Dual inhibition of PFKFB3 and VEGF normalizes tumor vasculature, reduces lactate production, and improves chemotherapy in glioblastoma: insights from protein expression profiling and MRI

Targeting glycolysis: exploring a new frontier in glioblastoma therapy

Glioblastoma(GBM) is a highly malignant primary central nervous system tumor that poses a significant threat to patient survival due to its treatment resistance and rapid recurrence.Current treatment options, including maximal safe surgical resection, radiotherapy, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, have limited efficacy.In recent years, the role of glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in GBM has garnered increasing attention. This review delves into the pivotal role of glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in GBM, with a particular focus on the multifaceted roles of lactate, a key metabolic product, within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lactate has been implicated in promoting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Additionally, this review systematically analyzes potential therapeutic strategies targeting key molecules within the glycolytic pathway, such as Glucose Transporters (GLUTs), Monocarboxylate Transporters(MCTs), Hexokinase 2 (HK2), 6-Phosphofructo-2-Kinase/Fructose-2,6-Biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), Pyruvate Kinase Isozyme Type M2 (PKM2), and the Lactate Dehydrogenase A (LDHA). These studies provide a novel perspective for GBM treatment. Despite progress made in existing research, challenges remain, including drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier, side effects, and resistance. Future research will aim to address these challenges by improving drug delivery, minimizing side effects, and exploring combination therapies with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to develop more precise and effective personalized treatment strategies for GBM.

Galunisertib promotes bevacizumab-induced vascular normalization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Multi-parameter MRI evaluation

Tumor vascular normalization (TVN) is associated with antitumor therapeutic efficacy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the short time window of TVN is the biggest hindrance to its wide clinical application. We investigated whether targeting transforming growth factor beta can enhance the TVN effect of bevacizumab (BEV)-induced patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of NPC. We constructed mouse subcutaneous PDX models of NPC and classified the mice into four drug-treatment groups, namely placebo control, galunisertib, BEV, and galunisertib + BEV. We performed MRI multi-parameter examinations at different time points and evaluated the vascular density, vascular structure, and tumor hypoxia microenvironment by histopathology. The efficacy of chemotherapy and drug delivery was evaluated by administering cisplatin. We found that combined therapy with galunisertib and BEV significantly delayed tumor growth, enhanced the TVN effect, and improved chemotherapeutic efficacy compared with monotherapy. Mechanistically, galunisertib reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and inhibited the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor by downregulating LAMC2. Correlation analysis of MRI data and pathological indicators showed that there was a good correlation between them.

THBS1 promotes angiogenesis and accelerates ESCC malignant progression by the HIF-1/VEGF signaling pathway

Previously, we demonstrated that the expression of THBS1 is increased in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and is correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis, indicating that THBS1 might be a candidate oncogene in ESCC. In this study, we future studied the specific role of THBS1 in ESCC and its molecular mechanism. Silencing THBS1 expression resulted in inhibition of cell migration and cell invasion of ESCC cells, the decrease of colony formation and proliferation. Tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro was decreased when cultured with conditioned medium from THBS1-silenced cells. The expression of CD31, a marker for blood vessel endothelial cells, was decreased in tumor tissues derived from THBS1-silenced tumors in vivo. Silencing THBS1 leaded the decreased of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), HIF-1β, and VEGFA protein. The expression of p-ERK and p-AKT were declined in HUVECs following incubation with conditioned medium from THBS1-silenced ESCC cells compared conditioned medium from control cells. Furthermore, the treatment with bevacizumab boosted the decrease of the p-ERK and p-AKT levels in HUVECs incubated with the conditioned medium from THBS1-silenced ESCC cells. THBS1 silencing combined with bevacizumab blocked VEGF, inhibited to the tube formation, colony formation and migration of HUVECs, which were superior to that of bevacizumab alone. We presumed that THBS1 can enhance HIF-1/VEGF signaling and subsequently induce angiogenesis by activating the AKT and ERK pathways in HUVECs, resulting in bevacizumab resistance. THBS1 would be a potential target in tumor antiangiogenesis therapies.

