Clinical trials of small molecule inhibitors in high-grade glioma.

High-grade gliomas are rapidly progressing and generally fatal neoplasms of the brain. Chemotherapy has continued to provide only limited benefit for patients harboring these tumors. The recurrence of common mutations, combined with the similarities of many of the acquired capabilities and characteristics of solid tumors, suggest many common therapeutic targets. During the past few decades, an increased understanding of many of the cellular regulatory mechanisms associated with carcinogenesis has provided an opportunity for the development of pathway-specific small molecule targeted inhibitors (SMIs). This article reviews the use of SMIs in the treatment of high-grade glioma.