The STEMRI trial: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging can define tumor areas enriched in glioblastoma stem-like cells

Sci Adv. 2023 Nov 3;9(44):eadi0114. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adi0114. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Despite maximally safe resection of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined contrast-enhanced (CE) central tumor area and chemoradiotherapy, most patients with glioblastoma (GBM) relapse within a year in peritumoral FLAIR regions. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) can discriminate metabolic tumor areas with higher recurrence potential as CNI+ regions (choline/N-acetyl-aspartate index >2) can predict relapse sites. As relapses are mainly imputed to glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), CNI+ areas might be GSC enriched. In this prospective trial, 16 patients with GBM underwent MRSI/MRI before surgery/chemoradiotherapy to investigate GSC content in CNI-/+ biopsies from CE/FLAIR. Biopsy and derived-GSC characterization revealed a FLAIR/CNI+ sample enrichment in GSC and in gene signatures related to stemness, DNA repair, adhesion/migration, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. FLAIR/CNI+ samples generate GSC-enriched neurospheres faster than FLAIR/CNI-. Parameters assessing biopsy GSC content and time-to-neurosphere formation in FLAIR/CNI+ were associated with worse patient outcome. Preoperative MRI/MRSI would certainly allow better resection and targeting of FLAIR/CNI+ areas, as their GSC enrichment can predict worse outcomes.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Glioblastoma* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recurrence