Demographic, radiographic, molecular and clinical characteristics of primary gliosarcoma and differences to glioblastoma

Gliosarcoma (GSC) is a rare histological variant of glioblastoma (GBM). Due to limited evidence regarding clinical, genetic and radiographic characteristics of GSC, this study aimed to analyze independent outcome predictors of GSC, and to address the differences between GSC and GBM concerning the baseline characteristics and patients' survival.

Patients treated between 2001 and 2018 for the diagnosis of GBM and GSC were included in this study. Patients' records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, genetic and radiographic characteristics. Univariate, multivariate and propensity score matched analyses were performed.

In the GSC sub-cohort (N = 56), patients' age, preoperative clinical status, midline tumor location and tumor size were found to be independently associated with overall survival. As compared to GBM individuals (N = 1249), a temporal location (p = 0.002), presence of eccentric tumor cysts (p < 0.001), a higher ratio of TP53 staining (p = 0.002) and a lower ratio of GFAP staining (p = 0.005) were characteristic for GSC. The diagnosis of GSC was associated with a poorer survival (p = 0.002) independently of the patients' age, sex, clinical status and extent of resection, However, this association was no more significant, when enhancing the multivariate analysis with molecular-genetic characteristics (IDH1 mutation and MGMT promotor methylation status).

Certain radiographic and molecular-genetic patterns present the distinct characteristics of GSC. There is an association between the diagnosis of GSC and a poorer outcome. This difference might be linked to different genetic alterations in GBM and GSC. Prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the characteristics of GSC and develop targeted treatment approaches for this rare variant.