Publication Date

5-5-2017

Document Type

Article

First Advisor

Yasui, Linda S.

Degree Name

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant tumor that grows in the human brain. Patients diagnosed with Glioblastomas (GBM) require very extensive and invasive treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Although these treatments are effective for other types of cancer, the rate of recurrence for Glioblastomas are extremely high. After being diagnosed, patients survive an average of 12-15 months afterwards (Ogura, et. al.,). The believed reason for this rate are the Glioblastoma stem cells present in the tumor prior to treatment. These stem cells are essentially identical to Glioblastoma cells that make up the bulk of the tumor, however, they have certain characteristics that allow them to have resistance to cancer treatments. It is difficult to identify stem cells because they are relatively rare and there is an absence of markers to identify them, increasing the difficulty to study them. Stem cells also show continual cell genesis in the central nervous system resulting in the production of functional progeny, allowing for the return of the malignant Glioblastoma tumor (Identification and Characterization of Neural Stem Cells: Why is this so darned difficult?, 2010). Current research in this subject has become especially pressing since there is a promise of a cure for Glioblastomas through STEM cells. Research with STEM cells in order to decrease its resistance to radiation is the main focus. Therefore, through this project we hoped to contribute some understanding and insight for better treatment options for GBMs.

Program Program

Student Engagement Fund

Extent

6 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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