Nanostructured Therapeutic Systems of PUFAs for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a typical category of the most common and aggressive brain tumors, with a high incidence in older adults, particularly in males. Although the etiology of GBM has not been fully elucidated, yet it is characterized by highly proliferative activity in the glial cells. Its complete resection is impossible, and radiotherapy is not always efficient for complete relief. Thus, GBM remains a therapeutic challenge in neurooncology as there is no treatment that provides significant improvement in the survival rate of patients. In this regard, the identification of newer drug therapy for the treatment of GBM is gaining popularity. However, identifying new targets and developing new leads for screening suitable drug candidates require the investment of resources like time, money, and efforts. It has been observed in many research studies that the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as therapeutic moieties for cancer treatment has yielded significant interest owing to their cost-effective availability, limited side effects, and insensitivity towards drug resistance. Nevertheless, the implications of nanostructured therapeutic systems in delivering the PUFAs can provide significant improvement in their biopharmaceutical performance and antitumor activity over the existing alkylating agents used as chemotherapeutic drugs in GBM. Currently, various studies have shown that PUFAs, especially γ-linolenic acid (GLA), have selective tumoricidal action and the ability to reduce antioxidant contents of the glioma tumor cells. In this regard, the present review endeavors to provide an insight into the applications of nanomedicinal drug carriers used for delivering the PUFAs for the effective treatment of GBM and associated diseases.