Latest Research
All publications from the Cancer3.AI database, newest first.
Central nervous system gliomas.
Reni M, et al
A comprehensive set of evidence-based clinical guidelines has been published addressing the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the most common adult brain tumors, known as gliomas. Each year in Europe alone, approximately 27,000 new cases of malignant glial tumors are diagnosed, with glioblastoma multiforme accounting for more than half of all cases and carrying a generally poor prognosis. The guidelines emphasize that surgical resection remains the primary treatment for all glioma types, while decisions regarding radiotherapy and chemotherapy must be individualized based on patient age, performance status, tumor pathology, molecular markers, and prior treatments. Both environmental and genetic factors have been identified as contributors to brain tumor risk, underscoring the complexity of this disease. Importantly, the guidelines highlight that long-term survivors frequently experience impaired neurocognitive and neuropsychological function regardless of tumor grade, and these effects must be considered when planning treatment strategies.
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology
Source →Lymphoma classification update: T-cell lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphomas, and histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms.
Jiang M, et al
A comprehensive review published in Expert Review of Hematology examines how lymphomas — cancers arising from immune system cells called lymphocytes — are classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) system, with a focus on T-cell lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphomas, and histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms. The WHO classification system integrates pathological, genetic, and clinical information to categorize these cancers based on the normal cell type from which they originate, a process made complex by the diverse roles lymphocytes play in immunity. The review highlights key changes introduced in the 2016 revision to the WHO classification, which reflect advances in genomic research and a deeper molecular understanding of lymphoid cancers. Notably, the update introduces a new umbrella category for T-follicular helper cell-derived lymphomas and expands recognition of indolent, or slow-growing, T-cell lymphomas and related proliferative disorders. These classification updates are directly relevant to hematologists and oncologists, as accurate diagnosis guides treatment decisions and affects patient outcomes. The authors emphasize that lymphoma classification is a continuously evolving field that must adapt to new scientific discoveries in order to best serve patients.
Expert review of hematology
Source →Systemic metastases from central nervous system ependymoma: case report and review of the literature.
Marsecano C, et al
Researchers from Italy present a rare and striking case report of a 65-year-old woman diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma, an aggressive brain tumor that normally remains confined to the central nervous system. Within just six months of her initial diagnosis and surgical treatment, follow-up imaging revealed an exceptionally rare development: the tumor had spread beyond the nervous system, producing metastases in the liver, vertebrae, pelvic bones, and paratracheal lymph nodes, in addition to local brain recurrence. Systemic metastases from ependymomas are considered extremely rare, occurring in fewer than 4% of primary central nervous system tumors, making this case a valuable addition to the medical literature. The authors conducted a review of prior published cases to contextualize their findings, highlighting that extraneuraxial spread can occur rapidly and may not be preceded by the typical spinal 'drop metastases' seen in this tumor type. This case underscores the importance of whole-body imaging surveillance in patients with anaplastic ependymoma and suggests that clinicians should remain vigilant for systemic dissemination even early in the disease course.
The neuroradiology journal
Source →[Ependymal tumours].
Abe M
This publication from the Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine provides a clinical overview of ependymal tumours, a group of rare central nervous system neoplasms that arise from ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Ependymal tumours encompass a spectrum of grades, ranging from benign subependymomas to the more aggressive ependymoblastomas, and their accurate classification is critical for guiding treatment decisions. The article addresses key aspects of diagnosis, histopathological grading, and clinical management relevant to Japanese clinical practice. Understanding the biological behaviour and optimal therapeutic approach for these tumours remains important, as outcomes vary considerably depending on tumour location, grade, and extent of surgical resection. This clinical summary serves as a reference for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists managing patients with these uncommon but potentially life-threatening brain and spinal cord tumours.
Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
Source →Proton therapy for paediatric CNS tumours - improving treatment-related outcomes.
Gondi V, et al
A new review published in Nature Reviews Neurology examines the role of proton therapy in treating paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours, including embryonal, astrocytic, and ependymal tumours. As survival rates for these childhood brain cancers continue to improve, the long-term side effects of conventional radiotherapy — such as cognitive decline, hormonal disorders, hearing loss, secondary cancers, and vascular complications — have become a growing concern for patients and clinicians alike. Proton therapy offers a distinct physical advantage over traditional photon-based radiotherapy by delivering precise radiation doses directly to the tumour while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue from unnecessary exposure. The review synthesizes available clinical evidence showing that this improved dose distribution translates into meaningful reductions in treatment-related toxicities and better quality of life for young survivors. The authors also address ongoing uncertainties about proton therapy's use, evaluate its cost-effectiveness, and outline its expanding future role as more proton treatment centres become available worldwide. This comprehensive analysis provides an important resource for oncologists and neurology specialists making treatment decisions for children with CNS tumours.
Nature reviews. Neurology
Source →