A brave new framework for glioma drug development

Kelly M Hotchkiss1, Philipp Karschnia2, Karisa C Schreck3

  • 1The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

The Lancet. Oncology
|October 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Patient participation in brain tumor clinical trials is crucial for repeat tissue sampling. Standardizing biopsy techniques and fostering collaboration are vital for developing new brain tumor therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Brain tumors present unique challenges for therapeutic development.
  • Repeat tissue sampling is essential for understanding treatment resistance and vulnerabilities.
  • Patient motivation to participate in trials involving biopsies is high.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of repeat tissue sampling in brain tumor clinical trials.
  • To emphasize the need for standardization and collaboration in biopsy techniques.
  • To discuss the role of neoadjuvant and staged surgical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current practices in brain tumor tissue sampling.
  • Analysis of the role of biopsies in understanding therapeutic resistance.
  • Discussion of the potential and limitations of liquid biopsy.

Main Results:

  • Initial and repetitive tissue sampling significantly enhances understanding of brain tumor resistance mechanisms.
  • Standardization of biopsy techniques is critical for interinstitutional collaboration.
  • Liquid biopsy technologies are promising but not yet a replacement for tissue analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Neoadjuvant and staged surgical trials require collaboration among patients, regulators, and researchers.
  • Clear communication regarding biopsy risks and benefits is essential.
  • A shift in neurosurgical culture and mindset is imperative for advancing brain tumor therapies.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Drug Discovery: Overview01:26

Drug Discovery: Overview

Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...
Preclinical Development: Overview01:28

Preclinical Development: Overview

Preclinical development consists of a series of tests that ensure the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic compound before it is tested in humans. There are four main phases to this process. First, safety pharmacology tests are conducted to ensure the drug does not produce any acutely harmful effects. These tests examine parameters such as bronchoconstriction, cardiac dysrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and ataxia. Next, preliminary toxicological testing is performed to determine the...
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs01:02

Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs

Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...