Glioblastoma evolution and heterogeneity from a 3D whole-tumor perspective. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242087/)

These scientists wanted to understand why it is difficult to treat a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma. They used a special method called 3D neuronavigation during surgery to remove the tumor. This method allowed them to take samples from different parts of the tumor and create a map of its entire structure using 3D coordinates.

Then, they analyzed the samples using different techniques to study the tumor's genetic information, how it is regulated, and its surroundings. They found that the tumor had different genetic and environmental characteristics in different areas. They also discovered how the tumor evolved over time, starting from certain cells in the brain and going through different changes.

By understanding how the tumor changes and how it is different in different areas, the scientists hope to find new ways to treat it. They also created a special tool that allows other scientists to look at the tumor in 3D and study specific genes or features that might be important for treatment.

Mathur R., Wang Q., Schupp PG., Nikolic A., Hilz S., Hong C., Grishanina NR., Kwok D., Stevers NO., Jin Q., Youngblood MW., Stasiak LA., Hou Y., Wang J., Yamaguchi TN., Lafontaine M., Shai A., Smirnov IV., Solomon DA., Chang SM., Hervey-Jumper SL., Berger MS., Lupo JM., Okada H., Phillips JJ., Boutros PC., Gallo M., Oldham MC., Yue F., Costello JF. Glioblastoma evolution and heterogeneity from a 3D whole-tumor perspective. Cell. 2024 Jan 18;187(2):446-463.e16. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.013.