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Current challenges in designing GBM trials for immunotherapy

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Abstract

Immune system modulation is evolving into a promising treatment modality in glioblastoma. Our growing understanding of glioma immunobiology has fueled efforts to develop immunotherapeutic strategies to combat this lethal primary brain tumor. Autologous stimulated lymphocytes, immunotherapy with cytokines and dendritic cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, virotherapy, and tumor or peptide based vaccines are immunotherapy approaches under active investigation. A number of challenges are evident in the design of immunotherapy clinical trials in glioblastoma including patient selection, immune and imaging response monitoring, and evaluation of clinical outcome.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 431, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Shiao-Pei Weathers

  2. Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bloch Bldg. 82, Rm. 235, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA

    Mark R. Gilbert

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  1. Shiao-Pei Weathers
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  2. Mark R. Gilbert
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Correspondence to Shiao-Pei Weathers.

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Weathers, SP., Gilbert, M.R. Current challenges in designing GBM trials for immunotherapy. J Neurooncol 123, 331–337 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-015-1716-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-015-1716-2

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