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Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
MRI-defined patterns of infiltration and outcome in patients with glioblastoma
Katrin Scheu1, Edith Vandieken1, Katharina Hense2
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Background:
Glioblastoma is a rare primary tumor of the brain. Infiltration of glioblastoma into the brain parenchyma may influence prognosis. We therefore aimed to investigate possible influences of distinct patterns of MRI-defined infiltration on the prognosis.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis of sequential patients with glioblastoma between April 2005 and December 2017. Patient data were collected from the hospital data management system, MRI images from the hospital PACS and from cooperative radiology units. Patients were divided into subgroups based on the tumor growth pattern (frame-like, palisade-like, infilling). The impact of various factors on overall survival and progression-free survival was then calculated and compared between the groups.
Results:
259 patients were included. Of the 258 evaluable patients, 117 showed a palisade-like infiltration, 98 were classified as non-infiltrating frame-like, and 43 as infilling dense-solid. Standard prognostic factors aligned to published data. In multivariate analysis, no significant influence of palisade-like growth on overall survival and progression-free survival could be detected. In Cox regression analyses, we found a significant effect for overall survival in palisade-like tumors in the univariate analysis (OR 1.354, 95% CI 1.032-1.776, P = .029).
Conclusion:
We show here a possible correlation of MRI-based infiltration patterns and survival in patients with glioblastoma. Our results correspond well to published literature that shows that certain subtypes of glioblastoma exhibit an enhanced invasion pattern and decreased survival. Our results should be verified in a prospective setting in a large patient cohort and by using automated methods for the classification of infiltration patterns in glioblastoma.
Insights
MRI-defined glioblastoma infiltration patterns may correlate with patient survival. Palisade-like infiltration showed a significant effect on overall survival in univariate analysis, suggesting potential prognostic value.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Glioblastoma is a rare and aggressive primary brain tumor.
- Tumor infiltration into brain tissue is a key factor influencing patient prognosis.
- Distinct patterns of glioblastoma infiltration may have varying impacts on survival outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic influence of different MRI-defined glioblastoma infiltration patterns.
- To analyze the correlation between tumor growth patterns and patient survival.
- To compare survival outcomes based on distinct infiltration subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 259 glioblastoma patients (2005-2017).
- Classification of tumors into subgroups: palisade-like, frame-like, and infilling based on MRI.
- Calculation and comparison of overall survival and progression-free survival between groups.
Main Results:
- 117 palisade-like, 98 frame-like, and 43 infilling tumors identified.
- Multivariate analysis showed no significant influence of palisade-like growth on survival.
- Univariate analysis revealed a significant effect of palisade-like tumors on overall survival (OR 1.354, P=.029).
Conclusions:
- MRI-based glioblastoma infiltration patterns show a potential correlation with patient survival.
- Findings align with literature suggesting enhanced invasion patterns correlate with decreased survival.
- Prospective validation with automated classification methods is recommended.
