Treating nerves tumors

The international team of researchers analyzed complete screens of genes and genetic material in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), and discsovered unknown genetic information about the disease. Researchers show a gene called Lats1/2 suppresses cancer, and losing the gene's expression reprograms cells so they rapidly expand and become cancerous.

Loss of Lats1/2 also causes other genes in the HIPPO signaling pathway (which controls tissue growth) to become hyperactive. These hyperactive genes and their associated proteins (TAZ and YAP) then work with the protein TEAD1 to activate molecular cancer programs that form MPNSTs.

When researchers disrupted overactive TAZ-YAP in mice bred to lack Lats1/2, they also blocked signaling from PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor receptor), which supports tissue growth. These steps reduced the size and number of MPNSTs in the mice. They also inhibited the growth of human MPNST cells in laboratory cultures.

MPNST's develop in what are called Schwann cells. These cells form the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath functions as a protective insulation around peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to extremities and organs and promote transmission of nerve impulses. About half of MPNSTs are linked to mutation of the NF1 gene, which causes a condition called Neurofibromatosis 1.

The other half of MPNSTs have no known genetic origins, and a small proportion of cases can be caused by radiotherapy given to people for cancer treatment. The NF1 gene normally helps control a balanced rate of cell growth. When it mutates, it can cause brown spots on a person or benign tumors along peripheral nerves.

In some cases, NF1 mutation can lead to cases of runaway cell growth, creating very large and sometimes medically problematic plexiform tumors which can turn into MPNSTs. MPNSTs are biologically aggressive tumors and resistant to treatments like chemo and radiation therapy. They're also known for high relapse rates and poor prognosis, often leading to death.
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HPV vaccine does not cause infertility

The human papilloma virus HPV is  a family of viruses, there are over 110 different types of HPV and more than 50 types that affect the genitals.
Different types of HPV are either high risk or low risk, depending on the conditions they can cause.

Some types of HPV can cause warts or verrucas. Others are associated with cervical cancer. Infection with low-risk HPV causes no symptoms and goes away without treatment. But infection with some high-risk types of HPV can cause abnormal tissue growth and cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.

HPV infection is spread during sexual intercourse, it has been linked with reduced semen quality and lower pregnancy rates. Sexually transmitted infections STIs are associated with lower fertility, but vaccinated women with an STI history had about the same chance of becoming pregnant as unvaccinated women who had never had an STI.

Infection with other types of HPV may cause genital warts, skin warts, verrucas, vaginal cancer or vulval cancer. There is no adverse effects of HPV vaccination on fertility.

HPV is common, almost all sexually active men and women get the virus at some point in life. Having HPV can increase the risk of cervical cancer and removing cancerous or precancerous cells from cervix can reduce fertility.
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Facts about glioblastoma

Glioblastoma GBM is the most aggressive tumor that can form in the brain. Glioblastomas are tumors that developed from astrocytes- supportive tissue of the brain.

Glioblastomas are found in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain, but can be found anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. It can cause brain bleeding, which may have been related to the clot.

These tumors are cancerous because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels.

There two types of glioblastoma
Primary - The tumors are common and very aggressive.
Secondary - These tumors have slower growth rate and very aggressive.

Common symptoms are - headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Depending on the location of the tumor, patients can develop different symptoms like weakness on one side of the body, memory and speech difficulties, and visual changes.

The exact cause of glioblastoma is not known. It can be difficult to treat because the tumors contain so many different types of cells. Some cells may respond very well to certain therapies, while others may not be improve.

However, because of the way it spreads, it is impossible to remove every microscopic growth from the brain. Therefore, it will continue to grow.

Radiation and chemotherapy may be used to slow the growth of tumors that cannot be removed with surgery.
Patients have a ten percent chance of surviving five years after their diagnosis.
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