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Review
. 2023 Sep 29;12(19):2380.
doi: 10.3390/cells12192380.

The Present and Future of Optic Pathway Glioma Therapy

Simone Dal Bello  1 , Deborah Martinuzzi  2 , Yan Tereshko  1 , Daniele Veritti  2 , Valentina Sarao  2 , Gian Luigi Gigli  3 , Paolo Lanzetta  2 , Mariarosaria Valente  1   3
Affiliations
Review

The Present and Future of Optic Pathway Glioma Therapy

Simone Dal Bello et al. Cells. .

Abstract

Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) encompass two distinct categories: benign pediatric gliomas, which are characterized by favorable prognosis, and malignant adult gliomas, which are aggressive cancers associated with a poor outcome. Our review aims to explore the established standards of care for both types of tumors, highlight the emerging therapeutic strategies for OPG treatment, and propose potential alternative therapies that, while originally studied in a broader glioma context, may hold promise for OPGs pending further investigation. These potential therapies encompass immunotherapy approaches, molecular-targeted therapy, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, nanotechnologies, magnetic hyperthermia therapy, cyberKnife, cannabinoids, and the ketogenic diet. Restoring visual function is a significant challenge in cases where optic nerve damage has occurred due to the tumor or its therapeutic interventions. Numerous approaches, particularly those involving stem cells, are currently being investigated as potential facilitators of visual recovery in these patients.

Keywords: glioma therapy; immunomodulation; optic pathway glioma; target therapy; vision recovery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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