DAILY glucocorticoid hormones, commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation, can significantly influence the progression of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain cancer in adults, according to new research. This groundbreaking study shows that glucocorticoids promote GBM growth in a time-of-day-dependent manner, providing critical insights into how circadian rhythms impact cancer biology.
Scientists discovered that glioblastoma cells synchronize with the host’s circadian rhythms via glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling. High GR expression in human GBM samples was linked to a greater risk of mortality. Additionally, blocking glucocorticoid signals or other circadian cues, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide, dramatically slowed tumor growth in experimental models.
Remarkably, both mouse and human GBM cells demonstrated intrinsic daily rhythms that aligned with the host’s circadian circuit, regardless of the immune environment. These findings suggest that manipulating circadian rhythms or glucocorticoid pathways could represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
Previous studies have already highlighted the importance of circadian timing in chemotherapy, showing improved survival rates when treatment is aligned with the body’s internal clock. This research expands the scope of circadian influence, emphasizing its critical role in glioblastoma progression.
By targeting circadian-driven pathways, healthcare professionals could unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes in one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.
Reference: Gonzalez-Aponte MF et al. Daily glucocorticoids promote glioblastoma growth and circadian synchrony to the host. Cancer Cell. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.11.012. [Article in press].
Anaya Malik | AMJ
