New Research Targets Relapse in Pediatric Brain Tumors
Scientists target root of relapse in aggressive childhood brain tumors

Image: Medical News
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are focusing on aggressive pediatric brain tumors, specifically medulloblastoma, to prevent relapse. By targeting specific tumor cells that promote regrowth, they aim to improve outcomes for the 30% of patients whose cancer returns after initial treatment.
- 01Approximately 30% of medulloblastoma patients experience cancer relapse, leading to poor long-term survival rates.
- 02The research identifies a small group of tumor cells that can self-renew and evade standard treatments, contributing to tumor regrowth.
- 03The study focuses on a protein called CK1α, which regulates critical cancer-signaling pathways, and tests the FDA-approved drug pyrvinium to inhibit these pathways.
- 04In preclinical models, pyrvinium showed promise in blocking self-renewal of medulloblastoma cells and extending time to relapse.
- 05The research highlights the need for treatments tailored specifically for pediatric tumors to reduce long-term side effects.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Scientists at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are making strides in combating medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, by targeting the cells responsible for cancer relapse. While survival rates are generally favorable, about 30% of patients face a return of their cancer, with dire outcomes. Jezabel Rodriguez Blanco, Ph.D., leading the research, emphasizes the importance of addressing a subset of tumor cells that can self-renew and resist standard treatments. The study, published in *Cell Death & Disease*, explores the role of CK1α, a protein that influences two major cancer-signaling pathways: GLI and WNT. By utilizing pyrvinium, an FDA-approved drug, researchers found that it not only inhibits GLI but also targets WNT-driven self-renewal, thereby reducing the risk of relapse. Although the results are promising, Blanco cautions that further development is needed, particularly in modifying pyrvinium for effective delivery across the blood-brain barrier. This research aims to shift the focus from merely shrinking tumors to preventing their recurrence, potentially improving the quality of life for young patients.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The research could lead to more effective treatments for children with medulloblastoma, addressing both survival and quality of life.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How important do you think research on pediatric cancer relapse is?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





