Glioblastoma multiforme: novel therapeutic targets

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Cancer biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GBM) genetic characterization has not improved treatments.
• Molecular heterogeneity contributes to GBM treatment resistance.
• The GBM tumor microenvironment presents novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review GBM treatment strategies.
• Discuss targeting tumor-intrinsic pathways and the tumor microenvironment.
• Evaluate preclinical studies and their limitations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review from 1989 to 2020.
• PubMed database search.
• Analysis of studies on GBM therapies.

Main Results:

• Direct inhibition of oncogenic pathways in GBM has limited success.
• Tumor microenvironment modulation shows promise.
• Targeting non-transformed cells in the microenvironment is a viable strategy.

Conclusions:

• GBM's molecular heterogeneity necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches.
• Targeting the tumor microenvironment, including angiogenesis and immunosuppression, offers a promising avenue.
• Modulating the GBM tumor microenvironment may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.