Current and Future Drug Treatments for Glioblastomas
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
The Clinical Application of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy in Glioblastoma
Published on: April 16, 2019
11-98 Dengakugakubo Kutsukake-cho Toyoake Aichi 470-1192 Japan.
Abstract:
Glioblastomas are the most aggressive of all gliomas and have the worst prognosis, with 5-year survival rates of less than 10%. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a DNA-methylating agent. Now that TMZ is available, the standard treatment is maximal safe resection, followed by treatment with radiation and TMZ. TMZ has also been used for maintenance therapy. Recently, bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, has been used for the initial treatment of glioblastomas and for the treatment of recurrent glioblastomas. A 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) wafer can also be placed on the surface of the cavity after near-complete tumor resection. These are currently the three drugs that are most often used to treat glioblastomas. In the near future, other therapeutic options such as immunotherapy may be used to treat glioblastomas.
Insights
Glioblastoma treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Other drugs like bevacizumab and BCNU wafers are also used, with immunotherapy emerging as a future option for this aggressive brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Glioblastomas are highly aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses.
- Current standard treatment combines maximal safe resection with radiation and temozolomide (TMZ).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging therapeutic options for glioblastomas.
- To highlight the role of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and localized drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of current glioblastoma treatment modalities.
- Discussion of established drugs: temozolomide, bevacizumab, and BCNU wafers.
- Consideration of future therapeutic avenues like immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Temozolomide (TMZ) is a key chemotherapeutic agent used in combination therapy and maintenance.
- Bevacizumab targets vascular endothelial growth factor for initial and recurrent glioblastomas.
- 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) wafers offer localized treatment post-resection.
Conclusions:
- Current glioblastoma management relies on a multi-modal approach including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
- Bevacizumab and BCNU wafers represent important additions to the therapeutic arsenal.
- Immunotherapy shows promise as a future treatment strategy for glioblastomas.
