Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1 Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Student Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most frequent malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor, is characterized by genetically unstable heterogeneous cells, diffused growth pattern, microvascular proliferation, and resistance to chemotherapy. Extensive investigations are being carried out to identify the molecular origin of resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy in GBM and find novel targets for therapy to improve overall survival rate. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been shown to be a safe drug with limited short and long-term side effects, and fumaric acid esters (FAEs), including DMF, present both anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity in different cell types and tissues. DMF has also anti-tumoral and neuroprotective effects and so it could be repurposed in the treatment of this invasive tumor in the future. Here, we have reviewed DMF pharmacokinetics and different mechanisms by which DMF could have therapeutic effects on GBM.
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