Molecular genetics of astrocytomas and meningiomas

Although both spatial and temporal heterogeneity confound the description of the genetic events underlying glioma tumorigenesis, it is becoming evident that chromosome 17 loss and p53 inactivating mutations are probably involved early in the pathway of tumorigenesis of some, but not all, astrocytomas. Chromosome 10 loss and epidermal growth factor receptor amplification are seen predominantly in high-grade lesions, although they have not been shown to be independent prognostic indicators. Data is accumulating on the presence of a tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 9p, although the gene remains to be identified. The roles of chromosome 22 and the NF-2 tumor suppressor gene in the tumorigenesis of sporadic and familial meningiomas are discussed here, along with other nonrandom chromosomal alterations that are seen in both astrocytomas and meningiomas.