Case Number CH-069

Inventor: Trudy Forte, PhD

Abstract
This invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of brain tumor cells, such as glioblastoma mutiforme (GBM).

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is a major transporter of cholesterol to cells and tissues except in the brain where the blood brain barrier excludes such relatively large particles. Cholesterol delivered to cells is used for cell growth and repair. Cancer cells frequently have increased numbers of LDL receptors on their surfaces; probably to increase the delivery of LDL cholesterol, which supports increased cell division and proliferation. The brain tumor, glioblastoma mutiforme (GBM), is a fatal brain cancer that accounts for 85% of deaths from brain tumors. Unlike normal brain cells that have few LDL receptors, GBM cells have high numbers of LDL receptors on their surface.

Advantage
The invention provides for a novel way to deliver cytotoxins to GBM tumors, as well as, other central nervous system tumors. It has the potential to be used with radionuclides as an imaging agent to detect tumors. The present delivery system is designed to work in conjunction with convection enhanced delivery, which would directly deliver the therapeutic agent to the brain after insertion of a catheter.

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