Biomarkers in neoplastic neuropathology

Thorough descriptions are provided of the techniques currently available for clinical and experimental evaluation of biomarkers in brain neoplasms, including in situ hybridization, array-based methods, methylation profiling, next-generation sequencing, and practical gene panels. Incorporation of multiple biomarkers in the development of molecular subgroups with biologic and therapeutic relevance is also discussed.

A section on biobanking covers the equally important topic of optimal preservation of tissue and includes consideration of ethical considerations raised by the use of tissue obtained in clinical settings. The closing section discusses the major categories of neoplastic disorders involving the nervous system, with emphasis on diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers used in the pathologic evaluation of different types of brain tumor.