Friday, March 7, 2014

The Immune System As It Relates To Brain Cancer

By Robert Sutter


Outside of cancer studies, the immune system is needed for a number of different functions. For one, it is able to help the body when confronted with diseases as typical as the flu and it can be boosted through certain means. One can make the argument that it can be that much stronger with the ideal diet or the implementation of vitamin C. However, it seems like the immune system has been given much more focus lately and the idea to focus to has got to be brain cancer.

According to a report on EurekAlert, a group of researchers at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute made a discovery that could play into the development of brain cancer studies. It was found that there were certain specialized immune cells in tumors that have been compromised. One can only imagine that an item to reactivate such cells could be put to use. It sounds like a positive prospect and it is one that should have the attention of organizations such as Voices against Brain Cancer as well.

It's apparent that his type of cancer is one of the most serious conditions that the body can be afflicted. Keep in mind that the treatment options which exist now are not exactly ones which can help everyone in the same way. This is part of why studies are gone constantly, as there are beliefs that cancer cells can be cleansed. Amongst the many areas of focus here has got to be glioblastoma, which is heavily regarded as the most aggressive form of cancer seen in the brain.

For those who may not be in the know, the brain is home to cells that have been given the name of microglia. These particular cells function together as an immune system of sorts of the brain, protecting it against cases like infection, for example. With this particular condition set in place, though, it's apparent that the cells have been shut off, so how exactly can they be returned to their previous settings? This is where amphotericin B, a specialized drug, can come into play.

The drug saw positive results, according to the article, as the immune cells in the body have been reactivated. During the animal model utilized, brain tumor growth saw a significant decrease, which is a positive point to make note of. It also goes to show just how vital certain cells are and why it is important for them to be individualized and honed in on. In the right doses, ampB can be an effective drug in terms of activating microglia and bringing down tumor progression in the long term.




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