Study reveals glioblastoma tumors use body’s daily rhythms to enhance growth

A recent study published in Cancer Cell shows that glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain tumor, grows more rapidly when influenced by daily hormone cycles called glucocorticoids. This research highlights the tumor's ability to synchronize its growth with the body's natural rhythms. Researchers found that administering glucocorticoids at specific times can either promote or suppress tumor growth, depending on the circadian phase. Tumors treated during low periods of a key clock gene showed increased growth, while treatments at peak times reduced it. The study also revealed that higher levels of glucocorticoid receptors in glioblastoma tissues are linked to worse patient outcomes. These findings suggest that adjusting treatment timing based on circadian rhythms could enhance glioblastoma therapies.