Latest Research
All publications from the Cancer3.AI database, newest first.
Pathologic and molecular aspects of anaplasia in circumscribed gliomas and glioneuronal tumors.
Pujadas E, et al
Researchers reviewed the current understanding of anaplasia — a form of cellular abnormality linked to more aggressive tumor behavior — in a group of brain tumors known as circumscribed gliomas and glioneuronal tumors, which includes pilocytic astrocytomas, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas, and gangliogliomas. Unlike the more common diffuse gliomas that affect adults, these tumors typically occur in children and young adults and usually grow slowly, but a subset can undergo anaplastic transformation and behave aggressively. The review summarizes how advances in molecular pathology have reshaped diagnostic classifications, noting that anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas and gangliogliomas are now designated WHO Grade III, while the clinical significance of anaplasia in pilocytic astrocytomas remains debated. Emerging evidence suggests that anaplastic pilocytic astrocytomas share molecular features with both their low-grade counterparts and the more aggressive diffuse gliomas, complicating their classification and management. This synthesis is clinically important because accurate grading and molecular characterization directly influence treatment decisions and prognosis for affected patients, many of whom are young.
Brain tumor pathology
Source →Incidence of childhood CNS tumours in Britain and variation in rates by definition of malignant behaviour: population-based study.
Stiller CA, et al
Researchers used data from Britain's National Registry of Childhood Tumours to study the incidence and trends of central nervous system (CNS) tumours in children under 15 years of age over a 40-year period from 1971 to 2010. The study found an age-standardised incidence rate of 40.1 per million children in 2001–2010, with astrocytomas being the most common type at 41%, followed by embryonal tumours at 17%. Over the four decades studied, rates of tumours classified as malignant rose by 30%, while rates of non-malignant tumours increased dramatically by 137%, partly reflecting changes in how tumour types such as pilocytic astrocytoma are classified. The overall incidence was comparable to other large western countries, though apparent deficits of certain low-grade tumours compared to the United States and Nordic countries suggest that delayed diagnosis may be an issue in Britain. The authors emphasise that complete cancer registration — regardless of whether a tumour is classified as malignant or benign — is essential for accurately measuring the true burden of childhood brain tumours and tracking changes over time.
BMC cancer
Source →Determining IDH-Mutational Status in Gliomas Using IDH1-R132H Antibody and Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Gondim DD, et al
Researchers evaluated two laboratory methods for detecting mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene in 62 brain tumor samples, comparing immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the IDH1-R132H antibody with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. IDH mutation status is a critical molecular marker in glioma diagnosis because tumors carrying IDH mutations generally have a better prognosis than IDH-wildtype tumors of the same histological grade. The IDH1-R132H antibody demonstrated 100% specificity and 80% sensitivity, correctly identifying all true positives while missing three cases that carried rarer IDH mutations not detectable by the antibody. PCR identified a broader range of mutations, including less common variants in both IDH1 and IDH2 genes, and detected 15 mutant cases compared to 12 by IHC. The findings support using the IDH1-R132H immunostain as a first-line, cost-effective screening test, with PCR reserved as a follow-up for cases that test negative by IHC, in line with 2016 World Health Organization guidelines for glioma classification.
Applied immunohistochemistry & molecular morphology : AIMM
Source →Histiocytic Sarcoma: Review, Discussion of Transformation From B-Cell Lymphoma, and Differential Diagnosis.
Skala SL, et al
Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a comprehensive review of histiocytic sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer arising from mature histiocytes, which can develop either spontaneously or through transformation from low-grade B-cell lymphomas such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia is among the most common blood cancers in the Western world and typically follows an indolent course, between 2% and 8% of cases undergo transformation, with histiocytic sarcomatous transformation being particularly rare and carrying a poor prognosis. The review examined the clinical features, microscopic appearance, and biological mechanisms underlying this transformation process, drawing on institutional cases and a broad survey of published literature. A key finding is that histiocytic sarcoma presents a wide and challenging differential diagnosis, encompassing other histiocytic and dendritic cell tumors, myeloid cancers, lymphomas, melanoma, and carcinoma. Despite this complexity, the authors identified specific morphological and immunohistochemical markers that enable pathologists to accurately classify the disease. This work provides clinicians and pathologists with a practical framework for diagnosing a rare but deadly malignancy, potentially improving patient outcomes through earlier and more accurate identification.
Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
Source →Molecular classification of adult gliomas: recent advances and future perspectives.
Barritault M, et al
A new review published in Current Opinion in Oncology examines recent progress in the molecular classification of adult brain tumors known as gliomas. Researchers describe how the 2016 WHO classification uses key genetic markers — including mutations in the IDH gene, deletion of chromosomal regions 1p/19q, and histone H3.3 mutations — to divide adult diffuse gliomas into five main molecular subgroups. The review highlights additional biomarkers that could further refine this classification, such as CDKN2A/B deletions, TERT promoter mutations, EGFR amplification, and FGFR gene alterations, each of which may carry important diagnostic or therapeutic implications. Notably, DNA methylation profiling emerges as a particularly powerful tool for identifying new glioma subgroups and resolving diagnostically challenging cases. These advances matter for patients because more precise tumor classification can guide treatment decisions and potentially open the door to targeted therapies tailored to specific molecular profiles.
Current opinion in oncology
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