How molecular testing can help (and hurt) in the workup of gliomas

Advances in genetics research have greatly expanded our ability to accurately diagnose gliomas and provide more useful prognostic information. Herein specific examples are used to show how high-yield targets such as EGFR, 1p/19q, IDH1/2, MGMT, and BRAF can expand the power of the surgical neuropathologist. To avoid errors, however, the significance and controversies associated with each test must be thoroughly understood.