Frontiers in targeting glioma stem cells

Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM - WHO grade IV) seldom recover. This is due to the infiltrative nature of these tumours and the presence of cellular populations with ability to escape therapies and drive tumour recurrence and progression. In some cases, these resistant cells exhibit stem properties [glioma stem cells (GSC)]. This article aims at discussing relevant issues on GSC resistance to current therapies and outlines possible and promising avenues in regard to novel therapeutic strategies, such as pharmacological, immunological and viral interventions.