The laboratory aims to understand the biological mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of malignant brain tumors , and to identify and characterize novel molecular targets for targeted therapies, including cell and gene therapy, against high grade gliomas.
MECHANISMS OF ANTI-ANGIOGENIC TREATMENT IN MALIGNANT GLIOMAS
Glioblastoma is a highly vascularized tumor and its aggressive growth depends on the supply of nutrients and oxygen from newly generated blood vessels. The importance of ‘tumour angiogenesis’ has fuelled the emergence of therapeutic strategies based on anti-angiogenic properties. Although initial clinical studies with anti-angiogenic compounds for glioblastoma are promising, such treatment may enhance the invasive properties of tumor cells. Here we investigate the effects of anti-VEGF treatment in a highly angiogenic glioma model, using non-invasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlated with detailed molecular analysis including gene expression, phospho-protein and metabolomics approaches.
