Viruses and human brain tumors: cytomegalovirus enters the fray

J Clin Invest. 2011 Oct;121(10):3831-3. doi: 10.1172/JCI60005.

Abstract

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Overall survival rates have improved in recent years as a result of risk-stratified treatment regimens. However, medulloblastoma remains associated with substantial mortality, and survivors often experience debilitating neurological, endocrinological, and social sequelae as a result of treatment. Targeted and less toxic therapeutic strategies are therefore needed. In this issue of the JCI, Baryawno et al. report their findings that a large percentage of primary medulloblastomas and medulloblastoma cell lines are infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and suggest that targeting this virus could provide a new way to treat individuals with medulloblastoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / virology*
  • Cytomegalovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / virology*