Whole-brain Morphological Network Alterations in Patients with H3K27M-altered Diffuse Midline Glioma

Motivation: H3K27M-altered diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a highly infiltrative and deadly form of brain cancer with a dismal prognosis. The mechanisms underlying its aggressiveness remain elusive. Goal(s): To elucidate alterations in whole-brain morphological networks in diffuse midline glioma patients and assess whether such alterations are associated with the H3K27M mutation. Approach: A whole-brain structural covariance network (SCN) was constructed based on cortical thickness. Results: The topological characteristics of structural covariance network (SCN) were severely disrupted in DMG. Additionally, H3K27M mutations may induce more aggressive whole-brain network damage. Impact: The research offers novel insights into the mechanisms of progression in H3K27M-altered DMG, which may help in developing new treatment protocols.