A Comprehensive Clinical Review of Adult-Type Diffuse Glioma Incorporating the 2021 World Health Organization Classification

Abstract

The intent of this article is to provide a comprehensive, educational review of adult-type diffuse gliomas, bringing together the role of the multidisciplinary team and giving the reader biologic, surgical, radiologic, and oncologic insight into these tumors. The reader will be guided through subsections that explain the molecular pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and natural history of the disease. The 2021 World Health Organization Classification will be explained through a combination of concise historic review of glioma diagnosis and contemporary knowledge of the molecular pathways. Accompanying illustrations will act as powerful tools for comprehension. These concepts will be underpinned by frequent reference to neuroradiology and a grounding of normal brain composition.Learning Objective: To understand the pathophysiologic concepts that underly the World Health Organization Classification and natural history of adult-type diffuse gliomas and how these relate to imaging and treatment strategies