Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma and the Interactions with Its Microenvironment

Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumour. Patients with GBM have a dismal survival and there is a distinct lack of curative treatments. We are increasingly understanding that the GBM tumour is composed not only of tumour cells but a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) of neuronal, glial and immune cells. Research into this area is important because the diversity of tumour cells and interactions with the TME contribute to the aggressiveness and treatment resistance of GBM. In this work, we review the multiple types of cells forming GBM and their interactions and provide examples of how our improved understanding can suggest potential new treatment strategies for this devastating disease.Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, and it confers a dismal prognosis despite intensive multimodal treatments. Whilst historically, research has focussed on the evolution of GBM tumour cells themselves, there is growing recognition of the importance of studying the tumour microenvironment (TME). Improved characterisation of the interaction between GBM cells and the TME has led to a better understanding of therapeutic resistance and the identification of potential targets to block these escape mechanisms. This review describes the network of cells within the TME and proposes treatment strategies for simultaneously targeting GBM cells, the surrounding immune cells, and the crosstalk between them.