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1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Veterinary and Comparative Neuro-oncology Laboratory, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, 205 Duckpond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Abstract:
The blood-brain barrier and knowledge gaps in tumor biology remain significant obstacles to the development of effective treatments for brain tumors. The identification of shared molecular and genetic pathways that contribute to tumorigenesis in both dogs and people has been key to the discovery and translation of targeted pharmacologic and biologic therapies. Treatment approaches often utilize targeted or multifunctional antitumor agents, such as nanocarriers, molecularly targeted agents, immunotherapeutics, and oncolytic viruses in combination with alternative therapeutic delivery strategies. The article discusses about various treatments albeit none of the treatments discussed here are widely available or approved for clinical use.
Insights
Developing effective brain tumor treatments is challenging due to the blood-brain barrier. Research into shared canine and human tumor pathways aids targeted therapies, including nanocarriers and immunotherapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Comparative oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Translational medicine
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and incomplete understanding of brain tumor biology impede effective treatment development.
- Shared molecular and genetic pathways in canine and human brain tumors offer therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies for brain tumors.
- To highlight the importance of comparative oncology in advancing brain tumor treatment discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of targeted pharmacologic and biologic therapies for brain tumors.
- Discussion of novel treatment modalities and delivery strategies.
Main Results:
- Identification of shared tumorigenesis pathways in dogs and humans facilitates targeted therapy development.
- Emerging treatments include nanocarriers, molecularly targeted agents, immunotherapeutics, and oncolytic viruses.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies and innovative delivery strategies show promise for brain tumor treatment.
- While promising, discussed treatments are not yet widely available or approved for clinical use.
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