Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2024
Targeting drug resistance in glioblastoma (Review)
Jonathan H Sherman1, Adam Bobak2, Tasneem Arsiwala3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Martinsburg, WV 25401, USA.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignancy of the central nervous system in adults. The current standard of care includes surgery, radiation therapy, temozolomide; and tumor‑treating fields leads to dismal overall survival. There are far limited treatments upon recurrence. Therapies to date are ineffective as a result of several factors, including the presence of the blood‑brain barrier, blood tumor barrier, glioma stem‑like cells and genetic heterogeneity in GBM. In the present review, the potential mechanisms that lead to treatment resistance in GBM and the measures which have been taken so far to attempt to overcome the resistance were discussed. The complex biology of GBM and lack of comprehensive understanding of the development of therapeutic resistance in GBM demands discovery of novel antigens that are targetable and provide effective therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Glioblastoma (GBM) treatment faces challenges due to resistance mechanisms. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting unique antigens are needed for better survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
- Translational medicine
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults.
- Current treatments including surgery, radiation, and temozolomide offer limited survival benefits.
- Treatment resistance and recurrence are major challenges in managing GBM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in Glioblastoma.
- To discuss current strategies aimed at overcoming treatment resistance.
- To highlight the need for novel therapeutic targets in GBM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles and clinical studies.
- Analysis of factors contributing to Glioblastoma treatment failure.
- Synthesis of information on emerging therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Glioblastoma treatment resistance is multifactorial, involving the blood-brain barrier, blood-tumor barrier, glioma stem cells, and genetic heterogeneity.
- Existing therapies are often ineffective due to these complex resistance mechanisms.
- Limited treatment options are available upon tumor recurrence.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of Glioblastoma biology and resistance is crucial.
- Discovery of novel, targetable antigens is essential for developing effective therapies.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently required to improve Glioblastoma patient survival.
