MedWorm: Astrocytoma

Paladin (X99384) is expressed in the vasculature and shifts from endothelial to vascular smooth muscle cells during mouse development

Developmental Dynamics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsPaladin, a novel putative phosphatase, displays a dynamic expression pattern in the vasculature. During embryonic stages it is broadly expressed in endothelial cells, while in the adult it is selectively expressed in arterial smooth muscle cells. Developmental Dynamics, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Developmental Dynamics)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Classifying Human Brain Tumors by Lipid Imaging with Mass Spectrometry

Cancer Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Brain tissue biopsies are required to histologically diagnose brain tumors, but current approaches are limited by tissue characterization at the time of surgery. Emerging technologies such as mass spectrometry imaging can enable a rapid direct analysis of cancerous tissue based on molecular composition. Here, we illustrate how gliomas can be rapidly classified by desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging, multivariate statistical analysis, and machine learning. DESI-MS imaging was carried out on 36 human glioma samples, including oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, and oligoastrocytoma, all of different histologic grades and varied tumor cell concentration. Gray and white matter from glial tumors were readily discriminated and detailed diagnostic information could ...

Aurora A is differentially expressed in gliomas, is associated with patient survival in glioblastoma and is a potential chemotherapeutic target in gliomas.

Cell Cycle — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:36:21 +0100

Authors: Lehman NL, O'Donnell JP, Whiteley LJ, Stapp RT, Lehman TD, Roszka KM, Schultz LR, Williams CJ, Mikkelsen T, Brown SL, Ecsedy JA, Poisson LM Abstract Aurora A is critical for mitosis and is overexpressed in several neoplasms. Its overexpression transforms cultured cells, and both its overexpression and knockdown cause genomic instability. In transgenic mice, Aurora A haploinsufficiency, not overexpression, leads to increased malignant tumor formation. Aurora A thus appears to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressor functions. Here, we report that Aurora A protein, measured by quantitative protein gel blotting, is differentially expressed in major glioma types in lineage-specific patterns. Aurora A protein levels in WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas (n = 16) and grade I...

Ossifying Pituitary Adenoma Co-existing with Astrocytoma and Pituitary Adenoma Associated with Gangliocytoma: Two Unusual Conditions.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0100

Authors: Jaiswal S, Vij M, Jaiswal AK, Chand G, Behari S, Kumarjain V Abstract Bone formation in pituitary adenoma is an extremely rare finding. Only five previous cases have been published. This is the sixth case report of an ossifying pituitary adenoma and the first case report of a pituitary adenoma with bone formation coexisting with WHO grade II astrocytoma. MRI imaging revealed an unusual eggshell cap-like calcified structure surrounding the tumor. Histologically, the adenoma contained irregularly anastomosing trabeculae with well-formed lacunae and osteoblasts along the margins. Our second case concerns a 25-year-old male patient who presented with complains of off and on headache for 12 months. MRI (head) revealed a 4x3cm well defined rounded lesion in the ...

A case of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis predominantly involving the cervical spinal cord and mimicking chronic meningitis.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0100

Authors: Heijink DS, Urgun K, Sav A, Seker A, Konya D Abstract Gliomas may rarely arise in the leptomeninges without any evidence of intraaxial involvement. A case of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) histologically diagnosed as oligoastrocytoma is presented. A 50-year-old woman presented with nausea, vomiting and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cranium and cervical region revealed dural thickening starting from the craniocervical junction to the level of C4 without any parenchymal lesions. CSF examination showed an increase in protein and decrease in glucose levels. There were neither any kind of atypical cells nor any kind of growth in bacterial cultures. The patient underwent biopsy at the level of C1 for diagnosis. The specimen wa...

Spontaneous modifications of contrast enhancement in childhood non-cerebellar pilocytic astrocytomas

Neuroradiology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:51:59 +0100

Conclusion In our experience, n-C PA may show variable CE over time in the absence of tumor/residual tumor dimension change. We recommend that CE fluctuations alone cannot be considered an indicator of tumor progression/regression. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Paediatric NeuroradiologyPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00234-012-1010-3Authors Simona Gaudino, Department of Bioimaging and Radiological Sciences, Catholic University, Pol. A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 000168 Rome, ItalyFrancesca Romana Quaglio, Department of Bioimaging and Radiological Sciences, Catholic University, Pol. A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 000168 Rome, ItalyChiara Schiarelli, Department of Bioimaging and Radiological Sciences, Catholic University, Pol. A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 000168 Rome, ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Epigenetically mediated down‐regulation of the differentiation‐promoting chaperon protein CRABP2 in astrocytic gliomas

International Journal of Cancer — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractImpairment of endogenous differentiation pathways like retinoic acid (RA) signaling seems to be a central pathogenetic event in astrocytic gliomas. Among others, expression of the differentiation‐promoting RA chaperon protein cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) is extenuated in high‐grade gliomas. Against this background, we aimed at identifying potential pathomechanisms underlying reduced CRABP2 expression in these tumors. Employing MassARRAY methylation analysis we detected extensive CpG methylation upstream of the CRABP2 gene locus in a study sample comprising 100 astrocytic gliomas of WHO grade II to IV. Compared to non‐tumorous control samples tumors revealed increased CpG methylation and methylation levels were inversely correlated to CRABP2 mRNA expressio...

Post‐transcriptional regulation of fukutin in an astrocytoma cell line

International Journal of Experimental Pathology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:50:06 +0100

In this study, we investigated the characteristics of fukutin mRNA using an astrocytoma cell line that expresses fukutin and glycosylated α‐DG. The glycosylation of α‐DG was considered to be increased by over‐expression of fukutin and decreased by knockdown of fukutin. Knockdown of Musashi‐1, one of the RNA‐binding proteins involved in the regulation of neuronal differentiation, induced a decrease in fukutin mRNA. Immunoprecipitation and ELISA‐based RNA‐binding assay demonstrated possible binding between fukutin mRNA and Musashi‐1 protein. A relationship between fukutin mRNA and vimentin protein was also proposed. In situ hybridization for fukutin mRNA showed a positive cytoplasmic reaction including cytoplasmic processes. From these results, fukutin mRNA is suggested to ...

Biologic tumor behavior in pilocytic astrocytomas

Child's Nervous System — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:18:43 +0100

Conclusions Differently localized PAs have different properties which make them behave with different biological aggressiveness. PAs demonstrate a significant amount of CNAs that can be detected by a high-resolution study. However, tumor suppressor genes p53, p16, pRb, MMAC/PTEN1 and expression patterns do not play a significant role in PAs. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-15DOI 10.1007/s00381-011-1676-6Authors Muhittin Belirgen, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street Stop 9406, Lubbock, 79430 TX, USASu Gulsun Berrak, Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, USAHilâl Ozdag, Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, TurkeySuheyla Uyar Bozkurt...

Space-time clustering of childhood central nervous system tumours in Yorkshire, UK

BMC Cancer — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There was some evidence for a transient environmental component to the aetiology of PNETs. However, a possible role for chance cannot be excluded. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Neoplasms Associated with Germline and Somatic NF1 Gene Mutations.

The Oncologist — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. The lack of well-defined screening tests for early detection and the nonspecific clinical presentation contributes to a poorer outcome in malignancies associated with NF1. Small study group size, mixed patient population, and a lack of uniformity in reporting research results make comparison of treatment outcome for this group difficult. An International Consensus Meeting to address and recommend best practices for screening, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of malignancies associated with NF1 is needed. PMID: 22240541 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Oncologist)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Low values of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), the “sixth base”, are associated with anaplasia in human brain tumours

International Journal of Cancer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract5‐Methylcytosine (5mC) in genomic DNA has important epigenetic functions in embryonic development and tumour biology. 5‐Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is generated from 5mC by the action of the TET (Ten‐Eleven‐Translocation) enzymes and may be an intermediate to further oxidation and finally demethylation of 5mC. We have used immunohistochemistry (IHC) and isotope‐based liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) as to investigate the presence and distribution of 5hmC in human brain and brain tumours. In the normal adult brain IHC identified 61.5 % 5hmC positive cells in the cortex and 32.4 % 5hmC in white matter (WM) areas. In tumours, positive staining of cells ranged from 1.1 % in glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) to 8.9% in grade I gliomas (pilocytic astrocytomas). In ...

Decade of follow up advised after resection of cerebellar astrocytomas

MedWire News - Oncology — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:21:42 +0100

Children who undergo surgical resection of benign cerebellar astrocytomas should have neuroimaging follow up for 8 to 10 years, say researchers who found that almost all cases of progression occurred within this time. (Source: MedWire News - Oncology)

Expression of interleukin-8 (il-8) receptor cxcr2 and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (socs-3) in astrocytic tumors.

Molecular Medicine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

EXPRESSION OF INTERLEUKIN-8 (IL-8) RECEPTOR CXCR2 AND SUPPRESSOR OF CYTOKINE SIGNALING-3 (SOCS-3) IN ASTROCYTIC TUMORS. Mol Med. 2012 Jan 4; Authors: Korkolopoulou P, Levidou G, El-Habr EA, Adamopoulos C, Samaras V, Zisakis A, Kavantzas N, Boviatsis E, Fragkou P, Papavassiliou AG, Patsouris E, Piperi C Abstract The aim was to expand recently published information regarding the significance of IL-8/p-STAT-3 pathway in astrocytomas, focusing on IL-8 receptor, CXCR2, and STAT-3 inhibitor, SOCS-3. 91 paraffin-embedded human astrocytoma tissues (grades II to IV) were investigated for the association of SOCS-3 and CXCR2 expression with clinicopathologic and morphometric microvascular characteristics, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-8 and p-STAT-3 expression, and pat...

Innate Immunity in multiple sclerosis white matter lesions: expression of natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 1 (NCR1)

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The data presented here show very limited expression of NCR1+ NK cells in MS lesions, the majority of NCR1 expression being accounted for by expression on astrocytes. This is compatible with a role of this cell-type and NCR1 ligand/receptor interactions in the innate immune response in the CNS in MS patients. This is the first report of NCR1 expression on astrocytes in MS tissue: it will now be important to unravel the nature of cellular interactions and signalling mediated through innate receptor expression on astrocytes. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Hemorrhagic subependymal giant cell astrocytoma in a patient with tuberous sclerosis: Case report and review of the literature

Neurology India — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Rishi Wadhwa, Imad S Khan, Jaiyeola O Thomas, Anil Nanda, Bharat GuthikondaNeurology India 2011 59(6):933-935 (Source: Neurology India)

Papillary tumor of the pineal region.

Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vandergriff C, Opatowsky M, O'Rourke B, Layton K Abstract Presented is a patient with papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR), an uncommon and recently recognized neoplasm. As its name implies, PTPR does not arise from the pineal gland itself. The cell of origin is thought to be the specialized ependymocytes of the subcommissural organ. Primary tumors of the pineal region include pineal parenchymal neoplasms, germ cell neoplasms, and tumors arising from adjacent structures, including meningiomas, astrocytomas, and ependymomas. Like other masses in this location, PTPR often leads to obstructive hydrocephalus. Due to the relative paucity of reported cases of PTPR, its natural history is unknown. PMID: 22275792 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Baylor University Medical ...

