New research suggests non stem cell origin for certain types of brain tumors. Tumor

9/30/2011 12:00:00 AM

In order to understand the biology and clinical behavior of tumors, cancer researchers often seek to determine the cell types from which various cancers arise. By understanding the “history” of a particular cancer, we are better able to uncover the key genetic changes that have occurred and potentially better understand how to tumors. Gliomas, the most common primary brain tumor in adults, include both malignant astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. These cancers are notoriously difficult to treat and the prognosis for the majority of patients is poor, however oligodendrogliomas are generally more responsive to treatment than astrocytomas.

Gliomas have long been thought to originate from neural stem cells, which are the progenitors of most normal brain structures and arise in ventricular areas. However, recent research has changed this view, suggesting that oligodendrogliomas arise from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Persson et al have shown that cells taken from mouse and human oligodendrogliomas share many of the molecular genetic characteristics of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, in particular oligodendrogliomas seem to arise from NG2+ progenitors cells located in the brain’s white matter regions. The NG2-expressing cells from oligodendrogliomas were highly tumorigenic, yet highly sensitive to alkylating agents and differentiating agents. This research may open the door to more targeted therapies for patients with oligodendrogliomas.