Glioblastoma antigen discovery--foundations for immunotherapy.

Abstract

Prognosis for patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the most common high-grade primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor, remains discouraging despite multiple discoveries and clinical advances. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to GBM therapy as the idea the human CNS is immunoprivileged is being challenged. Early clinical studies of vaccine-based approaches have been encouraging, but further investigation is required before these therapies become clinically meaningful. A key challenge in immunotherapy involves identification of target antigens that are specific and sensitive for GBM. Here we discuss tumor-associated antigens that have been targeted for GBM therapy, strategies for discovery of novel antigens, and the theory of epitope spreading as it applies to GBM immunotherapy.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s11060-015-1836-8

View details for PubMedID 26045361