Evaluating the Expression Levels of MicroRNA-10b in Patients With Gliomas

Evaluating the Expression Levels of microRNA-10b in Patients With Gliomas

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are molecular biomarkers that post-transcriptionally control target genes. Deregulated miRNA expression has been observed in diverse cancers. In high grade gliomas, known as glioblastomas, the investigators have identified an oncogenic miRNA, miRNA-10b (mir-10b) that is expressed at higher levels in glioblastomas than in normal brain tissue. This study tests the hypothesis that in primary glioma samples mir-10b expression patterns will serve as a prognostic and diagnostic marker. This study will also characterize the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of glioma subclasses. Furthermore, considering the critical function of anti-mir-10b in blocking established glioblastoma growth, the investigators will test in vitro the sensitivity of individual primary tumors to anti-mir-10b treatment. Tumor, blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples will be obtained from patients diagnosed with gliomas over a period of two years. These samples will be examined for mir-10b expression levels. Patient survival, as well as tumor grade and genotypic variations will be correlated to mir-10b expression levels.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age
• Brain tumor(s) to be resected for clinical reasons.
• Histological pathology confirmation that tumor is of glial origin, WHO Grade II, III or IV.
• Adequate tissue available for processing as determined by Pathology.
• Adequate decision making ability to review, discuss and sign a consent form to allow their tumor samples to be used for future human brain tumor biology laboratory research. Determination of capacity to consent is made by one of the co-investigators based on clinical assessment.
• Patients opting for the standard treatment regimen for their disease as well as ongoing clinical trials will be are eligible to participate in this study. Standard care for newly-diagnosed glioblastomas typically consists of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy with concomitant temozolomide, followed by adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy.