Researchers at the University of Miami in the USA have found out why glioblastoma is resistant to treatment. The results of the work are published in the journal Cancer Cell.
Glioblastoma is one of the most insidious diseases in which cells of the brain or spinal cord are affected. It progresses rapidly and is virtually untreatable.
The research was conducted on a special platform to study glioblastoma cell proteins and their modifications, indicating the activity of enzymes in the cells. The authors of the work found that the BRAF protein can produce cancer cells that mimic neurons - so they protect themselves from therapy. A BRAF inhibitor was successfully tested on mouse models.
The authors of the study will continue to study the disease and develop new treatment options.