From Trauma to Tumor: Exploring Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Glioblastoma Patient Characteristics.

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an exceptionally rare occurrence.
• Existing literature lacks comprehensive characterization of patients diagnosed with GBM post-TBI.
• Understanding the demographics and characteristics of this patient group is crucial for potential diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and characterize the demographics of patients who developed GBM after TBI.
• To identify common factors and timelines associated with post-TBI GBM.
• To provide a foundation for future research into the potential link between TBI and GBM.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of case studies and case series published up to April 2023.
• Inclusion criteria focused on confirmed cases of post-TBI GBM.
• Quality assessment of included reports using the JBI case report appraisal tool.

Main Results:

• The review included 13 studies with 16 patients, predominantly male (81%).
• Contusive TBI was the most common injury, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Median latency between TBI and GBM diagnosis was 9.5 years, with a correlation to IDH-wildtype GBM and younger age at TBI.
• Median age at GBM diagnosis was 56 years.

Conclusions:

• A potential association between TBI and GBM development at the injury site is suggested.
• Updated criteria for identifying post-TBI brain tumors are proposed.
• Further large-scale international studies are needed to establish a definitive link, particularly for World Health Organization grade IV IDH-wildtype GBM.
• Regular monitoring of TBI patients, especially middle-aged and older individuals, is recommended.