Innovative research in the area of brain tumor therapies include the use of immunologic agents, the study of tumor angiogenesis, and the use of neural stem cells in order to treat brain tumors and minimize morbidity. In immunotherapy approaches to brain tumor destruction, there currently exists a trade off in terms of targeting tumor antigens without killing normal brain tissue. Possible adverse events in immunotherapy may include the induction of an autoimmune response against normal brain tissue. Current research studies in the laboratory utilize dendritic cells to enhance the activity of therapeutic immunity and to prevent the destruction of normal brain tissue.

Another strategy in brain tumor research is to target the blood supply to an existing tumor in order to deprive the tumor specifically of nutrients necessary for survival. Initial studies are under way to unravel gene expression changes that occur within the microvascular endothelial cells in response to growth signals from malignant brain tumors. Potentially, interference of these signals would help to limit the growth of tumors. Through the use of Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE), a powerful tool for analyzing gene expression changes associated with neoplasia, several genes that are selectively expressed in glioma endothelium have been identified.

Another part of the brain tumor therapy focuses on how to improve therapy for brain tumors while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal tissue. To enhance tumor killing, genetically-engineered neural stem cells that can be transplanted into brain tumors as vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic agents have been designed and are being tested for future clinical trials.

Radiation has long been an effective method for controlling and treating cancer and, in particular, brain tumors. Unfortunately, radiation injury to surrounding tissue can lead to extensive and diffuse damage which can lead to neurologic morbidity. An active research program within the Copeland laboratories is looking for ways to limit or prevent damage to a normal brain as a result of radiation therapy. The brain of a child appears to be particularly sensitive to irradiation. Brain irradiation of children, used in the treatment of primary brain tumors and as a preventative measure against metastatic disease, can have severe side effects and result in significant learning disabilities. Establishing the mechanisms of radiation-induced cognitive deficits and then developing strategies to decrease the incidence and severity of brain injury following radiation therapy, researchers hope to improve the potential use of radiation therapy in children with brain tumors and limit the long-term impact.