Transforming Glioblastoma Therapy: A Study on Nanomedicine-Enhanced Radiotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is still among the most common lethal primary brain tumors as a result of its heterogeneous nature and resistance to standard therapies. Recent advances in nanomedicine have introduced innovative approaches that enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) while addressing critical challenges like hypoxia, immune suppression, and redox imbalances within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The development of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers intended to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is highlighted in this article and modulate the TME for improved radiosensitization. Key areas discussed include the incorporation of nanomedicine with proton and X-ray therapies, immuno-nanomedicine strategies, targeting glioblastoma stem cells, AI-guided nanoparticle development, and the use of exosomes and nanorobots for diagnosis and therapy. Collectively, these multidisciplinary innovations form the basis for adaptive and personalized GBM therapy. This review also evaluates the limitations and translational hurdles of these emerging platforms, offering a comprehensive overview of their future potential.