Evaluating the Expression Levels of MicroRNA-10b in Patients With Gliomas
Evaluating the Expression Levels of MicroRNA-10b in Patients With Gliomas
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are molecular biomarkers that post-transcriptionally control target genes.
 Deregulated miRNA expression has been observed in diverse cancers. In high grade gliomas,
 known as glioblastomas, the investigators have identified an oncogenic miRNA, miRNA-10b
 (mir-10b) that is expressed at higher levels in glioblastomas than in normal brain tissue.
 This study tests the hypothesis that in primary glioma samples mir-10b expression patterns
 will serve as a prognostic and diagnostic marker. This study will also characterize the
 phenotypic and genotypic diversity of glioma subclasses. Furthermore, considering the
 critical function of anti-mir-10b in blocking established glioblastoma growth, the
 investigators will test in vitro the sensitivity of individual primary tumors to anti-mir-10b
 treatment. Tumor, blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples will be obtained from patients
 diagnosed with gliomas over a period of two years. These samples will be examined for mir-10b
 expression levels. Patient survival, as well as tumor grade and genotypic variations will be
 correlated to mir-10b expression levels.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

 -  18 years of age

 -  Brain tumor(s) to be resected for clinical reasons.

 -  Histological pathology confirmation that tumor is of glial origin, WHO Grade II, III
 or IV.

 -  Adequate tissue available for processing as determined by Pathology.

 -  Adequate decision making ability to review, discuss and sign a consent form to allow
 their tumor samples to be used for future human brain tumor biology laboratory
 research. Determination of capacity to consent is made by one of the co-investigators
 based on clinical assessment.

 -  Patients opting for the standard treatment regimen for their disease as well as
 ongoing clinical trials will be are eligible to participate in this study. Standard
 care for newly-diagnosed glioblastomas typically consists of surgical resection
 followed by radiotherapy with concomitant temozolomide, followed by adjuvant
 temozolomide chemotherapy.