This part gives an overview regarding the topic of newly researched methods. Because of the vast amount of research done on this topic, we feature only specific examples for different kinds of new research.
New research projects on brain tumor treatments
Research in brain tumor treatment happens in many different areas. Next to improving existing treatment strategies, new methods arise due to research. Studies in immunotherapy examine for example the use of vaccines against tumor cells, oncolytic virus research considers viruses that specifically attack tumor cells and don't harm healthy brain cells and in the blood-brain barrier disruption methods and drugs are examined to weaken this barrier so chemotherapy drugs can reach the brain more easily. In chemotherapy many studies focus on new drugs or the combination of different drugs during treatment. Genetic research is done to get more insights into how abnormal cells of tumors work, are generated and where they origin from. Lastly the research in palliative care tries to find methods to reduce the symptoms of brain tumor treatment so that the life quality of patients increases. [1]
Research examples
Example 1
A new study suggests the use of theranostic 3-Dimensional nano brain-implants for prolonged and localized treatment of recurrent glioma. A direct chemotherapy of glioblastomas for prolonged periods of times can increase the efficiency of treatments. To deliver the anti-cancer drug Temozolomide constantly over one month, flexible polymeric nano-implants were developed. These were formed by drug-loaded polyester nanofibers of PLGA-PLA-PCL blends,which were electrospun to create a 3D implant. Different sets of fibers then allowed for different release periods of the drugs (from hours to months). After testing drug release times fo different fibres in vitro (outdside the normal biological context), the built implants were tested in vivo (in livin organisms), in rat brains. Furthermore a novel MR contrast agent, Fe2+ doped calcium phosphate (nCP) nanoparticle, was included in the implant, so that the implant can be monitored non-invasively with MRI images after implantation. In addition the maximum doses for Temozolomide-loaded wafers in rat brains were determined. [2]
Figure 1: T2-weighted MRI image showing the implanted wafer in a rat brain [2]
Example 2
Current research gave new insights into the functions of the protein NG2. Means of reducing the production of NG2 in tumor cells might become a new treatment option. NG2 enhances signaling that causes cells to proliferate. This proliferation is a problem in three types of tumor-relevant cells: the cancer cells themselves, cells which are involved in the formation of blood vessels (pericytes) for the tumor supply of oxygen and nutrients as well as macrophages which are converted into the tumors. Removing NG2 from these three cell types can slow down the tumor growth in mice by 60%. Because of the Blood-Brain-Barrier, removing NG2 from tumor cells is difficult. Possible future treatments might include inhibitory RNAs which could reduce the production of NG2.
Figure 2 shows the position on the cell surface and the function of NG2. NG2 activates the yellow dimer, which promotes enhanced proliferation. Additionally, NG2 promotes proliferation via growth factor receptor signaling (blue and red proteins: fibroblast growth factor (FGF), fibroplast growth factor receptor (FGFR)). [3] [4]
Figure 2: position on the cell surface and function of NG2 [3]