Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NEURO-ONCOLOGY
COMPENDIUM FOR THE BOARDS
AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
EDITED BY
Kathryn S. Nevel, MD
I N D IANA UNIVE R SITY SC HO O L O F MEDICINE
I N D IANAP O LIS, IN, USA
DOI: 10.1093/med/9780197573778.001.0001
This material is not intended to be, and should not be considered, a substitute for medical or
other professional advice. Treatment for the conditions described in this material is highly
dependent on the individual circumstances. And, while this material is designed to offer
accurate information with respect to the subject matter covered and to be current as of the
time it was written, research and knowledge about medical and health issues is constantly
evolving and dose schedules for medications are being revised continually, with new side effects
recognized and accounted for regularly. Readers must therefore always check the product
information and clinical procedures with the most up-to-date published product information
and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and
safety regulation. The publisher and the authors make no representations or warranties to
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limiting the foregoing, the publisher and the authors make no representations or warranties as
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contents of this material.
DEDICATIONS
The years 2020–2021 were particularly difficult for the med- aides, technicians, and others) and those acting behind the
ical community due to the global pandemic. Hats off to the scenes (laboratory medicine, maintenance, housekeeping,
providers who maintained excellent care of their patients food services, and more). Finally, to all the healthcare
and helped to usher innovations using telemedicine and workers who continuously go to great lengths to take the
distance learning. This book is dedicated to those on the best care of patients. Together, we elevate and educate in
frontline (physicians, advanced care providers, nurses, medicine.
vi
vi
IN MEMORIAM
Gordon A. Watson, MD, PhD, co-author of the Rare Tumors chapter, was a beloved Associate Professor and Vice
Chair for Clinical Affairs for the Department of Radiation Oncology at Indiana University. He was among the most
popular and busiest physicians in the department and the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive
Cancer Center. Due to his vast wisdom and well-known desire to help, his input was always sought after for the most
challenging of clinical cases. He was an outstanding physician in every way imaginable, who is dearly missed by his
colleagues, patients, family, and friends.
vi
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CONTENTS
x | contents
xi
FOREWORD
This slim volume manages to be both comprehensive and Within the growing field of Neuro-Oncology, heavy-volume
succinct at the same time—a welcome combination. The textbooks or detailed review articles do not meet the need for
editors compiled a list of stellar authors, and employed a rapidly accessible and up-to-date practice-related informa-
standard structure for each chapter, making this book easy tion. This comprehensive, well-structured and good–to-read
to read and the information highly accessible. The book fills volume allows the newcomer to swiftly achieve an overview
a critical need for those seeking rapid and current informa- and the more advanced practitioner to recapitulate important
tion to care for patients with a neuro-oncologic problem. facts, i.e. on recent trials, for which main efficacy outcomes
The focus is on primary intracranial tumors, but the authors and unwanted effects are summarized.
also cover CNS metastases, and other neuro-oncologic topics The present book by a group of experienced practitioners
such as paraneoplastic syndromes. They review the core di- from all important subspecialties feeding into Neuro-Oncology
agnostic methods and summarize their clinical relevance; covers many different aspects of modern Neuro-Oncology
the vivid images of MRI scans and pathology throughout the with the focus on primary Central Nervous System (CNS)
book are especially informative. The latest therapeutic studies tumors, CNS metastases, and neurological complications of
are summarized in a clear fashion along with the potential cancer. Each chapter is structured in a standard way, allowing
benefits and toxicities of each therapeutic modality. For those for recapitulating diagnostic challenges, clinical courses, and
seeking information to prepare for an oncology or neuro- standard treatments including clinical trial updates. The book
oncology Board certification examination, they will find the follows a high educational standard and fosters learning,
key points of each chapter highlighted throughout the text, self-testing as well as preparation for board certification in
followed by flash cards and multiple-choice questions for fu- Neuro-Oncology for learners around the globe. The editors
ture referral and test practice. The editors and authors are to and authors are to be congratulated on this highly scholarly
be congratulated on this highly practical compilation of data; and useful volume, which certainly will help to inform care for
it is a “must have” for anyone who cares for neuro-oncologic patients with neuro-oncologic disease.
patients.
Wolfgang Wick, MD
Lisa M. DeAngelis, MD Chairman, Neurology Clinic, University of Heidelberg
Physician-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer Neuro-Oncology Program Chair, National Center for Tumor
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Diseases, Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center
New York, NY, USA Heidelberg, Germany
xi
xi
PREFACE
tHe ne UR o- o nc o L oGY c o MP en D I U M retention and recall of the information for the boards and daily
clinical practice. We hope this textbook will become a staple
It is with great joy that we deliver this textbook to our readers. educational offering and will be widely used by all who wish to
This work would not have been possible without the tre- enhance their knowledge in neuro-oncology.
mendous dedication of the contributing authors, the Oxford On a personal note, working on this book brought us
University Press staff, and our team of editors. We started this immense joy, allowed for excellent networking, and solidified
journey several years ago when the five of us identified gaps our friendships for the years to come. We are very grateful for
in the neuro-oncology curriculum for test takers and those this opportunity! We wish you an enjoyable read, success on
who sought an up-to-date clinical reference guide. Our field the board exams, and satisfaction in your clinical practices.
changes rapidly, leaving gaps in the neuro-oncology library We would appreciate your feedback and remain open to new
for books that would provide a high-yield overview of the var- and continued collaborations for future editions of the Neuro-
ious facets of our sub-specialty. This work is designed to not Oncology Compendium.
