Researchers at the McGill University have identified proteins, which fuel the growth of cancer stem cells. In the case of aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma, the main cause is a particular protein known as galectin. According to researchers, identifying and suppressing this particular protein, along with radiation therapy, will help fight this type of brain cancer better.
Glioblastoma is considered to be one of the most common and dangerous form of brain cancers as it is highly resistant to treatment. Different cancer treatments like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy could only subside symptoms for a certain period of time. In most glioblastoma cases, the cancer cells would quickly regrow after the patient has secured treatment.
In all cancerous cells, there are stem cells, which reproduce and are the major force behind the spread of the cancer. It is similar to the normal stem cells, which reproduce and maintain our organs and tissues. Researchers worked upon these cells, thus finding a way to stop cancer cell reproduction.
As part of their study, researchers found that glioblastoma patients with low expression of galectin1 and HOXA5 proteins had the best diagnosis. These proteins along with another one known as STAT3 trigger mechanisms, which lead to a very aggressive type of glioblastoma.
Commenting on the developments, Arezu Jahani-Asl, Associate Professor of Medicine, McGill University, said, "What we found was really astonishing for us. After we inhibited the galectin1 protein, the brain tumors simply didn't grow for several months. To improve patient response to therapy, we must exploit these newly identified vulnerabilities in cancer stem cells."
These latest findings will open the way for more treatment options for glioblastoma patients. Attacking the galectin1 protein, along with radiation therapy, will make way for future clinical trials to treat glioblastoma tumors.
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