Tumor prognostic factors and the challenge of developing predictive factors

Histopathologic classification has been widely used to type and grade primary brain tumors. However, the diverse behavior of primary brain tumors has made prognostic determinations based purely on clinical and histopathologic variables difficult. Recent advances in the molecular genetics of brain tumors have helped to explain the witnessed heterogeneity regarding response to treatment, time to progression, and overall survival. Additionally, there has been interest in identifying predictive factors to help direct patients to therapeutic interventions specific to their tumor and patient biology. Further identification of both prognostic and predictive biomarkers will make possible better patient stratification and individualization of treatment.