Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumors of childhood, with 40 to 50 percent overall mortality. One of the greatest challenges in treating them is that they vary substantially from patient to patient. In the largest genomic study of human medulloblastomas to date, researchers from Children's Hospital Boston, together with collaborators, have identified six subtypes with distinct molecular "fingerprints" that will improve doctors' ability to direct and individualize treatment.
The study, reported online November 22nd in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, is expected to lead to the first use of biomarkers for medulloblastoma in the clinic. The Children's Oncology Group, an international cooperative for childhood cancer research, already plans to apply some of the new data to subtype patients in upcoming clinical trials. Recognition of tumor subtypes will allow patients who need the most aggressive interventions to get them and patients with better prognoses to avoid treatments with potential long-term neurological and cognitive side effects.
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/208946.php
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
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