The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
UTJMS 2023 May 5; 11(1):e1-e2 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-739 

Haematology and Oncology Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium 

Glioblastoma in Pregnant Patient with 
Pathologic and Exogenous Sex Hormone 
Exposure and Family History of High-
Grade Glioma  
Jordan Norris, BS1*, Andrew Waack, BS1, Kathryn N. Becker, PhD1, Myles Keener, 
BS1, Jason L. Schroeder, MD2, Kevin Reinard, MD, Alistair Hoyt, MD, Danae 
Hamouda, MD1

1Division of Haematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University 
of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 
2Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 

*Corresponding author: Jordan.norris2@rockets.utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) incidence is higher in males, suggesting sex hormones may 
influence GBM tumorigenesis. Patients with GBM and altered sex hormone states could offer insight 
into a relationship between the two. Most GBMs arise sporadically, but reports describing familial GBM 
suggest genetic predispositions exist. However, no existing reports examine GBM development in the 
context of both supraphysiologic sex hormone states and familial predisposition.  

Methods: We present a case of GBM in a pregnant patient with a family history of GBM, detail the 
patient’s clinical presentation, and review the literature describing relationships among sex hormones, 
genetics, and glioblastoma.  

Results: A 35-year-old female with polycystic ovary syndrome and undergoing in-vitro fertilization 
(IVF) treatment presented with seizure and headache. Imaging revealed a right frontal brain mass. The 
patient underwent a right frontal craniotomy with maximal surgical debulking of the mass. She was 
discharged after 4 days and later underwent dilation and curettage and began Stupp protocol. Molecular 
and histopathological analysis of the resected tumor supported a diagnosis of IDH-wild type GBM. Her 
family history was significant for GBM. Current literature indicates testosterone promotes GBM cell 
proliferation, while estrogen and progesterone effects vary with receptor subtype and hormone 
concentration, respectively.  

Conclusion: Sex hormones and genetics likely exert influence on GBM development and progression 
that may compound with concurrence. Here we describe a case of GBM in a young patient with a family 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-739


https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-739 UTJMS 11(1):e1-e2 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-739 2 ©2023 UTJMS 

history of glioma and atypical sex hormone exposure due to endocrine disorder and pregnancy assisted 
by exogenous IVF hormone administration. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-739
https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-739