Purpose: Diffuse gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Many studies analyzed their epidemiology, such as the incidence and mortality. Moreover, the identification of their risk factors is still controversial and to date we have only a few accepted and confirmed risk factors. In the last few years, many molecular markers have been analyzed and correlated to the prognosis of gliomas. We performed a review aiming to collect and clarify data on epidemiology, risk factors and prognostic factors regarding glioma patients. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review of research studies focusing on epidemiology of gliomas and their risk factors. At the same time, we collected studies analyzing the most important and validated prognostic factors in glioma patients. Results: Glioblastoma represents the most common primary malignant brain tumor with an incidence rate of 3.23 per 100,000 population. Diffuse astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma tend to peak in young adults with a median age of 46 and 43 years, respectively). Overall, the incidence rate of gliomas is higher in male patients than in females. Rates of overall survival vary widely, ranging from 5 year survival rates of 94.7% for pilocytic astrocytoma to 6.8% for glioblastoma. About 5% of gliomas can be classified as familial and associated with hereditary syndromes, such as the Li-Fraumeni, the Turcot and neurofibromatosis. Ionizing radiation remains the only ascertained environmental risk factor associated with glioma. In addition to the clinical characteristics, such as the age, performance status and the extent of resection, also mutational status of some genes such as IDH, TERT, CDKN2A and the MGMT methylation status can be correlated with the glioma patient survival. Conclusions: Gliomas represent rare tumors and can be defined as a heterogenous group of primitive brain tumors. In recent years, new data emerged regarding the etiology of these tumors as well as the knowledge of new prognostic factors.
Epidemiology, risk factors, and prognostic factors of gliomas
Pellerino, AlessiaFirst
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2022-01-01
Abstract
Purpose: Diffuse gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Many studies analyzed their epidemiology, such as the incidence and mortality. Moreover, the identification of their risk factors is still controversial and to date we have only a few accepted and confirmed risk factors. In the last few years, many molecular markers have been analyzed and correlated to the prognosis of gliomas. We performed a review aiming to collect and clarify data on epidemiology, risk factors and prognostic factors regarding glioma patients. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review of research studies focusing on epidemiology of gliomas and their risk factors. At the same time, we collected studies analyzing the most important and validated prognostic factors in glioma patients. Results: Glioblastoma represents the most common primary malignant brain tumor with an incidence rate of 3.23 per 100,000 population. Diffuse astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma tend to peak in young adults with a median age of 46 and 43 years, respectively). Overall, the incidence rate of gliomas is higher in male patients than in females. Rates of overall survival vary widely, ranging from 5 year survival rates of 94.7% for pilocytic astrocytoma to 6.8% for glioblastoma. About 5% of gliomas can be classified as familial and associated with hereditary syndromes, such as the Li-Fraumeni, the Turcot and neurofibromatosis. Ionizing radiation remains the only ascertained environmental risk factor associated with glioma. In addition to the clinical characteristics, such as the age, performance status and the extent of resection, also mutational status of some genes such as IDH, TERT, CDKN2A and the MGMT methylation status can be correlated with the glioma patient survival. Conclusions: Gliomas represent rare tumors and can be defined as a heterogenous group of primitive brain tumors. In recent years, new data emerged regarding the etiology of these tumors as well as the knowledge of new prognostic factors.
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