Biomechanical Study of Adult-type Diffuse Glioma: Insights from MR Elastography on Tumor Molecular Mutations, Blood Supply and Prognosis

Motivation: Gliomas become softer with increasing grade and in IDH1 wild type cases, yet the relationship between stiffness and tumor biological characteristics, as well as patient prognosis, remains underexplored. Goal(s): To non-invasively predict tumor biological characteristics and patient prognosis using MR elastography (MRE). Approach: Eighty-two patients underwent MRE, with clinical data collection and regular follow-ups conducted. Results: Softer gliomas were associated with certain molecular mutations and richer tumor blood supply, indicating a poor prognosis. Impact: This study demonstrates that MR elastography-derived tumor stiffness is a valuable noninvasive biomarker for glioma grading, molecular mutation prediction, and prognosis assessment, potentially enhancing early diagnosis, surgical planning, and personalized treatment strategies for glioma patients.