PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
March 14, 2026Cancers0 citationsOpen Access

Diffuse Leptomeningeal Glioneuronal Tumor: A Systematic Review Highlighting Molecular Heterogeneity and Survival Outcome

View Full Paper
CLChaejin LeeKPK ParkSPSeong‐Hyun Park

Key Points

  • This review aims to summarize the clinical and molecular characteristics of diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumors and their impact on survival.
  • Conducted a systematic literature search in multiple databases including PubMed and Scopus.
  • Included studies reporting individual patient data on DLGNT.
  • Pooled clinical, molecular, treatment, and survival data.
  • Analyzed overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using the Kaplan–Meier method.
  • Included 75 patients, primarily pediatric, with common findings of spinal leptomeningeal dissemination and hydrocephalus.
  • Identified frequent BRAF alterations, particularly the KIAA1549::BRAF fusion.
  • Median OS recorded was 89 months; median PFS was 30 months.
  • Surgical resection linked to longer OS compared to biopsy only, with no significant differences based on age or treatment type.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DLGNT) is a rare central nervous system neoplasm characterized by leptomeningeal dissemination and heterogeneous clinical and molecular features. Owing to its rarity, the prognostic relevance of clinical, radiological, and molecular factors remains poorly defined. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively summarize the clinicopathological characteristics, molecular landscape, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes of patients with DLGNT. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify published cases of DLGNT. Studies reporting individual patient data were included. Clinical, molecular, treatment, and survival data were pooled. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, with subgroup analyses according to clinical and molecular variables. Results: Seventy-five patients were included. Most patients were pediatric, and spinal leptomeningeal dissemination and hydrocephalus were frequent. BRAF alterations, most commonly KIAA1549::BRAF fusion, were frequently identified, although no molecular marker predicted survival. The median OS was 89 months, and the median PFS was 30 months. Surgical resection was associated with significantly longer OS compared with biopsy only, while a trend toward longer PFS was observed. Survival outcomes did not differ significantly according to age group, BRAF status, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Conclusions: DLGNT is a rare and heterogeneous tumor with variable presentation and prolonged survival in selected patients. Although surgical resection may be associated with improved survival, interpretation is limited by selection bias. No single molecular alteration reliably predicts prognosis, highlighting the need for prospective multicenter studies with standardized molecular profiling.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Lee et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b4fb8db39f7826a300bd71https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060912
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper