Cystic glioblastoma multiforme: survival outcomes in 22 cases

Abstract

The results indicate that patients harboring a GBM that contains a large cyst survive longer and have a longer time to recurrence than those who lack such a cyst. This is the first such observation in the literature.

MR Imaging Characteristics Associate with Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Glioblastoma and Provide an Improved Signature for Survival Prognostication

“…A cystic component has been associated with improved survival in some, 9,10 but not all studies. 6,12,13 If molec-…”

“…[5][6][7][8] Tumors with a cystic component have been associated with improved patient survival. 9,10 However, inconsistencies occur between studies, and MR imaging features are not always found as independent factors associated with survival. [11][12][13][14] Imaging features have been attributed to differences in tumor biology, suggesting an analysis of MR imaging features combined with molecular characteristics may improve prognostic prediction.…”

Midline Glioblastoma Multiforme With Bilateral Symmetric Cysts

“…Since peritumoral edema extends in three dimensions, surgical removal is difficult and involves a high risk of creating new neurologic deficits. Although resection of the peritumoral edematous region improves treatment outcomes of GBM, complete resection of the edematous region is extremely difficult to perform 1,[3][4][5] . In our patient, she had a narrow pericystic edema and a cystic wall which provided the boundary for tumor resection, thus resulting in complete resection and good surgical outcomes.…”

“…The presence of associated cysts is rare and the prevalence of cystic GBM has not yet been reported. Maldaun and his colleagues have reported that patients with a GBM that contains a large cyst survive longer and have a longer time to recurrence than those who lack such a cyst 4) . Several reports have indicated that cystic GBM is less infiltrative than noncystic GBM with a better prognosis 1,3,6) .…”

Radiologic Features and Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Stratify Survival Outcomes in Patients with Glioblastoma

“…Because lesions with high VEGF expression are prone to necrosis and, accordingly, exhibit ringlike enhancement patterns, tumors with ringlike enhancement patterns have relatively distinguishable margins that may facilitate resection. It was also reported that patients with cystic glioblastoma with thinwall ringlike enhancement might also benefit from GTR, 23 suggesting that cystic tumors might be circumscribed lesions with a distinct pattern of invasiveness or limited infiltration of the surrounding neutrophils. Therefore, patients with glioblastoma with high VEGF expression (ϩϩϩ) were more likely to benefit from GTR in terms of prolonging survival.…”