Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Mutation May Help Rare Brain Tumors

By Robert Sutter


When it comes to the occurrence of brain tumors, everyone has their own ideas as to why it happens. While none of these can exactly be cemented, there is no question that they can occur and research is done in order to figure out more about these intricate growths. However, is it possible that a mutated gene in the body can play into how these tumors are formed as a result? Judging by a recent article on the matter, I believe it to be the case.

According to a report on Science Daily, it seems as though a mutated gene in the body can cause the development of a benign brain tumor that has its share of effects in the long term. On the surface, this is unfortunate news and while the news in question may not be totally positive, there is still a level of potential that can be realized. For example, is it possible that drugs already put to use for tumor types can be applied here? It seems to be that way.

This mutated gene deserves to be focused on, especially when given the specifics behind it. The gene in question has been given the name of BRAF and it is one that is seen in tumor samples known as papillary craniopharyngiomas. For those who do not know, these are the ones that are not seen so much in children but rather adults. With the presence of this gene in this tumor type, it should make matters easier for researchers who are seeking out the most optimal types of drugs to incorporate.

The serious of craniopharyngiomas did not come to my attention until I read this report. For one, the idea of one gene coming into play in order for these tumors to come about is interesting, especially when considering that medical specialists would consider that multiple mutations resulted in this type of progression. What does this mean in terms of further studies of brain tumors, you may wonder? Organizations the likes of Voices against Brain Cancer can tell you that this can amount to more focused studies.

When it comes to studies seen in the scientific field, the simplest ones have the chance of yielding some of the best results. I do not think that anyone can argue with such a sentiment but is it one that can be easily linked to cancer in general? With so many different details to consider when looking at one tumor to another, it's hard to pinpoint what can be done to help. Mutated genes can come into play and it is here that focus will seemingly be the most concentrated.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment