Single-center retrospective study of new prognostic molecular markers in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) carries a poor prognosis. Although molecular classification has advanced, patient outcomes remain variable. Next-generation sequencing can reveal genomic alterations that may offer prognostic and biological insight. A retrospective study at the University of Toulouse (France) investigated the association between molecular alterations in primary GBM tumors and survival outcomes. The authors analyzed medical records of consecutive GBM patients treated between November 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. Of 199 patients, 38 were excluded for recurence-only data or incomplete molecular data after first progression. In the survival analysis of the cohort (n=161) adjusted on surgical resection, MGMT promoter methylation status, number of alterations, age, tumor localization, MIB1, and performance status, EGFR substitutions were significantly associated with increased overall survival (HR 0.43; p=0.001), while CDKN2A/B loss (HR 1.75; p=0.023) and TP53 substitutions (HR 1.69; p=0.034) were associated with decreased overall survival. NOTCH1 substitutions showed a trend towards improved progression-free survival (HR 0.55; p=0.054). The authors conclude that this study identified new prognostic markers in GBM.