Comprehensive insights into glioblastoma multiforme: drug delivery challenges and multimodal treatment strategies

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and malignant brain tumors, with a high prevalence in elderly population. Most chemotherapeutic agents fail to reach the tumor site due to various challenges. However, smart nanocarriers have demonstrated excellent drug-loading capabilities, enabling them to cross the blood brain tumor barrier for the GBM treatment. Surface modification of nanocarriers has significantly enhanced their potential for targeting therapeutics. Moreover, recent innovations in drug therapies, such as the incorporation of theranostic agents in nanocarriers and antibody-drug conjugates, have offered newer insights for both diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on recent advances in new therapeutic interventions for GBM, with an emphasis on the nanotheranostics systems to maximize therapeutic and diagnostic outcomes.