BCAT1 for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Brain Tumors

Glioblastomas are the most common and most aggressive human malignant brain tumors. Treatment options for glioblastomas and other gliomas include neurosurgical techniques (resection or stereotactic procedures), radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Knowledge of the diagnostic and prognostic fac-tors is crucial for the selection of the best form of life-prolonging therapy. Studies have shown that glioma patients harboring an isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or 2 mutation have a better prognosis compared to glioma patients with wild-type IDH1 and IDH2. DKFZ researchers have demonstrated that gliomas with increased (>3 fold compared to control) branched-chain aminotransferase 1 (BCAT1) expression do not harbor IDH1 or IDH2 mutations and thus have a poor prognosis. The present invention allows a fast and reliable diagnostic and prognostic classification of tumors based on the activity of branched-chain amino acid metabolism as reflected by the level or activity of BCAT1.

Further Information: PDF

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum DKFZ
Phone: +49-6221-42 2955

Contact
Dr. Ruth Herzog