Pilocytic astrocytoma with abundant oligodendroglioma-like component

Brain Tumor Pathology — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:04:01 +0100

Abstract An 18-year-old girl presented with a history of visual disturbance without headache, nausea, or vomiting in May 2010. In July 2010, the patient visited our hospital because of visual disturbance. Head magnetic resonance images revealed hydrocephalus caused by a ring-enhancing mass lesion located in the vermis. Total tumor removal was performed. Histological findings revealed that honeycomb cells resembling oligodendrocytes accounted for most parts of the tumor. Rosenthal fibers and hyaline droplets were seen in a small portion. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for GFAP and Olig2, but none of the tumor cells were immunoreactive for Symaptophysin, EMA, or IDH 1. according to these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as pilocytic astrocytoma with an abundant oligode...

CD90 is identified as a marker for cancer stem cells in primary high-grade gliomas using tissue microarrays.

Molecular and Cellular Proteomics : MCP — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: He J, Liu Y, Zhu T, Zhu J, Dimeco F, Vescovi AL, Heth JA, Muraszko KM, Fan X, Lubman DM Abstract Although CD90 has been identified as a marker for various kinds of stem cells including liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are responsible for tumorigenesis, the potential role of CD90 as a marker for CSCs in gliomas has not been characterized. To address the issue, we investigated the expression of CD90 in tissue microarrays containing 15 glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs), 19 WHO grade III astrocytomas, 13 WHO grade II astrocytomas, 3 WHO grade I astrocytomas and 8 normal brain tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that CD90 was expressed at a medium to high level in all tested high-grade gliomas (grade III and GBMs) while it was barely detectable in low-grade gliomas (g...

Cell-Type-Dependent Thyroid Hormone Effects on Glioma Tumor Cell Lines

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:54:28 +0100

Conclusion. In conclusion, T3 can re-differentiate glioma tumor cells, whereas its effect on cell proliferation appears to be dependent on the type of tumor cell line with aggressive tumors being more sensitive to T3. TRα1 receptor may, at least in part, be implicated in this response. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Everolimus: in patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Paediatric Drugs — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:13:34 +0100

Authors: Curran MP Abstract Everolimus is an orally administered inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Everolimus (starting dosage 3.0 mg/m2) was associated with a significant reduction in the volume of the largest subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in 28 patients aged ≥3 years with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in a phase II trial (C2485). At 6 months, 32% of patients treated with everolimus had a ≥50% reduction in the volume of their largest SEGA lesion (assessed via an independent central radiology review); 75% had a ≥30% reduction. No patients developed new lesions. During the extension phase of this trial (median duration 34 months), the reduction in SEGA volume was maintained, with no everolimus recipient requiring surgery or other therapy ...

Neuronal markers are expressed in human gliomas and NSE knockdown sensitizes glioblastoma cells to radiotherapy and temozolomide

BMC Cancer — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Neuronal markers are aberrantly expressed in human GBMs, and NSE is consistently upregulated in different cellular stress conditions. Knockdown of NSE reduces the migration of GBM cells and sensitizes them to hypoxia, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, GBM patients with high NSE expression had significantly shorter survival than patients with low NSE expression. Collectively, these data suggest a role for NSE in the adaption to cellular stress, such as during treatment. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Everolimus: In Patients with Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Pediatric Drugs — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:25:18 +0100

(Source: Pediatric Drugs)

Postoperative radiation therapy for low‐grade glioma

Cancer — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The use of PORT for patients with low‐grade glioma has declined in the period from 1998 to 2006 for both low‐risk and high‐risk patients. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Oncologic surveillance for subjects with biallelic mismatch repair gene mutations: 10 year follow‐up of a kindred

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsWe report on the long‐term outcome in patients with biallelic MMR mutations who benefited from prophylactic cancer surveillance. Genetic screening and subsequent surveillance led to earlier recognition of asymptomatic tumors at stages more amenable to resection and probable cure. Multicenter collaboration and implementation of surveillance guidelines is necessary to further determine genotype–phenotype correlations. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Pilocytic astrocytoma with extensive psammomatous calcification in the lateral ventricle: a case report

Child's Nervous System — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:02:48 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00381-011-1650-3Authors Young Eun Kim, Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710 South KoreaHyung Jin Shin, Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South KoreaYeon-Lim Suh, Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710 South Korea Journal Child's Nervous SystemOnline ISSN 1433-0350Print ISSN 0256-7040 (Source: Child's Nervous System)

MAPK pathway activation in pilocytic astrocytoma.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jones DT, Gronych J, Lichter P, Witt O, Pfister SM Abstract Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common tumor of the pediatric central nervous system (CNS). A body of research over recent years has demonstrated a key role for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling in the development and behavior of PAs. Several mechanisms lead to activation of this pathway in PA, mostly in a mutually exclusive manner, with constitutive BRAF kinase activation subsequent to gene fusion being the most frequent. The high specificity of this fusion to PA when compared with other CNS tumors has diagnostic utility. In addition, the frequency of alteration of this key pathway provides an opportunity for molecularly targeted therapy in this tumor. Here, we review the current kn...

Progranulin overexpression predicts overall survival in patients with glioblastoma

Medical Oncology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:17:09 +0100

Abstract Despite multimodal treatment, patients with astrocytoma still face a poor survival, and identification of valuable prognostic factors is crucial to yield effective individual therapy strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate progranulin (PGRN) expression in astrocytomas and explore its association with tumor grade and overall patient survival by scoring the PGRN immunoreactivity of both tumor cells and blood vessels. About 210 astrocytoma samples with different WHO grades and 14 normal brain tissues were studied by immunohistochemistry for PGRN. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were carried out to confirm its expression in 35 tumor specimens. Serum levels of PGRN in glioblastoma were examined by enzyme immunometric assay. PGRN expression was al...

Expression of delta-catenin is associated with progression of human astrocytoma

BMC Cancer — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results suggest that delta-catenin expression is associated with the malignant progression of astrocytoma and promotes astrocytoma cell invasion through upregulation of Rac1 activity. delta-Catenin expression levels may serve as a useful marker of the biological behavior of astrocytoma cells. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Scram1 is a modifier of spinal cord resistance for astrocytoma on mouse Chr 5

Mammalian Genome — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:44:24 +0100

Abstract Tumor location can profoundly affect morbidity and patient prognosis, even for the same tumor type. Very little is known about whether tumor location is determined stochastically or whether genetic risk factors can affect where tumors arise within an organ system. We have taken advantage of the Nf1−/+;Trp53−/+cis mouse model of astrocytoma/glioblastoma to map genetic loci affecting whether astrocytomas are found in the spinal cord. We identify a locus on distal Chr 5, termed Scram1 for spinal cord resistance to astrocytoma modifier 1, with a LOD score of 5.0 and a genome-wide significance of P < 0.004. Mice heterozygous for C57BL/6J×129S4/SvJae at this locus show less astrocytoma in the spinal cord compared to 129S4/SvJae homozygous mice, although ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Cobalt(II) β-ketoaminato complexes as novel inhibitors of neuroinflammation.

European Journal of Pharmacology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Madeira JM, Beloukhina N, Boudreau K, Boettcher TA, Gurley L, Walker DG, McNeil WS, Klegeris A Abstract Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders including stroke, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well as age-associated neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs could be used to slow the progression of these diseases. We studied the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of four novel square planar cobalt(II) compounds bearing tetradentate β-ketoaminato ligands with variation in the number of CF(3) ligand substituents, as well as their corresponding unmetallated organic ligands. Cobalt (Co) complexes were consistently more active than their corre...

A huge intraventricular congenital anaplastic astrocytoma: case report with histopathological and genetic consideration

Brain Tumor Pathology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:08:00 +0100

We present the clinical course and genetic alterations in an infant with a congenital malignant glioma detected incidentally by ultrasonography at 36 weeks. The tumor occupied the right temporoparietal region, extended to the posterior fossa, and significantly compressed surrounding structures. The female infant was entirely normal without macrocrania, tense fontanel, or sucking difficulties. The tumor was subtotally resected by two-stage surgery; pathological diagnosis was anaplastic astrocytoma. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for p53 and negative for epidermal growth factor receptor. There was no O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter methylation, no 1p/19q loss of heterozygosity, and no isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation. She underwent p...

The Significance of IDH Mutations Varies with Tumor Histology, Grade, and Genetics in Japanese Glioma Patients

Cancer Science — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryMutations in IDH1 and IDH2 are found frequently in malignant gliomas and are likely involved in early gliomagenesis. To understand the prevalence of these mutations and their relationship to other genetic alterations and impact on prognosis for Japanese glioma patients, we analyzed 250 glioma cases. Mutations of IDH1 and IDH2 were found in 73 (29%) and 2 (1%) cases, respectively. All detected mutations were heterozygous, and most mutations were Arg132His (G395A) substitution. IDH mutations were frequent in oligodendroglial tumors (37/52, 71%) and diffuse astrocytomas (17/29, 59%), and were less frequent in anaplastic astrocytomas (8/29, 28%) and glioblastomas (13/125, 10%). The pilocytic astrocytomas and gangliogliomas did not have mutation. Notably, 28 of 30 oligodendroglial tumors...

Incidental findings of mass lesions on neuroimages in children.

Neurosurgical Focus — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Perret C, Boltshauser E, Scheer I, Kellenberger CJ, Grotzer MA Abstract Increasing use of neuroimaging in children has led to more incidental findings of CNS mass lesions, the management of which is uncertain. The authors' aims in this study are to describe these mass lesions and their evolution, as well as to discuss the management options and determine the prevalence of incidental CNS mass lesions at their pediatric clinic. A retrospective study was undertaken in children with primary CNS tumors who were younger than 18 years old and were admitted to the University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, between January 1995 and December 2010. In 19 (5.7%) of 335 patients with newly diagnosed CNS tumors, the diagnosis of a CNS mass lesion was an incidental finding. R...

The Wnt secretion protein Evi/Gpr177 promotes glioma tumourigenesis

EMBO Molecular Medicine — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMalignant astrocytomas are highly aggressive brain tumours with poor prognosis. While a number of structural genomic changes and dysregulation of signalling pathways in gliomas have been described, the identification of biomarkers and druggable targets remains an important task for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we show that the Wnt‐specific secretory protein Evi (also known as GPR177/Wntless/Sprinter) is overexpressed in astrocytic gliomas. Evi/Wls is a core Wnt signalling component and a specific regulator of pan‐Wnt protein secretion, affecting both canonical and non‐canonical signalling. We demonstrate that its depletion in glioma and glioma‐derived stem‐like cells led to decreased cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, Evi/Wls silencing in...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

SorLA in Glia: Shared Subcellular Distribution Patterns with Caveolin-1.

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Salgado IK, Serrano M, García JO, Martínez NA, Maldonado HM, Báez-Pagán CA, Lasalde-Dominicci JA, Silva WI Abstract SorLA is an established sorting and trafficking protein in neurons with demonstrated relevance to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It shares these roles with the caveolins, markers of membrane rafts microdomains. To further our knowledge on sorLA's expression and traffic, we studied sorLA expression in various cultured glia and its relation to caveolin-1 (cav-1), a caveolar microdomain marker. RT-PCR and immunoblots demonstrated sorLA expression in rat C6 glioma, primary cultures of rat astrocytes (PCRA), and human astrocytoma 1321N1 cells. PCRA were determined to express the highest levels of sorLA's message. Induction of differentiation of C6 cells into an ast...

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex–Associated Angiomyolipomas: Focus on mTOR Inhibition

American Journal of Kidney Diseases — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder promoting the development of benign tumors in multiple organ systems, including the skin, brain, and kidneys. In contrast to asymptomatic spontaneous angiomyolipomas, angiomyolipomas in patients with TSC are mostly bilateral and are accompanied by other typical clinical features of TSC. Kidney angiomyolipomas are benign tumors composed of blood vessels, adipose tissue, and smooth muscle and are associated with spontaneous bleeding and potential life-threatening hemorrhage if >4 cm. Current treatment options for angiomyolipoma are focused on conserving kidney function and limiting potentially fatal hemorrhage. TSC is caused by mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 suppressor genes, resulting in increased mammalian target of rapam...

[Intramedullary tumors.]

Der Radiologe — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article focusses on intramedullary tumors, of which the most commonly found are ependymomas and astrocytomas. PMID: 22108856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Der Radiologe)

COX‐2 and c‐kit expression in canine gliomas

Veterinary and Comparative Oncology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:53:56 +0100

Gliomas are among the most common primary neural tumours of dogs. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and c‐kit overexpression are associated with increased aggressiveness of gliomas and decreased survival in human beings. COX‐2 is the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, which catalyzes prostaglandin formation and may increase tumour proliferation and angiogenesis. C‐kit is a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in normal cell physiology; c‐kit is upregulated in some canine tumours. In this retrospective study, 20 canine gliomas were identified: 11 (55%) oligodendrogliomas, including 1 anaplastic variant; 1 (5%) oligoastrocytoma; and 8 (40%) astrocytomas, of which 2 were glioblastoma multiforme. None of the gliomas expressed COX‐2. None of the gliomas were immunoreactive for c‐kit, althoug...

Perfusion MRI (dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging) with different measurement approaches for the evaluation of blood flow and blood volume in human gliomas.

Acta Radiologica — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionrCBF measurements normalized to white matter or cerebellum are comparable with the established rCBV measurements used for the clinical evaluation of cerebral gliomas. PMID: 22114021 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Radiologica)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumor trends in children in a western Canadian province: a population-based 22-year retrospective study

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:57:13 +0100

Abstract In Canada, CNS tumors accounted for nearly 22% of the new childhood cancer diagnoses during 1995–2000 in the ≤15 year age group. The study’s objective was to describe children and youth (age <20 years) diagnosed with CNS tumors in Alberta, Canada during a 22-year period using population-based data. The Alberta Cancer registry was used to extract information, including sex, age and geography, on all CNS (ICCC-3 III) tumor diagnoses during April 1, 1982, and March 31, 2004. Analyses included population summaries and rates. During 22 fiscal years, 568 Alberta children were diagnosed with CNS tumors and nearly 82% of the cases were malignant (461). The majority of cases were male (322, 57%) and the median age at diagnosis was 8 years. The crude...

Higher topoisomerase 2 alpha gene transcript levels predict better prognosis in GBM patients receiving temozolomide chemotherapy: identification of temozolomide as a TOP2A inhibitor

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:32:22 +0100

Abstract The search for molecular markers which predict response to chemotherapy is an important aspect of current neuro-oncology research. MGMT promoter methylation is the only proved marker of glioblastoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of topoisomerase expression on glioblastoma survival and study the mechanisms involved. The transcript levels of all isoforms of the topoisomerase family in all grades of diffuse astrocytoma were assessed. A prospective study of patients with glioblastoma treated by a uniform treatment procedure was performed with the objective of correlating outcome with gene expression. The ability of TOP2A enzyme to relax the super coiled plasmid DNA in the presence of temozolomide was evaluated to assess its effect on TOP2A. The t...

Overexpression of ADK in human astrocytic tumors and peritumoral tissue is related to tumor‐associated epilepsy

Epilepsia — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryPurpose: Adenosine kinase (ADK), a largely astrocyte‐based metabolic enzyme, regulates adenosine homeostasis in the brain. Overexpression of ADK decreases extracellular adenosine and consequently leads to seizures. We hypothesized that dysfunction in the metabolism of tumor astrocytes is related to changes in ADK expression and that those changes might be associated with the development of epilepsy in patients with tumors.Methods: We compared ADK expression and cellular distribution in surgically removed tumor tissue (n = 45) and peritumoral cortex (n = 20) of patients with glial and glioneuronal tumors to normal control tissue obtained at autopsy (n = 11). In addition, we compared ADK expression in tumor patients with and without epilepsy. To investigate ADK exp...

Spinal cord glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands with 1p/19q deletion in an adult with low-grade cerebral oligodendroglioma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:56:03 +0100

Abstract Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands (GTNI) is considered a rare variant of astrocytoma, characterized by discrete aggregates of cells expressing neuronal markers that punctuate a GFAP-positive glial background. Of the 24 published GTNI cases, only two occurred in adult spinal cords; none occurred concurrent with another CNS tumor; and none of those tested exhibited the 1p/19q deletion typical of oligodendroglioma. A 48-year-old man without significant past medical history was diagnosed with a WHO grade II oligodendroglioma by stereotactic biopsy of a lesion discovered after the patient suffered a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. By FISH analysis, this tumor exhibited the 1p/19q deletion present in up to 80% of oligodendrogliomas. The patient received 14...

Functional interaction between purinergic receptors: effect of ligands for A2A and P2Y12 receptors on P2Y1 receptor function

FEBS Letters — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Highlights: ► A2AR, P2Y1R and P2Y12R are predominantly expressed on human platelets. ► Hetero-oligomerization between these three receptors has been shown to occur. ► Ca2+ signaling of P2Y1R agonist was inhibited by the A2AR and the P2Y12R antagonists. ► It was confirmed that this inhibition was mediated through these receptors.Abstract: A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR), P2Y1 receptor (P2Y1R) and P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R) are predominantly expressed on human platelets. The individual role of each of these receptors in platelet aggregation has been actively reported. Previously, hetero-oligomerization between these three receptors has been shown to occur. Here, we show that Ca2+ signaling evoked by the P2Y1R agonist, 2-methylthioladenosine 5’ diphosphate (2MeSADP) was significantly inh...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

[mTOR complexes - molecular spiders in molecular networks].

Magyar Onkologia — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kopper L, Tímár J Abstract PI3K route is one of the most outstanding signal transduction pathways, which has a key role in the decision-making processes and functions of a cell. In this network mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) is a well-known integrator. mTOR forms two complexes, and their increased activity is present in many human tumors. Therefore, mTOR inhibitors became more and more important in the targeted therapy, first of all in the treatment of renal cancer, neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer and certain astrocytomas, and many trials are going on in other tumor types. The therapeutic results are obvious, but problems also occur, which stimulate application of new strategies and development of new drugs in order to approach the more individual cancer therapy. ...

TLR3 Signaling Requires TRIL [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of proteins that act as the primary sensors of microbial products. Many TLRs require accessory molecules in order to recognize these microbial products and initiate signal transduction cascades. We have identified TRIL (TLR4 interactor with leucine-rich repeats) as a novel modulator of TLR4 signaling showing high expression in the brain. We now show that TRIL also plays a role in TLR3 signaling. TRIL is expressed intracellularly in the astrocytoma cell line U373 and in the monocytic cell line THP1. TRIL co-localizes with the endosomal compartment. These data are consistent with a role for TRIL in TLR3 signaling and endosomal TLR4 signaling. TRIL was induced by the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C). Overexpression of TRIL enhanced cytokine production and interfer...

Targeted Therapy for BRAFV600E Malignant Astrocytoma.

Clinical Cancer Research — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a 10% incidence of activating BRAFV600E among pediatric MAs. With regard to implications for therapy, our results support evaluation of BRAFV600E specific inhibitors for treating BRAFV600E MA patients. PMID: 22038996 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Phase II trial of temsirolimus in children with high-grade glioma, neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma

European Journal of Cancer — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Temsirolimus administered weekly at the dose of 75mg/m2 did not meet the primary objective efficacy threshold in children with high-grade glioma, neuroblastoma or rhabdomyosarcoma; however, meaningful prolonged stable disease merits further evaluation in combination therapy. (Source: European Journal of Cancer)

[Tumors of the lateral ventricle. Review of 284 cases.]

Neuro-Chirurgie — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Baroncini M, Peltier J, Le Gars D, Lejeune JP Abstract The data from 284 cases of lateral ventricle (VL) tumors treated in 18 departments of Neurosurgery in France between 1995 and 2010 were collected in this series. The mean age was 33 years with a large proportion of children (79/284). CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The mean duration of symptoms was short in time (2 months). The revelation was incidental in 10% of the cases ; for symptomatic lesions, raised intracranial pressure (ICP, due to hydrocephalus) and neuropsychological signs were the most frequent. Only one third of the patients had no CSF disorder. HISTOPATHOLOGY: The two most frequent tumors were meningiomas (40 cases, 15%) and neurocytomas (35 cases, 13%). The sub-ependymal giant cells astrocytomas, the ependymomas...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

[Pathological aspects of the tumors of the lateral ventricles.]

Neuro-Chirurgie — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Maurage CA, Sevestre H Abstract Typing a tumor of the lateral ventricle is often an issue, even for an experienced Neuropathologist. In this location are encountered specific entities, such as neurocytoma and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, as well as more usual tumors, displaying a common misleading morphology, for instance a main clear cell component. The panel of diagnostic tools given to the pathologists has been increasing for a few years, enriched by immunohistochemical and molecular probes. PMID: 22030171 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neuro-Chirurgie)

Posterior fossa vermian cystic schwannoma mimicking as pilocytic astrocytoma: A case report and literature review

Neurology India — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a posterior fossa midline large cystic schwannoma with mural nodule mimicking as pilocytic astrocytoma. The pathogenesis and neuroradiological findings of intraparenchymal schwannomas are discussed with review of the related literature. (Source: Neurology India)

Expression and prognostic significance of survivin splice variants in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The survivin, survivinEx3, survivin2B and survivin2α splice variants were significantly elevated in astrocytoma, and were associated with tumour grade and poorer prognosis. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

MGMT CpG island is invariably methylated in adult astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumours with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations

International Journal of Cancer — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe have previously identified a region containing 16 CpGs within the MGMT CpG island which is critical for the transcriptional control of MGMT (Malley, Acta Neuropathol 2011). To investigate the patterns and incidence of MGMT methylation in astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumours, we quantitatively assessed methylation at these 16 CpGs using bisulfite modification followed by pyrosequencing of 362 gliomas not treated with temozolomide, and correlated the findings with previously identified patterns of genetic abnormalities, patients' age and survival. The MGMT gene was considered to be methylated when the mean methylation of the 16 CpGs was 10% or higher. This cut‐off value distinguished diffuse astrocytomas with high and low MGMT expression. Within each tumour type, the patterns...

