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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
[Treatment of the glioma microenvironment]
1Schwerpunkt Klinische Neuroonkologie, Neurologische Universitätsklinik Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland.
Abstract:
Therapeutic concepts for malignant gliomas increasingly target the genetically non-transformed tumor stroma rather than the tumor cells themselves. There are two particular compartments of the tumor stroma which are currently tackled: the vascular compartment by using antiangiogenic treatment with the aim of vascular normalization and the immune compartment with the aim of enhancing or inducing anti-tumor immunity. Although the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A antibody bevacizumab has not been approved for the treatment of malignant glioma in European countries, there is evidence from smaller trials of biological efficacy particularly in recurrent disease and the results of a large European phase III study testing the clinical efficacy are currently expected. Immunotherapies are on the verge of entering the clinical arena with the first randomized phase III clinical trials having already been completed. In these studies, active vaccination and checkpoint inhibitors which are approved for other tumor entities are being tested. This article provides an overview on the current antiangiogenic and immunological therapies for gliomas, summarizes the results of clinical trials and discusses further developments.
Insights
Malignant glioma treatments are shifting focus to the tumor stroma, exploring antiangiogenic therapies targeting blood vessels and immunotherapies to boost anti-tumor immunity. Clinical trials are evaluating these novel approaches for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors.
- Current treatments often fail to eradicate tumor cells.
- Tumor stroma, including vasculature and immune microenvironment, presents therapeutic targets.
Purpose:
- To review current antiangiogenic and immunotherapies for malignant gliomas.
- To summarize clinical trial results for these novel therapies.
- To discuss future directions in glioma treatment.
Summary:
- Therapeutic strategies for malignant gliomas are increasingly targeting the tumor stroma, specifically the vascular and immune compartments.
- Antiangiogenic therapies aim for vascular normalization, while immunotherapies seek to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
- Bevacizumab (vascular endothelial growth factor A antibody) shows biological efficacy in recurrent gliomas, with clinical trial results pending.
- Immunotherapies, including active vaccination and checkpoint inhibitors, are progressing towards clinical application in glioma treatment.
Impact:
- This review provides a comprehensive overview of emerging glioma therapies.
- It highlights the potential of targeting tumor stroma for improved treatment efficacy.
- The findings will inform future clinical trial design and therapeutic strategies for malignant gliomas.
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