Glioma: an overview of current classifications, characteristics, molecular biology and target therapies

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, accounting for 30% to 40% of all intracranial tumors. About half of all gliomas in adults are glioblastomas. Patients with glioblastoma have a poor prognosis, with a median survival of one year despite aggressive therapy and a five year mortality of over 95%. Although considerable progress has been made in the technical proficiencies of surgical and radiation oncology, the overall impact of these advances on clinical outcomes has been disappointing. Recent elucidation of several biochemical and molecular markers associated with glioma may provide valuable insight into the underlying biological features of the disease, as well as illuminate possible new therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the current characteristics, classifications, and management of glioma.