Abstract
Background:Over the last decade, many advancements have been made in the management of low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Overall survival outcomes are correlated with factors such as postoperative residual volumes and specific tumor biomolecular profiles such as IDH mutation status. It is unclear whether these advancements have benefited LGG patients in Africa. This scoping review protocol outlines how the authors will evaluate the epidemiology, presentations, management and outcomes of LGGs in Africa.Methods:MEDLINE, Embase and African Journals Online will be searched from database inception to date in order to identify the relevant studies. Patients of all ages with histologically and/or radiologically confirmed LGGs that were managed in an African country will be included. Surgical and chemoradiation management of LGG tumours will be considered. Original research, reviews, commentaries, editorials and case reports will be included.Results:Primary outcomes of the review will include LGG management, morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes include epidemiology and recurrence of LGGs.Discussion:This scoping review will be the first to evaluate the current landscape of LGG management and outcomes in Africa, highlighting pertinent themes that may be used to guide further research as well as health system strengthening efforts by policymakers and stakeholders.Scoping Review Registration:The protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF; registration link: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/E732G).Highlights:LGGs account for 17% to 22% of total brain tumours and have a median survival time between 5.6 and 13.3 years.Despite many recent advancements in the management of LGGs, there is a paucity in the data within the African landscape.This scoping review will be the first to evaluate the current landscape of LGG management and outcomes in Africa, highlighting pertinent themes that may be used to guide further research and policymaking efforts.
Highlights
Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are grade I and II primary brain tumors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]
Despite many recent advancements in the management of low-grade gliomas (LGGs), there is a paucity in the data within the African landscape. This scoping review will be the first to evaluate the current landscape of LGG management and outcomes in Africa, highlighting pertinent themes that may be used to guide further research and policymaking efforts
There is a marked increase of these rates in high-income countries (HICs) more than in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [5], this could be due to an under-diagnosis of LGGs in LMICs
Summary
Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are grade I and II primary brain tumors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. LGGs include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas, with the latter being designated as Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) in the new 2016 WHO classification of central nervous system tumours [2]. They develop from glial cells and are characterized by a low proliferation index (median, 4.4 mm/yr) [3]. Overall survival outcomes are correlated with factors such as postoperative residual volumes and specific tumor biomolecular profiles such as IDH mutation status. It is unclear whether these advancements have benefited LGG patients in Africa. This scoping review protocol outlines how the authors will evaluate the epidemiology, presentations, management and outcomes of LGGs in Africa
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