Role of Molecular Pathology in the Treatment of Anaplastic Gliomas and Glioblastomas.

ABSTRACT

The 2016 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System integrated molecular biomarkers into the classifications of malignant gliomas. Several markers now play a key role in our understanding of these tumors and are integral for clinical decision-making; these include codeletion of 1p and 19q and IDH1 and IDH2 mutations. The presentation by Matthias Holdhoff, MD, PhD, at the NCCN 23rd Annual Conference discussed the current understanding of anaplastic gliomas (WHO grade III) in the context of the new classification and its implications on clinical practice. The 2018 NCCN Guidelines for Central Nervous System Cancers incorporate molecular and histologic characteristics in the staging and treatment of both low- and high-grade gliomas (WHO grades II-IV).