Connectomic Networks and Their Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Glioma Treatment: A Review

Abstract

The emerging field of connectomics has provided an improved understanding of the structural and functional organization of the human brain into large-scale brain networks. Recent studies have helped define the canonical neurological networks and outline how considering their presence may aid in surgical decision-making in brain tumor patients. Gliomas represent one of the most common types of brain tumor and often involve displacement and/or infiltration of neurological pathways, suggesting an opportunity to use connectomic maps to improve patient morbidity and mortality based on oncofunctional goals. This review aims to provide a working knowledge of important neurological networks, examine the use of networks in surgical planning, and describe the current literature discussing the impact of these networks on clinical outcomes in glioma resection.

Glioma, The Road Ahead

“…The two review articles in the current issue dealing with molecular imaging of the glial tumors and the connectomic network are also great read. 4 5 The fast-changing advances in neuro-oncology make it essential to keep ourselves updated. The two advances, one in the field of molecular imaging and the other in connectomic network, are such examples.…”