The Safety of available immunotherapy for the treatment of glioblastoma

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Current standard of care involves maximal surgical resection combined with adjuvant chemoradiation. Growing support exists for a role of immunotherapy in treating these tumors with the goal of targeted cytotoxicity. Here we review data on the safety for current immunotherapies being tested in GBM. Areas covered: Safety data from published clinical trials, including ongoing clinical trials were reviewed. Immunotherapeutic classes currently under investigation in GBM include various vaccination strategies, adoptive T cell immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockade, monoclonal antibodies, and cytokine therapies. Trials include children, adolescents, and adults with either primary or recurrent GBM. Expert opinion: Based on the reviewed clinical trials, the current immunotherapies targeting GBM are safe and well- tolerated with minimal toxicities which should be noted. However, the gains in patient survival have been modest. A safe and well- tolerated combinatory immunotherapeutic approach may be essential for optimal efficacy towards GBM.