Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
The Clinical Application of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy in Glioblastoma
Published on: April 16, 2019
Targeted Glioma Therapy-Clinical Trials and Future Directions
Aleksandr Shikalov1, Igor Koman1, Natalya M Kogan1
1Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Personalized and Translational Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of glioma, with a median survival of 14.6 months post-diagnosis. Understanding the molecular profile of such tumors allowed the development of specific targeted therapies toward GBM, with a major role attributed to tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Targeted therapeutics are drugs that work by specific binding to GBM-specific or overexpressed markers on the tumor cellular surface and therefore contain a recognition moiety linked to a cytotoxic agent, which produces an antiproliferative effect. In this review, we have summarized the available information on the targeted therapeutics used in clinical trials of GBM and summarized current obstacles and advances in targeted therapy concerning specific targets present in GBM tumor cells, outlined efficacy endpoints for major classes of investigational drugs, and discussed promising strategies towards an increase in drug efficacy in GBM.
Insights
Targeted therapies show promise for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a common brain cancer. This review covers current targeted therapeutics, challenges, and strategies to improve treatment efficacy for GBM patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor, characterized by a poor median survival rate.
- Advances in understanding GBM's molecular profile have paved the way for targeted therapeutic strategies.
- Current treatments often involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review targeted therapeutics currently in clinical trials for glioblastoma multiforme.
- To summarize obstacles and recent advances in GBM-targeted therapy.
- To discuss strategies for enhancing drug efficacy against GBM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials involving targeted therapeutics for GBM.
- Analysis of specific molecular targets and investigational drugs in GBM.
- Evaluation of efficacy endpoints for various drug classes.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapeutics, including tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, play a significant role.
- These drugs bind to GBM-specific markers, delivering cytotoxic agents for an antiproliferative effect.
- Various efficacy endpoints are used to assess investigational drugs in GBM clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapy represents a promising avenue for improving glioblastoma outcomes.
- Overcoming current obstacles and implementing novel strategies are crucial for increasing drug efficacy.
- Further research into specific GBM targets and drug delivery mechanisms is warranted.
