Challenges and Recent Advances in Medulloblastoma Therapy

Vinod Kumar; Virender Kumar; Timothy McGuire; Donald W Coulter; John G Sharp; Ram I Mahato

doi:10.1016/j.tips.2017.09.002

Challenges and Recent Advances in Medulloblastoma Therapy

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Dec;38(12):1061-1084. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.09.002. Epub 2017 Oct 20.

Authors

Vinod Kumar¹, Virender Kumar¹, Timothy McGuire², Donald W Coulter³, John G Sharp⁴, Ram I Mahato⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
² Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
³ Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
⁴ Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
⁵ Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA. Electronic address: ram.mahato@unmc.edu.

PMID: 29061299
DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.09.002

Abstract

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood brain tumor, which occurs in the posterior fossa. MB tumors are highly heterogeneous and have diverse genetic make-ups, with differential microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and variable prognoses. MB can be classified into four subgroups, each with different origins, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic targets. miRNA and small-molecule targeted therapies have emerged as a potential new therapeutic paradigm in MB treatment. However, the development of chemoresistance due to surviving cancer stem cells and dysregulation of miRNAs remains a challenge. Combination therapies using multiple drugs and miRNAs could be effective approaches. In this review we discuss various MB subtypes, barriers, and novel therapeutic options which may be less toxic than current standard treatments.

Keywords: blood–brain barrier; drug delivery; hedgehog; medulloblastoma; miRNA; stem cell.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cerebellar Neoplasms / therapy*
Child
Combined Modality Therapy
Disease Models, Animal
Humans
Medulloblastoma / therapy*