Epithelioid glioblastoma diagnosed 70 years after craniofacial radiotherapy

Abstract

The authors report a rare case of most likely radiation-induced glioma (RIG) with epithelioid features and the presence of molecular features consistent with RIG. This occurred 70 years after craniofacial brachytherapy. Such a late development of radiation-induced glioblastoma (RIGBM) and the advanced age of presentation for an epithelioid glioblastoma are both unique in the literature. Despite not receiving the full course of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery and radiotherapy, the patient displayed no signs of recurrence during a 5-year follow-up. RIGBM should be further studied to reveal potential unique clinical and molecular characteristics, as well as to better predict survival and treatment response.

Keywords: Brachytherapy; Epithelioid glioblastoma; Latency-period; Radiation induced glioma; Radiotherapy.