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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Ganglioside Extraction, Purification and Profiling
Published on: March 12, 2021
Ganglioglioma and gangliocytoma: a review for pathologists
Gianfranco E Umeres-Francia1, Melissa Mejia-Bautista1, Pouya Jamshidi1
1Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Ganglioglioma and gangliocytoma are rare, predominantly low-grade neuroepithelial tumors that commonly present with epilepsy in children and young adults. Advances in molecular profiling have improved understanding of their pathogenesis, highlighting key roles for the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK signaling pathway. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features, with complete surgical resection offering the best clinical outcomes. This review summarizes current knowledge on their epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, pathology, treatment strategies, and prognosis.
Insights
Gangliogliomas and gangliocytomas are rare brain tumors often causing epilepsy in young people. Molecular insights reveal the MAPK/ERK pathway is crucial for their development and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Ganglioglioma and gangliocytoma are rare neuroepithelial tumors.
- These tumors predominantly affect children and young adults, often presenting with epilepsy.
- Recent molecular profiling has elucidated key pathways involved in their pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of ganglioglioma and gangliocytoma.
- To summarize current knowledge on epidemiology, etiology, and clinical presentation.
- To discuss diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, imaging, pathology, and treatment.
- Synthesis of current understanding based on molecular profiling and clinical outcomes.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- These tumors are characterized by specific molecular alterations, particularly in the MAPK/ERK pathway.
- Diagnosis integrates clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings.
- Complete surgical resection is associated with the best prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular basis of these tumors is critical for targeted therapies.
- Multidisciplinary diagnosis and management are essential.
- Further research into novel therapeutic strategies is warranted.
