DENDRITIC CELLS IN GLIOBLASTOMA TREATMENT: A MODERN VIEW OF THE PROBLEM AND OWN EXPERIENCE

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Immunology
• Cancer research

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive adult brain tumor.
• Traditional treatments have limited efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• The central nervous system (CNS) was historically considered immunoprivileged, hindering immunotherapy.
• Evolving understanding of CNS-immune interactions opens avenues for brain tumor immunotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review modern concepts on CNS-immune system interactions relevant to brain tumor treatment.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapeutic approaches, particularly dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, in glioblastoma (GBM).
• To present and discuss results from international and Ukrainian clinical trials of DC vaccines in GBM treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on neuro-immunology and glioblastoma.
• Analysis of clinical trial data investigating immunotherapy, specifically DC vaccines, as an adjunct to conventional GBM therapy.
• Presentation of preliminary results from a Ukrainian clinical study involving DC vaccines for GBM.

Main Results:

• Immunotherapy, especially DC vaccines, is increasingly relevant for GBM treatment.
• Clinical trials demonstrate increased patient survival and vaccine safety when DC vaccines are used adjunctively.
• DC vaccines offer significant benefits even for GBM patients with poor prognoses.

Conclusions:

• Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines represent a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for glioblastoma (GBM).
• The use of DC vaccines as part of complex GBM treatment enhances patient survival and is well-tolerated.
• Immunotherapy holds significant future potential for neuro-oncology.