Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. These types of tumors are relatively rare and make up only about 1 percent of all cancer cases in the United States1. However, many brain tumors can be incredibly aggressive and have poor prognoses. Brain tumors can be organized into one of two categories: malignant or nonmalignant. While the causes of some brain tumors are unknown, others have a genetic basis, meaning they can occur in many members of the same family. This article will explore the different types of brain tumors, their causes (including genetic determinants), and how advanced diagnostic tools like those that incorporate AI can improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Understanding Genetic Links to Brain Tumors
Is Brain Cancer Genetic or Hereditary?
Genetic predisposition means you have a higher chance of developing a brain tumor because of changes in your genes, which might happen randomly or due to other factors. Hereditary transmission means you inherit risk-associated genetic variants from your parents. There are several well-characterized genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing brain tumors. One of these occurs in a gene called TP53, whose normal function is to trigger cell death before cells become cancerous2. Mutations in this gene prevent it from performing this function, thereby promoting the emergence of cancer. Another gene commonly mutated in brain tumors is called IDH3.
Family Risk of Brain Tumors
Many people wonder: is glioma hereditary? While many instances of glioma are not thought to be inherited, family history can significantly influence the risk of developing various types of brain tumors. Having a first-degree relative with glioma (a malignant type of brain tumor) is believed to double the risk that an individual will also develop the disease3. This heightened risk highlights the importance of understanding familial patterns in brain tumor cases, as it can inform early detection strategies and targeted preventive measures for at-risk individuals.
Is Glioblastoma Hereditary?
The occurrence of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) — a very aggressive type of brain tumor — among multiple adult members of the same family is rare. However, there are genetic risk factors that are thought to contribute to the development of GBM in children and young adults. This includes what is referred to as hereditary tumor syndromes, which are genetic conditions passed down in families that increase the risk of developing certain types of tumors4. Mutations in the promoter region (a genetic on-off switch) of a gene called TERT are thought to play important roles in the development of GBM. TERT activity leads to cellular aging and, eventually, death. Mutations in the TERT promoter prevent this function and thereby promote malignancy5.
The Most Dangerous Types of Brain Tumors
Glioblastoma
GBM used to be categorized as a high-grade astrocytoma (grade IV); however, this is no longer the case. Instead, they are now classified as grade IV gliomas without IDH mutations6,7. GBM is the most commonly diagnosed malignant primary brain tumor in the United States. It is more common in males, and risk increases with age8. While treatment therapies continue to improve, GBM comes with a very poor prognosis with a median survival rate of 14 months9. The cause of most GMB cases is unknown. However, risk factors include aging and exposure to radiation, in addition to the genetic components described above10.
Gliomas and Other Malignant Tumors
Glioma is an umbrella term for tumors originating from glial cells, the support cells in the brain and nervous system that help protect, nourish, and maintain the health of neurons (nerve cells)11. Medulloblastomas are fast-growing brain tumors that usually start in the cerebellum (a lower back area of the brain). Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors that form in the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord12. These tumor types can be associated with different genetic mutations. For instance, some gliomas can have IDH mutations, while medulloblastomas can have TP53 mutations, and meningiomas can be associated with mutations in the NF2 gene13,14.
Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors
Factors unrelated to genetics are also thought to contribute to the development of different brain tumors. This includes exposure to radiation and chemicals, although the evidence for the importance of these factors varies depending on the type of tumor6,15. Nonetheless, these factors can introduce mutations into the genes of brain cells, leading to uncontrolled cellular growth and the formation of a tumor in the brain. One study examined the interplay of environmental factors with genetic predispositions and found that environmental factors may contribute to common causal mutations in glioma; however, the researchers did not observe this connection in GBM16.
Diagnosing Brain Tumors with AI and Advanced Imaging
AI in Brain Tumor Classification
The advent of advanced AI systems has led to significant progress in diagnosing different brain tumors. An seminal study from Osaka University combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with machine learning to diagnose different types of brain tumors. The AI used in the study could predict the presence of important mutations in genes like TERT and IDH using only images taken with MRI. The AI measured texture differences between different patient brain images and compared them to a training dataset of images of tumors with characterized mutations in these genes. When combined with existing diagnosis methods like patient age and conventional radiomic features, the AI led to improved diagnostic accuracy compared to using these previous methods alone17.
Benefits of AI in Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is essential for ensuring better patient outcomes and allowing clinicians to choose from a wider range of treatment options. AI is helping to provide faster diagnosis and is less invasive than other techniques. For instance, a tumor biopsy is generally necessary to assess the genetic mutations of tumor cells18. With AI, these mutations could be diagnosed using scanning images, allowing healthcare providers to create personalized plans without a biopsy.
Future of AI in Brain Cancer Screening
AI has massive potential to help ensure faster and more accurate diagnosis of different cancer types. For instance, AI analysis of mammograms (the images produced from breast imaging) has already been shown to outperform trained radiologists in some cases and help healthcare professionals work through large workloads more efficiently19. More recent advances have seen dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE) combined with AI to enable healthcare professionals to distinguish between the different types of breast lesions20.
Preventive Measures and Risk Reduction
Genetic Testing for At-Risk Families
Genetic counseling guides and supports patients and families, helping them understand genetic risks, testing options, and implications for treatment and family planning. Genetic testing can identify mutations that provide valuable insights into an individual's risk of developing cancer. Genetic counseling and testing can be helpful for individuals with a family history of different types of cancer, individuals already diagnosed with cancer, and for family members of individuals with characterized genetic mutations linked to increased cancer risk21.
Brain Cancer Screening for High-Risk Individuals
MRI is a safe and detailed imaging method that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the brain. It helps doctors detect and assess brain tumors without using radiation. While there is no official set of guidelines for brain tumor screening in the USA, the American College of Radiology considers screening using MRI scans appropriate in some instances, such as for individuals with specific genetic risk markers22. Regular screening is vital for helping to detect different cancer types early and improving patient outcomes.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Risk
Lifestyle changes can lower the risk of various types of cancer and may help prevent cancers influenced by environmental or lifestyle factors. Adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can profoundly affect our well-being and reduce our risk of disease. Avoiding known carcinogens, such as those associated with tobacco products, is critical for lowering cancer risk. Regular checkups are also important, as they can help detect potential health issues early, when they are most treatable.
Summary: Are Brain Tumors Genetic? Causes and Risks of the Most Dangerous Brain Tumor Types
Is brain cancer inherited? The answer is complicated. Different brain tumor types can arise from both genetic and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of understanding risk and taking preventive measures. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes, and advancements in AI and diagnostic imaging are revolutionizing how we detect and treat these tumors. Genetic testing can provide valuable insights into familial risks, while lifestyle changes and regular screenings can help reduce overall cancer risk.
Knowledge is power. Getting more information about your brain health — and your entire body — is a proactive step for your well-being. With an Ezra MRI, you can get a clear picture of your whole body, which can produce life-changing results. Book an Ezra Full Body Scan to get the information you need without any harmful radiation.
