MUNICH, Germany, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- German scientists say they've found the developmental process of medulloblastoma -- one of the most malignant brain tumors among children and teenagers.
In two studies working with international scientific teams, Dr. Ulrich Schuller of Germany's Ludwig Maximilian University discovered the molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of such cerebellar tumors.
The researchers triggered genetic changes in cell populations in the brains of mice to provoke the growth of tumors. They found medulloblastomas arose from only one type of cell -- granule cells -- and only if those cells were fully committed.
"Medulloblastomas are presently treated with non-specific methods," said Schuller. "Our results could contribute to the development of targeted therapies, and thus improve the treatment of cerebellar tumors in children."
The research is reported in the journal Cancer Cell.
