The Evolving Molecular Landscape of High-Grade Gliomas

The classification, diagnosis, and biological understanding of high-grade gliomas has been transformed by an evolving understanding of glioma biology. High-grade gliomas, in particular, have exemplified the impact of molecular alterations in pathology. The discovery of mutations in a key metabolic enzyme (IDH), histone genes (H3-3A), and large-scale chromosome changes (+7/-10, 1p/19q) are examples of specific alterations that now supplant traditional histologic interpretation. Here, we review established and recently defined types of adult and pediatric high-grade gliomas with discussion of key molecular alterations that have been leveraged for subclassification, grading, or prognosis.