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Modulating Microenvironments for Treating Glioblastoma

  • Cell Behavior Manipulation (S Willerth, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review focuses on the development and progression of glioblastoma through the brain and glioma microenvironment. Specifically, we highlight how the tumor microenvironment contributes to the hallmarks of cancer in hopes of offering novel therapeutic options and tools to target.

Recent Findings

The hallmarks of cancer represent elements of cancer that contribute to the disease’s malignancy, yet elements within the brain tumor microenvironment, such as other cellular types as well as biochemical and biophysical cues that can each uniquely affect tumor cells, have not been well-described in this context and serve as potential targets for modulation.

Summary

Here, we highlight how the brain tumor microenvironment contributes to the progression and therapeutic response of tumor cells. Specifically, we examine these contributions through the lens of Hanahan and Weinberg’s “Hallmarks of Cancer” in order to identify potential novel targets within the brain that may offer a means to treat brain cancers, including the deadliest form of brain cancer, glioblastoma.

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This work supported by Grant NCI R37 222563 to JMM.

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  1. Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 4 Riverside Circle, Room 1210, Roanoke, VA, 24061, USA

    LaDeidra Monet Roberts

  2. Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 4 Riverside Circle, Room 1210, Roanoke, VA, 24061, USA

    Jennifer Munson

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Roberts, L.M., Munson, J. Modulating Microenvironments for Treating Glioblastoma. Curr. Tissue Microenviron. Rep. 1, 99–111 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43152-020-00010-z

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