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Category: biotech/medical

Motor mapping to enable resections of perirolandic diffuse gliomas NeuroOncology

Intraoperative motor mapping is essential for maximum safe resect ion of peri-Rolandic gliomas. While both awake and asleep techniques have demonstrated efficacy in preserving neurological function, comparative outcomes across WHO 2021 molecular tumor subtypes remain poorly defined. We compare outcomes between these mapping modalities in glioblastoma (GBM) and IDH-mutant gliomas.

A 130-patient cohort undergoing peri-Rolandic glioma resect ion with intraoperative motor mapping at a single institution was analyzed. Patients were stratified by mapping modality (awake n = 54, asleep n = 76) and tumor subtype (WHO 2021). Within the asleep cohort, handheld probe (HHP-DCS, n = 61) and subdural electrode direct cortical stimulation (SDE-DCS, n = 12) were compared. The primary outcome was new or worsening neurological deficits at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and survival in GBM patients.

Three-month deficit rates were comparable between awake and asleep mapping (5.6% vs. 5.3%, p = 1.000). In GBM patients, pre-and postoperative KPS were significantly lower in the asleep group (p 0.001 and p = 0.002), though delta KPS and 3-month deficit rates did not differ. No deficits occurred in either group among IDH-mutant gliomas. Progression-free and overall survival were comparable between mapping modalities in GBM. HHP-DCS and SDE-DCS produced similar 3-month deficit rates (3.3% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.124).

Hallmarks and correlates of effective adoptive cell immunotherapy for cancer

In this Review, Krishna and colleagues draw on clinical and scientific progress in the past two decades to describe the many factors that influence clinical outcomes during adoptive cell therapy using tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and TCR-engineered T cell therapies. They explain how T cell-intrinsic factors and tumour-specific factors in patients with advanced cancer challenge or promote the success of adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and outline new approaches in the field of ACT.

Ovarian cancer tumor immune profiles associated with intrauterine device and oral contraceptive use

Mongiovi, J.M., Babic, A., Sasamoto, N. et al. Ovarian cancer tumor immune profiles associated with intrauterine device and oral contraceptive use. Br J Cancer (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-026-03508-9

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Imaging assessment of immunotherapy in pediatric brain tumors

Immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving field in pediatric neuro-oncology, using diverse strategies to enhance or initiate an antitumor immune response. Its use has expanded from hematologic malignancies to solid central nervous system (CNS) tumors, creating new diagnostic challenges in neuroimaging, particularly in children.

The aim of this review is to summarize current immunotherapeutic strategies for pediatric solid CNS tumors and to discuss their characteristic imaging findings and response patterns, with emphasis on pitfalls in differentiating true progression from treatment‑related inflammatory changes.

Across different immunotherapeutic approaches, a major challenge is distinguishing tumor progression from pseudoprogression, immune‑related flare phenomena, and neurotoxicity. Multiparametric imaging combining advanced MRI techniques and metabolic imaging may improve diagnostic specificity; however, validation in children is limited, and existing response frameworks such as iRANO and RAPNO do not specifically address immunotherapy‑related imaging patterns in the pediatric population.

Blood-based test can predict risk of developing symptoms of Alzheimer’s up to a decade early

A blood test for the biomarker phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) recently received federal clearance, but questions have emerged about the extent to which such tests can accurately predict whether a cognitively healthy individual will develop cognitive impairment—a key symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

A new international study involving researchers across three continents and led by experts from the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute sheds new light on the prognostic value of such tests.

The study found that cognitively unimpaired individuals with very high levels of the biomarker had a 38% absolute risk of developing cognitive impairment over the next five years and a 78% risk over the next 10 years.

Whole cross-sectional human ultrasound tomography

An impressive paper where entire human torso cross sections were imaged via ultrasound. I’m also curious if this has any ties to Midjourney’s announcement of a similar-sounding technology in their new biomedical division.

An ultrasound tomography system composed of a custom 512-element circular receiver array combined with a single-element transmitter that rotates around the participant enables whole cross-sectional ultrasound imaging of the human body.

Scientists discover how macrophages age differently throughout the body

Why does the immune system become less effective as we age? A new USC study published in BMC Biology offers fresh insights by examining a key immune cell type across tissues: macrophages.

Macrophages act as the body’s cleanup and maintenance crew. Found in nearly every tissue, they help fight infections, remove damaged cells, repair tissues and keep inflammation under control, acting as a first line of defense for the immune system. But like many cells in the body, macrophages change as we get older.

In this new study, researchers analyzed data from macrophages collected from different mouse tissues, including the brain, lungs, liver and other organs. By comparing younger and older animals, they uncovered common patterns of aging shared across many macrophage populations, as well as important differences depending on where the cells come from.

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