FANCD2 re-expression is associated with glioma grade and chemical inhibition of the Fanconi Anaemia pathway sensitises gliomas to chemotherapeutic agents.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Around half of primary brain tumours are glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs) where treatment remains a significant challenge, where survival rates have improved little over the last 40 years, thus highlighting an unmet need for the identification/development of novel therapeutic targets and agents to improve GBM treatment. Using archived and fresh glioma tissue, we show that in contrast to normal brain or benign schwannomas GBMs exhibit re-expression of FANCD2, a key protein of the Fanconi Anaemia (FA) DNA repair pathway, and possess an active FA pathway.

Lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting as a carotid-cavernous fistula.

A carotid-cavernous fistula is a life-threatening condition characterised by an abnormal communication between the carotid arterial vessels and the cavernous venous system. Although these fistulae can arise spontaneously, they mainly occur after trauma, especially road traffic accidents, falls and penetrating cranial or orbital injuries. The mainstay of treatment involves endovascular embolization, but in those patients where this is not possible or where embolization fails, direct surgical intervention and ligation of the artery may be necessary.

A pilot study to measure marks in children with cerebral palsy using a novel measurement template.

Aim: The primary aim of this pilot study was to trial a method of assessing bruises in a population of disabled children. If the method was found to be sufficiently robust it would be our intention to undertaking a more extensive observational study.

Background: Less is known about normal bruising patterns in children with disability than in those without.

Diffuse leptomeningeal spread of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

Diffuse meningeal spread and dural infiltration by pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma occurring after initial diagnosis of a left frontotemporal lesion is reported. The unusual pattern of spread and aggressive course for a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma are discussed.