Smart algorithm discovered finds a possible future treatment for childhood cancer neuroblastoma. This form of cancer in kids, which occurs in specialized nerve cells in the sympathetic nervous system, maybe life-threatening,
Neuroblastoma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Neuroblastoma is a very rare type of childhood cancer that develops in immature nerve cells [neuroblasts] of the sympathetic nervous system outside the brain.
Neuroblastoma is a very rare type of childhood cancer that develops in immature nerve cells [neuroblasts] of the sympathetic nervous system outside the brain.
‘Despite advances in the molecular exploration of pediatric cancers, approximately 50 percent of children with high-risk neuroblastoma lack effective treatment.
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The new treatment is based on activating a receptor protein, CNR2 (cannabinoid receptor 2), in the nervous system. A highly unusual method enabled this particular protein to be applied therapeutically. Instead of using traditional methods of drug development, this research group has developed a new computer algorithm capable of combining massive quantities of genetic and pharmacological data ('big data') from European and American hospitals and universities. The algorithm then suggested new treatments that could influence the basic mechanisms of the disease. "We were astonished when the algorithm came up with completely new ideas for treatment, such as CNR2, that no one has ever discussed in this context. So we decided to investigate this further in the lab," says Sven Nelander, senior lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, who is in charge of the study. The new treatments were investigated using cell samples from patients and in animal models, where they proved efficacious. The cancer cells' survival rate declined, for example, and tumor growth in zebrafish (Danio rerio) decreased, following treatment with a substance that stimulates CNR2.
The researchers have also developed the computer algorithm to enable it to be applied to other forms of cancer.
New Drug Combination for High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Researchers create novel combination as potential therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma. This combination is made of epigenetic inhibitors and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. BCL-2 inhibitors are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Researchers create novel combination as potential therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma. This combination is made of epigenetic inhibitors and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. BCL-2 inhibitors are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Source-Eurekalert
Survival Rates For Children With Neuroblastoma Increase
Both the survival rate and the incidence of neuroblastoma have increased in the last decennia especially for children.
Both the survival rate and the incidence of neuroblastoma have increased in the last decennia especially for children.
Potential Alternative Drug Therapies for Neuroblastoma Uncovered
Nearly two-thirds of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma cannot be cured using tumor-killing cancer drugs. Neuroblastoma is a common tumor that forms in the nerve cells of children.
Nearly two-thirds of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma cannot be cured using tumor-killing cancer drugs. Neuroblastoma is a common tumor that forms in the nerve cells of children.
