Despite remarkable advances in cancer treatment, the prognosis for patients with glioblastoma remains poor. The emerging field of oncological neuroscience reveals complex functional interactions between glioblastoma and the brain’s cellular architecture, which includes neurons, glia, and blood vessels. New findings highlight the role of structural and functional connections within hierarchical networks, known as the connectome. These connections contribute to the localization, spread, and recurrence of glioblastoma, as well as to overall patient survival, revealing a complex interplay between the tumor and the central nervous system.
This growing body of evidence calls for a paradigm shift, challenging the perception of glioblastomas as mere foreign bodies within the brain. On the contrary, these tumors are intricately intertwined with the brain’s structural and functional fabric. This radical change in perspective carries profound implications for understanding and treating glioblastomas, potentially unveiling new prognostic factors, refining surgical strategies, and optimizing radiotherapy. Furthermore, a connectivity-based approach suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation could disrupt pathological neuron–glioma interactions within specific networks.
