Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Bombesin Receptor Family Activation and CNS/Neural Tumors: Review of Evidence Supporting Possible Role for Novel
Terry W Moody1, Lingaku Lee2,3, Irene Ramos-Alvarez2
1Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Training, Office of the Director, Bethesda, MD, United States.
Abstract:
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are increasingly being considered as possible therapeutic targets in cancers. Activation of GPCR on tumors can have prominent growth effects, and GPCRs are frequently over-/ectopically expressed on tumors and thus can be used for targeted therapy. CNS/neural tumors are receiving increasing attention using this approach. Gliomas are the most frequent primary malignant brain/CNS tumor with glioblastoma having a 10-year survival <1%; neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumor in children with long-term survival<40%, and medulloblastomas are less common, but one subgroup has a 5-year survival <60%. Thus, there is an increased need for more effective treatments of these tumors. The Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs) is one of the GPCRs that are most frequently over/ectopically expressed by common tumors and is receiving particular attention as a possible therapeutic target in several tumors, particularly in prostate, breast, and lung cancer. We review in this paper evidence suggesting why a similar approach in some CNS/neural tumors (gliomas, neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas) should also be considered.
Insights
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) show promise as cancer therapeutics. Targeting the Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs) on brain tumors like gliomas and neuroblastomas could offer new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are implicated in cancer growth and are potential targets for novel therapies.
- GPCRs are often overexpressed on tumor cells, making them suitable for targeted treatment approaches.
- Central nervous system (CNS) and neural tumors, including gliomas and neuroblastomas, have poor prognoses, necessitating improved therapeutic options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for targeting the Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs), a subset of GPCRs, in CNS/neural tumors.
- To explore the potential of BnRs as therapeutic targets in gliomas, neuroblastomas, and medulloblastomas.
- To highlight the need for advanced treatments for these aggressive brain and neural cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on GPCRs and BnRs in cancer.
- Analysis of expression patterns of BnRs in various CNS/neural tumors.
- Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of targeting BnRs in preclinical and clinical studies.
Main Results:
- GPCRs, particularly the Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs), are frequently overexpressed in various cancers, including prostate, breast, and lung.
- Evidence suggests that BnRs are also expressed on CNS/neural tumors such as gliomas, neuroblastomas, and medulloblastomas.
- Targeting BnRs has shown promise in other cancer types, indicating potential efficacy in neural malignancies.
Conclusions:
- The Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs) represents a promising therapeutic target for CNS/neural tumors.
- Targeted therapy strategies utilizing BnRs could offer new hope for patients with gliomas, neuroblastomas, and medulloblastomas.
- Further research into BnR-targeted therapies for brain and neural cancers is warranted.
More Related Videos
08:37Focused Ultrasound Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Targeting Brain Structures and Evaluating Chemogenetic Neuromodulation
Published on: December 22, 2020
09:02Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2024