Brain tumor growth linked to increase in brain activity

Reserachers have discovered a direct connection to patients thinking and tumor growth.

New research connects brain tumor growth to brain activities. The researchers from Stanford, published in the journal Cell, have found that out of five malignant tumors, four of them are caused by activity in the cerebral cortex that increased the growth of high-grade gliomas, representing about 80 percent of all malignant brain tumors in people. Just the mere activity of thinking can already fuel brain cancers.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - In a press release by Stanford, they indicated that in the last 30 years, the survival rates of those with brain cancer hasn't changed. Researchers proved their statements with lab mice in their study. The mice brains were implanted with human glioma tumors. To increase the brain cell activity in these mice, light was used on them to control the brain cells.

As brain activity increased, so did the growth of the tumor in the mice brains. According to Michelle Monje, lead author of the said research, she has been studying the diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cancer, or DIPG for more than 10 years. DIPG afflicts 200 million American kids every year, and most of them die within the nine-month period.  

Monje's discovery of linking brain activity with brain tumor is the product of her desire to help out children afflicted with this deadly cancer. She recalls when she was still in medical school, she failed to treat a girl with DIPG, who she cared for so much.

DIPG often strikes kids as young as six years old.

This rare cancer cannot be treated by surgery because doing such would only make the healthy brain cells get entwined with the tumor cells in the brain stem.

Monje advices people not to use drugs or other sedatives to lessen the brain activity of a patient with DIPG. She adds that she doesn't want to discourage people in learning or thinking. Despite having a better understanding of DIPG, Monje, feels that she'll be gratified with her study if it starts making a difference with DIPG patients.

Based on an interview with neuro-oncologist Tracy Batchelor of Massachusetts General Hospital, the the studies made by Monje might lead to new treatments for the illness and this can open up alternative ways to slow down brain activity.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online