Publications by authors named "J A Fernandez-Alen"
Article Synopsis
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a potential treatment for psychiatric patients with severe, treatment-resistant symptoms, but its effectiveness has varied and is still in an experimental stage due to lack of objective diagnostic criteria.
- This overview reviews the existing literature on different biomarkers that could enhance the application of DBS in psychosurgery, including clinical, omic, neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and neurobiochemical types.
- A deeper understanding of these biomarkers could lead to more objective and effective uses of DBS in psychiatry, making treatments more tailored to individual patients.
Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the treatment backbone for many patients with brain metastasis; however, its efficacy in preventing disease progression and the associated toxicity have questioned the clinical impact of this approach and emphasized the need for alternative treatments. Given the limited therapeutic options available for these patients and the poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of metastatic lesions to WBRT, we sought to uncover actionable targets and biomarkers that could help to refine patient selection. Through an unbiased analysis of experimental in vivo models of brain metastasis resistant to WBRT, we identified activation of the S100A9-RAGE-NF-κB-JunB pathway in brain metastases as a potential mediator of resistance in this organ.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe report a medium-throughput drug-screening platform (METPlatform) based on organotypic cultures that allows to evaluate inhibitors against metastases growing in situ. By applying this approach to the unmet clinical need of brain metastasis, we identified several vulnerabilities. Among them, a blood-brain barrier permeable HSP90 inhibitor showed high potency against mouse and human brain metastases at clinically relevant stages of the disease, including a novel model of local relapse after neurosurgery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant disease burden worldwide. It is imperative to improve neurosurgeons' training during and after their medical residency with appropriate neurotrauma competencies. Unfortunately, the development of these competencies during neurosurgeons' careers and in daily practice is very heterogeneous.
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