Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glioblastoma (GBM), particularly focusing on the differences between primary and recurrent tumors. Buehler et al. revealed that FBXO2 plays a protumorigenic role by mediating glioma-microenvironment interactions, with knockout of FBXO2 in glioma cells leading to improved survival in orthotopic xenograft models and reduced invasiveness in organotypic brain slice cultures (ref: Buehler doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Additionally, Stackhouse et al. developed eight patient-derived xenograft models to study acquired radiation resistance in GBM, identifying key molecular regulators and highlighting the importance of accurate preclinical models in understanding tumor evolution following radiation therapy (ref: Stackhouse doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.148717/). Brown's retrospective study on IDH-wildtype GBM patients provided valuable insights into demographic and molecular profiles, revealing critical prognostic factors that influence survival outcomes (ref: Brown doi.org/10.3390/cancers14133161/). Collectively, these studies underscore the complexity of GBM and the need for targeted therapeutic strategies that consider both molecular and environmental factors influencing tumor behavior.