[Tumors of the lateral ventricle in child: Characteristics and specificities.]

Neuro-Chirurgie — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vinchon M, Baroncini M, Leblond P Abstract Tumors of the lateral ventricle are not as rare in children as in adults and present complex problems which are to be dealt with often in a context of emergency, on account of their large size and the risk of life-threatening bleeding in a small child. Their diagnostic features are different in children, especially in infants and even more so in the fetus. The main surgical problems are the risk of bleeding and of hydraulic complications. From an oncological perspective, the main tumor types are choroid plexus tumors, subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma, and low-grade gliomas. The developmental outcome of these patients is often poor, on account of severe intracranial hypertension and young age at diagnosis. PMID: 22024608 [Pu...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

MGMT CpG island is invariably methylated in adult astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations

International Journal of Cancer — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe have previously identified a region containing 16 CpGs within the MGMT CpG islands which is critical for the transcriptional control of MGMT (Malley, Acta Neuropathol 2011). To investigate the patterns and incidence of MGMT methylation in astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors, we quantitatively assessed methylation at these 16 CpGs using bisulfite modification followed by pyrosequencing of 362 gliomas not treated with temozolomide, and correlated the findings with previously identified patterns of genetic abnormalities, patients' age and survival. The MGMT gene was considered to be methylated when the mean methylation of the 16 CpGs was 10% or higher. This cut‐off value distinguished diffuse astrocytomas with high and low MGMT expression. Within each tumor type, the patterns ...

[Imaging of lateral ventricle tumors.]

Neuro-Chirurgie — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Delmaire C, Boulanger T, Leroy HA, Tempremant F, Pruvo JP Abstract Lateral ventricular neoplasms are rare, and account for 50% of all intraventricular tumors in adults and 25% in children. Although these neoplasms are easily detected with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both techniques are relatively unspecific in identifying the type of tumor. However, few imaging patterns are specific for a particular pathological process and useful conclusions can be made from the morphological appearance of the lesion, its location and enhancement pattern. The aim of this article was to review and illustrate the CT and MRI findings of a wide spectrum of tumors of the lateral ventricle. We reviewed choroid plexus tumors, meningioma, subependymal giant cell...

The expression of neuroglobin in astrocytoma

Brain Tumor Pathology — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:56:27 +0100

In this study, we aimed to explore the detailed expression of NGB in a rat astrocytoma cell line (C6) and human astrocytoma cell line (U251) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting, and to detect the expression of NGB in human astrocytoma tissues by an immunohistochemical method. We found that NGB was present in a rat astrocytoma cell line (C6), human astrocytoma cell line (U251), and human astrocytoma tissues. The expression and potential roles of NGB in astrocytomas may provide insight into the mechanisms of tumor cells to adapt and survive in hypoxic microenvironments and also represent a novel therapeutic approach to astrocytomas. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10014-011-0066-9Aut...

Hemorrhagic onset of cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma in an adult: a case report and review of the literature implying a possible relation of degenerative vascular changes to the massive intratumoral hemorrhage

Brain Tumor Pathology — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:56:26 +0100

Abstract Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a low-grade astrocytic tumor arising predominantly during the first two decades of life. Hemorrhagic onset of PAs is uncommon, and the etiology of hemorrhage remains unclear. Here we report a case of hemorrhagic onset of cerebellar PA in a 29-year-old man who presented with a week-long history of headache and gait instability. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hemorrhagic tumor located in the right cerebellar hemisphere, and total resection was performed. Histological examination showed bipolar glial cell proliferation in a biphasic pattern in a compact area and a loose microcystic area with Rosenthal fibers and eosinophilic granular bodies, indicating PA. Prominent changes in tumor vasculature, including a...

Effective everolimus treatment of inoperable, life-threatening subependymal giant cell astrocytoma and intractable epilepsy in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We present successful everolimus treatment of a huge subependymal giant cell astrocytoma in a 10-year old boy with tuberous sclerosis complex. The patient underwent several partial tumor resections complicated by intraoperative cardiac arrest. The tumor has been regrowing and produced severe clinical symptoms. Everolimus treatment resulted in marked tumor regression, significant improvement in patient's ambulation and cessation of seizures. Moreover, the therapy was well tolerated. These findings indicate that everolimus treatment should be considered as a therapeutic option alternative to surgery in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. PMID: 22000822 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Tumors of the posterior third ventricular region in pediatric patients: The Indian perspective and a review of literature

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Histopathologic characterization of TPTVR is essential prior to their further management. Benign lesions often have a good prognosis following gross total surgical resection. Pure germinomas are highly susceptible to radiotherapy. NGGCTs often have malignant components that require adjuvant therapy following surgery. The advancements in microsurgical techniques have led to gratifying perioperative results in these deep-seated lesions. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences)

Management of posterior fossa gliomas in children

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

K Sridhar, R Sridhar, G VenkatprasannaJournal of Pediatric Neurosciences 2011 6(3):72-77Brain tumours form the most common type of solid tumour in children and more that 50% of these are infratentorial. Cerebellar astrocytomas and brain stem gliomas are the commonest posterior fossa glial tumours in children. Cerebellar astrocytomas represent up to 10% of all primary brain tumours and up to 25% of posterior fossa tumors in children, with Low grade gliomas forming the commonest of the cerebellar gliomas. They commonly present with symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. Radiologically they may be solid or cystic with or without a mural nodule. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and forms the most consistent factor...

Confirmation of R132H mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 as an independent prognostic factor in anaplastic astrocytoma

Acta Neuropathologica — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 05:51:50 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondencePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00401-011-0885-0Authors Jens Schittenhelm, Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tubingen, Tübingen, GermanyMichel Mittelbronn, Neurological Institute, Edinger Institute, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, GermanyRichard Meyermann, Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tubingen, Tübingen, GermanyArthur Melms, Department of Neurology, University of Tubingen, Tübingen, GermanyMarcos Tatagiba, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tubingen, Tübingen, GermanyDavid Capper, Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany Journal Acta Neuropathol...

Are patients with encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis at increased risk of developing low-grade gliomas?

Child's Nervous System — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:57:07 +0100

Conclusion The association between brain tumor and ECCL was previously reported only once, in a pediatric case of a mixed neuronal–glial histology. Whether ECCL may be a genetic condition of predisposing brain tumor in children strongly needs to be addressed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief CommunicationPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00381-011-1601-zAuthors Elvis Terci Valera, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, BrazilMaría Sol Brassesco, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, BrazilCarlos Alberto Scrideli, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, BrazilMarc...

Expression of dual angiogenic/neurogenic growth factors in human primary brain tumors

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:44:52 +0100

Abstract Brain tumors, benign or malignant, are characterized by a very high degree of vascularization. Recent accumulating evidence suggests that during development the neuronal wiring follows the same routes as the vasculature and that these two systems may share some of the same factors for guidance. Thus, expression of dual angiogenic/neurogenic growth factors was evaluated by in situ hybridization in human primary brain tumors of three different types, i.e., astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas, of increasing grades, in relation with the grade and type of the tumor. For this evaluation we selected vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and its receptors VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2 and the neuropilins 1 and 2 (NRP-1 and NRP-2), which have proangioge...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

The migratory and mitotic behaviour of glioma stem cells in vitro: Optimisation of live-cell time-lapse microscopy

International Journal of Surgery — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:52:31 +0100

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumours. They are composed of invasive, neoplastic, neuroglial cells and the most prevalent subtype is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a malignant, diffusely invasive astrocytoma with a poor prognosis (∼12 month survival). Here the motility and mitotic divisions of a rare population of tumorigenic cancer stem cells from GBM tumours were studied in vitro. The aim was to optimise a time-lapse microscopy technique for imaging live cells in serum-free, defined culture medium and provide a baseline for future mechanistic studies of cancer stem cell migration/invasion and proliferation. A method was optimised to image individual cells in an environmentally controlled chamber as subconfluent, adherent monlayers on a laminin substrate over 24 hours. The c...

Grade-Specific Expression Profiles of miRNAs/mRNAs and Docking Study in Human Grade I–III Astrocytomas

OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:34:18 +0100

OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology Oct 2011, Vol. 15, No. 10: 673-682. (Source: OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology)

Expression of pERK and pAKT in pediatric high grade astrocytomas: Correlation with YKL40 and prognostic significance

Neuropathology — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The Ras signaling pathway, consisting of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT signaling, is a prominent oncogenic pathways in adult diffuse gliomas, but few studies have evaluated such pathways in pediatric malignant gliomas. We investigated by immunohistochemistry MAPK and AKT signaling in a series of 28 pediatric high‐grade gliomas (WHO grade III and IV). We sought a possible association of phospho‐ERK (p‐ERK) and phospho‐AKT (p‐AKT) with expression of other proteins involved in the Ras pathway, that is, YKL40, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), EGFR vIII and c‐Met. Moreover we correlated the expression of p‐ERK and p‐AKT with prognosis. No cases showed expression for c‐Met and EGFR, and only one case was positive for EGFR vIII. YKL‐40 protein ...

Intracranial spreading of a spinal anaplastic astrocytoma

Journal of Neurology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:49:17 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorsPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00415-011-6253-0Authors Tanja Schlereth, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, GermanyBao Khang Nguyen-Huu, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, GermanyHarald Müller, Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, GermanyClemens Sommer, Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, GermanyWibke Müller-Forell, Institute of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-Un...

Prevalence of the alternative lengthening of telomeres telomere maintenance mechanism in human cancer subtypes.

The American Journal of Pathology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Heaphy CM, Subhawong AP, Hong SM, Goggins MG, Montgomery EA, Gabrielson E, Netto GJ, Epstein JI, Lotan TL, Westra WH, Shih IeM, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Maitra A, Li QK, Eberhart CG, Taube JM, Rakheja D, Kurman RJ, Wu TC, Roden RB, Argani P, De Marzo AM, Terracciano L, Torbenson M, Meeker AK Abstract Approximately 10% to 15% of human cancers lack detectable telomerase activity, and a subset of these maintain telomere lengths by the telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism termed alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The ALT phenotype, relatively common in subtypes of sarcomas and astrocytomas, has rarely been reported in epithelial malignancies. However, the prevalence of ALT has not been thoroughly assessed across all cancer types. We therefore comprehensi...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine protects 1321N1 astrocytoma cells against pyocyanin- and 1-hydroxyphenazine-induced toxicity.

