Molecular targeting of glioblastoma: Drug discovery and therapies

Abstract

Despite advances in treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), patient prognosis remains poor. Although there is growing evidence that molecular targeting could translate into better survival for GBM, current clinical data show limited impact on survival. Recent progress in GBM genomics implicate several activated pathways and numerous mutated genes. This molecular diversity can partially explain therapeutic resistance and several approaches have been postulated to target molecular changes. Furthermore, most drugs are unable to reach effective concentrations within the tumor owing to elevated intratumoral pressure, restrictive vasculature and other limiting factors. Here, we describe the preclinical and clinical developments in treatment strategies of GBM. We review the current clinical trials for GBM and discuss the challenges and future directions of targeted therapies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.