Most prevalent types of central nervous system tumors in the southern region of Brazil: a comparative study

Introduction: Central Nervous System (CNS) neoplasms, including brain and spinal cord tumors, are significant public health concerns due to their high morbidity and mortality, greatly impacting patients’ quality of life. Understanding risk factors is crucial for early detection, proper management, and prevention. In southern Brazil, updated region-specific data is needed to guide health policies and optimize resources. Recent data show gliomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases as the most prevalent CNS tumors in this region.

Objectives: This study reviews literature on risk factors and neurogenetic markers associated with CNS tumors, focusing on how these factors influence tumor development and the role of neurogenetic markers in amplifying or mitigating their impact. It aims to contribute to more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by understanding these interactions.

Methods: This longitudinal, retrospective, and descriptive study used a quantitative approach based on medical records from patients at the neurosurgery service of a reference hospital in the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina (years 2018-2023). Approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP, CAAE: 73390223.9.0000.0117, favorable opinion number 6.648.635), it analyzed data on age, sex, tumor type, location, previous treatments, and clinical outcomes, comparing them with regional literature to identify incidence and prevalence patterns.

Results: The analysis showed that gliomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases were the most common tumors among patients. Gliomas, especially glioblastomas, had high recurrence rates and were aggressive, posing treatment challenges. Meningiomas, often benign, were frequently diagnosed incidentally. Brain metastases were common in patients with primary lung, breast, and melanoma cancers. Advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have been crucial in identifying new biomarkers and understanding CNS cancer’s molecular pathways, essential for personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity of factors contributing to CNS tumors, including genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and behavioral influences. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving prevention and treatment strategies. In Southern Brazil, updated region-specific data is needed to guide health policies and optimize resources. Recent data show gliomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases as the most prevalent CNS tumors in this region.

Corresponding author: Carina Toledo Scoparo Barioni (e-mail: scoparo@gmail.com).