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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
New frontiers in the treatment of malignant glioma
1London Regional Cancer Centre, 790 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6A 4L6 Canada.
Abstract:
Despite many technologic advances in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, and radiation therapy, there has been little improvement in survival for patients with malignant glioma. Given the failure of traditional treatment approaches to significantly improve survival in patients with malignant gliomas, research in this field has focused on gaining a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of gliomas with the goal of identifying novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies. The influence of molecular genetics on response and survival has been best shown in oligodendrogliomas. The hallmarks of low-grade and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are their exquisite sensitivity to chemotherapy and favorable prognosis, which are correlated with loss of heterozygosity of chromosomes 1p and 19q. Together, loss of heterozygosity of 1p and 19q appears to confer responsiveness to chemotherapy and to correlate with improved survival. In contrast, deletion of the CDKN2A gene is correlated with poor response to chemotherapy and poor survival, and loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 10q is associated with shorter progression-free and overall survival compared with intact 10q. A variety of other molecular genetic abnormalities have been recognized in gliomas, and these genetic changes are not only important prognostic factors, but also offer new therapeutic targets. With the increased use of improved surgical and radiotherapy techniques and targeted biologic therapy over the next 20 years, many patients with malignant gliomas may be cured or their disease may be controlled for the long term. Molecular profiling of patients using gene chip technology will likely become commonplace, and many patients will receive a tailored treatment regimen based on the unique genetic profile of their tumor.
Insights
Molecular genetics significantly impacts malignant glioma treatment. Specific genetic markers like 1p/19q loss predict chemotherapy response and better survival in oligodendrogliomas, guiding targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Genetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Malignant gliomas have shown limited survival improvements despite technological advances.
- Traditional treatments have failed to significantly enhance patient outcomes.
- Research is shifting towards understanding molecular pathogenesis for novel therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of molecular genetics in glioma prognosis and treatment response.
- To identify specific genetic alterations that influence patient survival and chemotherapy sensitivity.
- To highlight the potential of targeted therapies based on glioma's genetic profile.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of molecular genetic abnormalities in gliomas, including loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and gene deletions.
- Correlation of specific genetic markers with patient response to chemotherapy and overall survival.
- Review of current and emerging therapeutic strategies informed by molecular profiling.
Main Results:
- Loss of heterozygosity of chromosomes 1p and 19q is strongly correlated with chemotherapy sensitivity and favorable prognosis in oligodendrogliomas.
- CDKN2A gene deletion is linked to poor chemotherapy response and survival.
- Loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 10q is associated with shorter progression-free and overall survival.
Conclusions:
- Molecular genetic profiling is crucial for understanding glioma behavior and predicting treatment outcomes.
- Specific genetic markers serve as vital prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets.
- Future treatments will likely involve tailored regimens based on individual tumor genetic profiles, improving long-term disease control.
