Emerging Research Can Aid Therapeutic Development

New ALS Gene Identified?

Researchers at Northwestern University’s School of Medicine have for the first time identified a gene both in motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord affected by ALS. The findings may offer hope to those who currently suffer from the deadly disease, which rapidly breaks down their bodies while leaving mental capacity intact. Learn more about the research and its findings online.

Neuronal Microtubules Explained

The protein presenilin plays an important role in controlling neuronal traffic on microtubule highways, a novel function that previously was unknown, according to new research from the University at Buffalo. Learn more and see a video at PracticalNeurology.net.

Ketogenic Diet May Aid Autism

“Although treatment strategies for children with autism spectrum disorders are under development, the ketogenic diet is available now and could offer multiple benefits,” says Susan Masino, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Trinity College. Dr. Masino and colleagues have published research that, “suggests a ketogenic diet could reduce seizures and improve behavior.” Explore their findings online.

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In the Pipeline: Prophage G-100 Vaccine for GBM. Preliminary data from a Phase II clinical trial showed that newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients treated with Prophage G-100 (Heat Shock Protein-Peptide Complex-96, HSPPC-96) vaccine, plus the standard of care, showed a 146 percent increase in progression free survival (PFS) and a 60 percent increase in overall survival (OS) as compared to the standard of care alone. Results were presented at the 81st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting.

The single-arm, Phase II trial included a total of 46 patients newly diagnosed with GBM treated at eight centers across the US. Patients received radiation and temozolomide as the standard of care in addition to HSPPC-96 vaccination. Median OS, the primary endpoint for the trial, in patients treated with HSPPC-96 is currently 23.3 months. The majority of enrolled patients in the trial are still being followed. For the standard of care alone group, median OS survival is 14.6 months. To see more on this and get other news, including exclusive web content, visit us online at http://practicalneurology.net/