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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Evaluation of Biomarkers in Glioma by Immunohistochemistry on Paraffin-Embedded 3D Glioma Neurosphere Cultures
Published on: January 9, 2019
Recent advances in subtyping tumors of the central nervous system using molecular data
1a Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital of Tuebingen , Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen , Tuebingen , Germany.
Introduction:
Primary brain tumors account for substantial morbidity and mortality. They often infiltrate the brain diffusely, continue growing, and cause adverse events, such as headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits. The classification of primary brain tumors, based for decades on histology, has been fundamentally changed by the World Health Organization in 2016 by incorporation of molecular data. Areas covered: Literature from glioblastomas, high- and low-grade astrocytic, oligodendroglial, glioneuronal and ependymal tumors from the last five years were reviewed. Results from comprehensive molecular profiling of neoplasms and impact of recent molecular subtyping on neuropathological diagnosis are presented. Expert commentary: The identification of frequent acquired mutations shows that adult and pediatric glioblastomas have divergent biology with differing prognoses. Astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma are more closely related than previously thought. Molecular profiling now enables the precise classification of most diffuse gliomas into three clinically and therapeutically different subtypes according to the presence or absence of IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion. New subgroups with different clinical outcomes and anatomic locations have emerged in ependymomas and pediatric embryonal tumors.
Insights
Molecular profiling revolutionizes primary brain tumor classification, revealing distinct subtypes of gliomas and other tumors. This advances diagnosis and treatment by integrating genetic data with traditional histology.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Genomics
Background:
- Primary brain tumors cause significant morbidity and mortality.
- Traditional histological classification is being updated with molecular data.
- Recent advancements impact the diagnosis and understanding of brain neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on primary brain tumors, focusing on molecular profiling.
- To present the impact of molecular subtyping on neuropathological diagnosis.
- To highlight new classifications and their clinical implications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glioblastomas, astrocytic, oligodendroglial, glioneuronal, and ependymal tumors (last five years).
- Analysis of comprehensive molecular profiling data.
- Evaluation of the impact of molecular subtyping on diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Adult and pediatric glioblastomas show divergent biology and prognoses based on mutations.
- Astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma are more closely related than previously understood.
- Molecular profiling enables precise classification of diffuse gliomas into three subtypes based on IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion.
- New ependymoma and pediatric embryonal tumor subgroups with distinct outcomes have emerged.
Conclusions:
- Molecular data integration fundamentally changes primary brain tumor classification.
- Precise classification of diffuse gliomas is now possible, guiding clinical and therapeutic decisions.
- Emerging molecular subgroups in ependymomas and pediatric tumors offer new avenues for research and treatment.
