Atypical facets of brain tumors: glioblastoma in schizophrenia and state after ablation of meningiomas in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Decades ago, an issue concerning the association between schizophrenia and glioblastoma multiforme was raised. Despite some conflicting evidence, there seemed to be a reduced propensity for glioblastoma incidence in schizophrenic patients. Moreover, the widespread use of antipsychotic medications in these patients appears to have affected the course of glioblastoma. In any case, the psychiatric medical treatment may have precedence over a putative molecular mechanism concerning the effect on glioblastoma. Independently, isolated Parkinson’s patients, notably, those affected by hemi-Parkinson’s disease, when they displayed a meningioma on top of their basic neurological disorder, and had the tumor removed surgically, they may tend to witness a remission in the neurologic disease. The causes of the aberrant interactions between psychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases and the associated tumors will be explored. The analysis may reveal unexpected and significant associations. Evidence of these atypical features and associations in primary brain tumors appear to have been ignored so far by most physicians concerned.