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Updated: May 29, 2026

Cell Cycle-specific Measurement of γH2AX and Apoptosis After Genotoxic Stress by Flow Cytometry
Published on: September 1, 2019
DNA damage response and growth factor signaling pathways in gliomagenesis and therapeutic resistance
Massimo Squatrito1, Eric C Holland
1Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA. squatrim@mskcc.org
Abstract:
The dismal prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is mainly due to the poor response of GBM patients to any therapeutic modalities, which include ionizing radiation and DNA-alkylating agents. In the last few years, the important role of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in tumor formation and modulation of therapeutic response has been appreciated. Interestingly, several of the genetic alterations commonly found in GBMs (such as epidermal growth factor receptor amplification and PTEN inactivation) have also recently been shown to regulate the activity of the DNA repair machinery and, consequently, the response to DNA-damaging agents used routinely in the clinic. In this review, we focus on some of these findings that suggest that at least some of the pathways driving GBM formation could be directly responsible for the therapy resistance of this tumor type. Possible therapeutic approaches exist that may either overcome or take advantage of these GBM genetic alterations to improve the response of these tumors to DNA-damaging therapy.
Insights
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapy resistance stems from DNA damage response (DDR) pathway alterations. Targeting these DDR pathways offers new strategies to improve glioblastoma treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) exhibits a poor prognosis due to limited therapeutic response.
- The DNA damage response (DDR) pathway significantly influences tumor development and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review findings linking GBM-driving genetic alterations to therapy resistance.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting GBM genetic alterations for improved treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the role of DDR pathways in GBM.
- Analysis of genetic alterations in GBM (e.g., EGFR amplification, PTEN inactivation) and their impact on DNA repair.
- Examination of therapeutic approaches to overcome or exploit these alterations.
Main Results:
- Genetic alterations in GBM, such as EGFR amplification and PTEN inactivation, modulate DNA repair capacity.
- These alterations contribute to the inherent resistance of GBM to DNA-damaging therapies like radiation and chemotherapy.
- The pathways driving GBM formation are implicated in therapy resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between GBM genetics and DDR is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming or utilizing GBM-specific genetic alterations hold promise for enhancing patient response to DNA-damaging agents.
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