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Published on: January 9, 2019
Biomarkers of clinical responsiveness in brain tumor patients : progress and potential
Areej El-Jawahri1, Disha Patel, Min Zhang
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme represent malignant astrocytomas, which are the most common type of malignant gliomas. Despite research efforts in cancer therapy, the prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas remains poor. Research efforts in recent years have focused on investigating the cellular, molecular, and genetic pathways involved in the progression of malignant gliomas. As a result, biomarkers have emerged as diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic tools that have the potential to transform the field of brain tumor diagnostics. An increased understanding of the important molecular pathways that have been implicated in the progression of malignant gliomas has led to the identification of potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers, some bearing clinical implications for targeted therapy. Some of the most promising biomarkers to date include loss of chromosomes 1p/19q in oligodendrogliomas and expression of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in glioblastomas. Other promising biomarkers in glioma research include glial fibrillary acidic protein, galectins, Kir potassium channel proteins, angiogenesis, and apoptosis pathway markers. Research into the clinical relevance and applicability of such biomarkers has the potential to revolutionize our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant gliomas.
Insights
Malignant gliomas, common brain tumors, have poor prognoses. New biomarkers offer hope for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapies, potentially revolutionizing patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Gliomas are the most frequent primary adult brain tumors.
- Malignant gliomas, including anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme, have a poor patient prognosis despite therapeutic advancements.
- Understanding the molecular and genetic pathways driving glioma progression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging role of biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response in malignant gliomas.
- To highlight key molecular pathways implicated in glioma progression and their associated biomarkers.
- To discuss the potential clinical implications of these biomarkers for targeted therapy and improved patient management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on glioma biomarkers.
- Analysis of molecular and genetic pathways in malignant glioma progression.
- Identification and evaluation of promising diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Biomarkers are emerging as critical tools for transforming brain tumor diagnostics.
- Key biomarkers include 1p/19q codeletion in oligodendrogliomas, and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in glioblastomas.
- Other promising markers involve glial fibrillary acidic protein, galectins, potassium channel proteins, and markers of angiogenesis and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Increased understanding of molecular pathways has identified significant biomarkers for malignant gliomas.
- These biomarkers hold potential for revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients.
- Further research into clinical relevance can lead to personalized therapeutic approaches.