Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants in Tumor Initiation and Progression of Glioblastoma

Abstract

The treatment options for patients with glioblastoma are limited, thus much studies have been conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underlining gliomagenesis. The recent genome-wide sequencing and large-scale epigenetic profiling studies have generated crucial new data into the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in glioblastoma, leading to a better understanding of the genetics and epigenetics determinants in the different glioma subtypes and malignancy grades, thus allowing a better prediction of the individual patient sensitivity to the standard therapies. In this chapter the major studies dealing with genetic and epigenetics modification in gliomas, leading to tumor progression, invasion, and insensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy are analyzed. The knowledge generated by these studies will allow patient personalized therapies which will improve the effectiveness of the therapeutic scheme by inhibiting specific signaling pathways allowing to overcome the problem of drug/radio-resistance.