Magnetoencephalography, functional connectivity and neural network topology in diffuse low-grade gliomas

Diffuse low-grade glioma not only impacts structural and functional connections in its direct vicinity, but also has a profound impact on the entire brain network. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) performed during a resting, task-free state is one of the methods that can be used to study functional connectivity. Frequency-specific analysis of functional connectivity further provides information on the topology of the brain network in terms of for instance efficiency, clustering and modularity. These network features are not only altered in low-grade glioma, also correlate with cognitive (dys)functioning and with the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Better understanding of the association between the tumor and the disruption of the neural network may in the future be used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in low-grade glioma.