Targeted therapy in the treatment of malignant gliomas

Rimas V. Lukas, Adrienne Boire, M. Kelly Nicholas

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Malignant gliomas are invasive tumors with the potential to progress through current available therapies. These tumors are characterized by a number of abnormalities in molecular signaling that play roles in tumorigenesis, spread, and survival. These pathways are being actively investigated in both the pre-clinical and clinical settings as potential targets in the treatment of malignant gliomas. We will review many of the therapies that target the cancer cell, including the epidermal growth factor receptor, mammalian target of rapamycin, histone deacetylase, and farnesyl transferase. In addition, we will discuss strategies that target the extracellular matrix in which these cells reside as well as angiogenesis, a process emerging as central to tumor development and growth. Finally, we will briefly touch on the role of neural stem cells as both potential targets as well as delivery vectors for other therapies. Interdependence between these varied pathways, both in maintaining health and in causing disease, is clear. Thus, attempts to easily classify some targeted therapies are problematic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)115-133
Number of pages19
JournalOncoTargets and Therapy
Volume2
StatePublished - Sep 21 2009

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • EGFR
  • Glioma
  • HDAC
  • Ras
  • mTOR

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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