Molecular Targeted Therapies in Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Systematic Overview of Global Trends and Findings

Abstract

This systematic review assesses current molecular targeted therapies for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a challenging condition with limited treatment options. Using PRISMA methodology, 166 eligible studies, involving 2526 patients (61.49% male, 38.51% female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.59/1), were analyzed. In laboratory studies, 52.52% primarily used human glioblastoma cell cultures (HCC), and 43.17% employed animal samples (mainly mice). Clinical participants ranged from 18 to 100 years, with 60.2% using combined therapies and 39.8% monotherapies. Mechanistic categories included Protein Kinase Phosphorylation (41.6%), Cell Cycle-Related Mechanisms (18.1%), Microenvironmental Targets (19.9%), Immunological Targets (4.2%), and Other Mechanisms (16.3%). Key molecular targets included Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) (10.8%), Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) (7.2%), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (6.6%), and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MEK) (5.4%). This review provides a comprehensive assessment of molecular therapies for GBM, highlighting their varied efficacy in clinical and laboratory settings, ultimately impacting overall and progression-free survival in GBM management.

Augmented Reality Integration in Skull Base Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review

“…Radical resection requires thorough preoperative preparation by neurosurgeons, especially when the lesion is located in challenging intracranial areas [66][67][68][69]. The application of AR technology in this context has significant implications for SB surgery, enabling precise surgical planning and achieving radical resection in certain neoplasm forms such as gliomas [68][69][70][71]. Given the complexity of SB surgery in neurosurgery, educational challenges for young neurosurgeons are common [72].…”

Understanding the Significance of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) in Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review

“…The high morbidity and mortality rate of glioblastoma has led to conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy being re-evaluated due to their limited effectiveness. Researchers around the world, particularly in the United States and China, are exploring new treatments and incorporating molecular genetic features into diagnostics to better understand the pathogenesis of glioblastoma [ 2 , 124 ]. Despite an increase in in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on hypoxia-regulated genes, clinical trials remain limited, accounting for only 9.6% of the total.…”

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma: A Scoping Review

“…Glioblastoma (GBM) stands out as the predominant and highly aggressive primary brain tumor among adults, constituting approximately 45.2% of all tumors affecting the brain and central nervous system (CNS) [1]. This neoplasm is categorized as a grade IV diffuse astrocytic glioma, distinguished by its elevated cellular density, nuclear abnormalities, microvascular proliferation, necrosis, and invasive characteristics.…”