Integrating the glioblastoma microenvironment into engineered experimental models

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal cancer originating in the brain. Its high mortality rate has been attributed to therapeutic resistance and rapid, diffuse invasion - both of which are strongly influenced by the unique microenvironment. Thus, there is a need to develop new models that mimic individual microenvironmental features and are able to provide clinically relevant data. Current understanding of the effects of the microenvironment on GBM progression, established experimental models of GBM and recent developments using bioengineered microenvironments as experimental platforms that mimic the biochemical and physical properties of GBM tumors are discussed. Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common form of brain cancer, is extremely lethal due to its rapid progression, resistance to treatment and high rates of recurrence. As reviewed here, the microenvironment that surrounds GBM tumors drives their progression. Development of effective treatments for GBM will require better experimental models that account for the tumor microenvironment and thus, can provide clinically translatable results. This review focuses on using biomaterials to create tumor-mimetic microenvironments as experimental platforms for cell culture.