EPIDEMIOLOGY AND OVERVIEW OF GLIOMAS

OBJECTIVE: To present an overview of gliomas, review risk factors, and prognostic and predictive biomarkers. DATA SOURCES: Published manuscripts and textbook chapters. CONCLUSION: Molecular genetic profiling is allowing for more specific characterization of gliomas and prediction of prognosis and treatment efficacy to individualize therapeutic plans of care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses caring for patients with gliomas can broaden their understanding of emerging research on glioma risk factors and how specific biomarkers can help define glioma subtypes and guide clinical decisions.