scientists clone malignant cell to test treatments

The Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute, located in the central region of Rio de Janeiro, a public hospital in the city, published a study in which scientists were able to clone living cells from the tumor with the aim of carrying out research into the treatment of the disease. The innovative technique would allow the treatment of the tumor without posing any risks to patients.

Curing glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive type of tumor, is one of the biggest challenges for the scientific community in the world, although research is still in its infancy, scientists say that by simulating the conditions of the disease outside the body, the process to understand how the disease develops will help in the study.

Through biopsies, cells are removed from the patient and prepared for weeks, incubated in a machine that simulates the human brain. Gradually, the tissue forms again, reproducing all the complexity of the brain, showing how aggressive tumors act in the body. The objective is to understand the particularities of each tumor and test drugs capable of combating the malignant cell without compromising the surrounding healthy cells.

Vivaldo Moura Neto, research director at the State Brain Institute, explains that this new technology allows them to handle the tumor anywhere, testing old and new medicines that can give a positive result regarding the disease.

Other fronts of research are also underway, Brazilian scientists have seen evidence that the Zika virus, when in contact with tumor cells, attacks them to reproduce. In the scientists' view, the destruction of these malignant cells would benefit the patient.

^{Scientific research to fight cancer (Photo reproduction/Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Embed)}

What are the grades of glioblastoma?

Uniform glioblastoma is considered a dangerous type of brain cancer when it is in the most advanced stage of the disease, but there are treatments available. The tumor develops from cells in our nervous system. This type is aggressive and can proliferate quickly, which is why it is important to detect it early on.

The majority of these tumors affect patients over the age of 40, while grade 1 of the disease affects children. There are several degrees that determine the stages of the disease.

Grade 1: It is a tumor that grows slowly, appears on the back of the neck, as it does not enter the brain, after treatment it is considered a cure.

Grade 2: It is a rare type, located in the temples, causes convulsions and can be cured after surgery.

Grade 3: It is an invasive and aggressive lesion, surgery is not effective and chemotherapy is necessary.

Grade 4: It is a highly aggressive tumor that quickly destroys brain cells.

The most common clinical symptoms are a continuous headache, especially in the morning, and blurred or double vision. Children may experience lack of motor coordination, imbalance and constant irritability.

^{Cancer treatment patient (Photo reproduction/Justin Sullivan/GettyimagesEmbed)}

Is there a cure for brain cancer?

Surgery is undoubtedly the best option for this type of disease, a part of the tumor tissue is removed for analysis. Surgeries offer the possibility of safely removing the lesion, reducing swelling in the tumor region and facilitating the response to therapies, when indicated. The decision to perform a simple biopsy will depend on several factors such as the location of the tumor and the patient's clinical condition at the time.

Featured photo: Clone of cancerous tumor cells (Reproduction/G1)