Author(s): Moon R.D.C.; Morshed R.A.; Tihan T.; Han S.J.; Price S.J.; Allinson K.S.J.; Santarius T.

Source: British Journal of Neurosurgery; 2018; vol. 32 (no. 1); p. 113

Publication Date: 2018

Publication Type(s): Conference Abstract

Abstract:Objectives: We hypothesised that gliosarcoma (GSA) phenotype, histologically containing both glial and metaplastic mesenchymal components, may develop in a glioma as a result of ‘contact induction’ by the meningeal tissue. We aimed to determine whether GSA displays a more frequent association with the menin-ges than GBM. Design: Retrospective cohort comparison study. Subjects: Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing surgical resection of histologically diagnosed GSA or GBM between January 2005 and September 2015. Methods: Age and gender matched GSA or GBM cohorts were identified, with evaluation of contrast enhanced pre-operative imaging. Results: 26 patients were identified with a diagnosis of GSA, and were age and gender matched to a cohort of 52 GBM patients (median age GSA 59.1, GBM 59.4, p=0.91). No difference was observed in terms of uni-vs multifocal tumour characteristics (multifocal: 11% GSA, 8% GBM p= 0.68). The two cohorts differed in terms of their lobar tumour location (p = 0.003). A significantly greater proportion of the GSA cohort exhibited a dural tail as compared to the GBM cohort (GSA 60%, GBM 35%, p=0.04). There was no difference between the cohorts in terms of (a) contact with the cortical surface (p = 0.36), (b) contact with the dura (p = 0.39) or (c) contact with the ventricles (p = 0.62). Conclusions: Dural tail is displayed by a significantly greater proportion of GSA patients as compared to GBM. In view of the uncertain pathogenesis of GSA this may suggest a key role for the meninges in tumour development.

Database: EMBASE