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Updated: May 10, 2026
A Rapid Screening Workflow to Identify Potential Combination Therapy for GBM using Patient-Derived Glioma Stem Cells
Published on: March 28, 2021
Novel approaches to glioma drug design and drug screening
Shivaputra A Patil1, Amira Hosni-Ahmed, Terreia S Jones
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 847 Monroe Avenue, Room 327, 881 Madison, Room 435, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. spatil3@uthsc.edu
Introduction:
Gliomas are considered the most malignant form of brain tumors, and ranked among the most aggressive human cancers. Despite advance standard therapy the prognosis for patients with gliomas remains poor. Chemotherapy has played an important role as an adjuvant in treating gliomas. The efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drug is limited due to poor drug delivery and the inherent chemo- and radio-resistance. Challenges of the brain cancer therapy in clinical settings are; i) to overcome the chemo- and radio-resistance, ii) to improve drug delivery to tumors and iii) the development of effective drug screening procedures.
Areas Covered:
In this review, the authors discuss clinically important chemotherapeutic agents used for treating malignant gliomas along with novel drug design approaches. The authors, furthermore, discuss the in vitro and in vivo drug screening procedures for the development of novel drug candidates.
Expert Opinion:
The development of novel and highly potent chemotherapeutic agents for both glioma and glioma stem cells (GSCs) is highly important for future brain cancer research. Thus, research efforts should be directed towards developing innovative molecularly targeted antiglioma agents in order to reduce the toxicity and drug resistance which are associated with current forms of therapy. Development of novel pre-clinical drug screening procedures is also very critical for the overall success of brain cancer therapies in clinical settings.
Insights
Developing novel chemotherapy drugs and screening methods is crucial for treating aggressive brain tumors like gliomas. This research aims to improve drug delivery and overcome resistance for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor patient prognosis despite standard therapies.
- Chemotherapy is vital but limited by poor drug delivery and resistance.
- Key challenges include overcoming resistance, improving tumor drug delivery, and effective screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current chemotherapy agents for malignant gliomas.
- To explore novel drug design strategies for glioma treatment.
- To discuss in vitro and in vivo drug screening methods for new candidates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing chemotherapeutic agents.
- Analysis of novel drug design approaches.
- Discussion of preclinical drug screening procedures (in vitro and in vivo).
Main Results:
- Current chemotherapy efficacy is hampered by drug delivery and resistance.
- Novel molecularly targeted agents are needed to reduce toxicity.
- Improved preclinical screening is critical for clinical success.
Conclusions:
- Development of potent agents for gliomas and glioma stem cells is essential.
- Future research should focus on targeted therapies to combat resistance and toxicity.
- Innovative preclinical screening methods are vital for advancing brain cancer treatment.
