NCCN Guidelines Insights: Central Nervous System Cancers, Version 1.2017.

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Pathology
• Cancer Genomics

Background:

• Glioma diagnosis historically relied on histology, despite outcome variability.
• Histology was the primary tool for clinical trial eligibility and treatment decisions.
• Limitations in histologic classification spurred research into molecular markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of molecular markers in gliomas.
• To assess the impact of molecular markers on treatment response prediction.
• To understand how molecular discoveries are reshaping glioma classification and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of molecular markers in large patient cohorts.
• Correlation of molecular features with patient outcomes and treatment responses.
• Review of data from randomized clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Molecular markers demonstrate greater diagnostic and prognostic accuracy than histology.
• Specific molecular markers predict response to targeted therapies.
• Identification of molecular features has led to revised treatment strategies for grade III gliomas.

Conclusions:

• Molecular profiling is revolutionizing glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
• Treatment decisions for gliomas are increasingly guided by molecular findings.
• The shift from histology to molecular markers improves personalized cancer care.