Problems of Glioblastoma Multiforme Drug Resistance

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2016 Feb;81(2):91-100. doi: 10.1134/S0006297916020036.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBL) is the most common and aggressive brain neoplasm. A standard therapeutic approach for GBL involves combination therapy consisting of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The latter is based on temozolomide (TMZ). However, even by applying such a radical treatment strategy, the mean patient survival time is only 14.6 months. Here we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of GBL cells to TMZ including genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Present data regarding a role for genes and proteins MGMT, IDH1/2, YB-1, MELK, MVP/LRP, MDR1 (ABCB1), and genes encoding other ABC transporters as well as Akt3 kinase in developing resistance of GBL to TMZ are discussed. Some epigenetic regulators of resistance to TMZ such as microRNA and EZH2 are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / therapeutic use*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Dacarbazine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Dacarbazine / metabolism
  • Dacarbazine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / enzymology
  • Glioblastoma / genetics
  • Glioblastoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Temozolomide

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Dacarbazine
  • Temozolomide