Cortical and connectome-based predictors of cognitive impairment in glioma patients

Motivation: The impact of neurosurgery on quality of life is a key consideration when weighing treatment options for brain tumours. However, the disruptive effects of tumour growth itself has received little attention. Goal(s): To test whether variability in cognitive performance among patients relates to the location of tumours and their effect on structural brain connectivity. Approach: Voxel- and connectome-lesion symptom mapping in untreated glioma patients. Results: Frequent impairments language and verbal memory tests were associated with tumour affecting voxels predominantly in the white matter. Anatomical locations predicted by VLSM were largely consistent with findings of intraoperative direct brain stimulation. Impact: Better understanding of how gliomas affect functional networks and their underlying axonal connections is essential to improve individualised predictions of surgical treatability and likely associated performance outcomes.