An Integrated Radio-immunological Approach

Identification of the Immuno Suppressive Characteristics of Glioma Patients by an Integrated Radio-immunological Approach

The most aggressive primary brain tumors in adults, glioblastomas, are characterized by a profound local and systemic immune suppression. During tumor progression, the infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes, especially of myeloid origin, endowed with immunosuppressive function is observed. Aim of this study is to evaluate myeloid cell infiltrate and iron metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages by combining a multimodal MRI imaging technique with immunophenotyping of the tumor microenvironment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients with histologic confirmation of malignant glioma
• Patients must be age >= 18 years
• Patients must be able to obtain an MRI scan with gadolinium contrast
• Patients must sign informed consent indicating that they are aware of the investigational nature of this study: