Assessment of structural-functional integration impact on connectivity abnormalities in glioma patients

Motivation: Brain networks glioma’s disruption was often explored through separate examinations of structural and functional connectivity. However, there were limited efforts in glioma research to investigate the interplay between structure-function and how this connection might influence our comprehension. Goal(s): Can integrating structural and functional connectivity aid understanding the alterations’ neurobiological foundation in brain networks caused by glioma? Approach: The study design involves standard diffusion MR and rs-fMRI preprocessing, statistical methods including Pearson and Spearman correlation and Euclidean distance computation. Results: This study underscores the significance of examining structure-function integration, where both microstructure and function play crucial roles in relation to white matter integrity. Impact: Glioma, the primary brain tumor, affects both structural and functional connectivity. Understanding alterations in structure-function integration and connection with single-modalities, may be of highest significance for a more comprehensive explanation of compensatory mechanisms induced by glioma and its clinical progression.