Role of Glycolytic and Glutamine Metabolism Reprogramming on the Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis Resistance through Modulation of Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma

Glioma cells exhibit genetic and metabolic alterations that affect the deregulation of several cellular signal transduction pathways, including those related to glucose metabolism. Moreover, oncogenic signaling pathways induce the expression of metabolic genes, increasing the metabolic enzyme activities and thus the critical biosynthetic pathways to generate nucleotides, amino acids, and fatty acids, which provide energy and metabolic intermediates that are essential to accomplish the biosynthetic needs of glioma cells. In this review, we aim to explore how dysregulated metabolic enzymes and their metabolites from primary metabolism pathways in glioblastoma (GBM) such as glycolysis and glutaminolysis modulate anabolic and catabolic metabolic pathways as well as pro-oncogenic signaling and contribute to the formation, survival, growth, and malignancy of glioma cells. Also, we discuss promising therapeutic strategies by targeting the key players in metabolic regulation. Therefore, the knowledge of metabolic reprogramming is necessary to fully understand the biology of malignant gliomas to improve patient survival significantly.

Targeting of endothelial cells in brain tumours

BACKGROUND

Aggressive brain tumours, whether primary gliomas or secondary metastases, are characterised by hypervascularisation and are fatal. Recent research has emphasised the crucial involvement of endothelial cells (ECs) in all brain tumour genesis and development events, with various patterns and underlying mechanisms identified.

MAIN BODY

Here, we highlight recent advances in knowledge about the contributions of ECs to brain tumour development, providing a comprehensive summary including descriptions of interactions between ECs and tumour cells, the heterogeneity of ECs and new models for research on ECs in brain malignancies. We also discuss prospects for EC targeting in novel therapeutic approaches.

CONCLUSION

Interventions targeting ECs, as an adjunct to other therapies (e.g. immunotherapies, molecular-targeted therapies), have shown promising clinical efficacy due to the high degree of vascularisation in brain tumours. Developing precise strategies to target tumour-associated vessels based on the heterogeneity of ECs is expected to improve anti-vascular efficacy.

Sm/Co-Doped Silica-Based Nanozymes Reprogram Tumor Microenvironment for ATP-Inhibited Tumor Therapy

Current applications of multifunctional nanozymes for reprogramming the redox homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been severely confronted with low catalytic activity and the ambiguity of active sites of nanozymes, as well as the stress resistance from the rigorous physical environment of tumor cells. Herein, the Sm/Co-doped mesoporous silica with 3PO-loaded nanozymes (denoted as mSC-3PO) are rationally constructed for simultaneously inhibiting energy production by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inhibitor 3PO and reprogramming TME by multiactivities of nanozymes with photothermal effect assist, i.e., enhanced peroxidase-like, catalase-like activity, and glutathione peroxidase-like activities, facilitating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, promoting oxygen content, and restraining the over-expressed glutathione. Through the optimal regulation of nanometric size and doping ratio, the fabricated superparamagnetic mSC-3PO enables the excellent exposure of active sites and avoids agglomeration owing to the large specific surface and mesoporous structure, thus providing adequate Sm/Co-doped active sites and enough spatial distribution. The constructed Sm/Co centers both participate in the simulated biological enzyme reactions and carry out the double-center catalytic process (Sm3+ and Co3+ /Co2+ ). Significantly, as the inhibitor of glycolysis, 3PO can reduce the ATP flow by cutting down the energy transform, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and assisting ROS to promote the early withering of tumor cells. In addition, the considerable near-infrared (NIR) light absorption of mSC-3PO can adapt to NIR excitable photothermal treatment therapy and photoexcitation-promoted enzymatic reactions. Taken together, this work presents a typical therapeutic paradigm of multifunctional nanozymes that simultaneously reprograms TME and promotes tumor cell apoptosis with photothermal assistance.

Functions of Key Enzymes of Glycolytic Metabolism in Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Metabolic enzymes involved in tumor glycolytic reprogramming, including hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, not only play key roles in tumorigenesis and maintaining tumor cell survival, but also take part in the modulation of the TME. Many studies have been devoted to the role of key glycolytic enzymes in the TME over the past decades. We summarize the studies on the role of glycolytic enzymes in the TME of these years and found that glycolytic enzymes remodel the TME primarily through regulating immune escape, angiogenesis, and affecting stromal cells and exosomes. Notably, abnormal tumor vascular system, peritumoral stromal cells, and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment are important contributors to the failure of antitumor therapy. Therefore, we discuss the mechanisms of regulation by key glycolytic enzymes that may contribute to a promising biomarker for therapeutic intervention. We argue that targeting key glycolytic enzymes in combination with antiprogrammed cell death ligand 1 or antivascular endothelial growth factor could emerge as the more integrated and comprehensive antitumor treatment strategy.

