Starting points for the development of new targeted therapies for glioblastoma multiforme
Agnieszka Rusak, Benita Wiatrak, Klaudia Krawczyńska, Tomasz Górnicki, Karol Zagórski, Łukasz Zadka, Wojciech Fortuna
Abstract
• Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most aggresive tumours with poor prognosis for patients. • Standard therapy has still based on a combination therapy of surgical resection, temozolomide and radiotherapy but clinical lack of response is prelevant. • New formulations of drug carriers such as liposomes, nanoparticles and polymers have been intensively explored to improve clinical outcomes in glioblastoma. • Targeted therapy based on new drug formulations or advanced carrier drugs based on a thorough understanding of glioblastoma pathology could bring the expected breakthrough in clinical therapy. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and lethal brain tumors, characterized by rapid growth, invasiveness, and resistance to standard therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite advances in treatment, GBM remains highly resistant due to its complex molecular mechanisms, including angiogenesis, invasion, immune modulation, and lipid metabolism dysregulation. This review explores recent breakthroughs in targeted therapies, focusing on innovative drug carriers such as nanoparticles and liposomes, and their potential to overcome GBM's chemo- and radioresistant phenotypes. We also discuss the molecular pathways involved in GBM progression and the latest therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy and precision medicine approaches, which hold promise for improving clinical outcomes. The review highlights the importance of understanding GBM's genetic and molecular heterogeneity to develop more effective, personalized treatment protocols aimed at increasing survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for GBM patients.