A snapshot into the role of the purinergic P2X7 receptor and the immune system in human high-grade gliomas

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in adults under the age of 40. Glioblastomas are the most common and aggressive form. This thesis examined the role of a protein called P2X7R, in glioblastoma. Blocking P2X7R function with a drug, AZ10606120 (AZ), was effective at reducing tumour cell numbers. AZ was also more effective than the conventional chemotherapy drug, temozolomide. These findings were also consistent in glioma stem cells, a subset of tumour cells responsible for treatment resistance. Findings from this thesis paves the way for future clinical trials involving P2X7R blockade in glioblastoma.