Scientists target glioma cancer stem cells, which could improve patient survival

Brain tumors are responsible for 25 percent of cancer-related deaths in children and young adults. Despite initial response to treatment, most aggressive brain tumors eventually recur and are ultimately incurable. Multiple studies suggest that cancer stem cells within these tumors resist therapy and are responsible for tumor recurrences. Researchers have devised a strategy to treat these tumors by identifying a secretion-mediated pathway that’s essential for maintaining glioma cancer stem cells.