Recent advances in the molecular understanding of glioblastoma

J Neurooncol. 2012 May;108(1):11-27. doi: 10.1007/s11060-011-0793-0. Epub 2012 Jan 20.

Abstract

Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite maximum treatment, patients only have a median survival time of 15 months, because of the tumor's resistance to current therapeutic approaches. Thus far, methylation of the O (6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter has been the only confirmed molecular predictive factor in glioblastoma. Novel "genome-wide" techniques have identified additional important molecular alterations as mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and its prognostic importance. This review summarizes findings and techniques of genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, and proteomic studies of glioblastoma. It provides the clinician with an up-to-date overview of current identified molecular alterations that should ultimately lead to new therapeutic targets and more individualized treatment approaches in glioblastoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Glioblastoma / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Proteomics / methods