New Potential Treatments For Children's Brain Cancer

Researchers at the University of Utah Health Sciences have identified potential drugs for treating brain cancer in children. In a study published in the journal Cell Reports, the research team says their potential new treatments reduce or eliminate a subgroup of childhood brain cancers while leaving brain tissue intact. The team conducted their research using a zebrafish animal model in combination with studies on human brain tissue. "For many pediatric brain tumors no cell or animal model exist to test targeted, or personalized, medications that could significantly improve survival and alleviate the harmful side effects of conventional therapies," study author Rodney Stewart said in a press release. "Indeed, children with rare brain tumors have few options for life-saving treatment. Our hope is by creating this animal model we will be a step closer to finding effective therapies."