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Therapeutic Options in Neuro-Oncology
Mariana Afonso1, Maria Alexandra Brito1,2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 28, 2022
Summary
Understanding complex central nervous system tumors like gliomas is key to developing new treatments. This review covers current and emerging therapies, including targeted drugs and immunotherapy, for malignant gliomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant gliomas present significant therapeutic challenges.
- Conventional treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide).
- Cancer cell signaling pathways are increasingly understood, leading to targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of signaling pathways in malignant gliomas.
- To summarize current therapeutic strategies for malignant gliomas.
- To explore novel and developing therapies, including clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of signaling pathways in glioma.
- Analysis of conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy mechanisms.
- Review of emerging immunotherapies and ongoing clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Key signaling pathways implicated in gliomas include PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK.
- Targeted therapies focus on inhibiting these pathways with agents like MEK and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors.
- Immunotherapy approaches include vaccination, checkpoint blockade, oncolytic viruses, and CAR T-cell therapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy represent promising avenues for malignant glioma treatment.
- Understanding signaling pathways is crucial for developing effective, personalized therapeutics.
- Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating novel treatment strategies for gliomas.
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