A Paradigm Shift in Glioblastoma Treatment and Research: A Multi-mechanistic, Multi-agent Approach to Target Glioblastoma Multiforme

Abstract

The majority of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) suffer dismal outcomes. Adopting a broader, multi-mechanistic, multi-agent approach targeting GBM using readily available and fairly benign agents in combination with standard therapy may improve outcomes. Such agents include fluoxetine, fenofibrate, cimetidine, citrulline, valacyclovir, 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan, and tadalafil, among others. In the context of in vitro and animal studies, these agents appear to target GBM cells and modify the tumor microenvironment. The current approach to GBM treatment focuses on limited molecular attributes of the condition. The following article highlights the relevance of the aforementioned agents in GBM treatment and proposes a multi-mechanistic, multi-agent paradigm shift, addressing a broader range of molecular attributes in the quest to improve patient outcomes.