BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly heterogeneous tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) that exhibits considerable variation in its clinical course. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a classification system for tumors of the CNS that combines histological features with molecular parameters to determine tumor grade. The incorporation of molecular biomarkers that carry both prognostic and predictive value adds another level of objectivity to the glioma grading system and will help guide clinical decision. As such, the assessment of biomarkers has become an integral part of tumor evaluation in neuro-oncology. This curriculum will discuss the clinical relevance of the most recently studied biomarkers with prognostic and predictive value in the evaluation of GBM. Biomarkers regularly used for the assessment of GBM include the IDH mutations, MGMT methylation status, and EGFRvIII. Furthermore, this review will offer a perspective on experimental approaches currently under investigation for treatment of GBM.
LITERATURE REVIEW FINDINGS: MGMT methylation of the promoter region is associated with better treatment response from temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating therapeutic. Treatment benefit was most prominent in the elderly population and therapy should be individualized for that age group. Patients with GBM characterized by IDH1/IDH2 mutations carry a better overall prognosis primarily due to their higher sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy. The prognostic value of EGFRvIII remains controversial, although it may be associated with a worse prognosis. Nonetheless, EGFRvIII provides an ideal target for targeted molecular therapies as it is only found on tumor cells.
PROPOSED METHODS: A curriculum aimed at educating primary care providers (PCPs) about the most clinically significant biomarkers in GBM will be developed. The curriculum will be in a PowerPoint format, and the hour-long lecture will be presented at continuing medical education national conferences. A pre- and post-test consisting of the same 10 multiple- choice questions will be administered on a voluntary basis to help evaluate knowledge acquisition from the curriculum. Results will be evaluated with a paired t-test analysis. The tests will be will be administered through Poll Everywhere, a smartphone survey application.
CONCLUSION: There is increasing evidence to suggest that therapies should be individualized according to specific biomarkers with predictive value. PCPs are in a position where they are often the first providers to suspect the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Therefore, it is imperative for PCPs to be aware of the latest development in the field of neuro-oncology so that they may appropriately counsel patients.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/26587 |
| Date | 01 November 2017 |
| Creators | Gascon, Marc-Andre |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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