Updates in Genetic Molecular Targeted Therapy for Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and devastating primary brain tumor in adults. Current standard treatment after maximal safe surgical resection with concurrent chemoradiotherapy by temozolomide and radiation therapy has a modest improvement in progression free and overall survival with frequent recurrences. With advancement in molecular biology and gene technology a novel treatment strategies with promising outcome have been provided. In this review, the most commonly studied molecular targets in the treatment of glioblastoma will be discussed. EGFR and its variant EGFRvIII have an important role in GBM cellular proliferation. VEGF and its receptor are active factors in tumor angiogenesis. Ras pathway, its regulators and others as protein kinase C and integrin contribute to tumorigenesis and resistance to conventional therapy. With inhibition of the aforementioned pathways more direct and targeted method of GBM treatment will be provided. Also combination of these treatment modalities may create an innovative therapeutic approach for GBM management.