Abstract
Both in adult and children, high-grade gliomas (WHO grades III and IV) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. This poor prognosis is a direct consequence of tumor recurrences occurring within few months despite a multimodal therapy consisting of a surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence that glioma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to tumor recurrences. In fact, GSCs can migrate out of the tumor mass and reach the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche persisting after birth. Once nested in the SVZ, GSCs can escape a surgical intervention and resist to treatments. The present review will define GSCs and describe their similarities with neural stem cells, residents of the SVZ. The architectural organization of the SVZ will be described both for humans and rodents. The migratory routes taken by GSCs to reach the SVZ and the signaling pathways involved in their migration will also be described hereafter. In addition, we will debate the advantages of the microenvironment provided by the SVZ for GSCs and how this could contribute to tumor recurrences. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of the SVZ in adult GBM and pediatric HGG and the therapeutic advantages of targeting that neurogenic region in both clinical situations.
Highlights
Gliomas are the most frequent primary tumors of the central nervous system, both in adults and children
Both bench and bedside evidences strongly support the involvement of glioma stem cells (GSCs) and subventricular zone (SVZ) in high grade gliomas (HGGs) recurrences
Previously demonstrated that GSCs migrate from the tumor mass toward the SVZ, through the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis or through a pleiotrophin-driven axis
Summary
Gliomas are the most frequent primary tumors of the central nervous system, both in adults and children. In the latest study by Comas et al, an analysis of GBM progression in 133 adult patients with primary GBM treated with the standard TMZ-based adjuvant radiochemotherapy showed that GBM in contact with the SVZ appears to be an independent prognostic factor for poorer progression free-survival (PFS) but not for OS They reported that SVZ-contacting tumors were associated with a higher rate of contralateral relapses and more aggressive recurrences which they defined as relapses occurring in patients presenting a sudden worsening of their clinical condition before it could be detected by the follow up MRIs taken every 3 months. Targeting the SVZ could be a common therapeutic target for adult GBM and pediatric HGG
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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.
