ReviewThe role of CD44 in glioblastoma multiforme

- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary brain tumor.
- CD44 is a transmembrane molecule overexpressed in GBM.
- Processes involving CD44 promote GBM invasion, proliferation and therapy resistance.
- Targeting CD44 is a promising GBM therapy.

A transmembrane molecule with several isoforms, CD44 is overexpressed in many tumors and promotes tumor formation through interactions with the tumor microenvironment. CD44 has been implicated in malignant processes including cell motility, tumor growth, and angiogenesis. The role of CD44 has been examined in many cancer types. This paper provides, to our knowledge, the first focused review of the role of CD44 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and fatal of primary brain cancers. We summarize research that describes how CD44 promotes GBM aggressiveness by increasing tumor cell invasion, proliferation and resistance to standard chemoradiation therapy. Effects of CD44 inhibition in GBM are also explored. Clinical trials investigating CD44 targeting in CD44-positive solid tumors are underway, and the evidence presented here suggests that CD44 inhibition in GBM may be a promising therapy.