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01-10-2009 | Laboratory Investigation - Human/animal tissue

Estrogen increases survival in an orthotopic model of glioblastoma

Authors: Tara A. Barone, Justin W. Gorski, Steven J. Greenberg, Robert J. Plunkett

Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Despite the male preponderance for developing glial tumors and a body of published literature that suggests a female gender advantage for long term survival in both human and animal studies, there have been relatively few rigorous investigations into the hormonal effects on glial tumor growth. In a previous study, we concluded that estrogen played a major role in the female survival bias seen in an intracerebral nude rat model of glioblastoma multiforme. Here we explore the potential therapeutic effect of exogenous estradiol delivery in nude rats with orthotopic glioblastoma tumors and examine the mechanism of action of estradiol on reducing tumor growth in this animal model. We administered estradiol, in several dosing regimens, to male, female and ovariectomized nude rats in a survival study. Brain sections, taken at various time points in tumor progression, were analyzed for estrogen receptor protein, proliferative index and apoptotic index. Estradiol increased survival of male, female and ovariectomized nude rats with intracerebral U87MG tumors, in a gender specific manner. The estradiol mediated effect occurred early in tumor progression, and appeared to be caused in-part by an increase in apoptotic activity. It remains unclear if estradiol’s effect is direct or indirect and if it is estrogen receptor mediated. Estradiol-based or adjunctive therapy may be beneficial in treating GBM and further study is clearly warranted.

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Title: Estrogen increases survival in an orthotopic model of glioblastoma
Authors: Tara A. Barone
Justin W. Gorski
Steven J. Greenberg
Robert J. Plunkett
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 0167-594X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7373
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-009-9904-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Estrogen increases survival in an orthotopic model of glioblastoma

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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