Translational advancements in tumor vaccine therapies for glioblastomas

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) presents significant therapeutic challenges due to the limited efficacy of current treatments. This resistance is multifactorial, stemming from tumor heterogeneity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the restrictive blood-brain barrier, which limits therapeutic access. In response, immunotherapies, particularly tumor vaccines, have emerged as strategies to harness the immune system against these tumors. This review provides an overview of recent advancements and notable clinical trials in tumor vaccine development for GBM. Additionally, it discusses recent preclinical advancements focused on enhancing immune recruitment and response. Identified strategies include peptide, cellular, and nucleic acid vaccines targeting tumor-specific antigens to induce antitumor T-cell responses. Clinical data and preclinical studies exploring various vaccine candidates, adjuvants, and delivery methods demonstrate encouraging results, with some showing improved progression-free and overall survival rates. Despite these advancements, it is clear that further research into personalized vaccines and combination therapies is necessary to enhance immune responses and improve clinical outcomes.

Keywords: clinical trials; glioblastoma (GBM); high-grade gliomas; personalized vaccines; vaccine; vaccine adjuvants.