Genetic mutations
that can cause fatal cancers in children have been identified by researchers.
Scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
believe the discovery could help to transform the treatment of paediatric
cancers such as glioblastoma.
Dr Nada Jabado, the lead researcher in the study, noted that conventional
treatments have often been ineffective in treating cancer in children.
She stated that her team's findings go some way towards explaining why this
has been the case.
"It is clear now that glioblastoma in children is due to different
molecular mechanisms than those in adults and should not be treated in the same
way," Dr Jabado commented.
She added that the mutations stop the cells from "differentiating
normally", which means a tumour's genetic information is protected.
As a result, chemotherapy and radiotherapy do not always have a significant
impact on these cancers.
According to Cancer Research UK, almost 100 kinds of brain tumour have been
discovered.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 5 February 2012
