Scientists find a better way to map brain tumours using a special dye

A team of researchers at Cancer Research UK have found a way to clearly mark the edges of the brain tumour for easy identification through a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

According to the researchers, the protein VCAM-1 is present in the blood vessels inside the invasive edge of the brain tumours can help mark its boundaries clearly. Such edges represent the areas from where the cancer is most likely to spread to other parts.

The protein is known to be produced as a part of an inflammatory response triggered by the brain tumour. By mapping the inflammation in the area affected by cancer, the scientists get to know about cancer in detail.

During the study, the team used a special dye that had the affinity for the protein. That is, the dye was able to recognise and attach itself to the proteins in the blood vessels in the edge of the brain tumours. The portions of proteins attached to the dye could be visualised on MRI screens.

For the first time, the researchers were able to map the growing edge of the brain tumours, reports News Medical. The research holds a significant importance to the medical fraternity since the growing ends of the tumour are the ones that are most likely to spread and getting a hold of such ends could potentially bring a breakthrough in brain tumour treatment.

Although the researchers conducted their study on laboratory mice, they are hopeful that it could pave the way for clinical trials targeted toward improvement in the accuracy of current methods used to treat brain tumours.

"If we can't map the edge of the tumour, surgery and radiotherapy often fail to remove aggressive tumour cells - and the brain tumour can grow back,” said Professor Nicola Sibson of the Cancer Research UK. "This research shows that we can improve imaging of brain tumours, which could help both surgeons and radiotherapists with more effective treatment."

The complete study findings were recently presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Liverpool.

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