Abstract #2933
THE EXTENT AND SEVERITY OF VASCULAR LEAKAGE AS EVIDENCE OF TUMOR AGGRESSIVENESS IN HIGH-GRADE GLIOMAS
Cao Y, Nagesh V, Hamstra D, Tsien C, Brian R, Junck L, Chenevert T, Lawrence T
University of Michigan, University of Michigan
MRI reveals heterogeneous regions within high-grade gliomas, such as a contrast-enhanced rim, a necrotic core, and non-contrast enhanced abnormalities. It is unclear which of these regions best describes tumor aggressiveness. We hypothesized that the vascular leakage volume, which reflects disorganized angiogenesis typical of glioblastoma, would be the best predictor of clinical outcome. Our data suggest that for patients with high-grade glioma, time to progression after radiation therapy is influenced both underlying biological aggressiveness (vascularity) and spread of disease. In contrast, survival depends chiefly on the spread of disease at the time of presentation.
