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Semin Neurol 2018; 38(01): 005-010
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1620238
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Origin of Gliomas

Daniel Cahill
1   Massachusetts General Hospital Brain Tumor Center, Boston, Massachussetts
,
Sevin Turcan
2   Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital/National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 March 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Malignant glioma is a common type of brain tumor that remains largely incurable. Although a definitive cell of origin of gliomas remains elusive, numerous population studies, sequencing efforts, and genetically engineered mouse models have contributed to our understanding of the early events that may lead to gliomagenesis. Herein we summarize our current knowledge on the population epidemiology of gliomas, heritable genetic risk factors, the somatic events that contribute to tumor evolution, and mouse models that have shed light on the glioma cell of origin. Future studies will increase our understanding of the sequence of early events within susceptible cells and their niche that trigger the path to malignant transformation. Such knowledge will allow us to design more effective treatment options to control tumor growth or screening methods for early detection.

Keywords

epidemiology - cell of origin - mouse models - hereditary syndromes - heritable genetic risk factors
 

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