Assessing Viability And Real-Time Apoptosis/Necrosis In An In Vitro Model Of Malignant Glioma

By Silvia Vidali, PhD, and Emanuele Giordano

This content is brought to you by Molecular Devices, a Danaher Operating Company.

Malignant gliomas, a particularly aggressive subset of brain tumors, pose a significant challenge in oncology due to their highly invasive nature and resistance to standard treatments. These tumors infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, making complete surgical removal difficult and reducing the effectiveness of conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers are dedicated to understanding the complex biology of malignant gliomas, focusing on the mechanisms of cell death, including apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis (uncontrolled cell death).

Real-time assessment of these processes in glioma cells is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows scientists to determine the viability of tumor cells, providing insights into how these cells survive and proliferate despite therapeutic interventions. Secondly, monitoring the dynamics of apoptosis and necrosis helps identify the precise moments when cells undergo programmed death, which is essential for developing targeted treatments that can effectively induce cell death in glioma cells.

Access the full application note to discover how this approach holds promise for improving treatment outcomes and ultimately enhancing the prognosis for patients with malignant gliomas.