The use of global profiling in biomarker development for gliomas

The diffuse gliomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies with highly variable outcomes and diagnosis is largely based on the histological appearance of the tumors. Tumor classification according to cello type and grade provides some prognostic information. However, the diversity of gliomas, within tumor type and grade categories, has made prognostic determinations based purely on clinicopathologic variables difficult. There is an increasing body of data suggesting a significant amount of molecular diversity accounts for the heterogeneity of clinical observations, such as response to treatment and time to progression. The last decade has witnessed an explosive advance in our knowledge of the molecular genetics of brain tumors, due in large part to the availability of high-throughput profiling techniques, including new sequencing methodologies as well as multidimensional profiling by the Cancer Genome Atlas project. The large amount of data generated by these efforts has enabled the identification of prognostic and predictive factors and helping to identify pathways that are driving tumor growth. Identification of biomarkers, especially when coupled to clinical trials of newer targeted therapies, will enable better patient stratification and individualization of treatment.