Molecular and genetic profiling in human gliomas.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive fatal brain tumor with a median survival of about a year after diagnosis. The current available treatment options only marginally improve patient outcome. The complexity and heterogeneity of the disease pose an extensive challenge to the development of novel therapeutic agents. Through molecular and genetic profiling, it has been possible to both identify mechanisms of disease progression and its therapeutic resistance. This paper highlights the significance of these advances.