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Finding new, safer and targeted therapies for paediatric brain cancer that amplify responses to radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is an essential component of brain cancer treatment. However, the high doses currently required are extremely damaging to the growing brains and bodies of children.

Tissue resident memory T cells: putting cancer cells to sleep and a target for therapy

Tissue resident memory T cells are cancer killing immune cells that have emerged as key players in immune-mediated control of solid cancers, as well as being markers of prognosis and predictors of response to immunotherapy.

Comparative analysis of malignant pleural effusion and peripheral blood reveals unique T cell signatures associated with survival in mesothelioma patients

The success of cancer immunotherapies has highlighted the importance of monitoring the anti-tumour T cell response. Patients with mesothelioma frequently present with a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) that is commonly drained regularly to alleviate symptoms. As MPE contains tumour cells, T cells and cytokines, it provides a unique opportunity to sample immune events at the tumour site.

Advancing CNS tumor diagnostics with expanded DNA methylation-based classification

DNA methylation-based classification is now central to contemporary neuro-oncology, as highlighted by the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. This expansion is a result of newly identified tumor types discovered through our large online repository and global collaborations, underscoring CNS tumor heterogeneity.

Histone methyltransferase PRDM9 promotes survival of drug-tolerant persister cells in glioblastoma

Chemotherapy often kills a large fraction of cancer cells but leaves behind a small population of drug-tolerant persister cells. These persister cells survive drug treatments through reversible, non-genetic mechanisms and cause tumour recurrence upon cessation of therapy. Here, we report a drug tolerance mechanism regulated by the germ-cell-specific H3K4 methyltransferase PRDM9. 

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Central Nervous System Tumors Harboring NTRK Gene Fusions

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) fusions are detected in less than 2% of central nervous system tumors. There are limited data on the clinical course of affected patients. 

IDH-mutant gliomas in children and adolescents - from biology to clinical trials

Gliomas account for nearly 30% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children and adolescents and young adults (AYA), contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. The updated molecular classification of gliomas defines molecularly diverse subtypes with a spectrum of tumors associated with age-distinct incidence.

Radiographic and visual response to the type II RAF inhibitor tovorafenib in children with relapsed/refractory optic pathway glioma in the FIREFLY-1 trial

Due to their anatomical locations, optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) can rarely be cured by resection. Given the importance of preserving visual function, we analyzed radiological and visual acuity (VA) outcomes for the type II RAF inhibitor tovorafenib in the OPG subgroup of the phase 2 FIREFLY-1 trial.

SNO-EANO-EURACAN consensus on management of pineal parenchymal tumors

Pineal parenchymal tumors are rare neoplasms for which evidence-based treatment recommendations are lacking. These tumors vary in biology, clinical characteristics, and prognosis, requiring treatment that ranges from surgical resection alone to intensive multimodal antineoplastic therapy.

Comments and Controversies in Oncology: The Tribulations of Trials Developing ONC201

Our international team highlights issues with efficacy reports in several studies on DMG with the new drug ONC201.