A Systematic Review of Glioblastoma-Targeted Therapies in Phases II, III, IV Clinical Trials

Simple Summary This review describes in a very detailed and exhaustive approach the literature of these last 20 years on glioblastoma targeted therapies in Phases II-IV of 257 clinical trials on adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent GBMs (excluding targeted immunotherapies and therapies targeting tumor cell metabolism, well documented in recent reviews). Divided in four Sections, are provided descriptions and lists (in 12 different tables) of, not only main but all drugs, targets, clinical trials and the results of targeted therapies when they are known. Glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and aggressive glial tumor, is currently treated as first line by the Stupp protocol, which combines, after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For recurrent GBM, in absence of standard treatment or available clinical trials, various protocols including cytotoxic drugs and/or bevacizumab are currently applied. Despite these heavy treatments, the mean overall survival of patients is under 18 months. Many clinical studies are underway. Based on clinicaltrials.org and conducted up to 1 April 2020, this review lists, not only main, but all targeted therapies in phases II-IV of 257 clinical trials on adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent GBMs for the last twenty years. It does not involve targeted immunotherapies and therapies targeting tumor cell metabolism, that are well documented in other reviews. Without surprise, the most frequently reported drugs are those targeting (i) EGFR (40 clinical trials), and more generally tyrosine kinase receptors (85 clinical trials) and (ii) VEGF/VEGFR (75 clinical trials of which 53 involving bevacizumab). But many other targets and drugs are of interest. They are all listed and thoroughly described, on an one-on-one basis, in four sections related to targeting (i) GBM stem cells and stem cell pathways, (ii) the growth autonomy and migration, (iii) the cell cycle and the escape to cell death, (iv) and angiogenesis.

Automated summary

This review provides a detailed analysis of targeted therapies for glioblastoma over the last 20 years, covering 257 clinical trials on adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent GBMs in Phases II-IV. Despite current treatment protocols, the survival of patients remains under 18 months, with ongoing clinical studies to explore new therapeutic options. The most frequently studied targets include EGFR, tyrosine kinase receptors, and VEGF/VEGFR, with various other targets and drugs also of interest for potential future therapies.