Hidden in plain sight: promising therapeutic targets for glioblastoma lurk within DNA damage response pathways

In Dr. Herst’s excellent “Perspective”, the author reflects on recent attempts to improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) by combining conventional cytotoxic agents (radiation therapy and temozolomide) with molecular targeted agents. We agree with her conclusion that targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling and angiogenesis has been unsuccessful to date, despite the apparently sound scientific rationale and promising pre-clinical data. We found her argument that components of the DNA damage response (DDR) represent more promising therapeutic targets to be very persuasive, and value the opportunity to respond to some of the key points.