Glioma

Q: 5. How is glioma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on brain MRI , followed by histological and molecular analysis of tumor tissue (biopsy or resection). Molecular characterization (IDH, 1p/19q, MGMT) is essential according to the 2021 WHO classification. 5

Q: 8. Is there a podcast to better understand glioma?

Yes, the Paroles de Gliome , podcast, published by RARE à l’écoute , offers 40 episodes dedicated to low-grade glioma. It features neurosurgeons, oncologists, patients and patient associations, and stands as a leading educational resource.

May 06, 2026 — published by Pyramidale Communication

Launching a product in neuro-oncology, or preparing a communication campaign? Pyramidale Communication has deep expertise in this complex therapeutic area and supports pharmaceutical companies at every stage of their projects: medical communication, digital, expert relations, healthcare podcasts…

Key figures in glioma

Gliomas account for approximately 80% of malignant brain tumors in adults.¹
In France, the incidence of primary central nervous system tumors is estimated at around 5,910 new cases per year the majority being gliomas.²
Glioblastoma (grade 4 glioma) is the most frequent and most aggressive form.^1,3
Low-grade gliomas (grades 1 and 2 according to the WHO classification)^4,5, which are rarer, often occurs in young adults between 30 and 45 years of age.⁴
Some forms of glioma, including diffuse low-grade gliomas, are recognized as rare diseases by Orphanet.⁶

What is a glioma?

A glioma is a primary tumor of the central nervous system that arises from glial cells, the supporting cells of neurons.^1,4 The main types include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas, depending on the cell of origin.^3,4

The 2021 WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors significantly reshaped glioma nomenclature by integrating molecular criteria alongside traditional histological criteria.⁵ IDH status (mutation in IDH1/IDH2 genes), 1p/19q codeletion and MGMT promoter methylation have become decisive markers for tumor characterization, prognosis assessment and therapeutic strategy.^3,5

Symptoms rely on tumor location and growth rate. They most commonly include: inaugural epileptic seizures — particularly suggestive of low-grade gliomas -, progressive headaches, cognitive impairment, focal neurological deficits (motor, sensory or language) and sometimes visual disturbances.^3,4

Diagnostic criteria and management

Diagnosis is based on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast, supplemented by histological and molecular analysis of a sample obtained by biopsy or surgical resection.^3,5 Molecular characterization is now essential to establish a diagnosis in accordance with current recommendations.⁵

Treatment is discussed in a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology tumor board and may include, depending on grade and molecular profile:^3,4

surgery, aiming for the maximal safe resection while preserving neurological function (surgery in awake condition for fonctional brain areas);
radiotherapy, indicated according to grade and prognostic factors;
chemotherapy;
active surveillance for selected asymptomatic low-grade gliomas.

Long-term follow-up is required. In low-grade gliomas, progression is a long-term process and raises specific challenges: diagnosis disclosure to young patients, neurocognitive impact, professional life, parenthood, fertility and caregiver support.⁴

Glioma at the heart of the Pyramidale Group’s editorial projects

Pyramidale Communication is part of the Pyramidale Group, which also publishes RARE à l’écoute, a media platform specialized in rare diseases. This synergy strengthens our editorial expertise in complex pathologies such as glioma.

RARE à l’écoute recently launched Paroles de Gliome, a 40-episode podcast entirely dedicated to low-grade glioma. This project gives a voice to neurosurgeons, oncologists, patients, caregivers and patient associations, providing clear, educational and accessible information on the medical and human stakes of this rare disease.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about glioma

1. What exactly is a glioma?

A glioma is a primary tumor of the central nervous system that develops from glial cells. There are several types of gliomas, classified according to their cell of origin, their grade (1 to 4) and their molecular profile according to the 2021 WHO classification.^3,5

2. Is glioma a rare disease?

Some forms of glioma, particularly diffuse low-grade gliomas, are recognized as rare diseases by Orphanet.⁶ Glioblastoma, although more frequent, does not strictly meet the rare disease definition but remains an uncommon condition in the general population.⁴

3. What is the difference between low-grade and high-grade glioma?

Low-grade gliomas (WHO grades 1 and 2) grow slowly and often affect young adults. High-grade gliomas (grades 3 and 4, including glioblastoma) are more aggressive and progress rapidly. Grade and molecular profile determine prognosis and therapeutic strategy.^3,5

4. What are the first symptoms of a glioma?

First signs may include inaugural epileptic seizures (highly suggestive of low-grade glioma), progressive headaches, cognitive impairment, focal neurological deficits or visual disturbances. Symptoms depend on tumor location and growth rate.^3,4

5. How is glioma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on brain MRI, followed by histological and molecular analysis of tumor tissue (biopsy or resection). Molecular characterization (IDH, 1p/19q, MGMT) is essential according to the 2021 WHO classification.⁵

6. What are the treatments for glioma?

Management may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In selected asymptomatic low-grade gliomas, active surveillance may be proposed. Decisions are made in a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology tumor board.^3,4

7. Can glioma be cured?

Prognosis depends on glioma type, grade, molecular profile, location and quality of surgical resection. Some low-grade gliomas can evolve over many years with preserved quality of life, while glioblastoma remains of more reserved prognosis despite recent therapeutic progress.³

8. Is there a podcast to better understand glioma?

Yes, the Paroles de Gliome, podcast, published by RARE à l’écoute, offers 40 episodes dedicated to low-grade glioma. It features neurosurgeons, oncologists, patients and patient associations, and stands as a leading educational resource.

A project on glioma or neuro-oncology? Let’s talk about your launch, KOL engagement campaign or digital strategy. Our teams understand the scientific, regulatory and human challenges of this therapeutic area.

Abbreviations: CNS: central nervous system; IDH: isocitrate dehydrogenase; MDT: multidisciplinary tumor board; MGMT: O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; PCV: procarbazine-CCNU-vincristine; WHO: World Health Organization.

References:

Ostrom QT, et al. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States. Neuro Oncol. 2020 Oct 30;22(12 Suppl 2):iv1-iv96.
Lapôtre-Ledoux B, et al. Incidence des principaux cancers en France métropolitaine en 2023 et tendances depuis 1990. Bulletin épidémiologique hebdomadaire. Juillet 2023;(12-13):188-204.
Weller M, et al. EANO guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diffuse gliomas of adulthood. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2021;18(3):170-186.
Karsonovich T, Gasalberti DP, Rayi A. Low-Grade Gliomas. [Updated 2025 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560668/
Louis DN, et al. The 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: a summary. Neuro Oncol. 2021;23(8):1231-1251.
Orphanet. Adult diffuse low-grade glioma. Available at: https://www.orpha.net