Advances in Glioblastoma Diagnosis: Integrating Genetics, Noninvasive Sampling, and Advanced Imaging

Abstract

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adult patients, and despite standard-of-care treatment, median survival has remained less than two years. Advances in our understanding of molecular mutations have led to changes in the diagnostic criteria of glioblastoma, with the WHO classification integrating important mutations into the grading system in 2021. We sought to review the basics of the important genetic mutations associated with glioblastoma, including known mechanisms and roles in disease pathogenesis/treatment. We also examined new advances in image processing as well as less invasive and noninvasive diagnostic tools that can aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of those undergoing treatment for glioblastoma. Our review is intended to serve as an overview of the current state-of-the-art in the diagnosis and management of glioblastoma.