Sex hormone receptors and glioblastoma

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the primary brain tumor of the central nervous system which is most common and the most aggressive of all other types of tumors. Current therapy for GBM involves surgical removal (excision) of the tumor followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant therapy with temozolomide. Despite the improvement in therapy for GBM, survival of the patients remains poor, only up to 1 year. Treatment for GBM is limited due to the presence of blood brain barrier which prevents the entry of molecules with molecular weight >500 Dalton. Various gene mutations or over expressions lead to GBM growth. Evidence from the earlier reports suggest that epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in 60% of GBM. Interestingly, recent studies have suggested the involvement of sex hormones in the development and progression of GBM though the underlying mechanism of action of these hormones is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of sex hormones and their receptors, a contributing factor in the development of GBM.