Signaling pathways in glioblastoma.

in Critical reviews in oncology/hematology by Isabella Gomes, Renato José da Silva Oliveira, Ana Paula Girol

TLDR

  • The review highlights the importance of understanding genetic heterogeneity in glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, to develop personalized treatment approaches.
  • The World Health Organization has recognized the significance of molecular biomarkers in classifying brain tumors, enabling targeted therapies.

Abstract

Cancer is one of the main public health problems worldwide. Among tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), glioblastoma (GBM) affects 49.1% of malignant brain tumors, and despite standard treatment, patients diagnosed with GBM have a dismal prognosis, a high rate of recurrence after tumor resection and poor survival. Since 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) has included molecular biomarkers in the classification of these tumors, as knowing the heterogeneity and possible genetic changes allows for new therapeutic possibilities. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of epidemiology and classification, as well as changes in signaling pathways resulting from genetic alterations that affect crucial factors in tumorigenesis, response to treatment and prognosis. Therefore, understanding and characterizing the vast genetic heterogeneity of GBM, both genetic and epigenetic alterations, enable a greater comprehension of the pathogenesis of this tumor, potentially helping to bring new therapeutic approaches and personalization of treatment through the different genetic alterations in each patient.

Overview

  • The study aimed to review the epidemiology, classification, and molecular changes in glioblastoma (GBM) tumors.
  • The review focused on understanding the genetic heterogeneity of GBM and its impact on tumorigenesis, treatment response, and prognosis.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the importance of molecular biomarkers in classifying brain tumors, enabling targeted therapies.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • The review demonstrates the complexity of GBM, with a high rate of recurrence and poor survival despite standard treatment.
  • The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic and epigenetic alterations in GBM to develop personalized treatment approaches.
  • The review emphasizes the need for novel therapeutic strategies that target specific genetic alterations in each patient's tumor.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The study's findings have significant implications for the development of targeted therapies for GBM, potentially improving patient outcomes.
  • Future research should focus on characterizing the genetic heterogeneity of GBM and identifying genetic alterations that drive tumorigenesis and treatment resistance.
  • A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying GBM will enable the development of more effective and personalized treatment approaches.
Read Full Article