Central Nervous System Tumor
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a complex and diverse group of neoplasms that originate in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors can arise from various cell types and exhibit different biological behaviors, making their diagnosis and treatment challenging. At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to providing integrated preclinical research solutions for our clients.
Introduction to Central Nervous System Tumor
CNS tumors account for 1.8 per cent of all malignant tumors in the world, and despite being relatively rare, have a high mortality rate. CNS tumors can be broadly classified into two main categories: primary and secondary tumors.
- Primary tumors originate within the brain or spinal cord, while secondary tumors, also known as metastatic tumors, arise from cancer cells that have spread from other parts of the body.
- Primary CNS tumors can further be classified based on the cell type they originate from.
Some common types include:
Pathogenesis of Central Nervous System Tumor
While the exact mechanisms underlying CNS tumor development are not fully understood, several key molecular and cellular events have been identified. For example, convexity meningiomas predominantly harbour NF2 and SMARCB1 alterations. Skull-base meningiomas are characterized by other recurrent mutations, including AKT1, SMO, KLF4, TRAF7 and POLR2A. Spinal cord meningiomas show frequent SMARCE1 mutations, whereas other recurrent mutations are rare in this localization. Tumor localization defines molecular characteristics and potential treatment options.
Fig.1 Meningioma localization and genetic aberrations. (Preusser, M., et al., 2018)
Targeted Therapy Development for Central Nervous System Tumor
| Targets |
Descriptions |
| Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH) Mutations |
IDH mutations are common in gliomas and other CNS tumors. Inhibitors targeting mutant IDH, such as ivosidenib and enasidenib, have shown promising results in clinical trials and are an active area of research. |
| Telomerase and Telomere Maintenance |
Telomere maintenance is crucial for tumor cell immortalization. Therapies targeting telomerase, such as imetelstat, are in clinical development for CNS tumors. |
| Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors |
Immunotherapies targeting checkpoints like PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 have shown activity in some CNS tumors, particularly when combined with other treatments. |
| Oncolytic Viruses |
Engineering viruses to selectively replicate in and kill tumor cells is a novel immunotherapeutic approach for CNS tumors. |
| Epigenetic Modulators |
Inhibitors of epigenetic regulators like histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are under investigation. |
Our Services
At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to providing a one-stop solution for the detection and therapy of CNS tumors. Through our ongoing research and development efforts, we are committed to helping pharmaceutical companies and researchers worldwide develop drugs and therapies to treat CNS tumors.
Therapeutics Development Platform
Diagnostic Development Platform
Our CNS Tumors Modeling Services
In Vitro BBB Cellular Models
Ongoing research and advancements in understanding the biology of CNS tumors continue to drive the development of novel therapeutic approaches. At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to providing comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions for the management of CNS tumors. For more information about our comprehensive services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Reference
- Preusser, M., et al.; (2018). Advances in meningioma genetics: novel therapeutic opportunities. Nature Reviews Neurology, 14(2), 106-115.
! For research use only.
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