Salk Institute Scientists Say Glioblastoma Multiforme Can Originate in a Range of Nervous System Cells

Scientists have long thought that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, starts in glial cells that make up supportive tissue in the brain or in neural stem cells. But in a paper published Oct. 18, 2012, in the journal Science, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies say that the tumors can originate from other types of differentiated cells in the nervous system, including cortical neurons.

GBM is one of the most devastating forms of brain tumor. Despite progress in genetic analysis and classification, the prognosis of these tumors remains poor, with most patients dying within one to two years of diagnosis. The Salk researcher’s findings offer an explanation for the recurrence of GBM following treatment and suggest potential new targets for the treatment of these deadly brain tumors. For more information, click here to read the full release.