Educational Case: Histologic and Molecular Features of Diffuse Gliomas

Molecular classification of diffuse gliomas.

Diffuse gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. The current World Health Organization (WHO) brain tumor classification (2007) uses exclusively morphological criteria to separate diffuse gliomas into three main subtypes: astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and mixed oligoastrocytoma. The WHO defines mixed oligoastrocytomas as tumors with dual glial cellular components (astrocytic and oligo...

Impending Impact of Molecular Pathology on Classifying Adult Diffuse Gliomas.

BACKGROUND Progress in molecular oncology during the last decade has enabled investigators to more precisely define and group gliomas. The impacts of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation (mut) status and other molecular markers on the classification, prognostication, and management of diffuse gliomas are likely to be far-reaching. METHODS Clinical experience and the medical literature were...

Moving toward molecular classification of diffuse gliomas in adults.

Diffuse gliomas are a heterogenous group of neoplasms traditionally classified as grades II to IV based on histologic features, and with prognosis determined mainly by histologic grade and pretreatment clinical factors. Our understanding of the molecular basis of glioma initiation, tumor progression, and treatment failure is rapidly evolving. A molecular profile of diffuse gliomas is emerging. ...

Diffuse low-grade gliomas

Description : Diffuse low-grade gliomas (WHO grade II) are a sub-group of rare and heterogeneous primary brain tumors that usually occur in young patients living a normal life until the onset of a first seizure. A good understanding of the natural history of these gliomas namely: their steady progression, infiltration along white matter fibers and especially the risk of malignant transformation...

Diagnostic Evaluation of Diffuse Gliomas