A Dead End: A Review of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and malignant cancers of the central nervous system (CNS). GBM tumors are derived from glial cells, the most common cell type in the CNS. Glial cells and neuronal cells, the other category of CNS cells, work in concert to produce a functional nervous system. Neuronal cells work to transmit signals to and from the brain, while glial cells act as the “glue” of the CNS. Glial cells help to maintain homeostasis, generate myelin, and support and protect neuronal cells (Society for Neuroscience). Different types of glial cells include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells. When a glial cell becomes cancerous, it develops into a glioma, or a glial-derived tumor (Society for Neuroscience). GBM is derived specifically from astrocytes, and is therefore a type of astrocytoma (American Brain Tumor Association). This review will focus on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathology, and treatment of GBM. The molecular basis of GBM, including EGFR amplification and PTEN mutation, will also be discussed, as well the ways in which the molecular understanding of GBM has led to future treatments for this fatal disease.