Role of phytopharmaceuticals as adjuncts in treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary intracranial tumour which accounts for around 33% of all brain cancers. It is characterized by a poor prognosis and a median patient survival time of 12–15 months. Indeed, chemotherapy is the only option for the management of GBM. Clinically this therapy shows unwanted toxicity and drug resistance which poses a risk of continuing the treatment. Considering critical factors like tumour location, potential symptoms, and benefits/hazards, many innovative and novel cancer therapeutic approaches are underway. Multi-targeted approach and a well-designed drug discovery procedure have contributed largely to the development of bioactive as adjuncts to chemotherapeutics. Recently, with the explosive growth of our knowledge in cancer therapy and innovative technologies, it has become possible to overcome hurdles in improving the efficiency of drug discovery, revealing the direct targets of natural products, and resolving the complexity of the multi-faceted pharmacological effects. The use of phytopharmaceuticals, either coupled or independent, has also shown a promising effect. In this chapter, we have discussed the pathophysiology of GBM and the oncogenic signalling cascades involved. Also, we have discussed some major bioactive drugs used in phytopharmaceutical drugs as adjuncts in GBM treatment. This chapter also highlights the recent development of nanotechnology and nanocarrier-based drug delivery for the treatment of GBMs, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy