Mutations in a gene that plays a key role in brain development lie behind an aggressive form of cancer, researchers have revealed.
The scientists have linked the gene TCF12 to the most deadly cases of oligodendroglioma, which is responsible for up to 10% of brain tumours.
Patients who develop the problem face a very poor prognosis, the researchers say.
The gene is responsible for the development of the brain in the embryo.
Researchers found the mutations in 7.5% of cases of the cancer – and these cases were more aggressive than others, with the cancer growing faster, they report.
Researchers in Canada, France and the Institute of Cancer Research UK, London, UK, worked together on the project, reported in Nature Communications.
The project also linked another gene IDH1 strongly to this kind of brain tumour. Mutations were found in 78% of cases.
Researcher Professor Richard Houlston, of the Institute of Cancer Research, said: "Our in-depth study has set out many of the genetic defects that cause this rare but highly aggressive form of brain cancer – including identifying a gene mutation that appears in particularly fast-growing forms.
"Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are difficult to remove by surgery and don’t respond well to other forms of treatment.
"We hope this new information might be used to discover new targeted therapies, offering patients a better chance at survival from this aggressive cancer."
Nature Communications 12 June 2015
Leave a Reply