New Findings Reveal Glioblastoma’s Impact Beyond the Brain

Recent research conducted by scientists at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine has uncovered groundbreaking insights into glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer. Traditionally viewed as a localized disease confined to the brain, glioblastoma is now understood to have far-reaching effects, including bone erosion, immune system alterations, and systemic immune responses. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience under the title "Brain Tumors Induce Widespread Disruption of Calvarial Bone and Alteration of Skull Marrow Immune Landscape," demonstrates that glioblastomas can erode skull bones, particularly along sutures where cranial bones fuse, and increase channels between the skull marrow and the brain. These channels facilitate the movement of immune cells, contributing to a disrupted immune environment that favors tumor progression.

The researchers utilized advanced imaging techniques on mice genetically engineered to develop glioblastoma, observing significant skull erosion and an increased number of channels between the skull and bone marrow. Similar patterns were detected in human patients through CT scans, confirming the relevance of these findings. The tumors also caused a profound shift in the immune cell composition within the skull marrow, notably increasing pro-inflammatory neutrophils while nearly eliminating certain antibody-producing B cells, which could exacerbate tumor growth.

Furthermore, the study examined the effects of anti-osteoporosis drugs, zoledronic acid and denosumab, on skull erosion and tumor growth. While both drugs prevented skull bone loss, zoledronic acid was associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and inhibited the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs like anti-PD-L1. These findings suggest the potential of targeting skull-bone interactions and immune responses as novel strategies in glioblastoma treatment.

With approximately 15,000 new glioblastoma cases diagnosed annually in the United States and a median survival of just 15 months under standard therapies, these revelations point toward new therapeutic pathways. Understanding that glioblastoma interacts with and manipulates systemic immune mechanisms opens the door for innovative treatments that go beyond traditional approaches, potentially improving patient outcomes in the future.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-glioblastomas-affect-brain-scientists.html