Research News in the Fifth Two-Months of 2024
As always, this is the twenty-eighth article of the project that aims to periodically collect (every two months) the latest research on possible treatments for glioblastoma multiforme. Below I list the news that we considered most significant that emerged in the last two months. As with the previous articles in the series, each news item will be preceded by the original title with a link to the source and followed by a brief comment. The criterion with which the news items are chosen is always to generally include only news related to research in the clinical phase, unless the potential of research for the treatment of glioblastoma is truly remarkable.
New Blood Test Detects Deadly Brain Cancers in Just One Hour
A team of American and Australian scientists has developed a new blood test that can detect glioblastoma in less than an hour. This “liquid biopsy” requires only 100 microliters of blood plasma and uses an ultra-sensitive biochip that costs less than $2. The biochip has a sensor that detects specific biomarkers, such as mutated epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), found in extracellular vesicles released by tumor cells. When these biomarkers bind to the biochip, a change in voltage in the plasma occurs, indicating the possible presence of tumor. In clinical trials, the device has shown high accuracy in detecting glioblastoma biomarkers. However, the test cannot yet specifically diagnose glioblastoma, as the same biomarkers are also present in other types of tumors. Further research is needed to improve the specificity of the test and to test more patients with glioblastoma. How this test can be used to diagnose glioblastoma remains to be seen.
MRI-Guided Radiation Shows Promise for Glioblastoma
A recent study conducted by the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami examined the use of MRI-linac technology in the treatment of glioblastoma. This technique combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with radiation therapy, allowing daily monitoring of tumor changes during treatment. Researchers followed 36 patients with glioblastoma for six weeks and detected tumor growth suddenly in 26% of patients. These results suggest that the MRI-linac could allow for faster and more precise adjustments to therapies, improving patient outcomes.
Targeting glioblastoma signaling and metabolism with a re-purposed brain-penetrant drug
Researchers at ETH Zurich used a new screening platform to test 130 repurposed neuroactive drugs on fresh glioblastoma (GBM) tumor samples. The screening identified the antidepressant vortioxetine as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of GBM and follow-up preclinical tests in mice confirmed its efficacy. We already wrote about it a few weeks ago in a dedicated article but it was right to report the news as research news. Researchers are now preparing two clinical trials to see if vortioxetine, along with standard of care, can help improve survival in GBM patients. It is worth noting that vortioxetine outperformed fluoxetine (Prozac) in the screening platform; however, human trials are still needed to find the appropriate dosage of vortioxetine and to confirm safety and efficacy in GBM patients. Recent studies have already shown that Prozac can prolong survival in GBM patients, and vortioxetine is expected to be even more effective.
Systematic Review and Clinical Insights: The Role of the Ketogenic Diet in Managing Glioblastoma in Cancer Neuroscience
This article examines the role of the ketogenic diet in managing glioblastoma. The ketogenic diet, which is characterized by a high fat and low carbohydrate content, aims to reduce the availability of glucose, which is essential for the growth of tumor cells. Evidence suggests that this diet may positively influence the progression of glioblastoma and improve the response to traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm these benefits and establish clear guidelines.
The EP3-ZNF488 Axis Promotes Self-Renewal of Glioma Stem-like Cells to Induce Resistance to Tumor Treating Fields
This study explores how glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) develop resistance to Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy. Using a machine learning algorithm, researchers identified a prostaglandin receptor E3 and a protein named ZNF488. The combination of these two allows GSC cells to resist TTFields. By inhibiting EP3 or ZNF488, resistant GSC cells become sensitive to the therapy again, reducing their survival and tumorigenicity. This suggests that the EP3-ZNF488 combination could be a therapeutic target to prevent or reverse TTField resistance.
Recent advances in Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy for glioblastoma
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is a locoregional antitumor treatment that uses a portable, noninvasive device to deliver alternating electric fields to tumors. In Phase III clinical trials, TTFields has demonstrated efficacy and safety for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (ndGBM) and recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), receiving FDA approval in the United States and CE Mark in Europe for the treatment of grade 4 glioma. The mechanism of action of TTFields therapy interferes with cancer cell mitosis, DNA replication and response to damage, while also impairing cell motility and enhancing antitumor immunity. New data indicate that the efficacy of the therapy is proportional to the use of the device and the dose delivered to the tumor. Preliminary studies suggest promising results for the use of TTFields in combination with immunotherapy and radiation therapy. TTFields therapy is not affected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and has no systemic toxicities, and skin side effects are mild and manageable.
Thanks to those who have helped us and continue to help us keep the volunteer organization alive and develop our projects always focused on supporting patients and their caregivers. That’s all for this issue on research news. A heartfelt good luck to all those who are fighting against glioblastoma and their loved ones!
