New Insight / How Can We Stop Glioblastoma From Coming Back?

Academics and students from Istanbul Medipol University have made a notable contribution to research on glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors. Led by Dr. Nihal Karakaş from the International Faculty of Medicine, the review paper was written by undergraduate and graduate students Sümeyra Mengüç Emir, Birnur Sinem Karaoğlan, Ramazan Kaşmer, Hilal Buse Şirin, and Batuhan Sarıyıldız**. Their work, titled “Hunting Glioblastoma Recurrence: Glioma Stem Cells as Retrospective Targets” was published in a prestigious Q1 journal in the field.

The review focuses on glioma stem cells (GSCs), which play a critical role in GBM recurrence despite standard treatment approaches. Although surgical resection, radiotherapy, and temozolomide-based chemotherapy are commonly used, the tumor’s infiltrative nature and the presence of therapy-resistant subpopulations frequently lead to relapse. GSCs evadeconventional treatments due to their quiescent cell cycle and robust resistance mechanisms, significantly contributing to tumor regrowth.

This review explores the direct relationship between GBM recurrence and GSCs, highlighting the limitations of current therapeutic approaches in effectively targeting these cells. Moreover, it presents new strategies and potential future treatment avenues aimed at eliminating GSCs. The researchers emphasize that targeting GSCs could help suppress GBM recurrence, enhance long-term treatment responses, and improve patient outcomes.

Istanbul Medipol University continues to contribute to scientific advancements in neuro-oncology through the dedication of its faculty and students. This study serves as an important reference, shedding light on innovative therapeutic approaches for GBM treatment.

*The student authors contributed equally to this publication.