Tumor-secreted lactate contributes to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and affects CD8 T-cell infiltration in glioblastoma

Introduction

Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis. Lactate is the main product of tumor cells, and its secretion may relate to immunocytes' activation. However, its role in glioblastoma is poorly understood.

Methods

This work performed bulk RNA-seq analysis and single cell RNA-seq analysis to explore the role of lactate in glioblastoma progression. Over 1400 glioblastoma samples were grouped into different clusters according to their expression and the results were validated with our own data, the xiangya cohort. Immunocytes infiltration analysis, immunogram and the map of immune checkpoint genes' expression were applied to analyze the potential connection between the lactate level with tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms and cell-cell interaction algorithm were introduced to reveal the connection of tumor cells with immunocytes. By co-culturing CD8 T cells with tumor cells, and performing immunohistochemistry on Xiangya cohort samples further validated results from previous analysis.

Discussion

In this work, lactate is proved that contributes to glioblastoma immune suppressive microenvironment. High level of lactate in tumor microenvironment can affect CD8 T cells' migration and infiltration ratio in glioblastoma. To step further, potential compounds that targets to samples from different groups were also predicted for future exploration.

Manipulate tumor hypoxia for improved photodynamic therapy using nanomaterials

Due to its low adverse effects, minimal invasiveness, and outstanding patient compliance, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has drawn a great deal of interest, which is achieved through incomplete reduction of O₂ by a photosensitizer under light illumination that produces amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, tumor hypoxia significantly hinders the therapeutic effect of PDT so that tumor cells cannot be eliminated, which results in tumor cells proliferating, invading, and metastasizing. Additionally, O₂ consumption during PDT exacerbates hypoxia in tumors, leading to several adverse events after PDT treatment. In recent years, various investigations have focused on conquering or using tumor hypoxia by nanomaterials to amplify PDT efficacy, which is summarized in this review. This comprehensive review's objective is to present novel viewpoints on the advancement of oxygenation nanomaterials in this promising field, which is motivated by hypoxia-associated anti-tumor therapy.

Modulating Glycolysis to Improve Cancer Therapy

Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming and switch to a 'glycolysis-dominant' metabolic profile to promote their survival and meet their requirements for energy and macromolecules. This phenomenon, also known as the 'Warburg effect,' provides a survival advantage to the cancer cells and make the tumor environment more pro-cancerous. Additionally, the increased glycolytic dependence also promotes chemo/radio resistance. A similar switch to a glycolytic metabolic profile is also shown by the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, inducing a competition between the cancer cells and the tumor-infiltrating cells over nutrients. Several recent studies have shown that targeting the enhanced glycolysis in cancer cells is a promising strategy to make them more susceptible to treatment with other conventional treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Although several targeting strategies have been developed and several of them are in different stages of pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, there is still a lack of effective strategies to specifically target cancer cell glycolysis to improve treatment efficacy. Herein, we have reviewed our current understanding of the role of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and how targeting this phenomenon could be a potential strategy to improve the efficacy of conventional cancer therapy.

Inhibition of PFKFB Preserves Intestinal Barrier Function in Sepsis by Inhibiting NLRP3/GSDMD

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is associated with the occurrence and development of sepsis. Further, aerobic glycolysis plays an essential role in inflammation and cell death. This study is aimed at investigating the protective effect and mechanism of PFKFB3 inhibition on intestinal barrier dysfunction in sepsis mice. Sepsis mouse models were established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in wild-type mice and Gsdmd^-/- mice. The results showed that the expression of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in the small intestines was significantly upregulated in sepsis. 3-(3-Pyridinyl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one (3PO), the specific inhibitor of PFKFB3, and Gsdmd gene knockout significantly inhibited the inflammatory response and cell death caused by sepsis, thus alleviating intestinal damage and barrier dysfunction. 3PO was also shown to significantly inhibit oxidative stress and NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent cell pyroptosis in the small intestines. The in vitro studies revealed that 3PO reduced NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent cell pyroptosis by inhibiting ROS. Taken together, our results suggest that PFKFB3 is involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis during sepsis and enhances intestinal damage, which may provide important clues about the potential targets to be exploited in this highly lethal disease.

