Breakthrough Study Finds Second Drug for Childhood Brain Tumour
A groundbreaking study, led by The University of Queensland and WEHI, has identified a second drug using a genetic map that's highly effective in treating medulloblastoma, a common type of childhood brain tumour. The research, funded by organisations including the US National Institutes of Health and the Seattle Children's Brain Tumour Endowment, was published in Genome Medicine.
The study focuses on long-term therapeutics targeting specific proteins and pathways. One such drug, Ixabepilone, originally developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb for breast cancer treatment, has shown promising results in preclinical models. This drug significantly extended survival rates and reduced tumour size, offering hope for medulloblastoma patients.
The genetic map of medulloblastoma, created by the research team, is proving invaluable. It helps identify key genes and pathways, enabling the exploration of existing drugs that target these specific areas for short-term treatment. This approach could accelerate the development of new treatments for this devastating disease.
The discovery of Ixabepilone's effectiveness in treating medulloblastoma, along with the creation of a genetic map, marks a significant step forward in the fight against this childhood brain tumour. The research team's innovative approach, combining long-term therapeutics and short-term existing drug exploration, offers new hope for improved patient outcomes.
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