Despite their rarity, brain tumors are associated with significant morbidity
and mortality across all age groups. Although therapeutic options remain limited, the
prognosis for individuals with brain tumors has markedly improved due to advances in
immunotherapies, targeted treatments, and a deeper understanding of tumor biology.
However, further progress in treating brain tumors such as gliomas, meningiomas, and
brain germ cell tumors is hindered by low response rates and predictable drug
resistance associated with currently approved therapies. Evidence from previous
studies indicates that brain tumors dysregulate several distinct signaling pathways.
Importantly, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms
driving the malignant behavior of brain tumor cells could facilitate the development of
novel targeted therapies. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of the pathophysiology of
these tumors is urgently needed, as it holds the potential to significantly enhance
therapeutic strategies. Glioblastoma, in particular, is a primary brain tumor
characterized by high morbidity and poor responsiveness to conventional treatments.
Recently, large-scale genome sequencing initiatives have intensified research efforts,
providing new insights into the cellular signaling networks and genomic alterations
underlying brain tumor pathogenesis. Current knowledge of molecular markers and
tumorigenic pathways may prove instrumental in identifying new therapeutic avenues
for brain cancers. Multiple signaling pathways including pRB, p53, NF-κB,
RAS/MAPK, STAT3, ZIP3, and WNT are implicated in the development of various
brain tumor types. This chapter explores the therapeutic interventions and signaling
pathways involved in brain tumor progression.
Keywords: Chemotherapy resistance, Combination therapy, Drug delivery systems, Molecular inhibitors, Nanotechnology in therapy, Targeted therapy.
