Recent advances in glioblastoma multiforme therapy: A focus on autophagy regulation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Neuro-oncology

Background:

• Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a median survival of under 15 months despite conventional treatments like chemoradiation.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve patient prognosis for GBM.
• Autophagy, a fundamental cellular process for degrading and recycling cellular components, is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic target in GBM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
• To explore the potential of modulating autophagy (activation or inhibition) as a treatment for GBM.
• To consolidate preclinical and clinical findings on autophagy-modulating therapies for GBM.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of preclinical and clinical research studies.
• Analysis of therapeutic interventions focused on modulating autophagy in GBM models and patients.
• Synthesis of data on the efficacy and mechanisms of autophagy-targeting agents.

Main Results:

• Autophagy modulation (both activation and inhibition) has shown potential in preclinical GBM models.
• Specific agents targeting autophagy pathways are under investigation in clinical trials for GBM.
• Understanding the dual role of autophagy in GBM is crucial for developing effective therapies.

Conclusions:

• Targeting autophagy represents a promising avenue for novel glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapeutics.
• Further research is needed to optimize autophagy-modulating strategies for clinical application in GBM.
• Modulating autophagy holds potential to improve survival outcomes for GBM patients.