Researchers Discover Natural Enzyme Involved in Deadly Brain Tumors

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common types of brain tumors in adults; it’s also one of the most devastating. Even with recent advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the aggressive and invasive tumors become resistant to treatment, and the median survival rate of patients is only about 15 months. In a study published in Neuro-Oncology, researchers at Mayo Clinic identify an important association between the naturally occurring enzyme Kallikrein 6 — also known as KLK6 — and the malignant tumors.

“Our study of Kallikrein 6 showed that higher levels of this enzyme in the tumor are negatively associated with patient survival and that the enzyme functions by promoting the survival of tumor cells,” says senior author Isobel Scarisbrick, PhD, of Mayo Clinic’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. For more information, click here to read the full release.