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Current Perspective on the Natural Compounds and Drug Delivery Techniques in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Tapan Behl1, Aditi Sharma2, Lalit Sharma2
1Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the debilitating brain tumors, being associated with extremely poor prognosis and short median patient survival. GBM is associated with complex pathogenesis with alterations in various cellular signaling events, that participate in cell proliferation and survival. The impairment in cellular redox pathways leads to tumorigenesis. The current standard pharmacological regimen available for glioblastomas, such as radiotherapy and surgical resection following treatment with chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide, remains fatal, due to drug resistance, metastasis and tumor recurrence. Thus, the demand for an effective therapeutic strategy for GBM remains elusive. Hopefully, novel products from natural compounds are suggested as possible solutions. They protect glial cells by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting pro-oncogene events and intensifying the potent anti-tumor therapies. Targeting aberrant cellular pathways in the amelioration of GBM could promote the development of new therapeutic options that improve patient quality of life and extend survival. Consequently, our review emphasizes several natural compounds in GBM treatment. We also assessed the potential of drug delivery techniques such as nanoparticles, Gliadel wafers and drug delivery using cellular carriers which could lead to a novel path for the obliteration of GBM.
Insights
Natural compounds offer promising glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatments by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing therapies. Novel drug delivery methods may improve glioblastoma treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Current treatments like temozolomide, radiotherapy, and surgery have limited efficacy due to resistance and recurrence.
- Complex cellular signaling and redox pathway impairment contribute to GBM pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of natural compounds as therapeutic agents for glioblastoma.
- To explore novel drug delivery systems for enhanced GBM treatment.
- To identify strategies for improving patient quality of life and survival rates for GBM patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of natural compounds and their effects on glioblastoma cellular pathways.
- Assessment of various drug delivery techniques, including nanoparticles, Gliadel wafers, and cellular carriers.
- Analysis of mechanisms such as oxidative stress reduction, anti-proliferation, and apoptosis induction.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds demonstrate protective effects on glial cells by mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
- These compounds inhibit GBM cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.
- Drug delivery systems show potential for targeted and effective glioblastoma obliteration.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds represent a promising avenue for developing novel glioblastoma therapies.
- Targeting aberrant cellular pathways with natural products can improve treatment efficacy.
- Advanced drug delivery systems are crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations in GBM treatment.
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