Abstract

Overview

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most prevalent and aggressive glioma subtype, presents with high disability and poor survival rates. The etiology of GBM remains largely obscure, and conclusive data on its risk factors are scarce.

Objectives

The study seeks to uncover modifiable risk factors associated with GBM through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methodology

• Electronic searches were conducted independently by two reviewers.
• Studies included met specific criteria: observational or experimental studies on humans, published in English or Portuguese that assessed the link between modifiable risk factors and GBM.
• Exclusions covered studies on pediatric populations or involving ionizing radiation.

Findings

Analysis incorporated 12 studies, identifying several factors:

• Positive association found between high body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, and NSAID use, showing a protective effect against GBM.
• No significant links between GBM and diabetes mellitus type 2 or exposure to magnetic fields, although studies like those by Villeneuve et al. identified potential associations suggesting increased GBM risk with magnetic fields ≥ 6 mT.

Limitations and Conclusion

Diverse methodologies and self-reported data undermine consistent findings, highlighted by the limited data set of just 12 studies leading to inconclusive links between magnetic fields and GBM. The review emphasizes the necessity for larger, more comprehensive studies to validate these findings and guide future GBM research.