Archives of Toxicology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence on mechanisms underlying the toxicity of both pyocyanin and 1-hydroxyphenazine to astrocytoma cells and provides novel evidence suggesting that this toxicity may be mediated by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles, a hallmark of autophagic cell death. PMID: 21964636 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives of Toxicology)

[Neonatal Intracerebral Bleeding as Initial Symptom of Gliomatosis Cerebri WHO III - Neurological Outcome after Partial Hemispherectomy.]

Zeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This is a rare case report of a congenital gliomatosis cerebri WHO grade III, treated with partial hemispherectomy, leading to a good clinical and neurological long-term outcome. PMID: 22028063 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Zeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie)

[Leptomeningeal spread of an intramedullary cervical pilocytic astrocytoma: case report and literature review.]

Neurocirugia — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Leptomeningeal spread is a rare phenomenon and when it happens usually doesn't change the primary tumor's behavior. In our case the aggressivenes could be explained by a potential malignization of the primary tumor that it wasn't documented because of the partial resectionss from the lasts surgeries or instead the tumor was actually a monomorphous pilomyxoid tumor. PMID: 22031164 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurocirugia)

[Neuroendoscopic biopsy. Experience in 31 patients andliterature review.]

Neurocirugia — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS. Endoscopic management of intraventricular and/or periventricular brain tumors is effective, and allow diagnostic biopsy and simultaneous treatment of the associated hydrocephalus in many cases. So, it could be the treatment of choice in those tumors that are not suitable for microsurgical resection. Although this technique is not exempt of serious complications, morbimortality could be lower than conventional microsurgical approach. PMID: 22031160 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurocirugia)

Analysis of survival and prognostic factors of pediatric patients with brain tumor.

Jornal de Pediatria — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival of pediatric patients with brain tumors in this study was similar to that found in populations of the United States and Europe. The prognostic factors defined for overall survival are also similar to those published in previous studies. PMID: 21964994 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Jornal de Pediatria)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Diencephalic syndrome due to astrocytoma in three infants with failure to thrive

Pediatrics International — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:46:22 +0100

(Source: Pediatrics International)

Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 5

Springer Biomedical Sciences titles — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:46:35 +0100

Astrocytomas, Hemangioblastomas, and Gangliogliomasseries:Tumors of the Central Nervous SystemThe most recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Gliomas (glioblastoma) in the brain are presented. The importance of personalized medicine and clinical validation for targeted therapy are discussed. The identification of various types of biomarkers (determined by molecular genetics) is included, along with their advantages and limitations as markers in tumor detection ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma: recurrence with malignant transformation into glioblastoma: a case report

Child's Nervous System — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:45:06 +0100

Abstract Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma (DIA) is an uncommon brain tumor of early infancy. The tumor is characterized by a lobar location, glial histology, and excellent prognosis after surgical removal. DIA and a similar tumor, desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG) have been considered to be benign neoplasms, but the prognosis of DIA and DIG is currently under question as atypical and aggressive clinical features of the tumors have been reported. We encountered a patient who was diagnosed with DIA at the age of 22 months and exhibited tumor recurrence 8 years later. Surgical removal of the recurred tumor revealed that the tumor had transformed to overt glioblastoma. This case demonstrates that DIA is not an absolutely benign tumor and that careful clinical survei...

Prospective diagnostic performance evaluation of single‐voxel 1H MRS for typing and grading of brain tumours

NMR in Biomedicine — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether single‐voxel 1H MRS could add useful information to conventional MRI in the preoperative characterisation of the type and grade of brain tumours. MRI and MRS examinations from a prospective cohort of 40 consecutive patients were analysed double blind by radiologists and spectroscopists before the histological diagnosis was known. The spectroscopists had only the MR spectra, whereas the radiologists had both the MR images and basic clinical details (age, sex and presenting symptoms). Then, the radiologists and spectroscopists exchanged their predictions and re‐evaluated their initial opinions, taking into account the new evidence. Spectroscopists used four different systems of analysis for 1H MRS data, and the efficacy of each of these m...

Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations in diffuse gliomas: clinical and aetiological implications

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The discovery of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations in gliomas is one example of the large impact that next-generation sequencing is having on the understanding of tumour biology and human disease in general. IDH mutations are early and common events in the development of astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas. IDH mutations are also found in some myeloid malignancies and soft tissue tumours, but are rare in other malignancies. IDH mutation detection can be incorporated into routine pathology practice via immunohistochemistry and/or standard sequencing techniques and has great diagnostic value. An emerging theme is that IDH mutation status in gliomas is of great prognostic relevance, and there are proposals to include IDH mutation status in the next iteration of the W...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Demonstration of vasculogenic mimicry in astrocytomas and effects of Endostar on U251 cells.

Pathology, Research and Practice — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, VM is frequently detected in aggressive glioblastomas, and the presence of VM may constitute a new predictor for poor prognosis in astrocytoma patients. Although Endostar has broad anti-tumor effects due to anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor cell mechanisms, its inhibitory effects on VM formation by U251cells in vitro are not remarkable. PMID: 21940112 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Pathology, Research and Practice)

The hypermethylation of the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase gene promoter in gliomas—correlation with array comparative genome hybridization results and IDH1 mutation

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:29:08 +0100

AbstractThe use of molecular markers in the diagnostics of gliomas aids histopathological diagnosis and allows their further classification into clinically significant subgroups. The aim of this study was to characterize the methylation pattern of the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter, gene copy number aberrations, and isocitrate dehydrogenase I (IDH1) mutation in gliomas. We studied 51 gliomas (15 oligodendrogliomas, 18 oligoastrocytomas, 3 astrocytomas, and 15 glioblastomas) by pyrosequencing, array comparative genome hybridization (CGH), and immunohistochemistry. MGMT hypermethylation was observed in 100% of oligoastrocytomas, 93% of oligodendrogliomas, and 47% of glioblastomas. The most frequently altered chromosomal regions were deletions of 1p31.1/21.1‐22.2...

Brain tumors in adults with medically intractable epilepsy.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:49:59 +0100

This study reviewed 1 institution's 141-patient experience with tumors in adults arising in this clinical setting. The majority of tumors (71.6%) arose in the temporal lobe. The most common tumor types encountered included ganglioglioma (n = 38), low-grade fibrillary astrocytoma (n = 24), and low-grade oligodendroglioma (n = 22). Coexistent focal cortical dysplasia (type IA) was identified in 15 cases (10.6%). The largest group of tumors in adults were World Health Organization (WHO) grade II neoplasms compared with WHO grade I tumors in children. Gangliogliomas are the most commonly encountered neoplasms. Coexistent focal cortical dysplasia may be observed in a significant minority of tumors, suggesting a possible developmental origin for some of these neoplasms. PMID: 21917677 [PubMe...

Increased β-Catenin/Tcf Signaling in Pilocytic Astrocytomas: A Comparative Study to Distinguish Pilocytic Astrocytomas from Low-Grade Diffuse Astrocytomas.

Neurochemical Research — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the Wnt/β-catenin/Tcf pathway in pilocytic astrocytomas and compared with diffuse astrocytomas. We observed the differential expression of β-catenin, Tcf4, Lef1 and c-Myc in astrocytomas particularly higher levels were observed in pilocytic astrocytomas and GBM while very little expression was documented in grade II tumors. Further, immunohistochemical analysis revealed the strong positivity of β-catenin, Tcf4, Lef1 and c-Myc in pilocytic astrocytomas than that of grade II tumors and also exhibited the strong positivity in vascular endothelial cells of pilocytic astrocytomas and GBM. Hence, Wnt/β-catenin/Tcf signaling pathway is differentially expressed in astrocytomas, activation of this pathway might be helpful in separating pilocytic astrocytomas from ...

Neuroimaging findings in the initial phase of development of high grade cortical astrocytomas.

Radiologia — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: High grade astrocytomas originating in the supratentorial cortex can have an atypical neuroradiological presentation in the early stages. High grade astrocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a cortical lesion that enhances slightly or moderately after the administration of contrast material in a patient with a new onset epileptic seizure. PMID: 21925688 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiologia)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Discrimination of paediatric brain tumours using apparent diffusion coefficient histograms

European Radiology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:54:19 +0100

Conclusions ADC histograms are useful in differentiating paediatric brain tumours, in particular, the common posterior fossa tumours of childhood. PNETs were differentiated from supratentorial ATRTs, in all cases, which has important implications in terms of clinical management. Key Points • MR based apparent diffusion coefficient histograms can help differentiate paediatric brain tumours • ADC histogram parameters correctly classified the great majority of posterior fossa tumours Content Type Journal ArticleCategory OncologyPages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00330-011-2255-7Authors Jonathan G. Bull, Imaging and Biophysics Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UKDawn E. Saunders, Department of Radiology, Great...

Neuroendoscopic Management of Intraventricular Germinoma at the Foramen of Monro: Case Report and Review of the Literature

min - Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report suggests that in selected cases endoscopic resection of an intraventricular tumor under frameless neuronavigation guidance is feasible and safe. The target can be precisely located and procedure-related adverse events can be minimized.[...]Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: min - Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery)

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma in cerebellum

Chinese Journal of Cancer Research — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:57:42 +0100

Abstract Pilomyxoid astrocytoma is a new identified variant type of pilocytic astrocytoma, and typically locates in the hypothalamic and chiasmatic region. Herein, we reported a nine-year-old boy with pilomyxoid astrocytoma in the cerebellum. MRI scanning showed a tumor involved the cerebellar vermis, tonsil, the forth ventricle and brainstem. It was homogeneous isointensity on T1WI, relative hyper-intensity on T2WI, hyper-intensity on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, and uniform enhancement on contrast T1WI. The tumor was sub-totally removed and was proved histologically to be pilomyxoid astrocytoma. Follow-up at the 5th month, MRI showed the residual tumor enlarged at the brainstem. The patient survived 10 months after the operation, and finally died o...

Taurine Synthesis by Brain Cells [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we analyzed taurine synthesis capability as reported by incorporation of radioactivity from [35S]cysteine into taurine, in primary murine astrocytes and neurons, and in several transformed cell lines (human (SH-SY5Y) and murine (N1E-115) neuroblastoma, human astrocytoma (U-87MG and 1321 N1), and rat glioma (C6)). Extensive incorporation of radioactivity from [35S]cysteine into taurine was observed in rat glioma cells as well as in primary mouse astrocytes and neurons, establishing the presence of an intact taurine synthesis pathway in these cells. Interestingly, exposure of cells to cysteine or cysteamine resulted in elevated intracellular hypotaurine without a corresponding increase in taurine levels, suggesting that oxidation of hypotaurine limits taurine synthesis in cell...

