Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have uncovered that craniopharyngioma, a benign yet invasive brain tumor, exploits neuronal activity to promote its growth. By developing animal models that closely mimic human craniopharyngioma, the team observed that these tumors form synaptic connections with hypothalamic neurons, effectively hijacking neurotransmitter signals to enhance tumor proliferation. Modulating neuronal activity in these models demonstrated that increased neuronal signaling accelerates tumor growth, while reduced activity inhibits it.
In a promising development, the researchers identified that amlodipine besylate, a commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication, exhibits potent antitumor effects in preclinical models of craniopharyngioma. Amlodipine disrupts calcium signaling pathways critical for the synaptic communication between neurons and tumor cells, thereby impeding tumor growth. Given its established safety profile, amlodipine presents a potential therapeutic avenue for patients with craniopharyngioma, pending further clinical validation. Click for More Details
