Low-grade gangliogliomas in adults: A population-based study

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Central Nervous System Tumors
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Low-grade gangliogliomas (GGs) are rare central nervous system tumors affecting adults.
• Understanding their characteristics and prognostic factors is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define characteristics of adult low-grade GGs.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing survival.
• To evaluate the impact of treatment patterns on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for a retrospective analysis.
• Included 703 adult patients diagnosed with low-grade GGs between 2004 and 2016.
• Employed Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models to assess survival associations.

Main Results:

• Younger age, female gender, temporal lobe location, and gross total resection (GTR) were associated with better overall survival (OS).
• Patients undergoing GTR demonstrated high 5- and 10-year OS rates (92.5% and 87.2%).
• Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy significantly shortened OS time.

Conclusions:

• This is the largest retrospective study on adult low-grade GGs to date.
• Favorable prognostic indicators include younger age, female gender, temporal lobe location, and GTR.
• Adjuvant RT/chemotherapy should be avoided post-surgery unless malignant transformation is confirmed.