Spinal cord astrocytomas: progresses in experimental and clinical investigations for developing recovery neurobiology-based novel therapies.

Spinal cord astrocytomas: progresses in experimental and clinical investigations for developing recovery neurobiology-based novel therapies. Exp Neurol. 2018 Sep 20;: Authors: Teng YD, Abd-El-Barr M, Wang L, Hajiali H, Wu L, Zafonte RD Abstract Spinal cord astrocytomas (SCAs) have discernibly unique signatures in regards to epidemiology, clinical oncological features, genetic markers, pathophysiology, and research and therapeutic challenges. Overall, there are presently very limited clinical management options for high grade SCAs despite progresses made in validating key molecular markers and standardizing tumor classification. The endeavors were aimed to improve diagnosis, therapy design and prognosis assessment, as well as to define more effective oncolytic targets. Efficacious treatment for high grade SCAs still remains an unmet medical demand. This review is therefore focused on research state updates that have been made upon analyzing clinical characteristics, diagnostic classification, genetic and molecular features, tumor initiation cell biology, and current management options for SCAs. Particular emphasis was given to basic and translational research endeavors targeting SCAs, including establishment of experimental models, exploration of unique characteristics of SCA stem cell-like tumor survival cells, characterization of special requirements for effective therapeutic delivery into the spinal cord, and development of donor s...
Source: Experimental Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research