EGFR Amplification in Diffuse Glioma and Its Correlation to Language Tract Integrity

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Pathology

Background:

• Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is crucial in diffuse glioma, acting as a biomarker for aggressiveness and a therapeutic target.
• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals microstructural brain changes, complementing molecular pathology by linking imaging to genetic profiles.
• Understanding EGFR's role via DTI can refine diffuse glioma diagnosis and targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between molecular properties of diffuse glioma and DTI findings.
• To assess if EGFR amplification impacts white matter tract integrity.

Main Methods:

• 27 diffuse glioma patients (WHO 2021 classification) underwent preoperative DTI.
• Tractography software DSI Studio reconstructed specific white matter tracts (AF, FAT, IFOF, SLF, UF).
• Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured, and EGFR amplification was assessed via molecular pathology.

Main Results:

• EGFR amplification was found in 29.6% of patients.
• Lower FA in the left arcuate fasciculus (AF) and left frontal aslant tract (FAT) was significantly associated with EGFR amplification.
• No significant changes were observed in the right language network.

Conclusions:

• EGFR amplification may be linked to compromised white matter integrity in left-hemispheric language tracts.
• This association could affect neurological function and surgical outcomes.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving this relationship.