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Targeting Glioblastoma: The Current State of Different Therapeutic Approaches
Imran Khan1, Sadaf Mahfooz1, Elif Burce Elbasan2
1Department of Molecular Biology, Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Yalıköy St., Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Glioma is the primary cancer of the central nervous system in adults. Among gliomas, glioblastoma is the most deadly and aggressive form, with an average life span of 1 to 2 years. Despite implementing the rigorous standard care involving maximal surgical removal followed by concomitant radiation and chemotherapy, the patient prognosis remains poor. Due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma, chemo- and radio-resistance behavior of these tumors and lack of potent chemotherapeutic drugs, treatment of glioblastoma is still a big challenge.
Objective:
The goal of the present review is to shed some light on the present state of novel strategies, including molecular therapies, immunotherapies, nanotechnology and combination therapies for patients with glioblastoma.
Methods:
Peer-reviewed literature was retrieved via Embase, Ovid, PubMed and Google Scholar till the year 2020.
Conclusion:
Insufficient effect of chemotherapies for glioblastoma is more likely because of different drug resistance mechanisms and intrinsically complex pathological characteristics. Therefore, more advancement in various therapeutic approaches such as antitumor immune response, targeting growth regulatory and drug resistance pathways, enhancing drug delivery and drug carrier systems are required in order to establish an effective treatment approach for patients with glioblastoma.
Insights
Glioblastoma treatment remains challenging due to drug resistance. Novel strategies like molecular therapies and immunotherapies are crucial for improving outcomes in glioblastoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Therapeutic Strategies
Background:
- Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with poor prognosis despite standard care.
- Standard treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) are limited by glioblastoma's infiltrative nature and resistance.
- Effective glioblastoma treatment remains a significant challenge in neuro-oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma.
- To explore advancements in molecular therapies, immunotherapies, nanotechnology, and combination therapies.
- To provide insights into current and future glioblastoma treatment approaches.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Embase, Ovid, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
- Inclusion of peer-reviewed studies published up to 2020.
- Systematic review of emerging glioblastoma treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Current chemotherapies show insufficient efficacy in glioblastoma.
- Drug resistance mechanisms and complex tumor pathology contribute to treatment failure.
- Novel approaches are essential for overcoming therapeutic limitations.
Conclusions:
- Advancements in targeting antitumor immune responses are needed.
- Inhibiting growth regulatory and drug resistance pathways shows promise.
- Enhanced drug delivery systems and nanocarriers are critical for effective glioblastoma treatment.
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