Characterization, etiology, and management of neurocognitive impairment in patients with glioma: an evidentiary update

This review provides a summary of recent literature concerning neurocognitive functioning (NCF) in patients with glioma, including developments in assessment and characterization of NCF impairment, understanding of etiologic contributors, and mitigation and intervention strategies.

NCF impairment remains ubiquitous in patients with glioma, despite recognition of the detrimental impact upon well being. Risk factors for NCF decline and the underlying neurophysiologic mechanisms continue to be unraveled, including individual genetic characteristics, dynamic tumor and treatment-related changes to local and whole-brain networks, inflammatory cascades, and influence of social determinants of health. Developments in glioma treatment may improve NCF outcomes, such as advances in brain mapping for safer resection and investigational approaches to radiation delivery, though evidence is largely preliminary. While traditional neuropsychological testing has demonstrated utility in this population, digital and other emerging assessment approaches require further study. Additionally, few strategies for management and rehabilitation of NCF impairment are well supported, though potentially efficacious intervention approaches are briefly highlighted.

Impairment of NCF arises from complex tumor and treatment-driven network injury. While development of management strategies has been relatively modest, future approaches may capitalize on the rapidly advancing understanding of etiological mechanisms underlying NCF impairment in patients with glioma.