Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Innovative Therapies and Natural Adjuvants in Glioblastoma Management
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 1951
Special Issue Editors
Interests: cellular biology; neurobiology; cell death; oxidative stress; brain tumor; mitochondrial dysfunction; eating disorder; natural compounds as potential adjuvants to cancer therapy; natural compounds in aging and in cancer therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: neurobiology; cell biology; cell ultrastructure; oxidative stress; inflammation; cell death mechanisms; mycotherapy; phytotherapy; new psychoactive substances (NPS); neurodegenerative diseases; breast cancer; aging; senescence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Organized by Dr. Maria Grazia Bottone and Dr. Fabrizio De Luca, who have been assisted by Dr. Ludovica Gaiaschi (University of Pavia), this Special Issue focuses on glioblastoma (GBM) as one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer, posing significant challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. Although GBM is a rare neoplasm, with a global incidence rate of less than 10 cases per 100,000 individuals, it represents a significant public health concern due to its grim prognosis, with a median survival rate of only 14-15 months following diagnosis. The current standard of care is a multimodal approach that includes maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy with temozolomide, followed by adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy post-radiotherapy. Despite advancements in medical science, the prognosis for glioblastoma patients remains poor, requiring the continuous exploration of new treatment avenues. Recently, attention has been paid to several innovative therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-Cell therapy, oncolytic viral therapy, CRISPR-Cas technologies, combination therapies, tumor treating fields therapy, and much more. Additionally, in recent years, both conventional therapies and natural compounds have shown promise in terms of enhancing treatment outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that compounds, such as curcumin, rasveratrol, cannabinoids and others derived from natural sources, may serve as effective adjuvants in the treatment of GBM due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to a Special Issue that will examine and evaluate the effectiveness and molecular activity of new therapeutic approaches and natural implementations in the treatment of glioblastoma. This Special Issue will highlight recent advancements, current challenges, and future prospects for improving patient survival and enhancing quality of life during cancer therapy.
This Special Issue will provide a detailed overview on the molecular aspect of GBM, focusing on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features; analyzing the molecular effects of currently utilized conventional therapies, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy; and parallelly exploring emerging new therapies, including immunotherapy approaches, gene therapy, and nanotechnologies. Close attention will be paid to the use of natural implementations, such as bioactive molecules derived from natural compounds, examining the mechanisms of action of these adjuvants in cancer treatment and scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of nutraceuticals in the management of GBM patients.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: glioblastoma therapeutic strategies, including targeted and emerging therapies, as well as the study of signaling pathways and the tumor microenvironment.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Maria Grazia Bottone
Dr. Fabrizio De Luca
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- glioblastoma
- targeted therapy
- traditional and emerging therapies
- signaling pathways
- tumor microenvironment
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