The addiction of brain tumor to common amino acids may be its weakness

According to an early study led by Queen Mary University (QMUL) in London, funded by the children with cancer UK and the Medical Research Council, the brain amino acid glutamine tumor in hungry children can improve the curative effect Medulloblastoma is the most common primary solid brain tumor in children, which is the main cause of death of malignant tumors in children The current treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which are effective in most cases, but often accompanied by serious side effects, such as mental and physical disability Maria niklison chirou, the first author of this paper, from Queen Mary College (QMUL), University of London, said: "if we can confirm that patients can accept the glutamine restriction diet, and it is effective, then it is possible to reduce the dosage of some medulloblastoma patients with this method This may lead to more patients being cured or better quality of life for survivors " Cliff O'Gorman, chief executive of the children with cancer UK, which co funded the study, said: "we welcome the results of these studies, which open up the possibility of more friendly and effective precise treatment for young patients with medulloblastoma Children and young people suffering from this devastating disease will face active treatment that could have a long-term impact on their health and well-being It is vital that we continue to invest in further research and clinical trials to encourage such research, which in turn will make it possible for young cancer patients in the UK to receive cutting-edge treatment " Mariana, cancer program manager, Medical Research Council, UK Dr Delfino machin said: "medulloblastoma is the most common type of aggressive brain tumor in children, so the MRC is very proud to support the research on this kind of terrible disease The purpose of this research is to understand the molecular mechanism of supporting the growth of this kind of tumor This study is an important early step in the development of more effective new therapies that may reduce the side effects of standard therapies " The study, published in the journal genes & development, looked at cells from patients with medulloblastoma and mice with the disease The researchers analyzed metabolic processes that allow tumor cells to grow, including the absorption of amino acids, in order to find new ways to inhibit tumor growth and improve current treatments The team found that some medulloblastomas are "addicted" to glutamine, an amino acid that is not normally necessary in normal cells The researchers then fed the glutamine restricted diet to mice with the disease, and found that even if the mice received only a lower dose of chemotherapy, the method could still enhance the effect of chemotherapy and increase the life span of the mice Although these preclinical results are promising, further studies are needed to assess whether similar methods can be applied to human patients, the researchers cautioned.