Combination therapy to checkmate Glioblastoma: clinical challenges and advances

Debarati Ghosh1, Saikat Nandi2, Sonali Bhattacharjee3

  • 1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA.

Insights

Combination therapy offers new hope for glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive brain cancer. This review explores novel drug combinations and clinical trials to overcome treatment challenges and improve patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Cancer Pharmacology
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis and high recurrence rates.
  • Treatment is limited by tumor cell infiltration, the blood-brain barrier, tumor heterogeneity, and drug resistance.
  • Combination therapy is a key strategy to overcome these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology, diagnostic markers, and therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma.
  • To discuss current treatment limitations and novel combination therapies.
  • To summarize ongoing clinical trials for glioblastoma therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on glioblastoma treatment.
  • Analysis of current therapeutic options and emerging combination drug regimens.
  • Synthesis of information on diagnostic markers and targeting strategies.

Main Results:

  • Combination therapy is a promising approach for glioblastoma, with novel regimens under investigation.
  • Understanding glioblastoma pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Several combination therapies are in various stages of clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Novel combination therapies hold significant potential for improving glioblastoma treatment outcomes.
  • Overcoming treatment resistance and enhancing drug delivery are critical areas of focus.
  • Continued research and clinical trials are essential for advancing glioblastoma therapy.

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