Glioma lateralization: Focus on the anatomical localization and the distribution of molecular alterations (Review)

Oncol Rep. 2024 Oct;52(4):139. doi: 10.3892/or.2024.8798. Epub 2024 Aug 19.

Abstract

It is well known how the precise localization of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) predicts the direction of tumor spread in the surrounding neuronal structures. The aim of the present review is to reveal the lateralization of GBM by evaluating the anatomical regions where it is frequently located as well as the main molecular alterations observed in different brain regions. According to the literature, the precise or most frequent lateralization of GBM has yet to be determined. However, it can be said that GBM is more frequently observed in the frontal lobe. Tractus and fascicles involved in GBM appear to be focused on the corticospinal tract, superior longitudinal I, II and III fascicles, arcuate fascicle long segment, frontal strait tract, and inferior fronto‑occipital fasciculus. Considering the anatomical features of GBM and its brain involvement, it is logical that the main brain regions involved are the frontal‑temporal‑parietal‑occipital lobes, respectively. Although tumor volumes are higher in the right hemisphere, it has been determined that the prognosis of patients diagnosed with cancer in the left hemisphere is worse, probably reflecting the anatomical distribution of some detrimental alterations such as TP53 mutations, PTEN loss, EGFR amplification, and MGMT promoter methylation. There are theories stating that the right hemisphere is less exposed to external influences in its development as it is responsible for the functions necessary for survival while tumors in the left hemisphere may be more aggressive. To shed light on specific anatomical and molecular features of GBM in different brain regions, the present review article is aimed at describing the main lateralization pathways as well as gene mutations or epigenetic modifications associated with the development of brain tumors.

Keywords: anatomy; brain regions; glioblastoma; lateralization; molecular alterations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • DNA Modification Methylases / genetics
  • DNA Modification Methylases / metabolism
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / genetics
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Glioblastoma* / genetics
  • Glioblastoma* / metabolism
  • Glioblastoma* / pathology
  • Glioma / genetics
  • Glioma / metabolism
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • ErbB Receptors
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • PTEN protein, human
  • TP53 protein, human
  • EGFR protein, human
  • MGMT protein, human
  • DNA Repair Enzymes
  • DNA Modification Methylases

Grants and funding

Funding: No funding was received.