Abstract

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV) is one of the most aggressive, invasive, and lethal intracranial neoplasms, with a low post-diagnosis survival rate. Standard-of-care treatment regimens involving maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy, and genetic anti-tumor compounds like Temozolomide have only been marginally effective in improving overall survival and quality of life. Cell fusion, autophagy, and other complex biological processes affecting GBM pathophysiology are being studied to improve GBM treatment. This paper therefore focuses on oncolytic virus therapy combined with surgical resection, photodynamic therapy, and novel gene therapy, demonstrating how GBM treatment for patients could result in immediate and authentic tumor cytotoxicity and removal, rather than treatment of recurrent GBM. Standard therapy for GBM, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, is called the Stupp regime with the inclusion of Temozolomide (TMZ). It is extremely difficult to design new and effective therapeutic approaches because of the numerous complex biological pathways involved in GBM pathogenesis. Even Stupp regime clinical outcomes have only shown modest benefits with less than 10% of overall 5-year survivorship. A major contributing factor in GBM development is also its interaction with the patient’s host immune system.