Glial Tumors: Laminin 411
A Test for Brain Tumors
In 2001, Cedars-Sinai researchers using leading-edge, gene-chip analysis, discovered a new cancer biomarker: laminin-411 (formerly known as laminin-8). Human gliomas excessively produce laminin-411, which plays an important role in the ability of tumor cells to spread and grow (Cancer Res. 2001, 61:5601-5610). This biomarker was later analyzed in a number of human gliomas and showed a significant correlation with glial tumor grade, time to recurrence and patients' survival times (Cancer, 2004 101:604-612, Front Biosci. 2006, 11:81-88).
Methods to inhibit laminin-411 synthesis were developed on cell cultures and in laboratory animals. After laminin-411 was inhibited, glioma cells were less invasive and animals with brain tumors survived longer (Mol.Cencer Ther, 2003, 2:985-994; Angiogenesis 2006 9:183-191, Nanomedicine, 2008, 3:247-265).
The Cedars-Sinai Department of Neurosurgery, is using this test to evaluate the biological behavior of gliomas in order to better plan individualized therapeutic treatment and follow-up regimens for each patient.
For more information about this test, please contact the Department of Neurosurgery.
Please visit Clinical Trials for information about active patient clinical trials being done by the Department of Neurosurgery.
For an appointment, a second opinion or more information, please call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) or e-mail us.
