Radiation Response in Preclinical Orthotopic Models of Brain Cancer

AACR 2019 -- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fast-growing, aggressive type of central nervous system tumor that forms on the supportive tissue of the brain. It is the most common primary brain tumor. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2019 there will be >23,000 new cases diagnosed and >17,000 people will die from their brain cancers. Preclinical GBM models are essential in evaluating the unique environment where these tumors grow. The brain offers a nutrient-rich location protected by the blood brain barrier. With optical and translational imaging, assessing orthoptic tumor growth and response to therapy over time allows for more quantitative analysis of data. Primary treatment options for patients with GBM have changed little over the years, with the first two options being surgery and radiation treatment (RT). Radiation therapy has proven to be curative in a number of types of cancer when localized to the specific tissue of interest.