May Awareness Campaign



In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, each day in May we will highlight individuals affected by pediatric brain tumors.
Read their stories here.
 

Research News

PBTF-sponsored research papers, 2010-present

Published research supported by the PBTF 

  • PNET tumours: In a study published in The Lancet Oncology on CNS primitive neuro-ectodermal tumours (PNETs) led by Principal Investigator Dr Annie Huang from Toronto's SickKids Hospital researchers discovered three molecular subgroups of these fairly rare paediatric brain tumours. The hope is that the findings may lead to more specific treatment approaches. There is an interview with Dr Huang at page 38 of the recent issue of the IBTA's Brain Tumour magazine. Readers can obtain a free copy of the magazine by filling in the on-line form located here.

Laboratory News

Scientists Map Genes for Common Form of Brain Cancer

-- Johns Hopkins scientists have completed a comprehensive map of genetic mutations occurring in the second-most common form of brain cancer, oligodendroglioma.


No risk from cell phones, according to study of young users
-- National Cancer Institute

A new international study concludes that children who started to use mobile phones at least 5 years ago were not at increased risk compared with those who had never regularly used mobile phones.


Study Finds No Overall Increased Brain Tumor Risk from Cell Phones
  -- National Cancer Institute

Articles published in Nature and the National Cancer Institute Bulletin on October 24, 2006, reported on another research project by Dr. Jeremy Rich in which he has isolated from brain tumor tissues "cells of origin" that can survive radiation. He found that these cells could deal with DNA damage from both chemotherapy and radiation more readily than other cells. When these cancer cells were implanted in mice they formed tumors that resembled the original tumors, even after being irradiated.  His team used protein CD133 to distinguish these "cells of origin" from other cells. "Knowing that DNA repair was important, the researchers blocked the DNA-repair response in mice as a potential strategy for overcoming resistance," the article reported. The NCI article went on to say that "the study offers insights into the biology of the tumor that could be relevant to treating patients."  


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