Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal form of primary brain cancer, classified as a Grade 4 astrocytoma by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021). The tumor tissue is characterized by hallmark features such as microvascular proliferation and pseudopalisading necrosis (StatPearls, 2023). Within this tissue, Glioblastoma Stem Cells (GSCs) represent a critical subpopulation capable of self-renewal and tumor initiation, driving the high rate of recurrence observed in patients (PubMed, PMID: 31631468). These cells utilize various signaling pathways, including Notch and SHH, to maintain their undifferentiated state and resist standard-of-care treatments like temozolomide (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2020). Therapeutic targeting of GSCs is complicated by their plastic nature and the protective environment of the blood-brain barrier (PubMed, PMID: 33451447). Consequently, while GBM tissue itself is the focus of surgical and radiological intervention, the molecular characteristics of GSCs are the primary focus for developing next-generation targeted therapies. The extreme heterogeneity of the tumor tissue necessitates a multi-modal treatment approach to address both the bulk tumor and the resilient stem cell population.

Other names

GlioblastomaGrade 4 astrocytomaGlioblastoma stem cellsGSCsMalignant glioma

DNA alkylation, VEGF inhibition, and multi-kinase inhibition