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Review
. 2016 Mar;17(3):e97-e108.
doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(15)00380-0. Epub 2016 Mar 2.

Neurocognitive functioning and genetic variation in patients with primary brain tumours

Jeffrey S Wefel  1 , Kyle R Noll  2 , Michael E Scheurer  3
Affiliations
Review

Neurocognitive functioning and genetic variation in patients with primary brain tumours

Jeffrey S Wefel et al. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Impairment of neurocognitive functioning is a common result of cerebral neoplasms and treatment, although there is substantial heterogeneity in the pattern and severity of neurocognitive dysfunction across individuals and tumour types. The effects of many clinical and patient characteristics on neurocognitive functioning have been documented, but little research has been devoted to understanding the effect of genetic variation on neurocognitive outcomes in patients with brain tumours. This Review highlights preliminary evidence that suggests an association between various genes and risk of adverse neurocognitive outcomes in patients with brain tumours. Studies include genes specific to neuronal function, and those associated with more systemic cellular regulation. Related scientific literature in other disease populations is briefly discussed to indicate additional candidate genes. We consider methodological issues central to the study of neurocognitive functioning and genetic associations for patients with brain tumours, and emphasise the need for future research integrating novel investigative techniques.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frequency of cerebral tumors by region. Frontal (23%), Temporal (17%), Parietal (11%), Occipital (3%), Cerebellum (5%).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Word cloud representing frequently impaired domains of neurocognitive functioning. Larger font indicates greater frequency of impairment observed on formal neuropsychological testing.,
Figure 3
Figure 3
Flow diagram outlining the case-control genetic association method.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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