Chemoresistance in glioma

Abstract

Glioma remains one of the most aggressive and lethal form of cancer. Despite the best available treatment options including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, prognosis is poor with a median overall survival of just over 1 year. Most patients would die of tumour recurrences because of their tumours’ intrinsic or acquired resistance against chemotherapy. Researchers have strived to better understand the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in glioma by using different experimental models, and to direct targeted therapeutics in an attempt to overcome treatment resistance. Currently, different pathways that can confer drug resistance have been identified including DNA damage repair, drug efflux, hypoxia, cancer stem cells, and microRNAs (miRNAs). This chapter will discuss how modulation of these signalling pathways may potentially lead to the development of novel approaches for the treatment of this condition.