Cell surface receptors in malignant glioma
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Published on: February 24, 2021
Yan Michael Li1, Walter A Hall
1Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Despite advances in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, malignant gliomas are still highly lethal tumors. Traditional treatments that rely on nonspecific, cytotoxic approaches have a marginal impact on patient survival. However, recent advances in the molecular cancer biology underlying glioma pathogenesis have revealed that abnormalities in common cell surface receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinase and other cytokines, mediate the abnormal cellular signal pathways and aggressive biological behavior among the majority of these tumors. Some cell surface receptors have been targeted by novel agents in preclinical and clinical development. Such cancer-specific targeted agents might offer the promise of improved cancer control without substantial toxicity. Here, we review these common cell surface receptors with clinical significance for malignant glioma and discuss the molecular characteristics, pathological significance, and potential therapeutic application of these cell surface receptors. We also summarize the clinical trials of drugs targeting these cell surface receptors in malignant glioma patients.
Insights
Targeting cell surface receptors offers a promising new approach for malignant glioma treatment. These novel agents may improve cancer control with less toxicity compared to traditional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Malignant gliomas remain highly lethal despite advances in conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
- Traditional therapies often lack specificity, leading to limited efficacy and significant toxicity.
- Recent research highlights the role of aberrant cell surface receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinases, in glioma pathogenesis and aggressive behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinically significant cell surface receptors in malignant glioma.
- To discuss the molecular characteristics, pathological importance, and therapeutic potential of these receptors.
- To summarize ongoing clinical trials of targeted agents for malignant glioma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involving cell surface receptors in glioma.
- Compilation of data from clinical trials investigating targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Identified common cell surface receptors implicated in malignant glioma.
- Detailed the molecular mechanisms and pathological significance of these receptors.
- Summarized the development and clinical trial outcomes of targeted agents.
Conclusions:
- Targeting specific cell surface receptors represents a promising therapeutic strategy for malignant gliomas.
- Novel targeted agents show potential for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to conventional treatments.
- Further clinical investigation of these targeted therapies is warranted for malignant glioma patients.
