Abstract
This review highlights the importance and the complexity of tumour biology and microenvironment in the progression and therapy resistance of glioma. Specific gene mutations, the possible functions of several non-coding microRNAs and the intra-tumour and inter-tumour heterogeneity of cell types contribute to limit the efficacy of the actual therapeutic options. In this scenario, identification of molecular biomarkers of response and the use of multimodal in vivo imaging and in particular the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) based molecular approach, can help identifying glioma features and the modifications occurring during therapy at a regional level. Indeed, a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the development of diagnostic procedures can favor the identification of a cluster of patients for personalized medicine in order to improve the survival and their quality of life.
Highlights
Glioma is the most diffused Central Nervous System (CNS) tumour in adults that accounts for the 75% of all the primary brain cancers [1]
The use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and selected radiopharmaceuticals has allowed to image in vivo different biological features of tissue, such as glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and matrix metalloproteinases that are associated with the tumour or tumour microenvironment
Guastella et al observed that Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) generated by injection in mice of GBM cells or tumour fragments derived from patients with different uptake of [11C]AMT and expression of TRP pathway markers recapitulate the same TRP metabolic characteristics of the primary patient tumour underling as these models can be used to test new therapeutic approaches [224]
Summary
Glioma is the most diffused Central Nervous System (CNS) tumour in adults that accounts for the 75% of all the primary brain cancers [1]. Jacob et al, through single cell RNA sequencing and histopathology assays, confirmed the observations of Mansour et al on in vivo GBO models, such as hypoxia gradients, vasculature, TME composition, mutations, and cell heterogeneity of parental tumours, generating a living GBO biobank making an attractive preclinical model to reproduce the lesion biology of patients [67]. The glioma microenvironment is mainly composed of microglia, astrocytes, and macrophages [89] These cells represent the brain immune system displaying different homeostasis functions and regulating synaptic activity by the production of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and metabolites [90].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