Resistance Mechanisms of the Metastatic Tumor Microenvironment to Anti-Angiogenic Therapy

Angiogenesis describes the formation of blood vessels from an existing vascular network. Anti-angiogenic drugs that target tumor blood vessels have become standard of care in many cancer entities. Though very promising results in preclinical evaluation, anti-angiogenic treatments fell short of expectations in clinical trials. Patients develop resistance over time or are primarily refractory to anti-angiogenic therapies similar to conventional chemotherapy. To further improve efficacy and outcome to these therapies, a deeper understanding of mechanisms that mediate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies is needed. The field has done tremendous efforts to gain knowledge about how tumors engage tumor cell and microenvironmental mechanisms to do so. This review highlights the current state of knowledge with special focus on the metastatic tumor site and potential therapeutic relevance of this understanding from a translational and clinical perspective.

Targeting PELP1 Attenuates Angiogenesis and Enhances Chemotherapy Efficiency in Colorectal Cancer

Abnormal angiogenesis is one of the important hallmarks of colorectal cancer as well as other solid tumors. Optimally, anti-angiogenesis therapy could restrain malignant angiogenesis to control tumor expansion. PELP1 is as a scaffolding oncogenic protein in a variety of cancer types, but its involvement in angiogenesis is unknown. In this study, PELP1 was found to be abnormally upregulated and highly coincidental with increased MVD in CRC. Further, treatment with conditioned medium (CM) from PELP1 knockdown CRC cells remarkably arrested the function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) compared to those treated with CM from wildtype cells. Mechanistically, the STAT3/VEGFA axis was found to mediate PELP1-induced angiogenetic phenotypes of HUVECs. Moreover, suppression of PELP1 reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo accompanied by inactivation of STAT3/VEGFA pathway. Notably, in vivo, PELP1 suppression could enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, which is caused by the normalization of vessels. Collectively, our findings provide a preclinical proof of concept that targeting PELP1 to decrease STAT3/VEGFA-mediated angiogenesis and improve responses to chemotherapy due to normalization of vessels. Given the newly defined contribution to angiogenesis of PELP1, targeting PELP1 may be a potentially ideal therapeutic strategy for CRC as well as other solid tumors.

Monitoring Bevacizumab-Induced Tumor Vascular Normalization by Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted MRI

BACKGROUND

Accurate monitoring of tumor blood vessel normalization progression is beneficial to accurate treatment of patients. At present, there is a lack of safe and noninvasive monitoring methods.

PURPOSE

To serial monitor the vascular normalization time window of tumor antiangiogenesis treatment through intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and histopathological methods.

STUDY TYPE

Exploratory animal study.

POPULATION

Sixty rat C6 glioma models were randomly and equally divided into the control groups (N = 30) and bevacizumab treatment groups (N = 30). Twenty-five for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and five for electron microscope testing in each group.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2WI with a fast spin echo sequence and IVIM-DWI with a spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence at 3 T.

ASSESSMENT

IVIM-DWI quantitative parameters (f, D, D*, and fD*) were obtained on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 after bevacizumab treatment. After MRI, the microvessel density (MVD), pericyte coverage, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were assessed. Electron microscope observation was performed at each time point.

STATISTICAL TESTS

One-way analysis of variance and Student's t-tests were used to compare differences within and between groups. Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) assess the correlation between IVIM and pathological parameters. The intragroup correlation coefficient was determined to assess the repeatability of each IVIM parameter.

RESULTS

The IVIM-DWI perfusion parameters (f and fD*) of the treated group were higher than the control group on days 2 and 4. Compared to the control group, MVD decreased on days 2 and pericyte coverage increased on days 4 in the treatment group. Electron microscopy showed that the tight junctions of the treatment group were prolonged on days 2-4. In the control group, f had the highest correlation with MVD (r = 0.689). In the treated group, f had a good correlation with pericyte coverage (r = 0.557), HIF-1α had a moderately positive correlation with f (r = 0.480) and fD*(r = 0.447).

