Concurrent de novo glioblastoma and meningiomatosis: a case report and systematic review of clinical, molecular, and topographical characteristics

Abstract

IntroductionThe co-occurrence of glioblastoma (GBM) and meningioma in a single patient is an exceptionally rare clinical phenomenon, often associated with prior irradiation or genetic syndromes. This study presents a unique case of concurrent de novo GBM and meningiomatosis and provides a systematic review of the literature to characterize this rare association.Case presentation and methodsA 78-year-old female with a known history of untreated meningiomatosis presented with refractory seizures and aphasia. Imaging revealed multiple stable extra-axial lesions and a new, distinct intra-axial right temporal lesion. The patient underwent a temporal lobectomy with gross total resection. Histopathology confirmed WHO grade 4 GBM (IDH-wildtype). Following multidisciplinary review, she completed adjuvant radiotherapy. At 6-month follow-up, she remained clinically stable with no recurrence. A systematic review was conducted, identifying 34 cases of concurrent GBM and meningioma. Data regarding demographics, topography, molecular profiles, and survival were analyzed.ResultsThe median age was 63 years (range 30-86), with a slight male predominance (52.9%). Tumors were synchronous in 88.2% of cases. Topographically, 47.1% were collision or adjacent tumors, while 32.3% occurred in different hemispheres. Most meningiomas were WHO grade I (79.4%), while 97.1% of glial tumors were grade 4 GBM. Molecular analysis revealed classic independent drivers: 22q loss/NF2 mutations in meningiomas and 10q loss/EGFR amplification in GBMs. Median overall survival was 7 months (range 0.5-24 months), with modern trimodal therapy (Stupp protocol) showing a trend toward extended survival compared to older cohorts (Fig. 1).ConclusionThe coexistence of GBM and meningioma appears mostly coincidental, driven by distinct molecular pathways rather than a common progenitor. Despite the benign nature of the associated meningioma, prognosis is dictated by the aggressive GBM component. Early surgical intervention and modern adjuvant therapy remain essential for optimizing survival in these complex cases.