Introduction:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, is characterized by extensive heterogeneity in its clinicopathological presentation. A primary brain tumor with both astrocytic differentiation and neuronal immunophenotype features is rare. Here, we report a long-term survival patient who presented this rare form of GBM in the disease course.
Presentation of case:
A 23-year-old woman, presenting with rapidly progressive headache and right-side weakness, was diagnosed with brain tumor over the left basal ganglion. She underwent the first craniectomy for tumor removal, and histopathology revealed classic GBM. Tumor recurrence occurred 8 years later. Another gross total resection was performed and pathology revealed GBM with the oligodendroglioma component (GBM-O). Due to disease progression, she received debulking surgery the following year. The third pathology revealed glioblastoma with primitive neuroectodermal tumor-like component (GBM-PNET).
Discussion:
GBM-PNETs are collision tumors with both neuronal and glial components. They are rare, and a few case reports have suggested that these tumors are associated with favorable outcomes but a higher risk of cerebrospinal fluid dissemination.
Conclusion:
We report a patient who developed the distinct pathologic variants of classic GBM, GBM-O, and GBM-PNET, throughout the disease course. Young age, aggressive surgical resection, and pathologic and genetic features may have contributed to the long-term survival of the patient.