METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING NUCLEAR RECEPTOR/LIGAND COMBINATIONS FOR TARGETING BRAIN TUMOR STEM CELLS AND FOR THEIR USE

摘要

An in vitro method is provided for identifying nuclear receptors abnormally expressed by brain tumor stem cells and a corresponding ligand which, if administered to brain tumor stem cells (BTSC's), is capable of inhibiting cell proliferation. Once the nuclear receptor/ligand combination has been identified, it can be utilized in vitro and in vivo to inhibit the proliferation and survival of the cancerous stem cells and ultimately affect proliferation and survival of tumors. The method can be utilized alone or in combination with other treatment methods. The method can also be utilized with regard to other forms of cancer which have cancerous stem cells associated therewith and which abnormally express one or more nuclear receptors.