We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Genetic Biomarker Test Could Guide Brain Cancer Treatment

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 28 Jul 2025

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, accounting for about 15% of all brain tumors, and typically affects adults between the ages of 45 and 70. More...

Despite treatment efforts, patients generally survive less than 15 months following diagnosis. Bevacizumab is commonly used to treat recurrent glioblastoma by blocking blood vessel growth in tumors and is associated with improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and progression-free survival. However, there has been no reliable way to predict which patients would benefit the most from this drug. This lack of predictive guidance exposes many patients to unnecessary side effects without assured therapeutic gain. Now, a newly discovered genetic biomarker could help identify glioblastoma patients who are most likely to benefit from bevacizumab.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center (Lexington, KY, USA) conducted a large-scale study to uncover a biomarker that could help predict response to bevacizumab. The team analyzed tumor samples from 3,106 glioblastoma patients, including 571 who were treated with the drug. Using next-generation sequencing data, they compared the molecular profiles of patients who remained on treatment for varying durations. Their analysis revealed that brain tumors from patients who responded better and lived longer on bevacizumab were more likely to contain a genetic alteration known as CDK4 amplification.

The study, published in JCO Precision Oncology, represents the first large-scale research effort to identify molecular markers associated with prolonged response to bevacizumab in glioblastoma patients. The discovery of CDK4 amplification as a predictive biomarker has the potential to enable oncologists to make more informed treatment decisions by identifying those most likely to benefit from the drug. This advancement could minimize unnecessary treatment and associated toxicities for non-responders while ensuring timely access for those who may experience improved outcomes. Going forward, the research team aims to further validate the biomarker and explore its use in clinical decision-making frameworks for personalized brain cancer therapy.

“The findings could help oncologists make more informed treatment decisions for glioblastoma patients, potentially sparing those unlikely to benefit from unnecessary side effects while ensuring those who might respond get access to the drug,” said John Villano, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, UK College of Medicine, and lead author of the study

Related Links:
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center


Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Gold Member
Hematology Analyzer
Medonic M32B
New
Clinical Chemistry System
P780
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The 3D paper-based analytical device has shown high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

Paper-Based Device Accurately Detects Immune Defects in 10 Minutes

Patients with hidden immune defects are especially vulnerable to severe and persistent infections, often due to autoantibodies that block interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key molecule in immune defense.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The groundbreaking salmonella antimicrobial resistance prediction platform has demonstrated 95% accuracy (Photo courtesy of Yujie You et al., DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.01.013)

New Platform Leverages AI and Quantum Computing to Predict Salmonella Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains are a growing public health concern due to the overuse of antimicrobials and the rise of genetic mutations. Accurate prediction of resistance is crucial for effective... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel method to analyze tumor growth rates (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Novel Method To Analyze Tumor Growth Rates Helps Tracks Progression Between Diagnosis and Surgery

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often worry about how quickly their tumors grow while they wait for surgery, and whether delays in treatment might allow the disease to spread beyond the point of cure.... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The newly designed ExoPatch successfully distinguished melanoma from healthy skin in mice (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Little/Michigan Engineering)

Microneedle Skin Patch Detects Melanoma Without Biopsy or Blood Draw

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, currently requires patients, especially those with fair skin and moles, to undergo regular doctor visits and biopsies every six months to determine if... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.