Research advances in subventricular zone irradiation in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV) contains some glioma stem cells which have unique self-renewal capacity and multilineage potency. There are numerous neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of adult human brain; it may also act as a storehouse of glioma stem cells that can promote the development and recurrence of a tumor. GBM involving SVZ is prone to early recurrence and intracranial metastasis after resection, so irradiation of the SVZ potentially influences the survival of GBM patients. This review provides a summary of related experimental and clinical studies, and discusses the value of irradiation of the SVZ in GBM patients and the direction of future research. Key words: Glioblastoma multiforme; Subventricular zone; Glioma stem cells; Radiotherapy; Prognosis