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Outside the box--novel therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma
Maciej M Mrugala1, Jennifer E Adair, Hans-Peter Kiem
1Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. mmrugala@u.washington.edu
Abstract:
Standard approaches to therapy for malignant glioma provide modest improvement of progression-free survival and overall survival. Almost all patients experiencing glioblastoma eventually progress, and no cure is currently available. During the last decade, we have witnessed a 30% improvement in 2-year overall survival rates, yet glioblastoma continues to cause approximately 13,000 cancer-related deaths in the United States annually. Thus, novel therapies need to be investigated alongside continued development of currently available radiotherapy and chemotherapy options. Because glioblastoma does not typically metastasize outside the brain, development of unique local therapies that are not available for other cancers is feasible. Experimental agents, like scorpion venom-derived chlorotoxin, have been successfully applied in local therapy for glioblastoma. In addition, multiple new gene therapy approaches are emerging for both local and systemic glioblastoma therapy. Lastly, alternating electric fields are being introduced to cancer therapy. This review will discuss these "nonstandard"--outside the box--modalities for therapy for malignant glioma.
Insights
Novel therapies like scorpion venom, gene therapy, and electric fields offer new hope for malignant glioma, a brain cancer with limited treatment options. These innovative approaches aim to improve survival rates beyond current standards.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Experimental Therapeutics
Background:
- Standard malignant glioma therapies offer limited survival benefits, with glioblastoma remaining largely incurable.
- Despite modest survival improvements, glioblastoma causes significant annual cancer deaths, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
- Glioblastoma's localized nature presents opportunities for unique, brain-specific therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss non-standard, innovative therapeutic modalities for malignant glioma.
- To explore emerging treatments beyond conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- To highlight the potential of local and systemic therapies for glioblastoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental agents, including scorpion venom-derived chlorotoxin for local glioblastoma therapy.
- Discussion of emerging gene therapy approaches for both local and systemic glioblastoma treatment.
- Introduction of alternating electric fields as a novel cancer therapy modality.
Main Results:
- Experimental agents like chlorotoxin show promise in local glioblastoma treatment.
- Gene therapy approaches are emerging as potential local and systemic treatment options.
- Alternating electric fields represent a new frontier in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Non-standard therapeutic approaches, including chlorotoxin, gene therapy, and electric fields, warrant further investigation for malignant glioma.
- These innovative strategies may overcome limitations of current treatments and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research into these 'outside the box' modalities is crucial for advancing glioblastoma therapy.
