Advancements in Preclinical Models for Brain Cancer: A Systematic Review

This review examines advancements in preclinical models of brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma and diffuse midline gliomas. It highlights patient-derived xenografts, organoids, and imaging technologies as vital tools for replicating tumor heterogeneity and evaluating therapeutic responses. Promising strategies targeting glioblastoma stem cells and angiogenesis are discussed, emphasizing their translational potential in personalized therapies. Challenges such as modeling tumor microenvironments and ensuring clinical relevance are acknowledged. Below are three illustrative findings of many in the review. Patient-derived xenografts replicate genetic heterogeneity and preserve genomic fidelity (Zeng W et al.), supporting personalized therapy development and enhancing translational research in glioblastoma. RCN3 knockdown reduces glioblastoma stem cell proliferation and neurosphere formation, improving survival in tumor-bearing mice, demonstrating RCN3's potential as a therapeutic target. ONC201/ONC206 therapy reduces cell viability, disrupts metabolism, and extends survival in patient-derived diffuse midline glioma models, highlighting its promising clinical applicability. 2213 Records screened 220 Full-text studies included Jan 2020–Dec 2024 Coverage window