Utilizing immunotherapy in the eradication of glioblastoma

Goegdedrag, S.J.H. (2016) Utilizing immunotherapy in the eradication of glioblastoma. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancy. There is an estimate of 210.000 new cases each year worldwide. The overall chance of survival with current standard treatment options is very slim and recurrence is almost inevitable. The current standard treatment consists of safe resection of the tumor, followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy (with temozolomide, bevacizumab, nitrosoureas) and electrical field treatment. In the majority of patients it is most unlikely to achieve therapeutic benefit from a single agent because glioblastoma are very heterogenous tumors. It is evident that there is a desperate need for new and more effective treatment strategies. Currently there is a novel therapy that has shown promising results, which is the immunotherapy approach. In the past it was thought that the brain was immune-privileged, due to the protective structure of the blood-brain barrier being the main reason of concern. In contrast, now it has been shown that the CNS including the brain is more immune competent than previously thought. The immune system is highly active in the brain and interacts with brain tumors. These findings have opened up the possibility to explore an important approach for treating malignant brain tumors, immunotherapy. Immunotherapies can be classified into 4 major categories, active immunotherapy, passive immunotherapy, adoptive strategies and immunomodulatory strategies. The most recent findings, progress and future prospects will be presented and discussed, including the underlying mechanisms to possibly eradicate glioblastoma using immunotherapy, such as active and passive immunotherapy, immunomodulatory- and adoptive strategies. Noticeable advancements in utilizing immunotherapy for GBM patients have been made and will most likely become the focus of future treatment strategies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2018 08:11
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 08:11
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/13796

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