[Brain tumor stem cells]

Nihon Rinsho. 2015 May;73(5):836-43.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive brain tumor, and which harbors not only rapidly dividing cells but also small populations of slowly dividing and dormant cells with tumorigenesity-, self-renewal-, and multi-lineage differentiation capabilities. GBM stem cells (GSCs), which are resistant to conventional chemo -radiotherapy and may be a cause of local recurrence and dissemination. Additionally, heterogeneity of GSCs in the same tumor had been shown by the innovation of microarray and sequencing technology. However, outcome in patients with GBM remains unsatisfactory. Accumulation of the clinical evidence and basic research findings targeting for GSCs and their specific microenvironments (GSC niches) raise the possibility of new treatments to overcome GBM.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Glioblastoma* / genetics
  • Glioblastoma* / metabolism
  • Glioblastoma* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Recurrence
  • Stem Cell Niche