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Published on: September 1, 2018
Advances in Cellular Immune Theranostic Approaches for Glioblastoma: Current Trends and Future Directions
Ying Gong1,2,3, Wanying Lin1,2, Xuechun Fang1,2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Diagnostics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single-cell and Extracellular Vesicles Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Rapid Diagnostic Biosensors, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University Guangdong Guangzhou China.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is a highly malignant type of brain tumor that remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat because of its aggressive nature, genetic heterogeneity, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Despite advances in standard treatments, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, patient outcomes remain poor, driving the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Cellular immune theranostics, which combines therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities, has emerged as a promising strategy to combat glioblastoma. The present review discusses recent advances in cellular immunotherapy, including the development and application of chimeric antigen receptor T cells, chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells, and macrophage-based therapies. In addition, this review highlights the potential of oncolytic viruses and personalized tumor vaccines for improving immunotherapy outcomes. The integration of advanced diagnostic tools, such as the real-time monitoring of therapeutic responses through immunobiomarkers and imaging techniques, is emphasized as crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. However, important challenges remain, including the complexity of immune cell engineering, the difficulties of therapeutic delivery across the blood-brain barrier, and the immunosuppressive properties of the tumor microenvironment. Overcoming these challenges through innovative methodologies will be vital for improving the efficacy of cellular immune theranostics in the treatment of glioblastoma, with the ultimate goal of improving patient survival and quality of life.
Insights
Cellular immune theranostics offer a promising new strategy for glioblastoma treatment by combining therapy and diagnostics. Overcoming challenges in immune cell engineering and delivery is key to improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor patient outcomes despite standard treatments.
- Its genetic heterogeneity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment present significant therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in cellular immune theranostics for glioblastoma.
- To highlight innovative therapeutic strategies and diagnostic integration for improved treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current cellular immunotherapies: CAR T-cells, CAR NK-cells, and macrophage-based therapies.
- Exploration of oncolytic viruses and personalized tumor vaccines.
- Emphasis on integrating diagnostic tools like immunobiomarkers and imaging for real-time monitoring.
Main Results:
- Cellular immune theranostics show potential for glioblastoma treatment.
- Advances in engineered immune cells and targeted therapies are emerging.
- Diagnostic integration is crucial for optimizing treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Cellular immune theranostics represent a promising frontier for glioblastoma treatment.
- Addressing challenges in immune cell engineering, blood-brain barrier penetration, and tumor microenvironment modulation is vital.
- Further innovation is needed to enhance patient survival and quality of life.
