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Published on: July 16, 2018
Current concepts and newer developments in the treatment of malignant gliomas
1Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 441 95, USA.
Abstract:
Primary malignant brain tumors account for only 2% of all adult cancers but they cause a disproportionately high cancer-related disability and death. Survival of malignant glioma patients has changed only modestly over the past three decades despite the emergence of new treatment strategies for these tumors. In this review, we describe the standard treatment modalities for malignant glioma, which include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, as well as the status of novel therapies that have been developed to target various aspects of glioma cell biology. We also address this issue of drug delivery as a factor limiting the efficacy of systemic administration of therapeutics and attempts to overcome this barrier. Further progress towards a cure for malignant gliomas will require a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving the growth, and resistance to therapy, of these challenging tumors.
Insights
Malignant gliomas are rare but deadly brain tumors. Current treatments offer modest survival gains, necessitating research into novel therapies and improved drug delivery for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Primary malignant brain tumors, particularly malignant gliomas, represent a small fraction of adult cancers but are associated with significant disability and mortality.
- Despite advances in treatment strategies over the last 30 years, patient survival for malignant gliomas has seen only marginal improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review standard treatment modalities for malignant glioma, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- To discuss the current status of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glioma cell biology.
- To address challenges in drug delivery for systemic therapeutics and methods to overcome these barriers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of standard and novel therapies for malignant gliomas.
- Analysis of treatment efficacy and limitations.
- Discussion of drug delivery challenges and potential solutions.
Main Results:
- Standard treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) provide limited survival benefit.
- Novel therapies targeting glioma biology are under development.
- Ineffective drug delivery hinders systemic therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Further progress in treating malignant gliomas requires a deeper understanding of tumor growth and therapeutic resistance mechanisms.
- Innovative approaches to drug delivery are crucial for enhancing treatment effectiveness.
- Integrated research into tumor biology and delivery systems is essential for developing curative strategies.
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