Glioblastoma multiforme, the most malignant type of brain tumour (with an incidence of 4–8 cases per 100,000 people), typically results in a fatal outcome, with an average survival time of about one year. The pathogenesis involves tumour development through various genetic pathways and the abnormal deregulation of growth factors, particularly IGF-I, eGFR, and PDGF. Current therapeutic strategies—including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—can extend survival to around 14 months, occasionally up to 18 months. More recent advancements in therapy, especially cancer gene therapy (e.g., anti-IGF-I approaches) and immunotherapy (e.g., CAR-T and checkpoint inhibitor therapies), have further increased survival times to approximately two years. Despite these promising developments, the fight against glioblastoma is ongoing and continues to require extensive research in both diagnostics and treatment. Examples of these efforts are highlighted throughout this book. The chapters emphasize the critical role of microsurgery in maintaining patient safety. In terms of innovative diagnostics, early tumour detection and precise monitoring are increasingly supported by the use of Raman spectroscopy combined with liquid biopsy. Advances in immunotherapy are also explored, including explanations of their mechanisms and the development of new vaccines, particularly those prepared using dendritic cells. Finally, considering the ongoing relevance of the COVID-19 pandemic, the book includes an important discussion on managing glioblastoma during this global health crisis.

This book is included in DOAB.