subventricular zone
A neurogenic region adjacent to the lateral ventricles implicated in glioma stem cell biology.
Full Definition
The subventricular zone is a periventricular brain region that harbors neural stem cells and has been identified as a potential source of glioma stem cells. This zone, located adjacent to the lateral ventricles, maintains neurogenic capacity throughout adult life and may contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy. Contact between glioblastomas and the subventricular zone is associated with worse prognosis and multifocal recurrence patterns. Understanding subventricular zone involvement is increasingly important for surgical planning and prognostication in high-grade gliomas.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as SVZ after first use in technical documents.
In Context
- "The glioblastoma demonstrated direct contact with the subventricular zone on preoperative imaging." — Neurosurgical planning notes
- "Subventricular zone involvement was considered a negative prognostic factor in the multivariable analysis." — Clinical research manuscript