Advances in the management of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and most malignant primary brain tumour in adults. Despite much effort, gold standard therapy has not changed since the introduction of adjuvant temozolomide in 2005 and prognosis remains poor. Despite this, there has been significant improvement in the surgical technology and technique, that has allowed for increased rates of safe maximal resection of the tumour. In addition, our increased knowledge of the biology of GB has revealed more potential targets, especially in the field of immunotherapy, which has been successful in revolutionising treatment of other cancers. We review the current best practice for the treatment of GB and explore some of the more recent advances in GB management from both a surgical and molecular therapeutic perspective.

Automated summary

Glioblastoma is the most common and malignant primary brain tumor in adults, with poor prognosis despite current standard therapy. However, advancements in surgical technology and understanding of the biology of GB have led to increased rates of safe maximal resection and identified potential targets for new treatments like immunotherapy.