Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Preparation Of Neovascular Tissues from Human Glioma Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Tumor Angiogenesis
Published on: March 20, 2026
Targeting integrins in malignant glioma
Ghazaleh Tabatabai1, Michael Weller, Burt Nabors
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. ghazaleh.tabatabai@usz.ch
Abstract:
The integrin family of cell adhesion receptors is emerging as a promising target of anticancer therapy. AlphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta5 integrins are overexpressed on both glioma cells and tumor vasculature. Cilengitide, the most advanced specific integrin inhibitor in oncology, has shown antitumor activity against glioma in early clinical trials. Durable remissions have been observed in phase I and phase II trials for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) with both lower and higher doses of cilengitide. Pilot trials in newly diagnosed glioblastoma in conjunction with standard chemoradiotherapy have been encouraging. Preclinical data suggest synergy with concomitant chemo- and radiation therapy. A pivotal phase III study (CENTRIC) in newly diagnosed GBM patients is currently recruiting. This paper summarizes the current understanding of the role of integrins and their inhibition in gliomagenesis. The background and design of ongoing trials are outlined.
Insights
Integrin inhibitors like cilengitide show promise for treating glioma. Clinical trials indicate durable remissions in glioblastoma (GBM) and potential synergy with standard therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Adhesion Research
Background:
- Integrins are cell adhesion receptors implicated in cancer.
- AlphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta5 integrins are overexpressed in glioma and tumor vasculature.
- Cilengitide is a leading integrin inhibitor in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of integrins in gliomagenesis.
- To summarize the therapeutic potential of integrin inhibition for glioma.
- To outline ongoing clinical trials for integrin inhibitors in GBM.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical data on integrin function in glioma.
- Analysis of clinical trial results for cilengitide in recurrent and newly diagnosed GBM.
- Summary of ongoing phase III studies (e.g., CENTRIC).
Main Results:
- Cilengitide demonstrates antitumor activity in glioma.
- Durable remissions observed in Phase I/II trials for recurrent glioblastoma.
- Encouraging results from pilot trials in newly diagnosed GBM with standard therapy.
Conclusions:
- Integrin inhibition is a promising anticancer strategy for glioma.
- Cilengitide shows potential for treating glioblastoma, particularly in combination therapy.
- Ongoing trials will further define the efficacy of integrin inhibitors in GBM.
Related Concept Videos
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Integrins
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...

