insights into glioblastoma immunotherapy: interplay of dendritic cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and emerging therapeutic strategies in veterinary medicine

Glioblastoma (gbm), a highly aggressive brain tumor, presents significant challenges in both human and veterinary medicine. this systematic review synthesizes current strategies and future perspectives in gbm immunotherapy, focusing on dendritic cells (dcs) and tumor-associated macrophages (tams). we conducted a comprehensive literature search across databases such as pubmed and scopus, using targeted keywords related to gbm immunotherapy. inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses relevant to immunotherapeutic approaches, emphasizing dcs and tams, and published in peer-reviewed journals. the search, conducted in september 2024, included the most recent findings. a total of 25 studies, encompassing clinical trials and preclinical research with 1,500 participants, were systematically reviewed. our key findings reveal that dcs enhance anti-tumor immune responses by presenting tumor antigens and stimulating t-cell activation. conversely, tams exhibit a dual role in the tumor microenvironment, either promoting immune responses through pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion or suppressing them via immunosuppressive factors, depending on their polarization state. emerging therapeutic strategies, including car t-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and oncolytic viruses, show significant potential in improving treatment outcomes. these findings highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment and immune interactions to develop effective gbm immunotherapies. specific challenges in veterinary medicine, such as limited clinical trial data and biological differences between species, must be addressed. future research should prioritize optimizing therapeutic combinations, integrating immunotherapies with conventional treatments, and developing preclinical models that accurately reflect the unique aspects of canine and feline gbm. this review underscores the critical role of veterinary studies in advancing immunotherapeutic strategies, potentially improving treatments for both veterinary and human gbm patients.