Development of investigational radiotherapeutics for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma

Introduction Gliomas are tumors that arise from glial cells in the central nervous system. Radiation provides local control for low grade gliomas and improves survival for patients with high grade gliomas; however, recurrence is common and treatment can be associated with long-term toxicities. Several strategies are under development to improve anti-tumor efficacy of radiation and limit possible side effects. Novel molecular imaging agents can help diagnosis of new gliomas, delineate tumors for more accurate radiation planning, and differentiate tumor recurrence from treatment response changes on imaging. Radiotherapeutics provide an alternative method of delivering targeted radiation to tumors by leveraging molecular targets. New generation of radiosensitizers that target DNA damage response and cell cycle pathways aim to enhance radiation induced cytotoxicity.