Neurológia pre prax 4/2024

Current standards for molecular pathological testing of central nervous system tumours

The standards of molecular-pathological testing are transforming with the fifth edition of the WHO classification of central nervous system tumors. A significant change involves incorporating molecular genetic testing and adopting a comprehensive diagnostic approach. Certain tumors require examining the molecular profile for accurate classification, typically analyzing single nucleotide variants, deletions, codeletions, fusions, or methylation. Molecular methods extend the diagnostic spectrum beyond histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments, using techniques like PCR, Sanger sequencing, I-FISH, MLPA, and/or NGS. Collaboration among neuropathologists, molecular geneticists, and neurooncologists is crucial for accurate diagnosis and preventing potential harm to patients.

Keywords: CNS Tumors, WHO classification, molecular pathology