In partnership with UCSF and MD Anderson, Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure brought together researchers from leading medical centers and biotech companies to strategize new therapeutic paths to treat Low Grade Gliomas. The January research workshop, which was held in San Francisco, focused on understanding the underlying biology of brain tumors such as oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas.
A primary area of focus at the meeting was around identifying key genetic mutations such as IDH, which might present an opportunity for a therapeutic intervention. IDH mutations are found in about 70% of lower grade brain tumors and are thought to play a role in cancer metabolism. The research group discussed the potential of inhibiting IDH as a way to slow the progression of tumors where the gene alteration is present.
Beyond the development of specific drugs to treat low grade gliomas, the workshop explored the unique challenges of designing clinical trials for glioma. The use of imaging as a means to determine if a drug is efficacious was one promising technology platform featured at the workshop. With newer more refined imaging capabilities, oncologists might be able to see changes at the cellular level and indications of response as patients are given a particular drug.
The research workshop included participation from UCSF, MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Vancouver General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, Novartis, Agios, and others.
The complete agenda for the meeting can be viewed here.
