Steroids use in glioblastoma: why do we persist?

• Main Author: Mostafa Fatehi Hassanabad*
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Guilan University of Medical Sciences 2019-04-01
• Series: Iranian Journal of Neurosurgery
• Subjects: glioblastoma; neurosurgical oncology; immune system; corticosteroids; vasogenic edema
• Online Access: http://irjns.org/article-1-176-en.html

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor and arises from glial cells. The condition was initially described ninety years ago; but, despite intense research efforts, the prognosis for most patients remains woefully poor. Over the past few decades, our understanding of the pathologic processes implicated in GBM have improved and we have a greater appreciation for the tumor-microenvironment interactions. We also have a much clearer perspective of the molecular genetics of the disease which will allow us to rationally develop new therapeutic strategies. However, an issue that remains somewhat overlooked is the significance of immune compromise in patients with GBM. Unfortunately, as surgeons and oncologists we continue to prescribe corticosteroids; a patently flawed therapeutic strategy.