Peptide‑based therapeutic strategies for glioma: Current state and prospects

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Glioma is a common and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor.
• Existing treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy have limited effectiveness due to factors like the blood-brain barrier.
• There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies for glioma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in peptide-based therapeutic strategies for glioma treatment.
• To categorize therapeutic peptides based on their anti-tumor mechanisms.
• To summarize the clinical trial outcomes of peptide therapeutics in glioma.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of peptide-based glioma therapies.
• Classification of therapeutic peptides by function: tumor-homing, receptor targeting, interference, and peptide vaccines.
• Summary of clinical trial data for peptide therapeutics in glioma.

Main Results:

• Therapeutic peptides demonstrate favorable characteristics including low immunogenicity, toxicity, and enhanced tissue penetration.
• Four main categories of anti-glioma peptides have been identified based on their mechanisms of action.
• Clinical trials indicate significant potential for peptide-based strategies in glioma therapy.

Conclusions:

• Peptide therapeutics represent an innovative and rapidly advancing class of drugs for glioma.
• The unique properties of peptides facilitate overcoming challenges associated with glioma treatment.
• Peptide-based strategies show promise as multifunctional agents for effective glioma management.