Cancer stem cells in pediatric brain cancer

Recent investigations have identified a cell population, termed "brain tumor stem cells" (BTSC) within the tumors heterogeneous cell populations that comprise malignant brain tumors which may be partly responsible for the resistance to current therapies or remissions. By exploiting molecular differences present within these heterogeneous populations of brain tumor cells, we may be able to achieve specific eradication of these stem cells and long-lasting remissions, while causing less toxicity to normal tissues.

The Role of methylation in brain cancer gene expression

DNA methylation is one of several epigenetic mechanisms that cells use to control gene expression. We test the relevance of DNA methylation in the management of cancer, like MGMT, RTVP-1 and others genes, applying MSP (Methyl specific PCR) method, following GeneScan analysis to detect methylation levels.