Brain Cancer Linked to Tissue Healing

Study reports brain tumors may arise when damaged brain tissue does not heal correctly. Researchers say some glioblastoma form when the normal healing process gets derailed by mutations. This process could begin many years before patients become symptomatic of brain cancer.

The healing process that follows a brain injury could spur tumour growth when new cells generated to replace those lost to the injury are derailed by mutations, Toronto scientists have found. A brain injury can be anything from trauma to infection or stroke.

The researchers applied the latest single-cell RNA sequencing and machine learning technologies to map the molecular make-up of the glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which Dirks’ team previously showed are responsible for tumour initiation and recurrence after treatment.

The findings could lead to new therapy for glioblastoma patients who currently have limited treatment options with an average lifespan of 15 months after diagnosis.