In recent years, brain tumors have become one of the leading causes of
cancer-related mortality in children. Among all brain cancers, glioblastoma (GBM) is
considered one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies in oncology. The
difficulty in replicating the complex structure of the brain and its surrounding
microenvironment is a major obstacle to understanding potential therapeutic methods
for this condition. To overcome the challenges of treating brain tumors, researchers
have focused on studying different models of brain tumors. These models offer
valuable insights that can aid scientists in developing more effective treatments for
brain tumors. In vitro, tumor models are essential for understanding the molecular and
cellular mechanisms underlying the malignant progression of tumor blood vessels. Ex
vivo tumor models involve the study of malignant tissues removed from living
organisms in a controlled laboratory environment. These models utilize tissue slices,
organoids, and brain tumor cell cultures. Furthermore, in vivo models can be useful for
preclinical testing of potential new treatment approaches and for investigating the
molecular mechanisms of brain tumors and their associated microenvironments.
However, this chapter discusses brain cancer, including its types, symptoms, and
diagnostic characteristics. It explains the differences in cell-signaling mechanisms
between glial and non-glial brain cancers. The chapter also covers the latest
advancements in the prognosis of GBM. Additionally, it includes a discussion of
different types of pre-clinical models used to overcome the limitations of current
therapeutic approaches, such as in vitro 2D and 3D cellular models. Furthermore, the
chapter addresses in vivo animal models of brain cancer created through chemical and
genetic methods, as well as ex vivo models like patient-derived models, xenografts, and
organoids.
Keywords: Brain tumor, In vitro models, In vivo models, Signaling pathways.
