Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors: Where We Have Been, and Where Do We Go From Here?

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2024 May;25(5):628-643. doi: 10.1007/s11864-024-01200-9. Epub 2024 Apr 23.

Abstract

Immunotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM) remains an intensive area of investigation. Given the seismic impact of cancer immunotherapy across a range of malignancies, there is optimism that harnessing the power of immunity will influence GBM as well. However, despite several phase 3 studies, there are still no FDA-approved immunotherapies for GBM. Importantly, the field has learned a great deal from the randomized studies to date. Today, we are continuing to better understand the disease-specific features of the microenvironment in GBM-as well as the exploitable antigenic characteristic of the tumor cells themselves-that are informing the next generation of immune-based therapeutic strategies. The coming phase of next-generation immunotherapies is thus poised to bring us closer to treatments that will improve the lives of patients with GBM.

Keywords: Future treatment options; Glioblastoma; Immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Brain Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Disease Management
  • Glioblastoma / immunology
  • Glioblastoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / immunology