Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Stereotactic Adoptive Transfer of Cytotoxic Immune Cells in Murine Models of Orthotopic Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Xenografts
Published on: September 1, 2018
Immunotherapy approaches for malignant glioma from 2007 to 2009
Laura A Johnson1, John H Sampson
1Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3050, Sands Research Building, Durham, NC 27710, USA. laura.a.johnson@duke.edu
Abstract:
Malignant glioma is a deadly disease for which there have been few therapeutic advances over the past century. Although previous treatments were largely unsuccessful, glioma may be an ideal target for immune-based therapy. Recently, translational research led to several clinical trials based on tumor immunotherapy to treat patients with malignant glioma. Here we review 17 recent glioma immunotherapy clinical trials, published over the past 3 years. Various approaches were used, including passive transfer of naked and radiolabeled antibodies, tumor antigen-specific peptide immunization, and the use of patient tumor cells with or without dendritic cells as vaccines. We compare and discuss the current state of the art of clinical immunotherapy treatment, as well as its limited successes, pitfalls, and future potential.
Insights
Malignant glioma immunotherapy shows promise, with various approaches like antibody transfer and vaccines being tested in recent clinical trials. Further research is needed to overcome challenges and realize its full therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Malignant glioma remains a deadly brain tumor with limited therapeutic progress.
- Despite past treatment failures, glioma's characteristics suggest it is a viable target for immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze 17 recent clinical trials on glioma immunotherapy.
- To discuss the current landscape, successes, challenges, and future directions of brain tumor immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of 17 clinical trials published within the last 3 years.
- Analysis of diverse immunotherapy approaches including antibody-based therapies and cellular vaccines.
Main Results:
- Multiple immunotherapy strategies have been explored for malignant glioma.
- Current successes are limited, highlighting significant challenges in the field.
Conclusions:
- Glioma immunotherapy represents a developing field with potential, but requires further investigation.
- Overcoming current pitfalls is crucial for advancing effective brain tumor immunotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...