HNK-1 Suppresses Astrocytoma Malignancy [Neurobiology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Astrocytic tumor is the most prevalent primary brain tumor. However, the role of cell surface carbohydrates in astrocytic tumor invasion is not known. In a previous study, we showed that polysialic acid facilitates astrocytic tumor invasion and thereby tumor progression. Here, we examined the role of HNK-1 glycan in astrocytic tumor invasion. A Kaplan-Meier analysis of 45 patients revealed that higher HNK-1 expression levels were positively associated with increased survival of patients. To determine the role of HNK-1 glycan, we transfected C6 glioma cells, which lack HNK-1 glycan expression, with β1,3-glucuronyltransferase-P cDNA, generating HNK-1-positive cells. When these cells were injected into the mouse brain, the resultant tumors were 60% smaller than tumors emerging from injection...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Concurrent CIC mutations, IDH mutations and 1p/19q loss distinguish oligodendrogliomas from other cancers

The Journal of Pathology — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:45:21 +0100

AbstractOligodendroglioma is characterized by unique clinical, pathological, and genetic features. Recurrent losses of chromosomes 1p and 19q are strongly associated with this brain cancer but knowledge of the identity and function of the genes affected by these alterations is limited. We performed exome sequencing on a discovery set of 16 oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q co‐deletion to identify new molecular features at base‐pair resolution. As anticipated, there was a high rate of IDH mutations: all cases had mutations in either IDH1 (14/16) or IDH2 (2/16). In addition, we discovered somatic mutations and insertions/deletions in the CIC gene on chromosome 19q13.2 in 13/16 tumours. These discovery set mutations were validated by deep sequencing of 13 additional tumours, which revealed 7...

Frequent epigenetic inactivation of the chaperone SGNE1/7B2 in human gliomas

International Journal of Cancer — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractIn a genome‐wide screen using DMH (differential methylation hybridization) we have identified a CpG island within the 5′ region and untranslated first exon of the secretory granule neuroendocrine protein 1 gene (SGNE1/7B2) that showed hypermethylation in low‐ and high‐grade astrocytomas compared to normal brain tissue. Pyrosequencing was performed to confirm the methylation status of this CpG island in 89 astrocytic gliomas of different malignancy grades and six glioma cell lines. Hypermethylation of SGNE1/7B2 was significantly more frequent in diffuse low‐grade astrocytomas as well as secondary glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas as compared to primary glioblastomas. mRNA expression analysis by real‐time RT‐PCR indicates that SGNE1/7B2 expression is down‐regu...

Concurrent CIC mutations, IDH mutations, and 1p/19q loss distinguish oligodendrogliomas from other cancers

The Journal of Pathology — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Clinical and molecular genetic factors affecting postoperative seizure control of 183 Chinese adult patients with low‐grade gliomas

European Journal of Neurology — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Gross total resection of the tumor, LOH 19q and low Ki‐67 expression were associated with favorable seizure control after surgery for the patients with LGGs. The possible involvement of other factors should be investigated further. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Tumor-secreted SDF-1 promotes glioma invasiveness and TAM tropism toward hypoxia in a murine astrocytoma model

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shu-Chi Wang, Ji-Hong Hong, Chuen Hsueh & Chi-Shiun Chiang (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Pilocytic astrocytoma originating at the cavernous sinus

Acta Neurochirurgica — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:53:03 +0100

We report a case of histologically proven pilocytic astrocytoma arising within the cavernous sinus, confirmed radiographically and at operation. We discuss the implications in the context of previous reports of ectopic glioma origin. In particular, the possiblity of glioma development within glial cell islands in the peripheral segment of cranial nerves is explored. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1138-7Authors Harry Bulstrode, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UKAdam Ditchfield, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UKJames Nicoll, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UKEmad Shenouda, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton Genera...

Early prognostic factors related to progression and malignant transformation of low-grade gliomas

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In LGGs, extent of removal associated with tumor progression. The pathology of astrocytoma, especially gemistocytic astrocytoma, was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and malignant transformation. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

Hemifacial spasm as a manifestation of pilocytic astrocytoma in a pediatric patient

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report a 6-year-old girl who presented with right hemifacial spasm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion in the cerebellopontine angle, extending from the midbrain to the pons with a slight mass effect on the fourth ventricle. The histological examination revealed a pilocytic astrocytoma. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences)

A spinal cord astrocytoma and its concurrent osteoblastic metastases at the time of the initial diagnosis: a case report and literature review.

Korean J Radiol — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Park AY, Kim H, Chung TS, Yoon CS, Ryu YH, Cho YE, Moon ES, Kim S Abstract Bone metastasis from a spinal cord astrocytoma has been reported only twice in the English medical literature. It is generally known that bone metastasis is found after the initial diagnosis with/without intervening surgery rather than being found at the time of the diagnosis of astrocytoma. The purpose of this article is to report for the first time a case of concurrent bone metastasis from a spinal cord astrocytoma at the time of diagnosing the spinal cord astrocytoma. PMID: 21927564 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Korean J Radiol)

Distinctive multicystic hemispheric lesions suggesting a novel variant of infantile astrocytoma.

Clinical Neuropathology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, both lesions are not desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma/ganglioglioma, fibrillary astrocytoma, or typical for pilocytic astrocytoma. Such extreme subpial spread with cysts is most unusual and may suggest a novel variant of infantile astrocytoma. PMID: 21955927 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Neuropathology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Diagnostic utility of IDH1- and p53-mutation analysis in secondary gliosarcoma.

Clinical Neuropathology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report on a 47-year-old woman in whom an anaplastic astrocytoma was resected in 2006. Postoperative radiation had to be interrupted because of a wound infection necessitating explantation of the infected bone flap and implantation of a titanium mesh. Subsequently, radiation therapy was completed and temozolomide was administered for 45 cycles. In the beginning of 2010 a new contrast enhancing mass was seen in the former tumor region. The mass was subtotally excised and showed no histomorphological similarity to the first lesion but represented a highly pleomorphic and mainly sarcomatoid differentiated malignant tumor. The lack of expression of GFAP or MAP-2 raised the question of a secondary malignancy, however, molecular genetic analysis of IDH1 and p53 revealed the same mutations in t...

Epidemiology of central nervous system tumors in Karlovac area (Croatia), 1995-2010.

Collegium Antropologicum — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jancić E, Cvitanović H, Miholović V, Kralj D, Hranilović B Abstract The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the central nervous system (CNS) tumours epidemiology in Karlovac region, over the 1995-2010 period. We analyzed data on 359 patients (194 men and 165 women), diagnosed with CNS tumours according to the World Health Organization's diagnostic criteria, in period 1995-2010. The data were obtained from the Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, including other medical records. The data were analysed with t-test and chi-square test. A total of 359 cases of tumours in CNS were recorded for the period of 1995-2010, with slight predominance of men (194;54.0%) over women (165;46.0%). Under the assumption of gender equality, we did not detect a significant gen...

Anti-neoplastic agent thymoquinone induces degradation of α and β tubulin proteins in human cancer cells without affecting their level in normal human fibroblasts

Investigational New Drugs — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:56:01 +0100

In conclusion, the present findings indicate that TQ is a novel anti-microtubule drug which targets the level of α/β tubulin proteins in cancer cells. Furthermore, they highlight the interest of developing anti-cancer therapies that target directly tubulin rather than microtubules dynamics. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory PRECLINICAL STUDIESPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10637-011-9734-1Authors Mahmoud Alhosin, CNRS UMR 7213 Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, FranceAbdulkhaleg Ibrahim, CNRS UMR 7213 Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, FranceAbdelaziz Boukhari, CNRS UMR 7213 Laboratoire de Biopho...

Teaching NeuroImages: Benediction sign as a result of cervical astrocytoma with syringomyelia

Neurology — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Temozolomide in relapsed pediatric brain tumors: 14 cases from a single center

Child's Nervous System — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:03:39 +0100

Conclusions Relapsed brain tumors in childhood have an unfavorable prognosis. These data suggest that temozolomide might be an active agent against recurrent medulloblastoma. Although overall objective response rate was low, further multicentric studies with temozolomide may be warranted in children with recurrent brain tumors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00381-011-1561-3Authors Canan Akyüz, Institute of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, TurkeyHacı Ahmet Demir, Institute of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, TurkeyAli Varan, Institute of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, TurkeyBilgehan...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Surgical Timing of the Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA) with the Patients of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:22:04 +0100

CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach is essential for an early, accurate diagnosis and proper management of affected individuals. The early surgical menagement for subependimal giant cell astrocytoma are recommended, and also periodic monitoring even for asymptomatic patients with subependymal nodules. PMID: 21845566 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Neurosurgery)

Analysis of the mortality probability of preoperative MRI features in malignant astrocytomas.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:22:04 +0100

CONCLUSION: Necrosis in preoperative MRI of malignant astrocytomas seems to be an important clinical marker of the prognosis. PMID: 21845561 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Neurosurgery)

Alpha-internexin expression in gliomas: relationship with histological type and 1p, 19q, 10p and 10q status

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion INA expression study can be helpful for glioma typing and prognosis determination in combination with other markers. Nevertheless, INA immunohistochemistry cannot replace the genomic analysis to determine 1p19q and 10p10q status. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Microscopic thrombi in anaplastic astrocytoma predict worse survival?

Annals of Diagnostic Pathology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether anaplastic astrocytoma patients with intratumoral vascular thrombi have a worse survival than anaplastic astrocytoma patients without thrombi. A retrospective review of 101 patients (60 males; mean age, 53.3 years) with anaplastic astrocytoma (World Health Organization grade III) was conducted. Thrombi were counted relative to the number of involved blood vessels in the initially resected tumor (69 biopsies, 32 subtotal resections) and were correlated with survival and development of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Of tumors with thrombi (n = 17), the percentage of blood vessels with thrombi ranged from 1.5% to 20% (mean, 5.6%). Of these patients, 16 died of tumor (mean survival, 15.4 months), and 1 patient was alive w...

Intraoperative squash cytology: accuracy and impact on immediate surgical management of central nervous system tumours

Cytopathology — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Squash cytology is a rapid, reliable, simple technique for intraoperative consultation in neurosurgical practice with high overall accuracy. Causes causing an adverse impact on surgical management were rare and potential avoidable reasons for them were identified. (Source: Cytopathology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Teaching NeuroImages: MRI changes of ictal cortical edema and tumor progression in a patient with astrocytoma

Neurology — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Diagnostic of retinoblastoma

Acta Ophthalmologica — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:16:40 +0100

Conclusion Conclusions We have made a retrospective study on patients sent for suspicion of retinoblastoma in our institute from January 2003 to December 2005 If we compare this serie to the serie published in the literature we can say that the pourcentage of well diagnosed retinoblastoma is improving. We have found 16% of wrong diagnostics. There was 30% in the serie of Balmer in 1988 and 42% in the serie of Shields in 1991. The most frequent differential diagnosis reported in all series is Coats disease (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Subcutaneous tumor seeding after biopsy in gliomatosis cerebri

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:18:36 +0100

Abstract We observed a patient with subcutaneous seeding from gliomatosis cerebri with a low-grade histopathology. A 33-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 presented with progressive headache, diplopia, dysphagia, and a rightward instability. On neurological examination dysarthria, gait ataxia, and left-sided central facial and hypoglossal palsies were determined. MRI of the brain demonstrated diffuse, infiltrative non-enhancing lesions in the pons, both cerebellar hemispheres, the parahippocampal gyrus, and the thalamus. A stereotactic biopsy demonstrated an astrocytoma WHO grade 2. These characteristics confirmed gliomatosis cerebri. Three months later, the patient presented with hydrocephalus and a subcutaneous swelling directly underneath the surgical scar. Th...

The alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway may operate in non‐neoplastic human cells

The Journal of Pathology — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined a wide variety of non‐neoplastic tissues, and report that co‐localized signals of PML and telomere DNA are present in endothelial, stromal, and some epithelial cells. Co‐localized signals of PML and telomere DNA showed an increased frequency in non‐neoplastic cells with DNA damage. These results suggest that a mechanism similar to that in ALT‐positive tumours also operates in non‐neoplastic cells, which may be activated by DNA damage. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: The Journal of Pathology)

The Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Pathway Operates in Non‐Neoplastic Human Cells

The Journal of Pathology — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study we examined a wide variety of non‐neoplastic tissues, and report that co‐localised signals of PML and telomere DNA are present in endothelial, stromal, and some epithelial cells. Co‐localised signals of PML and telomere DNA showed an increased frequency in non‐neoplastic cells with DNA damage. These results suggest that a mechanism similar to that in ALT positive tumours also operates in non‐neoplastic cells, which may be activated by DNA damage. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: The Journal of Pathology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Tsc1 mutant neural stem/progenitor cells exhibit migration deficits and give rise to subependymal lesions in the lateral ventricle [Research Communications]

Genes and Development — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Subependymal nodules (SENs) and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are common brain lesions found in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). These brain lesions present a mixed glioneuronal phenotype and have been hypothesized to originate from neural stem cells. However, this hypothesis has not been tested empirically. Here, we report that loss of Tsc1 in mouse subventricular zone (SVZ) neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) results in formation of SEN- and SEGA-like structural abnormalities in the lateral ventricle, the consequence of abnormal migration of NSPCs following Tsc1 loss. (Source: Genes and Development)

Collateral Damage Control in Cancer Therapy: Defining the Stem Identity in Gliomas.

Current Pharmaceutical Design — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hsieh D Abstract The discovery of discrete functional components in cancer systems advocates a paradigm shift in therapeutic design towards the targeted destruction of critical cellular constituents that fuel tumorigenic potential. In astrocytomas, malignant growth can be propagated and sustained by glioma stem cells (GSCs) endowed with highly efficient clonogenic and tumor initiation capacities. Given their disproportionate oncogenic contribution, GSCs are often considered the optimal targets for curative treatment because their eradication may subvert the refractory nature of GBMs. However, the close affinity of GSCs and normal neural stem cells (NSCs) is a cautionary note for off-target effects of GSC-based therapies. In fact, many parallels can be drawn between GSC and...

Gene Expression Profiling in Human High-Grade Astrocytomas

Journal of Nanomaterials — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:28:00 +0100

Diffuse astrocytoma of (WHO grade II) has a tendency to progress spontaneously to anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III) and/or glioblastoma (WHO grade IV). However, the molecular basis of astrocytoma progression is still poorly understood. In current study, an essential initial step toward this goal is the establishment of the taxonomy of tumors on the basis of their gene expression profiles. We have used gene expression profiling, unsupervised (hierarchal cluster (HCL) and principal component analysis (PCA)) and supervised (prediction analysis for microarrays (PAM)) learning methods, to demonstrate the presence of three distinct gene expression signatures of astrocytomas (ACMs), which correspond to diffuse or low-grade astrocytoma (WHO grade II), Anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III) an...

Hepatitis B virus reactivation associated with temozolomide for malignant glioma: a case report and recommendation for prophylaxis

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:01:21 +0100

We report a rare case of severe HBV reactivation during postoperative radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) for malignant glioma. A 49-year-old Japanese woman with a history of HBV carrier status with positive results for hepatitis B surface antigen presented with persistent headache due to a tumor in the left frontal lobe. The tumor was partially resected and anaplastic astrocytoma was diagnosed. Postoperative liver function was normal and radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ was started. Impaired liver function became apparent just before administration of adjuvant TMZ, and acute liver failure developed. Antiviral therapy including entecavir, a nucleoside analog, led to a successful outcome and the patient survived. This case underlines the possibi...

Med Sci Monit 2011; 17(8):BR216-220 "c-erbB-2 protein expression in astrocytic tumors of the brain"

Medical Science Monitor — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: C-erbB-2 protooncogene alteration is an early phenomenon in glial tumor development and progression. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Determination of Metal Interactions with the Chaperone Hspa5 in Human Astrocytoma Cells and Rat Astrocyte Primary Cultures

Springer protocols feed by Pharmacology/Toxicology — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Molecular chaperones assist the folding of nascent proteins during translation into their correct conformations. Neurotoxic metals such as copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) may produce a deficiency in chaperone function that compromises protein secretion and exacerbates protein aggregation, potentially promoting neurodegenerative diseases that exhibit protein aggregation. Because astrocytes function as depots in the brain for certain metals, including Cu and Pb, the interaction of metals with chaperones in these cells is of interest. Furthermore, Pb and Cu bind strongly to the molecular chaperone heat shock 70 kDa protein Hspa5, also known as glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78) or immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP). This chapter describes methods for expressing fluorescent chimeric proteins in ...

Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide in Recurrent Malignant Glioma.

Oncology — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schäfer N, Tichy J, Thanendrarajan S, Kim Y, Stuplich M, Mack F, Rieger J, Simon M, Scheffler B, Boström J, Steinbach JP, Herrlinger U, Glas M After failure of temozolomide, there is no established standard salvage chemotherapy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Two phase II trials combining ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy (ICE) showed favorable results. We therefore applied the ICE protocol to 13 patients (10 GBM, 3 anaplastic astrocytomas). Partial or complete remissions were not observed. None of the 13 patients survived progression-free for 6 months. Our retrospective analysis suggests that the ICE regimen is not effective in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma if applied at second or third relapse. PMID: 21791942 [PubMed - as su...

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) expression in primary spinal cord gliomas

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:48:24 +0100

In this study we perform immunohistochemical analysis of PDGFRα expression in a series of 33 primary intramedullary spinal cord gliomas of different types and grades. PDGFRα was seen to be expressed in a significant subset of these tumors across all major glioma types including ependymoma, oligodendroglioma, pilocytic astrocytoma, astrocytoma, and glioblastoma. These results support the hypothesis that growth factor signaling through the PDGFR may be important for the development of at least a subset of human spinal cord gliomas. Further studies investigating the prognostic significance of PDGFR expression as well as the role of PDGF signaling on the development of intramedullary spinal cord gliomas are warranted. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11060-011-0666...

HES6 gene is selectively overexpressed in glioma and represents an important transcriptional regulator of glioma proliferation

Oncogene — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: S Haapa-Paananen, S Kiviluoto, M Waltari, M Puputti, J P Mpindi, P Kohonen, O Tynninen, H Haapasalo, H Joensuu, M Perälä & O Kallioniemi (Source: Oncogene)

Slowly progressive Parkinson syndrome due to thalamic butterfly astrocytoma

Neurology — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

A preliminary study on the expression of tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 in human gliomas

Medical Oncology — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:07:35 +0100

Abstract Tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) is a high molecular weight tumor-associated glycoprotein, which is known to be overexpressed in various human tumors, but its expression in glioma tissues is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether TAG-72 is present in glioma and to evaluate the correlation between TAG-72 expression and the severity of the malignancy of this tumor. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to investigate the expression of TAG-72 protein, respectively, in 152 patients with gliomas. There were 90 men and 62 women (mean age 50.6 ± 11.8 years). Astrocytoma was found in 130 patients and glioblastoma in 22. No TAG-72 expression was found in the non-cancerous brain tissues. TAG-72 protein expressi...

Intraoperative ultrasound assistance in treatment of intradural spinal tumours

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:49:58 +0100

Conclusions: IOUS is a sensitive intraoperative tool. When appropriately applied to assist surgical procedures, it offers additional intraoperative information that helps to improve surgical precision and therefore might reduce the procedure related morbidity. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

Vascular Disrupting Agents (VDA) in Oncology: Advancing Towards New Therapeutic Paradigms in the Clinic.

Current Drug Targets — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Spear MA, Lorusso P, Mita A, Mita M Vascular Disrupting Agents (VDA) are a potential new class of oncology drugs that have garnered attention recently as a number of these agents have entered into Phase 2-3 studies. Currently available data suggest how the subsequent evolution of these agents into clinical practice may proceed, with new therapeutic paradigms based on similarities, differences and interactions with current standard of care agents. In particular, the broadly successful group of agents targeting angiogenesis through the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway, can be contrasted to the VDAs that principally disrupt established tumor vasculature through a different set of molecular targets. Although the angiogenesis inhibitors may benchmark where other va...

Evidence of SHIP2 S132 phosphorylation, its nuclear localization and stability

BJ Cell — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(3,4)P2 are major signalling molecules in mammalian cell biology. PI(3,4)P2 can be produced by PI 3-kinases but also by PI 5-phosphatases including SHIP2. Proteomic studies in human cells revealed that SHIP2 can be phosphorylated at more than 20 sites but their individual function is unknown. In a model of PTEN-null astrocytoma cells, lowering SHIP2 expression leads to increased PI(3,4,5)P3 levels and Akt phosphorylation. Mass spec analysis identified SHIP2 phosphosites on S132, T1254 and S1258; phosphotyrosine containing sites were undetectable. By immunostaining, total SHIP2 concentrated in the perinuclear area and in the nucleus, while phospho SHIP2 S132 was in the cytoplasm, the nucleus and nuclear speckles depending on the cell cycle. SHIP2 phosphorylated on S132 dem...

Optic nerve gliomas: role of Ki-67 staining of tumour and margins in predicting long-term outcome

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Routine histological examination of resection margins may be difficult to interpret in the setting of reactive gliosis. A resection margin with a Ki-67 LI similar to the tumour bulk value may have an adjunctive role in identifying cases with the potential for growth thereby facilitating the decision-making process for future management and surveillance. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Metabolism and brain cancer

Clinics — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:57:39 +0100

Cellular energy metabolism is one of the main processes affected during the transition from normal to cancer cells, and it is a crucial determinant of cell proliferation or cell death. As a support for rapid proliferation, cancer cells choose to use glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen (Warburg effect) to fuel macromolecules for the synthesis of nucleotides, fatty acids, and amino acids for the accelerated mitosis, rather than fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria biogenesis is also reprogrammed in cancer cells, and the destiny of those cells is determined by the balance between energy and macromolecule supplies, and the efficiency of buffering of the cumulative radical oxygen species. In glioblastoma, the most frequent and malignant adult brain...

