A Radiologist's Guide to IDH-Wildtype Glioblastoma for Efficient Communication With Clinicians: Part I-Essential Information on Preoperative and Immediate Postoperative Imaging

Korean J Radiol. 2025 Mar;26(3):246-268. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2024.0982.

Abstract

The paradigm of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype glioblastoma is rapidly evolving, reflecting clinical, pathological, and imaging advancements. Thus, it remains challenging for radiologists, even those who are dedicated to neuro-oncology imaging, to keep pace with this rapidly progressing field and provide useful and updated information to clinicians. Based on current knowledge, radiologists can play a significant role in managing patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma by providing accurate preoperative diagnosis as well as preoperative and postoperative treatment planning including accurate delineation of the residual tumor. Through active communication with clinicians, extending far beyond the confines of the radiology reading room, radiologists can impact clinical decision making. This Part 1 review provides an overview about the neuropathological diagnosis of glioblastoma to understand the past, present, and upcoming revisions of the World Health Organization classification. The imaging findings that are noteworthy for radiologists while communicating with clinicians on preoperative and immediate postoperative imaging of IDH-wildtype glioblastomas will be summarized.

Keywords: Central nervous system neoplasms; Glioblastoma; Magnetic resonance imaging; World Health Organization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Glioblastoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioblastoma* / genetics
  • Glioblastoma* / pathology
  • Glioblastoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase* / genetics
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Preoperative Care
  • Radiologists

Substances

  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase