Glioma is a major histological subtype of primary malignant brain tumors in Taiwan, with distinct epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features comparing to the other common cancer diseases. The disease rarely appears with metastatic disease at diagnosis, and with the most malignant subtype, glioblastoma, occurs with preference in mid- to old-age. For decades, primary malignant brain tumors has been known as one of the most desperate disease without successful improvement regarding of the treatment. Surgical resection is the principle for the primary treatment of gliomas. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often applied to patients for adjuvant therapy of surgery to pursue the treatment effect. Disappointedly, vast majority of the patients would eventually develop disease recurrence, leaving only limited choice for salvage treatment thereafter. The prognosis of these patients remains desperate, and thus a better understanding of this deadly disease is crucial for finding better therapeutic strategies for these patients.
Pathological confirmation or suggestion of adult-type diffuse gliomas A. Diagnosis includes glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendrocytoma that is listed in ATDG category per WHO criteria.
Willingness to provide archival or newly obtained tumor tissues for current study proposal.
Age equal or more than 20 years old (inform consent).
Life expectancy more than 3 months.
Gliomas diagnosed or preferred as other categories than ATDGs, such as pediatric-type diffuse gliomas, circumscribed astrocytic gliomas, and others.
Inability to cooperate by providing a complete medical history.
Patients disagree to provide archived tumor samples.
Undesirable compliance.