PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-2093

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represent some of the most lethal forms of cancer, with a survival rate of 12-18 months from diagnosis and a 5 year survival rate which does not exceed 3%. Despite advances in understanding the molecular biology of glioblastoma multiforme, WHO grade IV, these aggressive tumors are still incurable. These statistics emphasize the need to develop new effective therapeutic strategies against this disease. 
The presence of cancer stem cells in brain tumors has been suggested in the recent years, extrapolating from other types of malignancies. The Notch signaling is a important pathway for survival of cancer stem cells. Increased Notch signaling promotes tumor development, while blockage of Notch pathway suppresses proliferation and/or survival. When considering the cross-talk between Notch signaling and the RAS/MEK/ERK and PI-3K/Akt pathways downstream of EGFR and their roles in experimental gliomas, it is tempting to speculate that simultaneous inhibition of several of these pathways could lead to improved treatment of glioma patients.

In light of recent molecular treatment resistance or inefficacy, the concomitant inhibition of Notch pathway and angiogenesis proposed in the present project could offer a promising strategy to surpass the cross talk between various pathways and to emerge as alternative therapies. 
The main objective of the present project is Evaluation of synergic effects of multiple signaling pathway inhibition (cancer stem cell signaling – Notch, angiogenesis, PI3K signaling) as potential novel therapeutical approaches for glioblastoma treatment.