Treatment of recurrent glioblastoma: state-of-the-art and future perspectives.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Almost all patients affected by glioblastoma experience recurrence of the disease. AREAS COVERED Management of recurrent glioblastoma is a clinical challenge, and several elements should be taken into consideration when making treatment choice. Loco-regional treatments may be the best treatment approach in selected cases while systemic therapies or supportive care alone are necessary for other patients. Unfortunately, few drugs have shown clinical in this setting. This lack of effective treatments has made recurrent glioblastoma a disease orphan of an effective approach. EXPERT OPINION Results of recent clinical trials offer interesting perspectives and may controvert this axiom.