Quinn T. Ostrom, PhD, MPH
Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Population Sciences
Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Baylor College of Medicine

Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery

“Searching for a Cause for Glioma: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Genetics”

Gliomas represent 81% of malignant brain tumors. Although relatively rare, they cause significant mortality and morbidity. Researchers have explored numerous potential risk factors, but thus far the only validated associations for brain tumors are ionizing radiation and history of allergies. Studies have identified 25 germline variants associated with increased risk for glioma, as well as multiple rare genetic variants in families with multiple gliomas. While identifying additional risk factors for these tumors is difficult due to their rarity, many existing datasets can be leveraged for future discoveries by using precisely targeted populations and novel methodologies.