Publications by authors named "J B Huse"
Importance: Molecular techniques, including next-generation sequencing, genomic copy number profiling, fusion transcript detection, and genomic DNA methylation arrays, are now indispensable tools for the workup of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Yet there remains a great deal of heterogeneity in using such biomarker testing across institutions and hospital systems. This is in large part because there is a persistent reluctance among third-party payers to cover molecular testing.
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- Brain tumors pose a major global health issue, particularly in Africa, where limited access to diagnostics and treatment amplifies the crisis and lack of standardized cancer protocols.
- The Brain Tumor Consortium for Africa (BTCA) was created in 2023 to enhance CNS tumor diagnosis and care in Sub-Saharan Africa, identifying gaps in neuro-oncology capacity through a survey.
- The consortium aims to improve brain tumor management by expanding molecular diagnostics, standardizing biobanking, enhancing data collection, and advocating for better care in healthcare policies.
Article Synopsis
- Inactivation of the ATRX gene is a key feature of malignant gliomas, leading to G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures that cause replication stress and genomic instability.
- The study tested a drug, CX-5461, on glioma stem cells and mouse models, both alone and with radiation, showing it was particularly effective against ATRX-deficient tumors.
- The results revealed that CX-5461 increased DNA damage and cell death specifically in ATRX-deficient models, reduced tumor growth, and improved survival in mice, highlighting its potential as a new treatment approach for this type of cancer.
Article Synopsis
- Patients with brain tumors want to help doctors understand their illness better by participating in tests that involve taking samples of their tumor tissue.
- To improve treatments, everyone including patients, researchers, and regulatory agencies need to work together and use consistent methods when taking these samples.
- Even though new tests using blood samples show some promise, they can't replace the need for the usual tissue tests just yet, and it's important to clearly explain the risks and benefits of these procedures to patients.