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Published on: July 16, 2018
Injury programs shape glioblastoma
Lucy J Brooks1, Holly Simpson Ragdale1, Ciaran Scott Hill2
1Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer in adults and is almost universally fatal due to its stark therapeutic resistance. During the past decade, although survival has not substantially improved, major advances have been made in our understanding of the underlying biology. It has become clear that these devastating tumors recapitulate features of neurodevelopmental hierarchies which are influenced by the microenvironment. Emerging evidence also highlights a prominent role for injury responses in steering cellular phenotypes and contributing to tumor heterogeneity. This review highlights how the interplay between injury and neurodevelopmental programs impacts on tumor growth, invasion, and treatment resistance, and discusses potential therapeutic considerations in view of these findings.
Insights
Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, is resistant to therapy. Understanding its links to neurodevelopment and injury responses may offer new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Therapeutic resistance remains a significant challenge in glioblastoma treatment.
- Recent research reveals glioblastoma biology mirrors neurodevelopmental processes.
- Cellular responses to injury play a role in tumor heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of neurodevelopmental programs and injury responses on glioblastoma.
- To explore how these biological processes influence tumor growth, invasion, and treatment resistance.
- To discuss potential therapeutic avenues informed by these insights.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research.
- Analysis of the interplay between glioblastoma cells and their microenvironment.
- Examination of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumor progression.
Main Results:
- Glioblastoma tumors exhibit characteristics of neurodevelopmental hierarchies.
- Injury response pathways significantly influence glioblastoma cell phenotypes and heterogeneity.
- The interaction between developmental programs and injury responses drives tumor aggressiveness.
- These biological underpinnings contribute to glioblastoma's resistance to therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the convergence of neurodevelopment and injury responses is crucial for glioblastoma research.
- Targeting these fundamental biological processes may overcome therapeutic resistance.
- New treatment strategies for glioblastoma could emerge from this integrated perspective.
