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Insights from the brain connectome in patients with gliomas
Alessandro Salvalaggio1,2, Giulio Sansone1,2,3, Lorenzo Pini1,2
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova.
Purpose Of Review:
Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated that gliomas interact with the brain at the synaptic level, influencing tumor progression. These local interactions have broader effects on the brain's structural and functional connectivity. This review summarizes recent findings on how brain-glioma interactions impact the brain connectome and explores their clinical implications.
Recent Findings:
Glioma progression and brain connectivity are interdependent. Functional connectivity changes in glioma patients are observed across the entire brain and are associated with overall survival. Gliomas tend to develop in highly connected brain hubs, which have higher metabolic demands. Structurally, glioblastoma cells preferentially spread along white matter tracts, with tumours located in regions of dense white matter being linked to shorter survival. Moreover, functional network reorganization in glioma patients correlates with cognitive function and involves widespread areas, including the contralateral hemisphere.
Summary:
Measures derived from the brain connectome offer promising prognostic value and deepen our understanding of glioma growth and dissemination mechanisms.
