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Evaluation of Biomarkers in Glioma by Immunohistochemistry on Paraffin-Embedded 3D Glioma Neurosphere Cultures
Published on: January 9, 2019
Research progress in molecular pathology markers in medulloblastoma
Zixuan Zhou1, Bingxin Zhu2, Qingming Meng1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Nervous System Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the commonest primary malignant brain cancer. The current treatment of MB is usually surgical resection combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Although great progress has been made in the clinical management of MB, tumor metastasis and recurrence are still the main cause of death. Therefore, definitive and timely diagnosis is of great importance for improving therapeutic effects on MB. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) divided MB into four subtypes: wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), non-WNT/non-SHH group 3, and group 4. Each subtype of MB has a unique profile in copy number variation, DNA alteration, gene transcription, or post-transcriptional/translational modification, all of which are associated with different biological manifestations, clinical features, and prognosis. This article reviewed the research progress of different molecular pathology markers in MB and summarized some targeted drugs against these molecular markers, hoping to stimulate the clinical application of these molecular markers in the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of MB.
Insights
Medulloblastoma (MB), a common brain cancer, requires precise diagnosis for effective treatment. This review explores molecular markers and targeted drugs for MB subtypes to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent primary malignant brain tumor.
- Current treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) face challenges with metastasis and recurrence.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes in MB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on molecular pathology markers in MB.
- To summarize targeted drugs associated with these molecular markers.
- To encourage clinical application of molecular markers for MB classification, diagnosis, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular pathology markers in MB.
- Summary of targeted drug research for identified markers.
- Analysis of MB subtypes (WNT, SHH, Group 3, Group 4) and their molecular profiles.
Main Results:
- MB subtypes exhibit distinct molecular profiles (copy number variation, DNA alteration, gene transcription).
- These molecular differences correlate with varied biological behaviors, clinical features, and prognoses.
- Specific molecular markers are linked to potential targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Molecular pathology markers are vital for understanding MB heterogeneity.
- Targeted therapies based on molecular profiles offer promising treatment strategies.
- Further clinical application of molecular markers can enhance MB diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

