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Updated: May 7, 2026
Evaluation of Biomarkers in Glioma by Immunohistochemistry on Paraffin-Embedded 3D Glioma Neurosphere Cultures
Published on: January 9, 2019
Using the molecular classification of glioblastoma to inform personalized treatment
Adriana Olar1, Kenneth D Aldape
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive diffuse glioma, associated with short survival and uniformly fatal outcome, irrespective of treatment. It is characterized by morphological, genetic and gene-expression heterogeneity. The current standard of treatment is maximal surgical resection, followed by radiation, with concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy. Due to the heterogeneity, most tumours develop resistance to treatment and shortly recur. Following recurrence, glioblastoma is quickly fatal in the majority of cases. Recent genetic molecular advances have contributed to a better understanding of glioblastoma pathophysiology and disease stratification. In this paper we review basic glioblastoma pathophysiology, with emphasis on clinically relevant genetic molecular alterations and potential targets for further drug development.
Insights
Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, is difficult to treat due to its genetic diversity, leading to rapid recurrence and poor outcomes. Understanding its molecular changes offers hope for new drug development.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer genetics
- Molecular pathology
Background:
- Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis.
- Tumor heterogeneity contributes to treatment resistance and recurrence.
- Current treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of glioblastoma.
- To highlight clinically relevant genetic and molecular alterations.
- To identify potential targets for future drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glioblastoma pathophysiology.
- Analysis of genetic and molecular alterations.
- Discussion of therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Glioblastoma exhibits significant morphological, genetic, and gene-expression heterogeneity.
- This heterogeneity drives treatment resistance and tumor recurrence.
- Recent advances have improved understanding of glioblastoma's molecular landscape.
Conclusions:
- Glioblastoma's complex pathophysiology necessitates a deeper understanding of its molecular underpinnings.
- Targeting specific genetic alterations holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into molecular targets is crucial for improving glioblastoma patient outcomes.
