Brain tumors of childhood: genetics against chemotherapy side effects

Radboud University, 16 december 2022
Promotores : Noordam, C., Guchelaar (LUMC), H.J. Co-promotores : Coenen, M.J.H., Loo, D.M.W.M. te
Contains fulltext : 284845.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)
Brain tumors are the most common type of solid tumors in childhood. Some type of brain tumors need to be treated with chemotherapy, which can lead to severe side effects. It is known that one child is more sensitive to develop chemotherapy side effects than the other child, but it is unknown what causes this difference. This thesis describes studies in which the impact of differences in DNA between these patients as a cause of the differences in chemotherapy side effects. These studies, two new genes came to light in relation to hearing loss and kidney damage caused by chemotherapy (TSPAN5 and RBMS3). Also, an already discovered gene (CEP72) is studied in more detail in relation to the side effect nerve damage. By doing so, this thesis has contributed to a better understanding of the role of differences in DNA in the development of chemotherapy side effects, and a step towards prediction and prevention of these side effects.