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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
Cellular Plasticity and Tumor Microenvironment in Gliomas: The Struggle to Hit a Moving Target
Ricardo Gargini1, Berta Segura-Collar1, Pilar Sánchez-Gómez1
1Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-UFIEC, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Brain tumors encompass a diverse group of neoplasias arising from different cell lineages. Tumors of glial origin have been the subject of intense research because of their rapid and fatal progression. From a clinical point of view, complete surgical resection of gliomas is highly difficult. Moreover, the remaining tumor cells are resistant to traditional therapies such as radio- or chemotherapy and tumors always recur. Here we have revised the new genetic and epigenetic classification of gliomas and the description of the different transcriptional subtypes. In order to understand the progression of the different gliomas we have focused on the interaction of the plastic tumor cells with their vasculature-rich microenvironment and with their distinct immune system. We believe that a comprehensive characterization of the glioma microenvironment will shed some light into why these tumors behave differently from other cancers. Furthermore, a novel classification of gliomas that could integrate the genetic background and the cellular ecosystems could have profound implications in the efficiency of current therapies as well as in the development of new treatments.
Insights
This study revises glioma classification, focusing on genetic and epigenetic factors. Understanding the tumor microenvironment and cellular interactions is key to improving glioma treatments and overcoming therapy resistance.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses.
- Complete surgical removal of gliomas is challenging.
- Remaining glioma cells exhibit resistance to conventional radio- and chemotherapy, leading to tumor recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest genetic and epigenetic classifications of gliomas.
- To explore transcriptional subtypes of gliomas.
- To investigate the role of the tumor microenvironment, including vasculature and immune system interactions, in glioma progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of current genetic and epigenetic classifications.
- Analysis of transcriptional subtypes.
- Examination of glioma cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Gliomas exhibit diverse genetic and epigenetic profiles.
- Transcriptional subtypes influence tumor behavior.
- Tumor microenvironment and cellular interactions are critical factors in glioma progression and treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of the glioma microenvironment is essential for deciphering tumor behavior.
- A novel classification integrating genetic background and cellular ecosystems could enhance current therapies and guide new treatment development for gliomas.
