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Identification of Malignant Progression of Gliomas through Metabolomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum

  • 0Department of Neuro-oncology, Cancer Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119 South Fourth Ring Road West, Beijing 100070, China.
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August 18, 2025

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August 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Metabolomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and serum can distinguish between primary, recurrent, and radiation-injury gliomas. Specific metabolites like 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate and hypoxanthine show promise for glioma diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Area Of Science

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Metabolomics
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background

  • Gliomas are primary malignant brain tumors with poor prognosis, especially upon recurrence.
  • Distinguishing recurrent gliomas from radiation injury is crucial for effective patient management.
  • Current diagnostic methods lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity for differentiating glioma subtypes.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To identify distinct metabolomic profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum for primary, recurrent, and radiation-injury (RI) gliomas.
  • To explore potential biomarkers for glioma recurrence and radiotherapy response.
  • To investigate the role of specific metabolites in glioma pathogenesis.

Main Methods

  • Comprehensive metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
  • Analysis of CSF and serum samples from 124 patients with primary, recurrent, or RI gliomas.
  • Statistical analysis to identify significant metabolite differences among the groups.

Main Results

  • Significant metabolomic differences were observed in CSF and serum across the three glioma groups.
  • Recurrent gliomas showed elevated 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate (dRP) in CSF, suggesting a link to DNA repair.
  • Elevated serum hypoxanthine in RI patients indicates potential for radiotherapy sensitivity assessment.
  • Ornithine and related metabolites emerged as potential differentiators between glioma recurrence and RI.

Conclusions

  • Metabolomics analysis of CSF and serum holds potential for differentiating glioma subtypes.
  • dRP and hypoxanthine may serve as biomarkers for glioma recurrence and radiotherapy response.
  • Ornithine offers a promising avenue for distinguishing glioma recurrence from radiation injury, aiding treatment decisions.