Unlocking Hope: Anti-VEGFR inhibitors and their potential in glioblastoma treatment

Purpose: This systematic review summarizes evidence of VEGFR gene mutations and VEGF/VEGFR protein expression in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, alongside the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for GBM treatment.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed up to August 2023. Boolean operators and MeSH term "glioma," along with specific VEGFR-related keywords, were utilized following thorough examination of existing literature.

Results: VEGFR correlates with glioma grade and GBM progression, presenting a viable therapeutic target. Regorafenib and axitinib show promise among studied TKIs. Other multi-targeted TKIs (MTKI) and combination therapies exhibit potential, albeit limited by blood-brain barrier penetration and toxicity. Combining treatments like radiotherapy and enhancing BBB penetration may benefit patients. Further research is warranted in patient quality of life and biomarker-guided selection.

Conclusion: While certain therapies hold promise for GBM, future research should prioritize personalized medicine and innovative strategies for improved treatment outcomes.