Glioblastoma is an aggressive incurable primary tumor of the central nervous system. Median overall survival is in the range of 1.5 years even in selected clinical trials populations. Many features contribute to this therapeutic challenge including high intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, resistance to therapy, migration and invasion, immunosuppression. With the access of novel highthroughput technologies, significant progress has been made to understand molecular and immunological signatures underlying the pathology of glioblastoma. Clinical trial designs have shifted from investigating broad “one-for-all” treatment approaches to precision oncology designs. The collection of contributions in this book aim at providing researchers and clinicians an update on different aspects of glioblastoma, i.e. progress in basic, preclinical and clinical research.

Treatment of malignant glioma remains a major challenge for neurosurgeons, neurologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists caring for patients with these tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common type of brain tumor, is also the most deadly -- only five percent of patients or fewer will be alive at five years after diagnosis. This comprehensive new reference is edited by a renowned team consisting of a neurosurgeon, medical oncologist, oncologic surgeon, and radiation oncologist. The book provides basic researchers and clinicians with a contemporary review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, and also imparts to experienced investigators outside of the field sufficient background to apply their skills to the treatment of this deadly disease. Expert malignant glioma researchers and clinicians provide state-of-the-art chapters on important topics such as molecular genetic classification of glioblastoma, surgical management, stem cell therapy, chemotherapy, angiogenesis, and more.

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Linda M. Liau, is dedicated to Glioblastoma: Molecular and Clinical Trials. This issue is one of four selected each year by the series consulting editors, Drs. Russell R. Lonser and Daniel K. Resnick. Topics will include—but are not limited to—Pathology & Molecular Markers, Cellular States & Genetic Diversity in Glioblastoma, Mismatch Repair in Glioblastoma Resistance, Genetic Susceptibility in Brain Cancer, Pediatric Gliomas: Molecular Landscape & Emerging Targets, Molecularly Targeted Clinical Trials, Novel Radiation Sensitizers, Immunotherapy Checkpoint Inhibitors, Brain Tumor Vaccines, CAR T Cells, Oncolytic Virotherapy, Targeting Cancer Stem Cells, Therapeutic Delivery to CNS, Theranostics: Dual Modality PET Tracers, and Neuroimaging & Novel Response Assessments.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive incurable primary tumor of the central nervous system. Median overall survival is in the range of 1.5 years even in selected clinical trials populations. Many features contribute to this therapeutic challenge including high intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, resistance to therapy, migration and invasion, immunosuppression. With the access of novel highthroughput technologies, significant progress has been made to understand molecular and immunological signatures underlying the pathology of glioblastoma. Clinical trial designs have shifted from investigating broad “one-for-all” treatment approaches to precision oncology designs. The collection of contributions in this book aim at providing researchers and clinicians an update on different aspects of glioblastoma, i.e. progress in basic, preclinical and clinical research.

Tumor immunotherapy has now shown its promise for many, its disappointments and failings for others. Going forward, brain tumor patients can both benefit and contribute. Tumor immunotherapy is steadily progressing. As experience accumulates, it is important to consider its generality. The reviews herein emphasize the brain’s place among other tumor sites. Two major topics are addressed. THE SITE: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM IMMUNOTHERAPY WHEN THE TARGET IS IN THE BRAIN? Experience with immunotherapy for different targets in the brain, including tumor and also pathogens, is reviewed. Long-standing assumptions are confronted. The potential for beneficial responses is stressed. BRAIN TUMOR IMMUNOTHERAPY: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED SO FAR? Clinical experience with brain tumor immunotherapy, from a variety of centers, is reviewed. Primary tumors, emphasizing glioblastoma, and brain metastases are each considered.

Immunotherapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Glioma provides a review of the current state of immunotherapy for primary brain tumors. The topic is of interest to patients, clinicians, and researchers alike, particularly given the recent failure of large clinical trials. This book serves as an overview of the most promising approaches in the field and provides a foundation for considering novel and combination therapies moving forward. The book discusses several types of immunotherapies for glioma, such as peptide, dendritic cell and heat shock protein vaccines; immune checkpoint blockade; myeloid cells as target; oncolytic viruses; and CAR T cell therapy. Additionally, it discusses the mechanisms of immune suppression in patients and immunogenomics. This volume is a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists and several members of biomedical field who are interested in novel strategies to fight glioblastoma. Summarizes the work in immunotherapy for glioma to-date, including the available evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials Reviews the challenges and successes of the most promising strategies for brain tumor immunotherapy Provides a foundation for considering novel and combination therapies moving forward