title: [French brain tumor database: general results on 40,000 cases, main current applications and future prospects].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This work aimed at prospectively record all primary central nervous system tumor (PCNST) cases in France, for which histological diagnosis was available. The objectives were to (i) create a national database and network to perform epidemiological studies, (ii) implement clinical and basic research protocols, and (iii) harmonize the health care of patients affected by PCNST.
  
  
  METHODS
  The methodology is based on a multidisciplinary national network already established by the French Brain Tumor DataBase (FBTDB) (Recensement national histologique des tumeurs primitives du système nerveux central [RnhTPSNC]), and the active participation of the Scientific Societies involved in neuro-oncology in France.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 2004 to 2009, 43,929 cases of newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed PCNST have been recorded. Histological diagnoses included gliomas (42,4%), all other neuroepithelial tumors (4,4%), tumors of the meninges (32,3%), nerve sheath tumors (9,2%), lymphomas (3,4%) and others (8,3%). Cryopreservation was reported for 9603 PCNST specimens. Tumor resections were performed in 78% cases, while biopsies accounted for 22%. Median age at diagnosis, sex, percentage of resections and number of cryopreserved tumors were detailed for each histology, according to the WHO classification.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many current applications and perspectives for the FBTDB are illustrated in the discussion. To our knowledge, this work is the first database in Europe, dedicated to PCNST, including clinical, surgical and histological data (with also cryopreservation of the specimens), and which may have major epidemiological, clinical and research implications.
authors.affiliation: Département de neurochirurgie, hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, CHU de Montpellier, 80, avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zouaoui
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rigau
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mathieu-Daudé
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darlix
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bessaoud
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fabbro-Peray
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bauchet
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fabbro
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Figarella-Branger
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Taillandier
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Duffau
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Trétarre
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bauchet
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000639:trends*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017678:Sex Distribution