Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant primary brain tumors. This neoplasm is the hardest to treat and has a bad prognosis. Because of the characteristics of genetic heterogeneity and ...frequent recurrence, a successful cure for the disease is unlikely. Increasing evidence has revealed that the GBM stem cell-like cells (GSCs) and microenvironment are key elements in GBM recurrence and treatment failure. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this disease and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for treatment, suitable approaches, techniques, and model systems closely mimicking real GBM conditions are required. Microfluidic devices, a model system mimicking the in vivo brain microenvironment, provide a very useful tool to analyze GBM cell behavior, their correlation with tumor malignancy, and the efficacy of multiple drug treatment. This paper reviews the applications of microfluidic devices in GBM research and summarizes progress and perspectives in this field.
Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) need bold new approaches to their treatment, yet progress has been hindered by a relative inability to dynamically track treatment response, mechanisms of resistance, ...evolution of targetable mutations, and changes in mutational burden. We are writing on behalf of a multidisciplinary group of academic neuro-oncology professionals who met at the collaborative Christopher Davidson Forum at Washington University in St Louis in the fall of 2019. We propose a dramatic but necessary change to the routine management of patients with GBM to advance the field: to routinely biopsy recurrent GBM at the time of presumed recurrence. Data derived from these samples will identify true recurrence vs treatment effect, avoid treatments with little chance of success, enable clinical trial access, and aid in the scientific advancement of our understanding of GBM.
ABSTRACT
The inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) is a large white matter tract of the human cerebrum with functional connectivity associated with semantic language processing and ...goal-oriented behavior. However, little is known regarding the overall connectivity of this tract. Recently, the Human Connectome Project parcellated the human cortex into 180 distinct regions. In our other work, we have shown these various regions in relation to clinically applicable anatomy and function. Utilizing Diffusion Spectrum Magnetic Resonance Imaging tractography coupled with the human cortex parcellation data presented earlier in this supplement, we aim to describe the macro-connectome of the IFOF in relation to the linked parcellations present within the human cortex. The purpose of this study is to present this information in an indexed, illustrated, and tractographically aided series of figures and tables for anatomic and clinical reference.
ABSTRACT
In this supplement, we build on work previously published under the Human Connectome Project. Specifically, we show a comprehensive anatomic atlas of the human cerebrum demonstrating all 180 ...distinct regions comprising the cerebral cortex. The location, functional connectivity, and structural connectivity of these regions are outlined, and where possible a discussion is included of the functional significance of these areas. In part 5, we specifically address regions relevant to the insula and opercular cortex.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
As knowledge of the brain has increased, clinicians have learned that the cerebrum is composed of complex networks that interact to execute key functions. While neurosurgeons can ...typically predict and preserve primary cortical function through the primary visual and motor cortices, preservation of higher cognitive functions that are less well localized in regions previously deemed “silent” has proven more difficult. This suggests these silent cortical regions are more anatomically complex and redundant than our previous methods of inquiry can explain, and that progress in cerebral surgery will be made with an improved understanding of brain connectomics. Newly published parcellated cortex maps provide one avenue to study such connectomics in greater detail, and they provide a superior framework and nomenclature for studying cerebral function and anatomy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the structural and functional aspects of the 180 distinct areas that comprise the human cortex model previously published under the Human Connectome Project (HCP).
METHODS
We divided the cerebrum into 8 macroregions: lateral frontal, motor/premotor, medial frontal, insular, temporal, lateral parietal, medial parietal, and occipital. These regions were further subdivided into their relevant parcellations based on the HCP cortical scheme. Connectome Workbench was used to localize parcellations anatomically and to demonstrate their functional connectivity. DSI studio was used to assess the structural connectivity for each parcellation.
RESULTS
The anatomy, functional connectivity, and structural connectivity of all 180 cortical parcellations identified in the HCP are compiled into a single atlas. Within each section of the atlas, we integrate this information, along with what is known about parcellation function to summarize the implications of these data on network connectivity.
CONCLUSION
This multipart supplement aims to build on the work of the HCP. We present this information in the hope that the complexity of cerebral connectomics will be conveyed in a more manageable format that will allow neurosurgeons and neuroscientists to accurately communicate and formulate hypotheses regarding cerebral anatomy and connectivity. We believe access to this information may provide a foundation for improving surgical outcomes by preserving lesser-known networks.
Highlights • Extraneural medulloblastoma carries a grave prognosis. • We report a young woman with widespread relapsed medulloblastoma to bone. • The patient had a dramatic response to temozolomide, ...irinotecan, and bevacizumab. • Temozolomide, irinotecan, and bevacizumab may be a promising treatment for osseous metastases in medulloblastoma.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal type of brain cancer. It is characterized by widespread heterogeneity at the cellular and molecular levels. The detection of this ...heterogeneity is valuable for accurate diagnosis. Herein, solid-state 20 μm diameter micropore made in thin suspended silicon dioxide membrane is used as cell sensor device. The device relies on a cell’s mechano-physical properties as an indicator to differentiate between the subtypes of GBM. A library of GBM cell lines (U251, U87, D54 EGFRviii, and G55) was created by measuring the differences in cell’s micropore translocation properties from their distinct electrical profiles. Each GBM subtype has distinct phenotype and this was delineated in their cell translocation behaviors. The library was used to distinguish cells from samples of brain tumor patients. The micropore device accurately profiled GBM patient samples for cell subtypes by comparing data with the GBM library. The micropore approach is simple, can be implemented at low cost and can be used in the clinical setups and operation theaters to detect and identify GBM subtypes from patient samples.
ABSTRACT
The superior longitudinal fasciculus/arcuate white matter complex (SLF/AC) is the largest and most complex white matter tract of the human cerebrum with multiple inter-linked connections ...encompassing multiple cognitive functions such as language, attention, memory, emotion, and visuospatial function. However, little is known regarding the overall connectivity of this complex. Recently, the Human Connectome Project parcellated the human cortex into 180 distinct regions. Utilizing diffusion spectrum magnetic resonance imaging tractography coupled with the human cortex parcellation data presented earlier in this supplement, we aim to describe the macro-connectome of the SLF/AC in relation to the linked parcellations present within the human cortex. The purpose of this study is to present this information in an indexed, illustrated, and tractographically aided series of figures and tables for anatomic and clinical reference.
ABSTRACT
In this supplement, we build on work previously published under the Human Connectome Project. Specifically, we seek to show a comprehensive anatomic atlas of the human cerebrum demonstrating ...all 180 distinct regions comprising the cerebral cortex. The location, functional connectivity, and structural connectivity of these regions are outlined, and where possible a discussion is included of the functional significance of these areas. In part 9, we specifically address regions relevant to the occipital lobe and the visual system.
ABSTRACT
In this supplement, we show a comprehensive anatomic atlas of the human cerebrum demonstrating all 180 distinct regions comprising the cerebral cortex. The location, functional connectivity, ...and structural connectivity of these regions are outlined, and where possible a discussion is included of the functional significance of these areas. In this chapter, we specifically address the regions integrating to form the frontal aslant tract.