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Learn MoreAlso called: Cerebri gliomatosis multiforme
Gliomatosis cerebri is a very rare, fast-growing cancer of the brain. A main feature of gliomatosis cerebri is that it involves at least 3 lobes of the brain.
Gliomatosis cerebri is a very rare, fast-growing cancer of the brain. It is a type of glioma. Unlike some cancers that form distinct, well-defined tumors, gliomatosis cerebri is diffuse and spreads out into brain tissue. A main feature of gliomatosis cerebri is that it involves at least 3 lobes of the brain.
Gliomatosis cerebri does not respond well to treatment. Even with intensive therapy, prognosis is poor. Treatment for gliomatosis cerebri usually includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Because this cancer is widespread and extends throughout brain tissue, it is not possible to remove the cancer through surgery.
Gliomatosis cerebri may occur at any age. In childhood, it most often occurs in older children and adolescents, 10-20 years of age. The median age at diagnosis is 12 years.
Signs and symptoms of gliomatosis cerebri depend on the child’s age and where the tumor is located. Symptoms can be hard to predict because of the way the cancer grows and spreads out into brain tissue.
Gliomatosis cerebri symptoms may include:
Doctors test for brain tumors in several ways. These tests may include:
MRI scan showing gliomatosis cerebri pattern of growth crossing hemispheres of the brain.
Gliomatosis cerebri is a diffuse tumor and spreads out into brain tissue.
Gliomatosis cerebri is diffuse or spread out at diagnosis. It doesn’t follow a standard staging system. However, the way the cells look under the microscope (histology) can give information about the grade of disease. The more aggressive the tumor cells look, the higher the grade. Higher grade tumors grow faster and are more likely to spread. Gliomatosis cerebri tumors are most often classified as WHO Grade III high-grade glioma, but they can also be Grade II or IV.
Doctors also use MRI or CT scans to classify the type of gliomatosis cerebri. There are two types based on imaging:
Scientists are studying gene changes in cancer cells to understand how tumors grow and to help plan treatments. Certain genetic features have been found in some pediatric gliomas, including gliomatosis cerebri. A gene mutation known as an IDH-mutation may be seen in different types of gliomas. Genes being studied include IDH1R132H, H3F3AG34, CDKN2A, and PDGFRA.
Gliomatosis cerebri is an aggressive, fast-growing cancer. The tumor is resistant to current therapies, and the prognosis is poor. There is no long-term cure.
Factors that influence prognosis for gliomatosis cerebri include:
Among children and teens, the average time of survival after diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri is about one and a half years.
Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare, aggressive brain tumor. Currently, there is no standard treatment plan. Much of patient care is focused on controlling symptoms and supporting quality of life for as long as possible. Factors that influence treatment options include extent of disease, location of the tumor, the child’s age, and goals of care. Patients may be offered treatment with a clinical trial.
About half of patients will show some temporary response to therapy. Treatment response may include decrease in tumor size or clinical improvements in symptoms and improved quality of life.
Patients may show temporary improvement with therapy. However, there is no long-term cure. Families should talk to their care teams about what problems they might expect as the disease progresses.
Many patients with gliomatosis cerebri experience seizures during the course of their illness. Anti-seizure medications can help to control this symptom. Neurology specialists also assist with the management of seizures.
Headaches are another common symptom of gliomatosis cerebri. The tumor may cause hydrocephalus, increased pressure inside the brain. This may be managed with steroid medications or surgery to place a shunt. A shunt is a small tube that drains cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. The shunt may be temporary or permanent, depending on what the patient needs for symptom control.
A shunt is a small tube that drains cerebrospinal fluid to prevent the build-up of fluid.
The long-term prognosis of gliomatosis cerebri is poor. Conversations around goals of therapy and quality of life should begin early in the care process. A team of health care providers can help meet specific patient needs as the disease progresses. Palliative care or quality of life services help patients and families manage pain and other symptoms, promote quality of life, and navigate care decisions including treatment choices and end of life care. Hospice care provides medical and practical support as patients near the end of life. Child life, social work, spiritual care, and psychology can help with emotional and practical needs through the cancer journey for the entire family.
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Reviewed: February 2020