Neural stem cells, the subventricular zone and radiotherapy: implications for treating glioblastoma

Over the past decade, advances in neuroscience have suggested that neural stem cells resident in specific regions of the adult brain may be involved in development of both primary and recurrent glioblastoma. Neurogenesis and malignant transformation occurs in the subventricular zone adjacent to the lateral ventricles. This region holds promise as a potential target for therapeutic intervention with radiotherapy. However, irradiation of a larger brain volume is not without risk, and significant side effects have been observed. The current literature remains contradictory regarding the efficacy of deliberate intervention with radiation to the subventricular zone. This critical review discusses the connection between neural stem cells and development of glioblastoma, explores the behavior of tumors associated with the subventricular zone, summarizes the discordant literature with respect to the effects of irradiation, and reviews other targeted therapies to this intriguing region.

Advances in chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains challenging to treat. Over the past decade, there have been some major improvements in systemic therapy. Gemcitabine remains the key drug for both early and advanced cancer but combination chemotherapy is emerging as a new paradigm for patients with good performance status. This review focuses on current chemotherapy status for patients with pancreatic cancer.