Potent glioma tumour inhibitor discovery

Left: Glioma and immune cell (microglia) interactions within the 
tumour site. The interaction between these cells and increased 
P2X7R expression creates an environment that fuels glioma growth. 
Right: The P2X7R protein and inhibitor AZ10606120 in action. 
Image: Liyen Kan

Gliomas are the most common cancers of the brain, accounting for 80% of all brain tumours. Among these, glioblastoma is the most aggressive form, killing an estimated 225,000 people worldwide per year with patients only surviving for a median of 14-15 months after diagnosis.

Importantly, current treatment options are limited to surgical removal, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and only prolong survival by a several months.

Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for glioblastoma patients remains bleak. There is a desperate need for the development of more effective therapies.