...You have a brain tumor! This is a statement that I hope none of you every have to hear. But, unfortunately 8.2 out of every 100,000 people in the US have received this diagnosis according to the IRSA Website. A primary malignant brain tumor represents 2% of cancers diagnosed in the US. And even worse 13,000 Americans die from them each year…which is 2% of all cancer deaths per the IRSA website. So, tonight I would like to talk to you about one type of primary brain cancer that has affected my life personally. Glioblastoma Multiforeme…or as a June 6, 2000 article named it “ The Terminator” My mom was diagnosed with this cancer on Dec 30,2010 after showing signs that my family and I missed for months. My hopes are that by sharing the information that I have learned with each of you that you may be better educated in what to watch for, treatment options, prognosis and etc. Just in case it ever happens to you or someone you love. Let’s start with the facts. According to the IRSA website “Malignant tumors are life-threatening; they invade surrounding normal body tissue, and grow unusually rapidly”. “The tumor generally does not have a distinct border and may spread to other areas in the brain or spine…some of them to critical areas which can be life threatening immediately. Even benign tumors can be life-threatening because of their location. So, you might ask yourself…what causes a brain tumor? Tumors are caused by a change in the genetic structure or...
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...Human Glioblastoma Multiforme: p53 Reactivation by a Novel MDM2 Inhibitor Costa et al. PLoS ONE, 2013, (8) 1-19 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor found in humans. Prognosis for GBM patients is usually very poor (less than one year survival time after diagnosis), due to chemotherapeutic drug resistance from the tumor. Research has linked GBM to malfunction of the p53 tumor suppressing protein. When bound to overexpressed MDM2, an oncoprotein, p53 is inactivated and unable to inhibit cancer cell development, causing the tumor to grow and spread. This paper will analyze a research article by Costa et al. (2013) that focuses on using an inhibitor of MDM2 called ISA27 to increase p53 activity. The group hypothesized that applying the MDM2 oncoprotein inhibitor ISA27 to Glioblastoma Multiforme cells would stimulate p53 activity, leading to the arrest of the tumor’s growth and induction of apoptosis in the cancerous cells. To test this hypothesis, the group tested ISA27’s effectiveness on GBM cells. Cell lines with GBM tumors that expressed both MDM2 and wild-type p53 were first treated in vitro with ISA27. After allowing the drug to take effect, the cells were analyzed for concentration of active p53 and other signaling proteins that contribute to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The experiment was also performed in vivo in nude mice, using ISA27 alone and in combination with another common GMB chemotherapeutic drug...
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...Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), tumors that originate from astrocytes, is the most common and deadliest form of brain tumor in the human population. Since the tumors are supported by a comparatively large network of blood vessels in contrast to other tumoral cells , they are highly proliferative and malignant. Though with a seemingly exclusive localization to the cerebral hemisphere, GBMs can be found in the spinal cord, brain stem and the cerebellum as well; an estimated 61% of primary gliomas are found in the cerebral lobes, with the highest incidence in the frontal lobe (25%), respectively followed by the temporal lobe (20%), parietal lobe (13%) and the occipital lobe (3%). Based on origin, GBMs are categorized into two groups: Primary (de novo) and Secondary. While primary...
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...E-mail alerts Reprints and Subscriptions Permissions Sign up to receive free email-alerts related to this article or journal. To order reprints of this article or to subscribe to the journal, contact the AACR Publications Department at pubs@aacr.org. To request permission to re-use all or part of this article, contact the AACR Publications Department at permissions@aacr.org. Downloaded from cancerres.aacrjournals.org on February 1, 2014. © 2012 American Association for Cancer Research. Review Cancer Research Cancer Stem Cells: Distinct Entities or Dynamically Regulated Phenotypes? Yunqing Li1,2 and John Laterra1,2,3,4 Abstract The origins of tumor-propagating neoplastic stem-like cells [cancer stem cells (CSC)] and their relationship to the bulk population of tumor cells that lack stem-like tumor-propagating features (i.e., transit-amplifying cancer progenitor cells) remain unclear. Recent findings from multiple laboratories show that cancer progenitor cells have the capacity to dedifferentiate and acquire a stem-like phenotype in response to either genetic manipulation or environmental cues. These findings suggest that CSCs and relatively differentiated progenitors coexist in dynamic equilibrium and are subject to bidirectional conversion. In this review, we...
