text: With single-cell technologies, Filbin, Ligon, and their colleagues were able to glimpse for the first time a detailed picture of glioblastoma on a scale that matches its biology.
  The team discovered that tumor growth is fueled by four distinct cell types or "states," which exist at varying degrees in all glioblastoma patients, both children and adults. These states resemble different cells normally found in the developing brain, including astrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, both types of support cells called glia; neural progenitors, which can give rise to both neurons and glia; and mesenchymal cells, which give rise to connective tissue.
  These glioblastoma cell states are highly plastic and can readily shift from one to another. When Filbin and her colleagues injected just one of the four cell types into mice, tumors formed that contained all four types, helping to explain why existing single-target therapies fail to curtail glioblastoma growth.
  Unfortunately, the data do not give credence to differentiation therapy as an effective treatment for glioblastoma, though, as Filbin's earlier work indicates, it remains a promising approach for DIPG. Nevertheless, Filbin and her team believe their findings offer a roadmap for identifying new glioblastoma therapies, and they have launched early-stage research projects to pursue them.
  "In every glioblastoma we looked at, whether it was from a kid or an adult, it had only those four cell types, regardless of its genetic makeup," said Filbin. "That gives us hope that if we can find a way to block all four at the same time, we can kill the tumor."
  Such a four-pronged attack would signify a groundbreaking approach to glioblastoma treatment — one that could deliver long awaited hope to patients.
  See an overview of relevant board memberships, outside support, and significant advisory roles as reported by several physicians and researchers featured in the 2020 issue of Dana-Farber's Paths of Progress magazine.
  New research shows that CDK 4/6 and PARP Inhibitors can stimulate the immune system to fight cancer, in addition to their known effects in fighting tumor cells.
  Machine language technology brings the new capability to study each individual's risks and best treatment options.
  
  I heard the #5342 come through today during lunch, so I ran downtown to catch it switching on the main. Interestingly, the covered hopper cars on the left were picked up at Moyer & Son on Reliance Road. The brick building to the left was the former Moyer & Son Feed Mill building before they moved to their present location.
  My son Daniel trying to enjoy every last bit of the snow before the big warm up begins. Hard to believe it's March!