BEIJING: Researchers have discovered that a low-cost blood pressure medication may effectively treat a noncancerous but invasive brain tumor, known as craniopharyngioma, which can lead to significant health issues due to its location near critical areas of the brain.
According to Anadolu Agency, craniopharyngioma is a rare, noncancerous brain tumor situated near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Its presence in these regions can result in hormone imbalances, vision problems, and other complications such as diabetes. The South China Morning Post reported on Thursday that researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology have been investigating the growth and treatment of these tumors, with their findings published in Science Translational Medicine.
Wu Qingfeng, the study’s lead researcher and a principal investigator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, emphasized the significance of their research in developing cancer drugs. His statements, as quoted by the daily, highlighted that the study could inform future research endeavors, including identifying cell origins, gene mutations, building animal models, and utilizing high-throughput drug screening to find potential treatments. The study also explores the use of reverse translational research to understand the mechanism of tumor growth.
Craniopharyngioma patients often experience severe obesity, diabetes, vision problems, and decreased hormone secretion, either due to the tumor’s growth or its treatment. The primary treatment method, surgical removal, carries risks of complications and potential regrowth, presenting ongoing challenges for both neurosurgeons and endocrinologists.