ABSTRACT
Introduction: The field of neuro-oncology has experienced significant advances in recent years. More is known now about the molecular and genetic characteristics of glioma than ever before. This knowledge leads to the understanding of glioma biology and pathogenesis, guiding the development of targeted therapeutics and clinical trials. The goal of this review is to describe the state of basic, translational, and clinical research as it pertains to biological and synthetic pharmacotherapy for gliomas.
Areas covered: Challenges remain in designing accurate preclinical models and identifying patients that are likely to respond to a particular targeted therapy. Preclinical models for therapeutic assessment are critical to identify the most promising treatment approaches.
Expert opinion: Despite promising new therapeutics, there have been no significant breakthroughs in glioma treatment and patient outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms of treatment resistance and to design effective clinical trials.
Article Highlights
In this review we cover the breadth of new therapeutic strategies that have emerged as potential treatment options for glioma.
We provide an insight into the basic mechanisms involved in the development of resistance against targeted therapies.
We present the importance of multi-modal therapies to address the heterogeneity of known mutations present in the different glioma subtypes.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
Reviewer Disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.