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...Here, a methodology is described in order to combat the growth of glioblastoma, while simultaneously re-activating the immune system to recognize and effectively terminate glioblastoma cells. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a gene for cell receptors that is overexpressed in glioblastoma, contributing to the proliferation of the cancer. Gene therapy, such as pre-trans splicing has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy in blocking the expression of EGFR. A pre-trans splicing RNA molecule (PTRM) was designed by reviewing the literature. Additionally, interleukin 13 receptor alpha variant 2 (IL13Rα2) has become an effective target for immunotherapy due to being selectively expressed in glioblastoma and the strong immune responses of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) it elicits. Cloning a portion of IL13Rα2 as an immunogen into the multiple cloning site of the PTRM would lead to greater IL13Rα2 expression and therefore, greater immunogenic potential of the tumor microenvironment. It is expected that delivery of hybrid PTM and immunogen in an adeno-associated virus plasmid vector would lead to synergistically inhibiting EGFR expression with the potential to reactivate the CTL...
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...Johnny, tragic death called, “Death Be Not Proud.” Gunther entails the wondrous accomplishments Johnny made, along with his terrific fight against a brain tumor. Throughout the whole book, Gunther describes Johnny’s attitude as positively upbeat and wittily sarcastic, even though Johnny seemed to already have accepted his death early on. Gunther starts the memoir by informing the reader that Johnny dies after fighting a brain tumor for fifteen months; then, goes on to describe Johnny’s life as a whole. Johnny was sixteen years old, attending Deerfield Academy, loved learning new things, was especially passionate for science, and had a selfless, amiable nature. Over spring break, Johnny started complaining about a stiff neck, and his parents called their doctor, Traeger, to check on him. Traeger gives Johnny a clean bill of health, but after continued complaints, Johnny’s parents decide to bring in a specialist, Putnam, who believes Johnny has a brain tumor. Johnny is rushed into surgery where Putnam is only able to remove half of the orange-sized tumor that was occupying Johnny’s brain. Johnny’s condition seemed to be improving, until he suffered a fainting attack, and the...
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...CNS Cancer or Brain Tumor A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that is growing in or around the brain. It develops when abnormal cells multiply for unknown reasons. Benign and malignant are terms used to describe brain tumors. Benign brain tumors are usually slow growing and have distinct borders and a normal appearance under a microscope. Malignant tumors are considered brain cancer. They tend to invade healthy areas of the brain and may grow rapidly. A benign tumor may be considered malignant if it is located in a critical area of the brain or its size is life-threatening. Primary brain tumors start within the brain. Secondary or metastatic brain tumors come from cells which have broken away from cancers within the body and traveled to the brain. Metastatic brain tumors are always considered malignant since they evolve from cancerous cells and grow rapidly. I. Anatomy Review * The brain and spinal cord together are known as the Central Nervous System. * The adult brain weighs about three pounds, and is tightly enclosed by the skull. * It is a complex organ composed of nerve cells (neurons) and supporting tissues (glia). * The brain has four main parts: the meninges which are the membranes that enclose the brain, the cerebrum which is the largest part of the brain and is split into two hemispheres, the cerebellum which is the back part of the brain, located under the cerebral hemispheres, and the brain stem which connects to the spinal cord. ...
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...Mechell Andaya PHI 208 Instructor Michael Larson right to die Mechell Andaya PHI 208 Instructor Michael Larson right to die Using assisted suicide is a personal decision that a person makes to end suffering. As this can change and take an affect a family mentally. The medical procedure that uses euthanasia they use in assisted suicide are carried out by patients with terminal illnesses like irreversible brain tumor (glioblastoma), has no control over how long the pain will last. This is issue is as controversial as well as it has good and bad to it. Many do believe that a person is physically suffering in pain they have the right to die by their own decision. Assisted suicide is not legal in most state and it should be legal for those who are suffering from terminal illness. With anything that is good will always have a down side. Because there is only a few states that it is legal and with that a doctor could lose their license to assist those in places where it is illegal. We know that the issue is with a Senate bill that any type that involves any assisted suicide to include euthanasia or lethal injection. This bill protects assisted suicide. There are advantages with assisted suicide. Physicians that conducts assisted suicide is they give you the decision on how you should end your life. Others argue because on people’s beliefs and opinions on this controversial topic. Some do believe that it is a human right. And in the couple of states that is legal, Doctors...
