Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma and the Interactions with Its Microenvironment

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, and it confers a dismal prognosis despite intensive multimodal treatments. Whilst historically, research has focussed on the evolution of GBM tumour cells themselves, there is growing recognition of the importance of studying the tumour microenvironment (TME). Improved characterisation of the interaction between GBM cells and the TME has led to a better understanding of therapeutic resistance and the identification of potential targets to block these escape mechanisms. This review describes the network of cells within the TME and proposes treatment strategies for simultaneously targeting GBM cells, the surrounding immune cells, and the crosstalk between them.

Keywords

• glioblastoma (GBM)
• heterogeneity
• tumour microenvironment (TME)
• myeloid cells
• microglia
• tumour associated macrophages (TAMs)