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Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Valproate has been used as an anti-epileptic drug and mood stabilizer for decades. Recently, it was found to inhibit the proliferation of various cancers including glioblastoma multiforme., Areas Covered: We provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of action of valproate in gliomas, of its potential side effects and of the published clinical results obtained with this drug in glioblastomas. Valproate inhibits a subset of histone deacetylases and cellular kinases, and affects gene transcription through histone hyperacetylation, DNA hypomethylation and the modulation of several transcription factors. As a result, VPA induces differentiation of glioma cells, can prevent their invasion in surrounding tissues and may inhibit tumor angiogenesis. VPA can also inhibit DNA repair, thereby potentiating cytotoxic treatments such as chemotherapies or radiation therapy. Based on these mechanisms and case reports of glioblastoma remissions following VPA treatment, several clinical studies currently assess the therapeutic potential of VPA in glioma therapy., Expert Opinion: The combination of VPA treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in glioblastoma appears a rational option that deserves well-designed prospective clinical trials that assess the efficacy and the molecular characteristics of the responding tumors in these patients.

Purpose: To systematically examine the state of research on sexuality and amputees., Methods: A total of five publication databases were searched: Pubmed, Cinahl, Embase, Psychinfo and Recall., Results: A total of 11 eligible studies was found. The studies were characterised by a diversity of study populations, sampling methods, gender and age distributions, assessment methods, and outcomes measures. The use of the terminology regarding sexuality was ambiguous. All studies found an impact of the amputation of a limb on some part of sexual functioning (or concerns about) to some degree., Conclusions: Studies on sexuality and amputees are very diverse and terminology is ambiguous. Amputation of a limb has an impact on sexual functioning. Amputees complain that there is little support from professionals. The authors recommend the use of the ICF terminology. Suggestions for future research are given.