Induction of apoptosis in glioma cells: an approach to control tumor growth by blocking basic fibroblast growth factor autocrine loop.

Glioma is a group of neoplasms derived from neuroepithelial tissue. High grade glioma is characterized by the presence of mitotic figures and the occurrence of vascular endothelial hyperplasia. This article reviews the effects of growth factors which are secreted by glioma cells on the proliferative activity of both glioma cells and vascular endothelial cells. Among various glioma-derived growth factors, we have found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in determining malignant trait of human glioma via its autocrine loop. Furthermore, we discuss candidate molecular targets for the therapy of high-grade glioma by blocking the autocrine loop of bFGF.