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...In addition to astrocytes, name three other types of neuroglia cells and describe the functions that have been suggested for them Oligodendrocyte: give support to neurons by arranging themselves in rows along nerve fibers. They also produce a phospholipid myelin sheath around axons of neurons in the central nervous system Microglia: small cells with few processes. Seem to be the brain’s macrophages - they phagocytize bacteria and cellular debris, and can migrate into an area of damaged nerves tissue. They play a housekeeping role, and eat up neurons that may have been damaged or killed by disease, trauma, etc. Ependyma: Cuboidal or columnar in shape and may have cilia. Form a continuous epithelial limning for the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord Describe all the possible functions of astrocytes important in the uptake of glucose from the capillaries supplying nervous tissue Uptake of neurotransmitters released by neurons modify the concentration of calcium in neurons lying in contact with hem, and so alter their excitability (responsiveness to signals) responsible for homeostasis of ions involved in signaling to be able to listen to what neurons are saying, and to talk to other astrocytes via gap junctions can undergo...
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...Rachel Blankenship Professor Bohn English 1020, section 005 3 December 2012 Outline I. Introduction i. Adams, Mike. “Exclusive Interview with Billy Best.” ii. Personal Narrative II. Body A. Background Information iii. “Carcinogen.” Wikipedia. iv. “Cancer.” Wikipedia. B. Opposing Perspectives v. Schorr, Andrew. "Interview with Amie Blanco: Hereditary Colon Cancer." vi. Joe Chemo. Image. vii. Phillips, Gavin.“Interview with Dr. Burzynski.” C. Thesis + Support viii. Holistic vs. Medical treatment: medical treatment seems to be a better shot at surviving. ix. Kelly. “Adenoma/Glioblastoma multiforme/Anaplastic astrocytoma/Glioma Cured.” x. Cousins, Emily. “Life after Treatment Can Be Almost As Hard as the Chemo.” xi. Messoria, Josie. Personal interview. 15 November 2012. III. Conclusion xii. Personal. Abstract In this essay the author discusses cancer, what causes cancer, holistic vs. medical treatments. The first part of the essay the author presents a piece of an interview conducted with a young cancer patient who was going against the grain and refusing treatment. The essay then goes into a personal narrative on how the author feels about cancer then from there goes into a great descriptive paragraph about cancer and carcinogens. Her thesis is clearly surrounding the argument whether or not holistic or medical treatments...
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...Abstract Gleevec is heralded as a savior drug for cancer research. Created by the rational drug design model, Gleevec targets the tyrosine kinase enzyme in CML patients.[10] By targeting and binding to the active sites of the cancerous cells, Gleevec denaturizes them, preventing the spread of the disease.[10] Gleevec has been FDA approved to be administered to patients diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia and also patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors.[6] Although, this treatment has also been proved to aid in other fields of medicine, ranging from treating other types of cancers to delaying tumor growth to therapy for diabetes and even to cancer treatment in pets.[5,6,8,9] However, for Gleevec to have been made other cell targeted drugs had to be made before it. And just as those drugs paved the way for Gleevec, Gleevec is paving the way for even more cancer treatments to be made. Introduction and Background The official war on cancer began when President Richard Nixon declared that this was the next big thing in the history of the United States. He compared the battle and potential cure of cancer to the process of landing on the moon. However, the battle against cancer has proved to be much more difficult. But there is progress being made. In 2003, 556,902 people in the United States died from cancer.[11] However, in 2002, 557,271 people in the United States died from cancer.[11] Even though the difference of deaths was not that great, this was still...
