Journal of Neuro-Oncology and Neuroscience Open Access

Advancements in Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment

Adam Gilchrist^* Department of Medical Oncology, University of Edinburg, United Kingdom
^*Correspondence: Adam Gilchrist, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Edinburg, United Kingdom, Email:

Received: 29-May-2024, Manuscript No. IPJNO-24-20745; Editor assigned: 31-May-2024, Pre QC No. IPJNO-24-20745 (PQ); Reviewed: 14-Jun-2024, QC No. IPJNO-24-20745; Revised: 19-Jun-2024, Manuscript No. IPJNO-24-20745 (R); Published: 26-Jun-2024, DOI: 10.21767/2572-0376.9.2.11

Introduction

Glioblastoma Multiforme is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of brain cancer. Despite its formidable nature, significant advancements in treatment have been made in recent years, offering hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. This article explores the recent advancements in GBM treatment, highlighting innovative approaches and emerging therapies. GBM is characterized by rapid growth and a tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, making complete surgical removal challenging. Traditional treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor, with a median survival time of approximately 15 months following diagnosis. This grim reality underscores the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Surgical resection remains a cornerstone of GBM treatment. Recent advancements in neurosurgical techniques have improved the extent of tumor removal while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. Innovations such as intraoperative MRI and fluorescence-guided surgery allow for more precise excision of tumor cells. Intraoperative MRI provides real-time imaging, helping surgeons to achieve maximal resection, while fluorescence-guided surgery uses a fluorescent dye that accumulates in tumor cells, making them glow under special lighting.

Description

Radiation therapy has also seen significant advancements. Proton therapy, a type of radiation that uses protons rather than X-rays, allows for more targeted delivery of radiation doses, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Additionally, stereotactic radiosurgery delivers highly focused radiation beams to the tumor site, sparing adjacent healthy brain tissue. These techniques enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy and reduce side effects. Novel drug delivery systems, such as biodegradable wafers implanted at the tumor site, release chemotherapeutic agents directly into the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier and achieving higher local drug concentrations. Targeted therapies represent a promising area of GBM treatment. Bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic agent that inhibits blood vessel growth in tumors, has shown efficacy in slowing tumor progression and alleviating symptoms. Additionally, research into molecular pathways involved in GBM has led to the development of inhibitors targeting specific mutations and signaling pathways, such as EGFR, PDGFRA, and IDH1/2. These targeted therapies aim to disrupt the tumor’s growth mechanisms with minimal impact on normal cells. Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, including GBM. Checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, which have shown success in other cancers, are being investigated for GBM. These drugs work by unleashing the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Additionally, personalized cancer vaccines, designed to elicit an immune response against specific tumor antigens, are being explored in clinical trials.

Conclusion

While Glioblastoma Multiforme remains a formidable adversary, recent advancements in treatment provide a glimmer of hope for patients and their families. The integration of innovative surgical techniques, advanced radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, TT fields, and experimental approaches such as gene therapy and oncolytic viruses are paving the way for improved outcomes. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, with the ultimate goal of transforming GBM from a terminal diagnosis to a manageable condition. The fight against GBM is far from over, but the progress made thus far is a testament to the relentless efforts of researchers, clinicians, and patients alike.