Chinese experts discover new treatment targets for children with medulloblastoma

MicroRNA molecules derived from exosomes play an important role in the occurrence and development of childhood medulloblastoma
.
Photo courtesy of the Pediatric Hospital

China News Service, August 27 (Reporter Chen Jing) Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant embryonic brain tumor in children.
The etiology is complicated and the overall effect is not satisfactory
.

The reporter learned on the 27th that a latest research by Zhou Yufeng and Li Hao’s research group from the Pediatric Hospital of Fudan University revealed the role of exosomal-derived microRNAs in the development and progression of medulloblastoma in children and the molecular mechanism of action.
The diagnosis and treatment of medulloblastoma provide new strategies
.

In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that microRNA molecules derived from exosomes play an important role in the occurrence and development of childhood medulloblastoma, and can become a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for children with medulloblastoma
.

The research results were published online in the journal Cell Death & Differentiation
.

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant embryonic brain tumor in children, and it is an important cause of tumor-related death in children
.
The current treatment for medulloblastoma is a combined treatment strategy, with surgery as the mainstay, combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy as adjuvant treatments

It is reported that changes in the tumor microenvironment have largely affected the progress of tumors, as well as the aggressiveness, metastasis, and other malignant biological behaviors of tumors.
Exosomes, as an important medium for communication between cells, gradually enter the tumor.
The vision of the scientist has attracted attention
.
According to reports, exosomes exist in body fluids such as serum, saliva, urine, breast milk, ascites, and cerebrospinal fluid, and can carry biologically active molecules such as nucleic acid molecules.