BRAIN TUMORS IN YOUNG ADULTS: CLINICAL EVALUATION AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Brain tumors in young adults represent a distinctive category of intracranial neoplasms that present unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This demographic, although less affected compared to children and the elderly, is still susceptible to a variety of tumors that can arise in the brain. The complexity of these tumors lies not only in their histological diversity, but also in their intricate location within brain tissue, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms and neurological complications. With increasing understanding of the molecular biology and risk factors associated with brain tumors, there is a growing need for systematic literature reviews to consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps in research, and guide future investigations and therapeutic approaches. Purpose of Systematic Review: The purpose of this systematic review is to critically examine scientific literature from the past 10 years to provide a comprehensive analysis of brain tumors in young adults. We intend to synthesize relevant data on incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment options and prognostic outcomes associated with these neoplasms. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We used the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to identify articles published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "brain tumors", "young adults", "epidemiology", "clinical characteristics" and "treatment". Inclusion criteria included original studies that investigated brain tumors in young adults, with available data on epidemiology, clinical presentation or therapeutic outcomes. Exclusion criteria were duplicate studies, isolated case reports and articles in languages not accessible for translation. Results: The systematic review revealed a variety of information about brain tumors in young adults, including their relative incidence, associated risk factors, common clinical presentation, and available therapeutic options. The studies reviewed highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of these neoplasms and pointed to areas of future research, such as targeted therapies and prognostic biomarkers. Conclusion: Brain tumors in young adults represent a significant clinical concern, requiring an in-depth understanding of their epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management. This systematic review highlights the continued need for research in this area to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected patients.