Dipartimento di Neuroscienze "Rita Levi Montalcini"

Descrizione del progetto

"The role of molecular factors, magnetic resonance spectroscopy investigation and cognitive function evaluation in the management of lower-grade gliomas with or without epilepsy following treatments"

 The prognostic role of molecular factors and the importance of MRI spectroscopy and cognitive monitoring are important issues in lower-grade gliomas. The aims of the research is threefold: 1) to investigate the prognostic value of the IDH 1/2 mutations, 1p/19q codeletion, ATRX loss and TERT mutation in a prospective cohort of lower-grade gliomas receiving surgical resection and postoperatively either observation with MRI or radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy; 2) to monitor the same patients with MRI spectroscopy and measure 2-HG (metabolic product of IDH 1/2 mutation), glutamate and GABA (involved in epileptogenesis); 3) to test the cognitive functions and quality of life during follow-up and treatments. Patients with or without seizures and healthy controls will be monitored with seizure diaries and neuropsichologic tests and with MRI spectroscopy regardless of type of treatments. The relationship between molecular markers, findings on MRI spectroscopy and changes in cognitive functions will be statistically correlated with survival.