The current standard of care in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), as the most
morbid brain tumor, is not adequate, despite substantial progress in cancer therapy.
Among patients receiving current standard treatments, including surgery, irradiation, and
chemotherapy, the overall survival (OS) period with GBM is less than one year. The high
mortality frequency of GBM is due to its aggressive nature, including accelerated
growth, deregulated apoptosis, and invasion into surrounding tissues. The understanding
of the molecular pathogenesis of GBM is, therefore, crucial for identifying, designing,
and repurposing potential agents in future therapeutic approaches. In recent decades, it
has been apparent that several neurotransmitters, specifically substance P (SP), an undecapeptide
in the family of neuropeptides tachykinins, are found in astrocytes. After binding
to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), the SP controls cancer cell growth, exerts antiapoptotic
impacts, stimulates cell invasion/metastasis, and activates vascularization.
Since SP/NK-1R signaling pathway is a growth driver in many cancers, this potential
mechanism is proposed as an additional target for treating GBM. Following an evaluation
of the function of both SP and its NK-1R inhibitors in neoplastic cells, we recommend
a unique and promising approach for the treatment of patients with GBM.