Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Glioblastoma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Glioblastoma is currently described as the worst brain tumor because of its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and irradiation are not curative, and the average survival for patients with glioblastoma is around 15 months. The cellular heterogeneity and infiltrative capability of glioblastoma make complete surgical resection almost impossible. Moreover, the presence of cancer stem-like cells in this tumor leads to therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence after surgery. Numerous studies have explored the physiology of these cancer stem cells, and attempts have been made to develop devices aimed at isolating this rare population of cells. This chapter describes the complexity of cancer stem cells in glioblastoma. Their role in autophagy, gene regulation by epigenetic modifications, and the challenges in isolating these cells are addressed. This knowledge may pave the way for a better understanding of cancer stem cells in glioblastoma, and the potential development of new therapeutic strategies for this deadly disease.