Russian scientists have developed new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of glioma – a brain tumor. One method helps to visualize the neoplasm more accurately, while another delivers anti-tumor substances directly to the diseased cells. In addition, researchers have found molecules capable of making the tumor more sensitive to radiation therapy and preventing its cells from spreading into healthy tissues.
For diagnosis, specialists proposed using PET/CT with a new radiopharmaceutical based on radioactive aptamers. Aptamers are molecules capable of recognizing a specific target. After intravenous administration, they were attracted to the tumor, accumulated in it, and, as it were, “highlighted” it in the images. According to the Ministry of Education and Science, this method showed the highest diagnostic effectiveness.
A similar principle was applied for treatment. Aptamers were combined with already known anti-tumor molecules to deliver them primarily to glioma cells. Scientists also found several aptamers that increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation therapy and prevent them from migrating into healthy brain tissue. This can reduce the likelihood of disease recurrence and prolong the patient's life.
Another direction is an attempt to reprogram dangerous cells. For this, researchers use a GQ comby cocktail consisting of several molecules. As explained by Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Galina Pavlova, these substances act on tumor cells and transform them into harmless, non-dividing brain cells.
The Ministry of Education and Science clarified that the drugs have confirmed their effectiveness, are currently undergoing patenting, and are preparing for preclinical studies. The work was carried out by a consortium of specialists from the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the N. N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center for Neurosurgery, and Lomonosov Moscow State University. The research was conducted within the framework of a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science.
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