibroma adjacent to the thyroid gland and a thyroid papillary carcinoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: Report of a case

Surgery Today — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:06:47 +0100

This report presents a case of a neurofibroma adherent to the thyroid gland with thyroid papillary carcinoma in a 26-year-old woman with NF type 1. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00595-008-3946-9Authors Yavuz Koksal, Selcuk University Department of Pediatric Oncology Konya 42080 TurkeyMustafa Sahin, Selcuk University Department of General Surgery Konya 42080 TurkeyHande Koksal, Konya Numune State Hospital Department of General Surgery Konya TurkeyHasan Esen, Selcuk University Department of Pathology, Meram Faculty of Medicine Konya 42080 TurkeyMetin Sen, Selcuk University Department of Pediatric Oncology Konya 42080 Turkey Journal Surgery TodayOnline ISSN 1436-2813Print ISSN 0941-1291 Journal Volume Volume 39 Journal Issue Volume 39, Numbe...

Liver grafts from donors with central nervous system tumors: A single-center perspective

Liver Transplantation — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, in our experience, despite violation of the blood-brain barrier and high-grade CNS tumors, recurrence was uncommon. Grafts from these donors are often an overlooked source of high-quality organs from younger donors and can be appropriately used, particularly in patients who, despite low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, carry a high risk of mortality. Liver Transpl 15:1204-1208, 2009. © 2009 AASLD. (Source: Liver Transplantation)

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Low-Grade Gliomas: Six-month Tumor Growth Predicts Patient Outcome Better than Admission Tumor Volume, Relative Cerebral Blood Volume, and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient [Neuroradiology]

Continuous Publishing articles — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Six-month tumor growth helps predict outcome in patients with LGG better than parameters derived from perfusion- or diffusion-weighed MR imaging. Tumor growth can readily be calculated from volume measurements on images acquired with standard MR imaging protocols and may well prove most useful among various MR imaging findings in clinical practice. © RSNA, 2009 (Source: Continuous Publishing articles)

Low-Grade Gliomas: Six-month Tumor Growth Predicts Patient Outcome Better than Admission Tumor Volume, Relative Cerebral Blood Volume, and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient.

Radiology — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Six-month tumor growth helps predict outcome in patients with LGG better than parameters derived from perfusion- or diffusion-weighed MR imaging. Tumor growth can readily be calculated from volume measurements on images acquired with standard MR imaging protocols and may well prove most useful among various MR imaging findings in clinical practice. (c) RSNA, 2009. PMID: 19789244 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiology)

Stereotactic biopsy for brainstem tumors in pediatric patients

Child's Nervous System — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:39:50 +0100

Conclusions Stereotactic biopsy done for clarifiying a diagnostic imaging in brainstem tumors is important in obtaining a definitive diagnosis with a low rate of complications. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1000-xAuthors José L. Pérez-Gómez, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría Departamento de Neurocirugía Pediátrica Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Deleg. Coyoacán Mexico C.P. 04530 Mexico D.F.Carlos A. Rodríguez-Álvarez, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría Departamento de Neurocirugía Pediátrica Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Deleg. Coyoacán Mexico C.P. 04530 Mexico D.F.Alfonso Marhx-Bracho, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría Departamento de Neurocirugía Pediátrica Insurgentes Sur ...

Pilocytic astrocytoma as a predominant component of a recurrent complex type DNT

Articles of Folia Neuropathologica - TERMEDIA publishing house — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:07:32 +0100

We report an unusual case of a 7-year-old girl with a temporal lobe DNT, which recurred four years after subtotal resection of the tumour. In the recurrent lesion we identified pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) as a predominant component of the tumour. Small pieces of the removed tissues also disclosed remnants of DNT. Clinical presentation of the primary tumour consisted of partial simple seizures, while the recurrent tumour manifested with headache and vomiting. Likewise, the radiological appearance of both tumours was different. We conclude that patients with incompletely removed DNT may suffer local recurrence of that tumour. In rare cases development of a secondary, histologically different neoplasm may also occur. (Source: Articles of Folia Neuropathologica - TERMEDIA publishing house)

Expression of RCAS1 protein in microglia/macrophages accompanying brain tumours. An immunofluorescence study

Articles of Folia Neuropathologica - TERMEDIA publishing house — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:46:03 +0100

The expression of protein RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells), possibly involved in the mechanisms of evasion of immune surveillance by tumours, has been studied in brain astrocytomas grade III and IV and in metastatic carcinomas to the brain by means of double immunofluorescence with antibodies against RCAS1 and respectively anti-GFAP (astroglia) or CD68 or CD74 (macrophages/microglia). Expression of RCAS1 has been reported in many types of carcinomas and in some normal cells, including bone marrow macrophages. Nakabayashi and co-workers recently reported expression of RCAS1 in gliomas. So far no attention has been paid to expression of RCAS1 in non-neoplastic cellular elements of tumours such as macrophages and to the expression of RCAS1 in metastatic carcinom...

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Anaplastic oligo-astrocytoma occurring after resection of a cerebral cavernous malformation; malignant transformation? Case report and review on etiology

Journal of Neurology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:34:39 +0100

We report a 71-year-old woman who presented with a cerebral cavernous malformation in the right frontal lobe for which she underwent total resection. Three years later, she was admitted with seizures and neuroimaging revealed a partially calcified lesion in the area of the earlier cavernous malformation, consistent with a residual malformation. A few months later she presented with cognitive decline and neuroimaging now revealed a large mass lesion in the same area as the cavernous malformation, irregularly enhancing, spreading through the corpus callosum to the left frontal lobe. Histological examination showed an anaplastic oligo-astrocytoma. These findings suggest that cerebral cavernous malformations, or at least a subgroup, have the potential for oligodendrocytic and astrocytic ...

Identification and Functional Characterization of microRNAs Involved in the Malignant Progression of Gliomas

Brain Pathology — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Diffuse astrocytoma of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II has an inherent tendency to spontaneously progress to anaplastic astrocytoma WHO grade III or secondary glioblastoma WHO grade IV. We explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in glioma progression by investigating the expression profiles of 157 miRNAs in four patients with primary WHO grade II gliomas that spontaneously progressed to WHO grade IV secondary glioblastomas. Thereby, we identified 12 miRNAs (miR-9, miR-15a, miR-16, miR-17, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-25, miR-28, miR-130b, miR-140 and miR-210) showing increased expression, and two miRNAs (miR-184 and miR-328) showing reduced expression upon progression. Validation experiments on independent series of primary low-grade and secondary high-grade astrocytomas confirme...

High expression of cathepsin B and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 are strong predictors of survival in glioblastomas

Acta Neuropathologica — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:01:23 +0100

In this study, we have chosen to study using different technical approaches (Q-RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry) the expression of five molecules involved in extracellular matrix degradation (cathepsin B, MMP2, MMP9, uPA and PAI-1) in glioblastomas in order to determine their prognostic impact among grade IV gliomas. Pilocytic astrocytomas were used as controls. Q-RT-PCR showed that transcripts of uPA, PAI-1, cathepsin B and MMP9 were significantly more expressed in glioblastomas (n = 52), in comparison to pilocytic astrocytomas (n = 17) (P = 0.049, P < 0.0001, P = 0.03 and P < 0.0001, respectively). On both univariate and multivariate analyses, cathepsin B and PAI-1 were strong predictors of overall...

A secretory phospholipase A2-mediated neuroprotection and anti-apoptosis.

BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We have found that a secretory phospholipase (nPLA) purified from snake venom could reduce infarct volume in rodent stroke model. nPLA, has also been found to reduce neuronal cell death, apoptosis and promote cell survival in in-vitro ischemic conditions. In all conditions, the protective effects could be seen at sub-lethal concentrations of the protein. (Source: BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles)