Glioblastoma.
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary intracranial malignancy, is a morphologically diverse neoplasm with dismal prognosis despite multimodality therapy. Only 3 distinct morphologic variants of GBM are currently recognized by the current World Health Organization classification scheme, including GBM, giant cell GBM, and gliosarcoma. Additional variants, some of which have significant morphologic overlap with tumors that have more favorable prognosis and treatment response rates, particularly anaplastic oligodendroglioma, have been described since its publication in 2000 and may be included in the next classification.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the morphologic and molecular genetic diversity of both well-established and novel GBM variants and outline our approach to these heterogeneous neoplasms and their distinction from other diffuse, high-grade gliomas.


METHODS
Published literature and our own experience in an active academic diagnostic surgical neuropathology practice were reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Precise subclassification of GBM is required for accurate prognostication and appropriate treatment planning.
Miller
C Ryan
CR
Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Perry
Arie
A
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D018316:Gliosarcoma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009837:Oligodendroglioma / Q000473:pathology