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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Published on: November 28, 2015
Cytokine networks in glioma
Kenichiro Iwami1, Atsushi Natsume, Toshihiko Wakabayashi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
Glioma is the most frequently occurring brain tumor, but the prognosis of patients with gliomas remains poor despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, great efforts have been made to develop improved therapeutic strategies. Cytokines are a heterogeneous group of soluble small polypeptides or glycoproteins that exert pleiotropic and redundant effects that promote the growth, differentiation, and activation of normal cells. Cytokines have either pro- or anti-inflammatory activity and immunosuppressive activity, depending on the microenvironment surrounding the tumor. The microenvironment consists of heterogeneous tumor cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix. Modulation of the microenvironment by the tumor is essential for its growth and progress. Cytokine production acts as a means of communication in the tumor microenvironment. In this article, we review the cross-talk between cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and the cytokine therapies that have been used till date for glioma treatment.
Insights
This review explores cytokine communication within the brain tumor microenvironment. It examines how these signaling molecules influence glioma growth and discusses current cytokine-based therapies for brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Glioma, the most common brain tumor, has a poor patient prognosis despite current treatments.
- Cytokines are crucial signaling molecules in the tumor microenvironment, influencing cell behavior.
- Tumor microenvironments comprise heterogeneous cells and extracellular matrix, essential for tumor growth and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the communication pathways involving cytokines within the glioma microenvironment.
- To summarize existing cytokine therapies for treating gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on glioma, tumor microenvironment, and cytokines.
- Analysis of cytokine roles in glioma pathogenesis and progression.
- Evaluation of current and emerging cytokine-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Cytokines play a dual role (pro- or anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive) within the tumor microenvironment.
- Tumor cells actively modulate the microenvironment through cytokine production for growth and survival.
- Cytokine cross-talk is a key mechanism in glioma development and progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cytokine networks in the glioma microenvironment is vital for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting cytokine signaling presents a promising avenue for novel glioma therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into cytokine-based therapies could improve outcomes for glioma patients.
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