Glioblastoma, IDH‐Wildtype, CNS WHO Grade 4, Associated with Deep Brain Stimulation in a Patient with Essential Tremor: Report of a Case with Molecular Characterization, and Review of the Literature

Reply to: Glioblastoma, IDH‐Wildtype, CNS WHO Grade 4, Associated with Deep Brain Stimulation in a Patient with Essential Tremor: Report of a Case with Molecular Characterization and Review of the Literature

“…In conclusion, the case presented by Burns et al 1 is another important addition to the literature highlighting HGG in the context of DBS, and further highlights the need for more documentation of such cases and future studies investigating any association of DBS and chronic stimulation with brain malignancy.…”

“…We read with interest the letter from Burns et al 1 regarding a case of glioblastoma associated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a patient with essential tremor. Their case adds another example of a high‐grade brain tumor in close proximity to DBS electrodes.…”

“…With more than 280,000 patients implanted with DBS worldwide, 3 we could expect perhaps 10 DBS patients per year to be affected. To date, seven cases have been catalogued in the literature from 2010 to 2022, 1 however, there may be more unreported cases.…”

“…Further studies will be needed to assess for a causal relationship such as by cataloguing tumor genotypes to understand if certain profiles are present in DBS‐associated malignancy, as done by Burns et al 1 Additionally, understanding tumor location relative to the volume of tissue activated and not just the electrode location would be important in future studies. Even if DBS is implicated in increasing neoplasia, the risk is likely low given the low incidence seen to date.…”