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Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
Glioblastoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Anatevka Ribeiro1,2, Gianna Fote2,3, Alexander Himstead2,3
1Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. Despite the current standard of care therapy, including maximal surgical resection, chemoradiation, and tumor-treating fields, prognosis remains poor. Therapeutic failure is driven by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, poor drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier, and robust resistance mechanisms. Epigenetic alterations further compound treatment resistance by enhancing DNA repair and promoting survival pathways. Molecular profiling has identified key prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Gene expression analyses have delineated GBM subtypes, each with distinct molecular features and therapeutic vulnerabilities that hinder successful clinical translation. This review integrates the pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic landscape of GBM to inform of future strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Insights
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly brain cancer. Current treatments fail due to tumor resistance and poor drug delivery, necessitating new therapeutic strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Standard therapies (surgery, chemoradiation, tumor-treating fields) are insufficient.
- Treatment failure stems from immunosuppressive microenvironment, blood-brain barrier challenges, and resistance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Glioblastoma pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To highlight challenges in therapeutic translation.
- To inform future strategies for improving patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of Glioblastoma (GBM).
- Analysis of molecular profiling and gene expression data.
- Integration of pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic information.
Main Results:
- GBM exhibits complex resistance mechanisms, including epigenetic alterations.
- Molecular subtypes of GBM present distinct vulnerabilities.
- Key prognostic and predictive biomarkers have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic strategies are required to overcome treatment resistance in GBM.
- Targeting specific GBM subtypes and molecular pathways may improve outcomes.
- Further research integrating multi-omics data is crucial for clinical translation.
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