DATA CONCLUSION

The vascular normalization time window of bevacizumab treatment of glioma was days 2-4 after antiangiogenesis treatment, which could be monitored noninvasively by IVIM-DWI.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Canonical and Non-Canonical Roles of PFKFB3 in Brain Tumors

PFKFB3 is a bifunctional enzyme that modulates and maintains the intracellular concentrations of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6-P2), essentially controlling the rate of glycolysis. PFKFB3 is a known activator of glycolytic rewiring in neoplastic cells, including central nervous system (CNS) neoplastic cells. The pathologic regulation of PFKFB3 is invoked via various microenvironmental stimuli and oncogenic signals. Hypoxia is a primary inducer of PFKFB3 transcription via HIF-1alpha. In addition, translational modifications of PFKFB3 are driven by various intracellular signaling pathways that allow PFKFB3 to respond to varying stimuli. PFKFB3 synthesizes F2,6P2 through the phosphorylation of F6P with a donated PO4 group from ATP and has the highest kinase activity of all PFKFB isoenzymes. The intracellular concentration of F2,6P2 in cancers is maintained primarily by PFKFB3 allowing cancer cells to evade glycolytic suppression. PFKFB3 is a primary enzyme responsible for glycolytic tumor metabolic reprogramming. PFKFB3 protein levels are significantly higher in high-grade glioma than in non-pathologic brain tissue or lower grade gliomas, but without relative upregulation of transcript levels. High PFKFB3 expression is linked to poor survival in brain tumors. Solitary or concomitant PFKFB3 inhibition has additionally shown great potential in restoring chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity in treatment-resistant brain tumors. An improved understanding of canonical and non-canonical functions of PFKFB3 could allow for the development of effective combinatorial targeted therapies for brain tumors.

Vascular Normalization: A New Window Opened for Cancer Therapies

Preclinical and clinical antiangiogenic approaches, with multiple side effects such as resistance, have not been proved to be very successful in treating tumor blood vessels which are important targets for tumor therapy. Meanwhile, restoring aberrant tumor blood vessels, known as tumor vascular normalization, has been shown not only capable of reducing tumor invasion and metastasis but also of enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. In addition to the introduction of such methods of promoting tumor vascular normalization such as maintaining the balance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors and targeting endothelial cell metabolism, microRNAs, and the extracellular matrix, the latest molecular mechanisms and the potential connections between them were primarily explored. In particular, the immunotherapy-induced normalization of blood vessels further promotes infiltration of immune effector cells, which in turn improves immunotherapy, thus forming an enhanced loop. Thus, immunotherapy in combination with antiangiogenic agents is recommended. Finally, we introduce the imaging technologies and serum markers, which can be used to determine the window for tumor vascular normalization.

Basic approaches, challenges and opportunities for the discovery of small molecule anti-tumor drugs

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for cancer, especially for advanced cancer patients. In the past decade, significant progress has been made with the research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer cells and the precision medicine. The treatment on cancer patients has gradually changed from cytotoxic chemotherapy to precise treatment strategy. Research into anticancer drugs has also changed from killing effects on all cells to targeting drugs for target genes. Besides, researchers have developed the understanding of the abnormal physiological function, related genomics, epigenetics, and proteomics of cancer cells with cancer genome sequencing, epigenetic research, and proteomic research. These technologies and related research have accelerated the development of related cancer drugs. In this review, we summarize the research progress of anticancer drugs, the current challenges, and future opportunities.

Measuring Perfusion: Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR Imaging

The signal acquired in vivo using a diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) sequence is influenced by blood motion in the tissue. This means that perfusion information from a DWI sequence can be obtained in addition to thermal diffusion, if the appropriate sequence parameters and postprocessing methods are applied. This is commonly regrouped under the denomination intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) perfusion MR imaging. Of relevance, the perfusion information acquired with IVIM is essentially local, quantitative and acquired without intravenous injection of contrast media. The aim of this work is to review the IVIM method and its clinical applications.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target genes and molecular pathways in glioblastoma therapy: Current status with an emphasis on delivery systems

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the worst brain tumors arising from glial cells, causing many deaths annually. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are used for GBM treatment. However, GBM is still an incurable disease, and new approaches are required for its successful treatment. Because mutations and amplifications occurring in several genes are responsible for the progression and aggressive behavior of GBM cells, genetic approaches are of great importance in its treatment. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a new emerging tool to silence the genes responsible for disease progression, particularly cancer. SiRNA can be used for GBM treatment by down-regulating genes such as VEGF, STAT3, ELTD1 or EGFR. Furthermore, the use of siRNA can promote the chemosensitivity of GBM cells. However, the efficiency of siRNA in GBM is limited via its degradation by enzymes, and its off-targeting effects. SiRNA-loaded carriers, especially nanovehicles that are ligand-functionalized by CXCR4 or angiopep-2, can be used for the protection and targeted delivery of siRNA. Nanostructures can provide a platform for co-delivery of siRNA plus anti-tumor drugs as another benefit. The prepared nanovehicles should be stable and biocompatible in order to be tested in human studies.

