What is an orthotopic xenograft?
Orthotopic models involve implantation of tumor cell lines or patient-derived cell xenografts into animal tumor models into the organ or tissue which matches the tumor histotype. This creates a more disease-relevant environment for the assessment of tumor growth, which can be analyzed by optical imaging.
What is WNT medulloblastoma?
WNT-activated medulloblastomas are defined by activating mutations in the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway (eg, CTNNB1 or germline APC), are often associated with loss of chromosome 6, and have the most favorable prognosis.
Why was the surgeon not able to remove the medulloblastoma completely?
Surgery to remove the medulloblastoma. But sometimes it’s not possible to remove the tumor entirely because medulloblastoma forms near critical structures deep within the brain. All patients with medulloblastoma should receive additional treatments after surgery to target any remaining cells.
What is classic medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor of the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls balance and coordinated movements. The cerebellum is found near the brainstem in a region called the posterior fossa at the back of the brain.
What causes medulloblastoma?
The cause of most medulloblastomas is not known. There’s a small percent of childhood medulloblastomas that are related to gene changes that can be passed down through families. There’s no known cause for adults diagnosed with medulloblastomas.
What cells do medulloblastoma originate from?
Although medulloblastomas are thought to originate from immature or embryonal cells at their earliest stage of development, the cell of origin depends on the subgroup of medulloblastoma. WNT tumors originate from the lower rhombic lip of the brainstem, while SHH tumors originate from the external granular layer.
What are the 4 subtypes of medulloblastoma?
The four principal subgroups of medulloblastoma were named as follows: Wnt, Shh, Group 3, and Group 4 (Fig. 2). The Wnt and Shh (Sonic Hedgehog) were named for the signaling pathways thought to play prominent roles in the pathogenesis of that subgroup.
What is an orthotopic heart?
Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is a well established and commonly utilized procedure for end-stage heart failure patients. Heterotopic heart transplantation (HHT) is a surgical procedure that allows the graft to be connected to the native heart in a parallel fashion.
What is orthotopic liver transplantation?
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) involves the substitution of a diseased native liver with a normal liver (or part of one) taken from a deceased or living donor.