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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Digital Spatial Profiling for Characterization of the Microenvironment in Adult-Type Diffusely Infiltrating Glioma
Published on: September 13, 2022
Insights From Molecular Profiling of Adult Glioma
Phedias Diamandis1, Kenneth D Aldape1
1Phedias Diamandis and Kenneth D. Aldape, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and Kenneth D. Aldape, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
The comprehensive molecular profiling of cancer has resulted in new insights into the biology and classification of numerous tumor types. In the case of primary brain tumors that commonly affect adults, an emerging set of disease-defining biomarker sets is reshaping existing diagnostic entities that had previously been defined on the basis of their microscopic appearance. Substantial progress has been made in this regard for common primary brain tumors in adults, especially diffuse gliomas, where large-scale profiling efforts have led to the incorporation of highly prevalent molecular alterations that promote a biologically based classification as an adjunct to the traditional histopathologic approach. The growing awareness that histologically indistinguishable tumors can be divided into more precise and biologically relevant subgroups has demanded a more global routine approach to biomarker assessment. These considerations have begun to intersect with the decreasing costs and availability of genome-wide analysis tools and, thus, incorporation into routine practice. We review how molecular profiling already has led to an evolution in the classification of brain tumors. In addition, we discuss the likely trajectory of incorporation of global molecular profiling platforms into the routine clinical classification of adult brain tumors.
Insights
Molecular profiling is revolutionizing adult brain tumor classification, moving beyond traditional histology. This biologically based approach enhances diagnostic precision for diffuse gliomas and other primary brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Traditional brain tumor classification relies on microscopic appearance, but molecular insights reveal greater complexity.
- Comprehensive molecular profiling has uncovered new disease-defining biomarkers for adult primary brain tumors.
- Histologically similar tumors can represent distinct biological subgroups, necessitating advanced diagnostic methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of molecular profiling on brain tumor classification.
- To discuss the integration of molecular profiling into routine clinical practice for adult brain tumors.
- To highlight the shift towards biologically based classification systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of large-scale molecular profiling efforts in adult primary brain tumors, particularly diffuse gliomas.
- Analysis of the incorporation of molecular alterations into diagnostic criteria.
- Examination of trends in genome-wide analysis tool adoption and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Molecular profiling has led to significant advancements in classifying adult primary brain tumors, especially diffuse gliomas.
- Biologically based classification is increasingly used alongside traditional histopathology.
- Decreasing costs of genome-wide analysis facilitate broader implementation.
Conclusions:
- Molecular profiling has fundamentally evolved brain tumor classification, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
- The future of adult brain tumor diagnosis involves routine integration of global molecular profiling platforms.
- This shift promises more precise and biologically relevant patient stratification.