A contemporary update on glioblastoma: molecular biology, current management, and a vision towards bio-adaptable personalized care

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most fatal brain tumor in adults. Current survival rates of GBM remain below 2 years due to GBM's aggressive cellular migration and genetically driven treatment escape pathways. Despite our rapidly increasing understanding of GBM biology, earlier diagnoses, and refined surgical techniques, only moderate survival benefits have been achieved. Nonetheless, the pressing need for better survival rates has brought forward a multitude of newer therapeutic approaches and opened the door for potential personalization of these modalities in the near future.

METHODS

We reviewed the published literature discussing the current state of knowledge regarding GBM biology and therapy and summarized the information that may point toward future personalized therapeutic strategies.

RESULTS

Several novel modalities such as oncolytic viruses, targeted immune, and molecular therapies, and tumor treating fields have been introduced. To date, there is no single treatment modality for GBM, but rather a wide spectrum of combined modalities that address intratumoral cellular and genetic variabilities. While the current state of GBM research and clinical trial landscape may hold promise, current literature lacks any fruitful progress towards personalized GBM therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we are discussing our recent knowledge of the GBM genetic biologic landscape and the current advances in therapy, as well as providing a blueprint for an envisioned GBM management paradigm that should be personalized and adaptable to accommodate each patient's diverse genetic variations and therapy response/escape patterns.

B4GalT1 Regulates Apoptosis and Autophagy of Glioblastoma In Vitro and In Vivo

Our study was designed to investigate the role of B4GalT1 in glioblastoma, in vitro and in vivo, to detect whether B4GalT1 knockdown could regulate the development of glioblastoma, and further observe the relationship between B4GalT1 knockdown and the apoptosis and autophagy of glioblastoma. To begin, we looked at TCGA and GEPIA systems to predict the potential function of B4GalT1. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to analyze the expression, or mRNA level, of B4GalT1 at different tissue or cell lines. Next, the occurrence and development of glioblastoma, in vitro and in vivo, was observed by using B4GalT1 knocked down by lentivirus. Finally, the apoptosis and autophagy of glioblastoma was observed in vitro and in vivo. Results show that B4GalT1 was a highly variable gene, and GEPIA and TCGA systems show B4GalT1 expression in GBM tumor tissue was higher than in normal tissue. Pair-wise gene correlation analysis revealed a probable relationship between B4GalT1 and autophagy related proteins. The B4GalT1 expression and mRNA level were increased in tumor cells, or U87 cells. B4GalT1 knocked down by lentivirus could inhibit glioblastoma development, in vitro and in vivo, by reducing tumor weight and volume, increasing survival, and weakening tumor cells proliferation, migration, invasion. B4GalT1 knockdown could increase apoptosis and autophagy of glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our study demonstrates that B4GalT1 may be able to regulate apoptosis and autophagy of glioblastoma. Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, Beclin-1, and LC3 s may be the downstream target factors of B4GalT1 in apoptosis and autophagy, which may provide a new strategy to reduce glioblastoma development by regulating apoptosis and autophagy.

Current Concepts in Multi-Modality Imaging of Solid Tumor Angiogenesis

Simple Summary

The recent increase in the use of targeted molecular therapy including anti-angiogenetic agents in cancer treatment necessitate the use of robust tools to assess and guide treatment. Angiogenesis, the formation of new disorganized blood vessels, is used by tumor cells to grow and spread using different mechanisms that could be targeted by anti-angiogenetic agents. In this review, we discuss the biological principles of tumor angiogenesis and the imaging modalities that could provide information beyond gross tumor size and morphology to capture the efficacy of anti-angiogenetic therapeutic response.

Abstract

There have been rapid advancements in cancer treatment in recent years, including targeted molecular therapy and the emergence of anti-angiogenic agents, which necessitate the need to quickly and accurately assess treatment response. The ideal tool is robust and non-invasive so that the treatment can be rapidly adjusted or discontinued based on efficacy. Since targeted therapies primarily affect tumor angiogenesis, morphological assessment based on tumor size alone may be insufficient, and other imaging modalities and features may be more helpful in assessing response. This review aims to discuss the biological principles of tumor angiogenesis and the multi-modality imaging evaluation of anti-angiogenic therapeutic responses.