Editorial review: targets for glioma treatment: from bench to bedside

Abstract

Purpose of review: Progress in molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of malignant gliomas opens new therapeutic possibilities.

Recent findings: Recent developments in the field of tumour biology have elucidated signalling pathways and genes involved in the development of gliomas, which represent new potential therapeutic targets, and many targeted therapies are currently being tested in clinical trials. Except for the antiangiogenic drugs, the results have been modest, because of the heterogeneity of malignant gliomas and redundant pathways, suggesting that combination therapies may be more appropriate. The recent finding that only a minority of tumour cells are capable of self-renewal (tumour stem cells) leads to focus on genes specifically involved in stem cell self-renewal and proliferation.

Summary: Antiangiogenic drugs already have proved efficacy. Targeting of tumour-specific alterations and drugs more specifically directed against tumour stem cells may provide significant progress in future treatment of gliomas.