[Advances in molecular genetics and treatment of gliomas]

Abstract

Malignant gliomas are histologically and clinically heterogeneous tumors carrying a poor prognosis despite surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recent molecular genetic studies have led to the classification of gliomas into distinct biological entities with prognostic significance, and to the identification of new therapeutic targets. Advances in our knowledge of gliomagenesis and the biological bases of chemoresistance hold promise for improved patient management. We are entering a new era in which individualized and targeted treatment (antiangiogenic therapy, signaling pathway inhibitors) will become increasingly important, in conculsion with conventional treatments and guided by plasma and tumor biomarkers.