PFF limits spread of glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM – the most common primary tumor of the brain and CNS by targeting protein TROY. In addition, TGen lab research also found PPF increases effectiveness of a standard-of-care chemotherapy drug called temozolomide (TMZ), and radiation, to treat glioblastoma. “We showed that PPF decreased glioblastoma cell expression of TROY, inhibited glioma cell invasion, and made brain cancer cells more vulnerable to TMZ and radiation,” said Dr. Nhan Tran, Ass Prof and head of TGen’s Central Nervous System Tumor Research Lab.
An advantage of small-molecule PPF – previously used in clinical trials in an attempt to treat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – is that it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach the tumor. And, the FDA has already approved it. “Our data suggests that PPF, working in combination with TMZ and radiation, could limit glioblastoma invasion and improve the clinical outcome for brain tumor patients,” said Dr. Tran
“GBM is one of the most aggressive of all cancers and it affects people of all ages,” said Catherine (Bracken) Ivy, founder and president of The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation. One of the primary treatments for glioblastoma is surgical removal of the tumor. However, because of the aggressive way glioblastomas invade surrounding brain tissue, it is impossible to remove all parts of the tumors, and the cancer eventually returns and spreads. This insidious cancer invasion also limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy.
TGen found that PPF works to limit the spread of glioblastomas by targeting and knocking down the expression of the TROY protein. TGen researchers have linked TROY to the cellular mechanisms that enable glioblastomas to invade normal brain cells, and resist anti-cancer drugs.
Median survival for newly diagnosed GBM patients is only 14.6 months. Only 5% of patients survive >5 years. “Clinical trials revealed that PPF can cross the blood-brain barrier, and has minimal side effects,” Dr. Tran said. “PPF could be easily translated to the clinic as an adjuvant therapy in combination with standard of care treatment for GBM patients.” https://www.tgen.org/home/news/2015-media-releases/tgen-finds-drug-that-could-stop-brain-tumors.aspx.VkUExMra4rA
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