IGF2BP3/IMP3 Activates PI3K/MAPK Pathways by Modulating IGF-2 [Molecular Bases of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Glioblastoma is the most common and malignant form of primary astrocytoma. Upon investigation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway, we found the IGF2BP3/IMP3 transcript and protein to be up-regulated in GBMs but not in lower grade astrocytomas (p < 0.0001). IMP3 is an RNA binding protein known to bind to the 5′-untranslated region of IGF-2 mRNA, thereby activating its translation. Overexpression- and knockdown-based studies establish a role for IMP3 in promoting proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, invasion, and chemoresistance. IMP3 overexpressing B16F10 cells also showed increased tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, resulting in poor survival in a mouse model. Additionally, the infiltrating front, perivascular, and subpial regions in a majority of the GBMs st...

High frequency of IDH-1 mutation links glioneuronal tumors with neuropil-like islands to diffuse astrocytomas

Acta Neuropathologica — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:01:45 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00401-011-0855-6Authors Jason T. Huse, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USAKhedoudja Nafa, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USANeerav Shukla, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USAEdward R. Kastenhuber, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USAEhud Lavi, Department of Pathology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USACyrus V. Hedvat, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USAMarc Ladanyi, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USAMarc K. ...

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) signalling activity in paediatric pilocytic astrocytoma is restricted to tumour endothelial cells

Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:09:24 +0100

Conclusions: Phosphorylated VEGFR‐2 is detected on endothelial cells in paediatric pilocytic astrocytoma. Furthermore, endothelial cells are the main source of VEGFR1–3 mRNA expression. This suggests a crucial role for VEGF/VEGFR‐induced angiogenesis in the progression and maintenance of these tumours. (Source: Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology)

Huge Cystic Cerebral Metastasis of Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma With a Mural Nodule Mimicking a Supratentorial Cystic Astrocytoma.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ismailoglu O, Albayrak BS, Ciris M PMID: 21760478 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Purple glove syndrome following intravenous phenytoin administration

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A 9-year-old girl was admitted to our paediatric intensive care unit with status epilepticus and Escherichia coli septic shock. Relevant medical history included tuberous sclerosis, recent resection of a giant cell astrocytoma, epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorder and developmental delay. Intravenous phenytoin 18 mg/kg was administered followed 90 min later by a half re-load. Seven hours after administration the left hand was noted to be swollen, purple and cold with very prolonged capillary refill time. Purple glove syndrome (PGS) was diagnosed. Duplex ultrasonography of the left arm revealed distal forearm venous occlusion. Disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred, negating the need for synthetic anticoagulants. Over the ensuing 3 weeks, the left index finger and thumb demarcated ...

Identification of Transcriptional Regulatory Networks Specific to Pilocytic Astrocytoma

BMC Medical Genomics — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest specific transcriptional pathways that may operate to create the unique molecular phenotype of PA and thus opportunities for corresponding targeted therapeutic intervention. Moreover, this study also demonstrates how integration of gene expression data with TF-gene and TF-TF interaction data is a powerful approach to generating testable hypotheses to better understand cell-type specific genetic programs relevant to cancer. (Source: BMC Medical Genomics)

Phase III Trial Of Novartis Drug Afinitor® Met Primary Endpoint Of Reducing SEGA Tumor Size In Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

This study, the largest prospective clinical trial to date in this patient population, is being presented on Saturday, July 9 at the International TSC Research Conference in Washington, D.C... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Methamphetamine and HIV-1 Tat Down Regulate β-catenin Signaling: Implications for Methampetamine Abuse and HIV-1 Co-morbidity

Journal of NeuroImmune Pharmacology — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 06:21:06 +0100

Abstract Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse exacerbates HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The underlying mechanism for this effect is not entirely clear but likely involves cooperation between Meth and HIV-1 virotoxins, such as the transactivator of transcription, Tat. HIV-1 Tat mediates damage in the CNS by inducing inflammatory processes including astrogliosis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates survival processes for both neurons and astrocytes. Here, we evaluated the impact of Meth on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in astrocytes transfected with Tat. Meth and Tat downregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by >50%, as measured by TOPflash reporter activity in both an astrocytoma cell line and primary human fetal astrocytes. Meth and Tat also downregulated LEF-1 tra...

Prevalence of JC polyomavirus genomic sequences from the large t‐antigen and non‐coding control regions among bulgarian patients with primary brain tumors

Journal of Medical Virology — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:47:00 +0100

AbstractA total of 111 fresh brain biopsies from patients with primary brain tumors were examined for JC polyomavirus sequences from the Large T antigen encoding region (LT) and the viral non‐coding control region (NCCR). SYBR Green and TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays were used. In the glioblastoma group of 39 patients 48.7% were positive for LT sequences. Among the astrocytoma group (19 patients) and the oligodendroglioma group (12 patients) 31.6% and 33.3% were also positive. The prevalence of LT genomic sequences among the other groups was as follows: in 2 out of 3 oligoastrocytomas; in 3 out 5 gangliogliomas; in 2 out of 5 meduloblastomas; in 1 out 3 pineocytomas; and in none of the tested 5 ependimomas. All positive samples had a late threshold cycle that varied ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Phase III Trial of Novartis Drug Afinitor(R) Met Primary Endpoint of Reducing SEGA Tumor Size in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis

HSMN NewsFeed — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:13:16 +0100

Largest Phase III study in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) showed 35% of patients treated with everolimus had a 50% or greater reduction in SEGA volume versus 0% on placebo(1) Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are non-cancerous brain tumors ... BiopharmaceuticalsNovartis, Afinitor, everolimus, SEGA (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Phase III Trial Of Novartis Drug Afinitor® Met Primary Endpoint Of Reducing SEGA Tumor Size In Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis

Pharmaceutical Online News — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:21:00 +0100

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation ("Novartis") announced today Phase III trial results that showed more than one-third of patients taking Afinitor® (everolimus) tablets* experienced a 50% or greater reduction in the size of their subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs), non-cancerous brain tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)(1,2,6). (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Imaging-Based Assay for Identification and Characterization of Inhibitors of CXCR4-Tropic HIV-1 Envelope-Dependent Cell-Cell Fusion

Journal of Biomolecular Screening — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Infection of certain cell types by HIV results in formation of syncytia. This process can be blocked by antibodies or compounds that prevent interaction of viral envelope protein with host cell receptors. Here the authors describe an automated imaging-based assay for inhibitors of cell-cell fusion mediated by interaction of HIV gp120 with CXCR4 coreceptor. The assay quantifies syncytia formation between U87MG astrocytoma cells constitutively expressing CD4/CXCR4 and morphologically distinct Jurkat T lymphoma cells inducibly expressing HIV env. Each cell type was differentially labeled with vital dyes. Fusion was quantified by measuring size, shape, and color of Jurkat cells and Jurkat-harboring cell syncytia. Dose–response experiments with reference inhibitors AMD 3100 and KRH-1636 y...

[Spinal tumors - Part 2: Intradural Tumors. Epidemiology, Clinical Aspects and Therapy.]

Praxis — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Spirig J, Fournier JY, Hildebrandt G, Gautschi OP Intradural spinal tumors are classified in extra- and intramedullary tumors. The most frequent intradural-extramedullary tumors are meningiomas and neurinomas. Among the intradural-intramedullary tumors the most frequent ones are ependymomas and astrocytomas. Independent of their origin, spinal tumors usually manifest with progressive local or radicular pain and neurological deficits. The treatment of choice for most of these tumors is a complete surgical resection. In tumors with infiltrative growth into the intramedullary area, a marginal tumor tissue has to be left in situ in order to avoid additional neurological deficits. In particular if neurological deficits appear, a fast surgical intervention is indicated, since the pr...

Analysis of the polymorphisms XRCC1Arg194Trp and XRCC1Arg399Gln in gliomas.

Genetics and Molecular Research — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:45:03 +0100

Authors: Custódio AC, Almeida LO, Pinto GR, Santos MJ, Almeida JR, Clara CA, Rey JA, Casartelli C XRCC genes (X-ray cross-complementing group) were discovered mainly for their roles in protecting mammalian cells against damage caused by ionizing radiation. Studies determined that these genes are important in the genetic stability of DNA. Although the loss of some of these genes does not necessarily confer high levels of sensitivity to radiation, they have been found to represent important components of various pathways of DNA repair. To ensure the integrity of the genome, a complex system of DNA repair was developed. Base excision repair is the first defense mechanism of cells against DNA damage and a major event in preventing mutagenesis. Repair genes may play an important role in ma...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

First step toward the "fingerprinting" of brain tumors based on synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and multiple discriminant analysis.

Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry : JBIC — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

First step toward the "fingerprinting" of brain tumors based on synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and multiple discriminant analysis. J Biol Inorg Chem. 2011 Jul 3; Authors: Szczerbowska-Boruchowska M, Lankosz M, Adamek D Synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray fluorescence was applied to the elemental microimaging of neoplastic tissues in cases of various types of brain tumors. The following cases were studied: glioblastoma multiforme, gemistocytic astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, ganglioglioma, fibrillary astrocytoma, and atypical transitional meningioma. Apart from neoplastic tissue, the analysis included areas of tissue apparently without malignant infiltration. The masses per unit area of P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Rb were used to co...

Elevated expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor correlates with tumor recurrence and poor prognosis of patients with gliomas

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:31:40 +0100

Abstract Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. We aim to examine the association of MIF with tumor recurrence and survival of gliomas, and to determine whether MIF is a valuable prognostic predictor for glioma patients. The expression of MIF and interleukin 8 (IL-8) was evaluated in 36 high-grade gliomas (20 glioblastoma multiforme, 13 anaplastic astrocytoma, and 3 anaplastic oligoastrocytoma) and 32 low-grade gliomas (18 fibrillary astrocytoma, 5 pilocytic astrocytoma, 5 oligodendroglioma, 3 ependymoma and 1 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma) by immunostaining. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMD) of tumors in relation to immunostainings and clinicopathological factors were analyzed statistically as well as the follow-up data o...

Integrating functional MRI information into conventional 3D radiotherapy planning of CNS tumors. Is it worth it?

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 05:43:17 +0100

Abstract The purpose of our study was to examine the potential benefits of integrating functional MRI (fMRI) information into the 3D-based planning process for central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. Between 01.01.2008 and 01.12.2009, ten patients with astrocytoma (both low and high-grade histological type) were enrolled in this study. Before the planning process, conventional CT planning, postoperative MR, and individual functional MRI examinations were conducted. For the functional MRI examination four types of conventional stimuli were applied: acoustic, visual, somatosensory, and numeric. To examine the potential benefits of using fMRI-based information, three different types of theoretical planning were applied and compared: 3D conformal plan without fMRI informati...

Genomic aberrations in pediatric gliomas and embryonal tumors

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:10:38 +0100

This study indicates the existence of distinct cytogenetic patterns in pediatric gliomas and embryonal tumors; however, further studies of these rare tumors using a multimodal approach are required before their true genomic aberration pattern can be finally established. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer)