Chemodynamic Therapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme and Perspectives

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a potential public health issue, is a huge challenge for the advanced scientific realm to solve. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) based on the Fenton reaction emerged as a state-of-the-art therapeutic modality to treat GBM. However, crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to reach the GBM is another endless marathon. In this review, the physiology of the BBB has been elaborated to understand the mechanism of crossing these potential barriers to treat GBM. Moreover, the designing of Fenton-based nanomaterials has been discussed for the production of reactive oxygen species in the tumor area to eradicate the cancer cells. For effective tumor targeting, biological nanomaterials that can cross the BBB via neurovascular transport channels have also been explored. To overcome the neurotoxicity caused by inorganic nanomaterials, the use of smart nanoagents having both enhanced biocompatibility and effective tumor targeting ability to enhance the efficiency of CDT are systematically summarized. Finally, the advancements in intelligent Fenton-based nanosystems for a multimodal therapeutic approach in addition to CDT are demonstrated. Hopefully, this systematic review will provide a better understanding of Fenton-based CDT and insight into GBM treatment.