Molecular diagnostic techniques for the clinical evaluation of gliomas

Newly developed molecular techniques have been integrated into the routine assessment of gliomas in some laboratories. These tests serve to complement the subjective nature of morphologic analysis. Such strategies add useful information regarding pathogenicity, patient survival, and potential response to treatment. As we learn more about the molecular characteristics of these tumors, this information will provide the basis for the development of specific, targeted therapies. This review will describe the background, methods, clinical utility, and strengths and weaknesses of several molecular approaches, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), loss of heterozygosity (LOH)-testing, and nucleic acid sequencing, that are currently being employed in the diagnosis and evaluation of glial tumors.