The challenges associated with molecular targeted therapies for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. Improvements in the treatment of GBM have remained static since the advent of the standard therapy which includes radiation with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide treatment. Developing treatment and diagnostic or companion biomarker combinations is transforming the way we treat numerous cancers. However, can this emerging paradigm be also effective for GBM? Can GBM be treated the same way as other cancers? Here we review the challenges for a personalized molecular targeted therapeutic approach in GBM. The specific challenges for establishing a personalized molecular targeted medicine program for GBM patients include overcoming the blood brain barrier, unravelling the intra- and inter-heterogeneity that exists and the importance of developing more relevant animal models that recapitulate a patient’s GBM tumor.