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Lower Grade Glioma

Last Updated: February 22, 2012

What is lower grade glioma?

Lower grade glioma is a type of cancer that develops in the glial cells of the brain. Glial cells support the brain’s nerve cells and keep them healthy. Tumors are classified into grades I, II, III or IV based on standards set by the World Health Organization. TCGA is including grades II and III in this specific study, as opposed to higher grade brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme, which were studied in a separate project. Regardless of grade, as the tumor grows it compresses the normal brain tissue, frequently causing disabling or fatal effects.¹ In 2010, more than 22,000 Americans were estimated to have been diagnosed and 13,140 were estimated to have died from brain and other cancers of the nervous system.² View additional information on lower grade glioma.

What types of discoveries about lower grade gliomas do The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) researchers hope to make?

• Define the gene expression patterns of adult lower grade gliomas as compared to pediatric cases that have been studied in other programs
• Determine if there are genomic changes that correlate with malignancy
• Examine genetic changes that emerge when lower grade glioma becomes to glioblastoma multiforme
• Identify clinical features that are associated with a specific pattern of genomic changes

Where can I find more information about the TCGA Research Network’s studies or studies using TCGA data?

View a list of TCGA scientific publications.

Where can I find clinical trials to treat brain tumors that are supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI)?

View a list of NCI-supported brain tumor clinical trials that are now accepting patients.