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Evaluation of Biomarkers in Glioma by Immunohistochemistry on Paraffin-Embedded 3D Glioma Neurosphere Cultures
Published on: January 9, 2019
Molecular diagnostics of gliomas
Marina N Nikiforova1, Ronald L Hamilton
1Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. nikiforovamn@upmc.edu
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|April 30, 2011
Summary
Molecular markers are crucial for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in adult brain gliomas. This review covers key genetic markers like 1p/19q codeletion and IDH mutations, essential for neuropathologists.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Genetics of Brain Tumors
Background:
- Gliomas are primary adult brain tumors with diverse histology.
- Histologic diagnosis can be challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and overlapping features.
- Advances in molecular genetics have identified key markers for glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinically significant molecular markers for gliomas.
- To discuss the detection techniques for these molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pertinent studies.
- Incorporation of personal experience in glioma molecular testing.
Main Results:
- Overview of common molecular markers: 1p/19q codeletion (oligodendroglial tumors), IDH1/2 mutations (diffuse gliomas), MGMT promoter hypermethylation (glioblastomas, anaplastic gliomas).
- Discussion of EGFR and PTEN alterations (high-grade gliomas) and BRAF alterations (pilocytic astrocytomas).
Conclusions:
- Molecular testing is increasingly integral to routine glioma diagnosis and management.
- Neuropathologists must be proficient in identifying these genetic markers and utilizing molecular diagnostic techniques.
