Glioblastoma: Overview of Disease and Treatment
1Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Background:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. Current treatment options at diagnosis are multimodal and include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Significant advances in the understanding of the molecular pathology of GBM and associated cell signaling pathways have opened opportunities for new therapies for recurrent and newly diagnosed disease. Innovative treatments, such as tumor-treating fields (TTFields) and immunotherapy, give hope for enhanced survival.
Objectives:
This article reviews the background, risks, common complications, and treatment options for GBM.
Methods:
A brief review of GBM, treatment options, and a look at new therapies that have been approved for new and recurrent disease are included in this article.
Findings:
Despite aggressive resection and combined modality adjuvant treatment, most GBMs recur. Treatments, such as TTFields, drugs to target molecular receptors, and immunotherapy, are promising new options.
Insights
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common brain cancer. New treatments like TTFields and immunotherapy offer hope for improved survival, even after standard treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults.
- Standard treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the background, risks, complications, and treatment options for GBM.
- To discuss emerging therapies for GBM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GBM.
- Analysis of current and novel treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Most GBMs recur despite aggressive multimodal treatment.
- Tumor-treating fields (TTFields), targeted molecular therapies, and immunotherapy show promise.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances, GBM remains challenging due to frequent recurrence.
- Innovative treatments offer new hope for patients with GBM.
