Neuronal immunoexpression and a distinct subtype of adult primary supratentorial glioblastoma with a better prognosis

Object In this study, the authors address whether neurofilament protein (NFP) expression can be used as an independent prognostic factor in primary glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs). Methods Three hundred and two consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed supratentorial primary GBMs were analyzed (January 2000–August 2008). Detailed data regarding clinical, imaging, and pathological findings, oncological treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Neurofilament protein immunoexpression served to identify NFP-positive tumor cells (normal entrapped neurons and mature ganglion-like cells excluded). Results Neurofilament-positive cells were identified in 177 GBMs (58.6%). Patients with NFP-positive GBMs were younger (p < 0.0001), and their GBMs presented with more temporal lobe tumor localization (p = 0.029) and more cortical involvement (p = 0.0003). Neurofilament-negative GBMs presented with more ventricular contact (p < 0.0001) and more tumor midline crossing (p = 0.03). Median overall survival and progress...