Understanding the Role of Plasticity in Glioblastoma

Cellular plasticity is the ability of a cell to change its identity or state. It is a property of both healthy and cancer cells and occurs in response to intrinsic and extrinsic cues. In normal physiology, cellular plasticity is a crucial function that drives many critical biological functions, including differentiation, cell development, and wound healing. However, this plasticity can be hijacked by the cancer cells to support various oncogenic processes including tumor growth, development, and therapeutic resistance. One example of this is glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. GBM displays high levels of therapeutic resistance and an almost 100% rate of tumor recurrence. Despite aggressive therapy, the median survival remains approximately 21 months. This low median survival rate is thought to be partly due to the plasticity-driven, highly heterogeneous nature of the tumor. Here, we explore the mechanisms promoting plasticity-driven growth, cancer progression, and therapeutic adaptation, with a focus on GBM. Understanding the specific mechanisms of plasticity in GBM could shed light on potential therapeutic targets that could provide novel avenues of treatment for this devastating disease.