Researchers del Cima and the University Clinic of Navarre have developed a combination treatment that improves survival in experimental models with the more aggressive pediatric brain tumors.
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) These are highly aggressive pediatric brain tumors that occur during childhood and are currently incurable. Despite advances in genomic knowledge and the large number of clinical trials testing new targeted therapies, patient outcomes remain inadequate.
In previous work, the research group demonstrated that blocking a molecule that controls the immune system (TIM-3) It promotes immune memory in this type of glioma and improves the prognosis of the disease. “In this work we have verified that after radiotherapy (which is the standard treatment for these patients), the expression of many immunosuppressive molecules increases in the tumor microenvironment of the DG, including TIM-3. Therefore, its inhibition after standard treatment could have beneficial effects for patients with this disease,” he explains. Dr. Iker Ausejo-Mauleón, first author of the work and researcher of the Advanced Therapies Group for Pediatric Solid Tumors of Cima, integrated into the Clínica Universidad de Navarra Cancer Center.
Combination with radiotherapy
In this preclinical study, scientists blocked TIM-3 with a small RNA molecule (called an aptamer), which, when administered in combination with radiotherapysignificantly improves survival in preclinical models also generating an immunological memory. “This work proposes a new therapeutic approach by combining a conventional treatment such as radiotherapy with new immunotherapy drugs that could open the door to the development of a clinical trial for these patients,” he suggests. Dr. Marta Alonso, co-director of the solid tumor program and director of the Cima Group of Advanced Therapies for Pediatric Tumors.
The book was published in JCI Insight Scientific Review and has benefited from public and private funding from European Research Council, Government of NavarreMinistry of Science and Innovation, Carlos III Health Institute and foundations such as ChadTough DMG, Spanish Association against Cancer, El Sueño de Vicky Foundation, ADEY Foundation, ACS Foundation, Pablo Ugarte-Fuerza Julen Association, Foundation + Research + Life, We Must Take Life with a Tumor Foundation and the Blanca Morell Foundation, among others.
Diagram: Pediatric solid tumors
Pediatric solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form in various parts of the body of children and adolescents. Unlike liquid tumors (such as leukemias), they do not directly affect the blood or lymphatic system.
Main types
Neuroblastoma: affects the sympathetic nervous system, usually in the adrenal glands.
Wilms tumor: Affects the kidneys; this is the most common type of kidney cancer in children.
Sarcomas:
Ewing’s sarcoma: cancer of the bones or soft tissues.
Rhabdomyosarcoma: affects skeletal muscles.
Astrocytoma and medulloblastoma: brain tumors that affect the central nervous system.
Osteosarcoma: the most common bone cancer in adolescents.
Causes and risk factors
Genetics: hereditary or acquired genetic mutations.
Environmental factors: prenatal exposure to toxins (although rare).
Genetic syndromes: e.g. Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis.
Common symptoms
Pain or discomfort in the affected area.
Palpable swelling or masses.
Unexplained weight loss.
Fatigue and changes in physical activity or appetite.
Treatment
Surgery: to remove the tumor.
Chemotherapy: to shrink or eliminate tumor cells.
Radiotherapy: Using radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: treatments aimed at the immune system (field under study).
