Inhibition of glioblastoma dispersal by the MEK inhibitor PD0325901

Background Dispersal of glioblastoma (GBM) cells leads to recurrence and poor prognosis. Accordingly, molecular pathways involved in dispersal are potential therapeutic targets. The mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is commonly dysregulated in GBM, and targeting this pathway with MEK inhibitors has proven effective in controlling tumor growth. Since this pathway also regulates ECM remodeling and actin organization − processes crucial to cell adhesion, substrate attachment, and cell motility – the aim of this study was to determine whether inhibiting this pathway could also impede dispersal.