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...Cancers consist of single clones or several clones of cells that are capable of partially (benign tumor) or fully (malignant cancer) independent growth in the host. The essence of carcinogenesis is the activation (deregulation) of genes that regulate cell growth via bypassing the host’s regulatory circuits. Multiple genes must be deregulated for the development of fully malignant tumors What causes cancer? Physical, chemical and biological agents may cause cancer. Cancer arises from the mutation of a normal gene. Mutated genes that cause cancer are called oncogenes. Carcinogens: Radiations: Ultraviolet light, X-rays, radioactive elements induce DNA damage and chromosome brakes. Chemicals: smoke and tar, countless chemicals that damage DNA (mutagens Oncogenic viruses: insert DNA or cDNA copies of viral (v) oncogens into the genome of host target cells. Hereditary: certain oncogenes are inheritable. Classification of cancer Benign tumor: do not spread from their site of origin, but can crowd out surrounding cells e.g. brain tumour, warts. Malignant tumours: can spread from the original site and cause secondary tumors. This is called metastasis. They interfere with neighbouring cells and can block blood vessels, the gut, glands, lungs etc. [pic] Tumor antigens: TA is an antigenic substance produced in tumor cells. Mechanism of tumor antigenesis Normal proteins (Self-talorence) protein that is not exposed to the immune system...
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...Review The Controversy about a Possible Relationship between Mobile Phone Use and Cancer Michael Kundi Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria oBjective: During the last decade, mobile phone use increased to almost 100% prevalence in many countries of the world. Evidence for potential health hazards accumulated in parallel by epidemiologic investigations has raised controversies about the appropriate interpretation and the degree of bias and confounding responsible for reduced or increased risk estimates. data sources: Overall, I identified 33 epidemiologic studies in the peer-reviewed literature, most of which (25) were about brain tumors. Two groups have collected data for ≥ 10 years of mobile phone use: Hardell and colleagues from Sweden and the Interphone group, an international consortium from 13 countries coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. data synthesis: Combined odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) from these studies for glioma, acoustic neuroma, and meningioma were 1.5 (1.2–1.8); 1.3 (0.95–1.9); and 1.1 (0.8–1.4), respectively. conclusions: Methodologic considerations revealed that three important conditions for epidemiologic studies to detect an increased risk are not met: a) no evidence-based exposure metric is available; b) the observed duration of mobile phone use is generally still too low; c) no evidence-based selection of end points among the grossly different types of neoplasias is possible...
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...currently being implemented with cancer diagnostics, which allows healthcare professionals to image where cancerous areas reside in the body. For example, magnetic nanoparticle have been utilized in conjunction with MRI scans to greatly increase the image contrast, leading to the detection of small and otherwise undetectable prostate cancer metastases. Additionally, nanoparticles are being used as a physical means of destroying tumorous tissue by the use of Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia. This technology uses the power of magnets to oscillate iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles to create heat in the form of kinetic energy and has shown to drastically reduce the size of brain tumors when compared to patients who have no treatment at all. Beyond their use as diagnostics and physical tools to destroy cancerous tumors, magnetic nanoparticles are also used as a delivery agent for gene therapy. For example, magnetic nanoparticles have shown to increase the half life of the various biological matter such as DNA and RNA so that it can reach the intended target before the body’s immune response destroys the magnetic gene delivery system. In the future, research will be focused on pharmacokinetics of the nanoparticles, ensuring the nanoparticles can stay in the body for longer periods of time and that the body reacts in a positive manner to the magnetic nanoparticles. Introduction Nanotechnology has been an emerging field recently due to its widespread capabilities. Nanotechnology...
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...LECTURE 10-19 OBJECTIVES Lecture 10 1. Describe the functions of the various types of muscle * Skeletal- limb movement * Cardiac- heart movements * Smooth- movements of hollow organs 2. Describe the involvement of connective tissue in a skeletal muscle * Endomysium- surrounds and fills up spaces between individual muscle fibers * Perimysium- ensheaths muscle fascicles (bundles of muscle fibers) * Epimysium- ensheaths the whole muscle 3. Name the components of a skeletal muscle fiber and describe their function * Sarcoplasm- cytoplasm * Sarcolemma- plasma membrane * T-tubules- inward extensions of the sarcolemma * Mitochondria- provide ATP * Sarcoplasmic reticulum- endoplasmic reticulum * Myofibril- contains thick and thin filaments, myosin and actin 4. Sketch a myofibril 5. Describe the neuromuscular junction * Junction of a muscle fiber and axon of motor neuron it is attached to 6. Name the neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular function * Acetylcholine 7. Draw a diagram showing how the thin and thick filaments are organized in the sarcomere and list the five steps involved in the contraction of a muscle fiber 8. Define what is meant by excitation-contraction coupling, and describe how it works * The coupling of nerve impulse with muscle contraction hinges around the release of calcium ions * 1, the action of acetylcholine cause a wave of electrical depolarization to spread...
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