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Published in: Neurological Sciences 5/2021

01-05-2021 | Glioblastoma | Original Article

Adult brainstem glioma: a multicentre retrospective analysis of 47 Italian patients

Authors: Andrea Rigamonti, Giorgia Simonetti, Antonio Silvani, Roberta Rudà, Federica Franchino, Veronica Villani, Andrea Pace, Rossella Merli, Maura Servida, Alberto Picca, Giulia Berzero, Alfonso Cerase, Ivano Chiarotti, Giannantonio Spena, Andrea Salmaggi, On behalf of the neurooncology group of SNO (Society of Hospital Neurosciences, Italy)

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 5/2021

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Abstract

Background and purpose

Adult brainstem gliomas are rare primary brain tumours with heterogeneous clinical course. The low frequency of these tumours makes it difficult to achieve high-quality evidence regarding prognostic factors, adequate therapeutic approach and outcome in such patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analysed clinical, radiological, molecular, prognostic and therapeutic factors in a series of 47 histologically proven adult brainstem gliomas recruited over a 20-year period (1998–2018).

Results

Twenty-two patients were male, 25 female with median age of 39 years. The tumour involved one brainstem segment in 20 cases and 2 or more segments in 27. Contrast enhancement was reported in 28 cases. Surgical procedures included biopsy in 26 cases and partial/total resection in the remaining 21. Histological diagnosis was of low-grade glioma in 23 patients, high-grade glioma in 22 and non-diagnostic in 2 cases. Data regarding molecular biology were available for 22 patients. Median overall survival was 35 months, in particular 16 months in high-grade glioma and 84 months in low-grade glioma. At univariate analysis, tumour grade was the only factor with a statistically significant impact on survival time (p = 0,003), whereas younger age, better performance status and total/subtotal resection showed a trend to more prolonged survival. This study also confirms safety of biopsy/surgery in adult brainstem glioma patients and shows a clear trend to a more frequent assessment of molecular biology data.

Conclusions

Further prospective multicentre efforts, and hopefully clinical trials, are necessary to improve outcome in this neglected glioma patient population.
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Metadata
Title
Adult brainstem glioma: a multicentre retrospective analysis of 47 Italian patients
Authors
Andrea Rigamonti
Giorgia Simonetti
Antonio Silvani
Roberta Rudà
Federica Franchino
Veronica Villani
Andrea Pace
Rossella Merli
Maura Servida
Alberto Picca
Giulia Berzero
Alfonso Cerase
Ivano Chiarotti
Giannantonio Spena
Andrea Salmaggi
On behalf of the neurooncology group of SNO (Society of Hospital Neurosciences, Italy)
Publication date
01-05-2021
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04725-7

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