Molecular heterogeneity in glioblastoma: therapeutic opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) has been recognized as a clinical and pathologic entity for more than a century. Throughout its history, its cells of origin have been in question. Its behavior is aggressive and despite decades of effort, median survival is just beginning to improve. Surgical techniques and radiotherapy schemas continue to be refined, but the most recent progress has been achieved through improved medical therapies. These are the result of both pharmacological advances and a deeper understanding of the biological characteristics of GBM. Due to a combination of its complex phenotype and organ-specific clinical manifestations, efforts to refine GBM treatment with targeted therapies largely have been frustrated. In this review, we discuss recent attempts to exploit new molecular insights, consider the reasons for slow progress in developing better treatments, and examine future therapeutic options.