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Review
. 2023;4(3):537-544.
doi: 10.37349/etat.2023.00150. Epub 2023 Jun 30.

An introductory review of post-resection chemotherapeutics for primary brain tumors

Meaghan McGovern  1 , Michaela Scanlon  1 , Amanda Stanton  2 , Brandon Lucke-Wold  2
Affiliations
Review

An introductory review of post-resection chemotherapeutics for primary brain tumors

Meaghan McGovern et al. Explor Target Antitumor Ther. 2023.

Abstract

The treatment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors is complicated by high rates of recurrence and treatment resistance that contribute to high morbidity and mortality (Nat Rev Neurol. 2022;18:221-36. doi: 10.1038/s41582-022-00621-0). One of the challenges of treating these tumors is the limited permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Early pharmacologic treatments worked to overcome the BBB by targeting vulnerabilities in the tumor cell replication process directly through alkylating agents like temozolomide. However, as advancements have been made options have expanded to include immunologic targets through the use of monoclonal antibodies. In the future, treatment will likely continue to focus on the use of immunotherapies, as well as emerging technology like the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). Ultimately, this paper serves as an introductory overview of current therapeutic options for post-resection primary brain tumors, as well as a look towards future work and emerging treatment options.

Keywords: Chemotherapeutics; blood brain barrier; primary central nervous system tumor.

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Conflict of interest statement

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

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