Abstract IA019: Lessons from glioblastoma diversity, heterogeneity, and beginnings

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a dire disease with poor prognosis and survival outcomes have changed little over the past two decades. Various genomic studies have emphasized the heterogeneity of GBM yet a consensus on the causes and its role in tumor recurrence has not been reached. Multiple studies using genetic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models have demonstrated an inverse relationship between differentiation state and tumor initiation efficiency with neural stem and progenitor cells as the most efficient. However, other studies have proposed that well differentiated cells like neurons and astrocytes can form tumors. In addition, bioinformatic analyses of human primary GBM have reported that plasticity allows for mobility among cell states exist. Regardless of transcriptional modulation in GBM cells, to achieve progress in understanding and addressing clinical recurrence, the outstanding goal remains to identify and isolate the GBM cell type (s) responsible for therapy resistance and recurrence. To achieve this, we have employer autochthonous GBM models as well as orthotopic patient derived xenografts to in parallel examine tumor heterogeneity, cell of origin, and functional consequences. Citation Format: Luis F. Parada. Lessons from glioblastoma diversity, heterogeneity, and beginnings abstract. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2024 May 17-20; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30 (10Suppl): Abstract nr IA019.