JAMA Netw Open

Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury linked to increased risk of malignant brain tumors

August 27, 2025

Study details: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 151,358 U.S. civilian adults from a tertiary academic medical center from 2000 to 2024. Participants were categorized by traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity (mild vs. moderate-to-severe) and matched with controls by age and sex. Primary outcome was the development of malignant brain tumors, identified via ICD-9/10 codes. Median follow-up was 7.2 years.

Results: Among adults with moderate-to-severe TBI, 0.6% developed malignant brain tumors vs. 0.4% in controls and mild TBI groups. The hazard ratio (HR) for tumor development in the moderate-to-severe TBI group was 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–2.12), confirmed by meta-analysis across two other sites (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.26–1.95). Mild TBI wasn’t associated with increased risk (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.83-1.18).

Clinical impact: These findings suggest that moderate-to-severe TBI may be a risk factor for malignant brain tumors in civilian populations. While causality remains unproven, the data support enhanced long-term surveillance and neuro-oncologic vigilance in patients with significant TBI history.

Source:

Marini S, et al. (2025, August 25). JAMA Netw Open. Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Malignant Brain Tumors in Civilian Populations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40853655/