Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Low-Grade and High-Grade Gliomas: What Is the Evidence? A Meta-Analysis

The benefit of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in gliomas remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of outcomes with iMRI-guided surgery in high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs).

Databases were searched until November 29, 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OBS) comparing iMRI use with conventional neurosurgery. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) or hazard ratios were evaluated with the random-effects model. Outcomes included extent of resection (EOR), gross total resection (GTR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and length of surgery (LOS), stratified by study design and glioma grade.

Fifteen articles (3 RCTs and 12 OBS) were included. In RCTs, GTR was higher in iMRI compared with conventional neurosurgery (RR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.73; I², 7%) overall, for LGGs (1.91; 95% CI, 1.19-3.06), but not HGGs (1.24; 95% CI, 0.89-1.73), with no difference in EOR, PFS, OS, and LOS. For OBS, GTR was higher (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.43-1.90; I², 4%) overall, and for LGGs (1.63; 95% CI, 1.17-2.28; I², 0%) and HGGs (1.62; 95% CI, 1.36-1.92; I², 19%). EOR was greater with iMRI (6%; 95% CI, 4%-8%; I², 44%) overall, in LGGs (5%; 95% CI, 2%-8%; I², 37%) and HGGs (7%; 95% CI, 4%-10%; I², 13%). There was no difference in PFS, OS, and LOS with iMRI.

IMRI use improved GTR in gliomas, including LGGs. However, no PFS and OS benefit was shown in the meta-analysis.