only address the board exam requirements but also provide
practical knowledge for those who take care of patient pop- The Editors
ulation. We were fortunate that some of the top talents from Maciej M. Mrugala
across the world were enthusiastic to contribute to this project. Na Tosha N. Gatson
A tremendous thanks is owed to the contributing authors, who Sylvia C. Kurz
spent countless hours making sure the content of their chapters Kathryn S. Nevel
was filled with relevant information and laid out to maximize Jennifer L. Clarke
xvi
xv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to acknowledge the patients and their caregivers also like to acknowledge donors and funding agencies for their
who allowed us to share in their care and for their participation contribution to the science presented in this book. Finally,
in clinical trials or other research that led to advancements in we would like to thank the Society for Neuro-Oncology for
our field. Words of gratitude go to scientists and academicians supporting our original idea for this work and Craig Panner
who led the research projects described in this book. We would and Oxford University Press team for taking our project on.
xvi
xvi
CONTRIBUTORS
xviii | c o n t R I B U t o R s
xi
†
Deceased
x
1
1 | NEUROPATHOLOGY PRIMER
I n tR oDUc tIo n G L I AL t U M o R s
Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) have been tra- CNS glial tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms originating
ditionally classified based on their histomorphologic features from the supportive cellular elements of CNS. Glial tumors
and by presumed cell of origin. Histologic grading has been can be classified as diffuse (infiltrative) or solid glial tumors by
across tumor entities, and each tumor is assigned to a grade their growth pattern.
as part of the nomenclature. Histologic grading is only one of
the prognostic criteria, and a tumor with low histologic grade
Glial tumors can be classified as diffuse (infiltrative) or solid
may behave aggressively depending on the location, patient’s
by their growth pattern.
performance status, radiographic features, proliferation index,
and, more recently, genetic changes.
The revised fourth edition (2016) of the World Health
DIFFUSE GLIAL TUMORS
Organization (WHO) classification introduced a combined
histologic and molecular classification (integrated diag-
The mainstay of the classification of adult diffuse gliomas is
nosis), which dramatically changed the nomenclature.2
the presence of IDH1/IDH2 mutations, which is associated
But this updated classification and grading scheme has al-
with concerted CpG island methylation at many gene loci
ready become insufficient, given our rapidly growing un-
(G-CIMP phenotype) and with better outcome.
derstanding of molecular features and numerous new
techniques including methylation profiling. For this pur-
pose, a group of experts gathered to create cIMPACT-NOW Diffuse gliomas (Chapter 4) have an infiltrative growth pattern,
(Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches in which neoplastic glial cells diffusely infiltrate into the existing
to CNS Tumor Taxonomy—Not Official WHO), which has neuropil structures of the gray and white matter without a sharp
already published multiple update reports, and many of these border between the tumor and the adjacent parenchyma. Earlier
updates are expected to be incorporated into the imminent classifications of diffuse gliomas relied only on the morphologic
fifth edition of the WHO classification (2021).3 Important features; however, the 2016 WHO classification of diffuse glial
changes in the upcoming classification include designation tumors has had a major update, including the addition of cer-
of WHO grade using Arabic numerals, rather than Roman tain genetic alterations to the diagnostic criteria, thus providing
numerals (which practice we have adopted for this volume) an integrated diagnosis.2 Currently, the mainstay of the classifi-
and reserving the term “glioblastoma” for isocitrate dehy- cation is the presence of IDH1/IDH2 mutations, which is asso-
drogenase (IDH)-wildtype diffuse astrocytomas with histo- ciated with concerted CpG island methylation at many gene loci
logic or molecular features of grade 4, while all IDH-mutant (G-CIMP phenotype) and with better outcome. Furthermore, re-
astrocytomas will be diagnosed as such with accompanying gardless of the morphologic features, tumors with IDH mutation
histologic grade (2–4). In this chapter we cover the most and 1p/19q co-deletion are categorized as oligodendroglioma,
common CNS tumors in a fairly detailed manner and briefly while the rest are diagnosed as astrocytoma. While this clas-
touch base with the relatively rare ones using the current sification addresses many important issues and provides an
diagnostic criteria and terminology, some of which may increased level of objectivity, its application to pediatric diffuse
change in the near future. gliomas has been somewhat limited. Pediatric-type diffuse
gliomas rarely harbor IDH mutations, and their molecular
features overlap significantly with solid glial and glioneuronal
tumors. Those with oligodendroglial morphology often harbor
FGFR1 alterations, and astrocytomas often show MYB/MYBL1
Editors’ Note: This book is being published just as the new 2021 World Health
Organization (WHO) classification of CNS tumors is being released.1 While this rearrangements.5 And, unlike adult counterparts, pediatric
chapter is largely based on the 2016 classification, significant impending changes high-grade gliomas frequently harbor H3 G34 mutations, and
are noted where appropriate. 4 For the most up-to date information, please see: infantile gliomas are frequently associated with NTRK, ALK, or
WHO Classification of Tumours; 5th Edition. Central Nervous System Tumours.
Edited by the WHO Classification of Tumours Editorial Board. International ROS fusions.6–8 The upcoming WHO classification will incor-
Agency for Research on Cancer 2021. porate molecular alterations of pediatric-type diffuse gliomas
4
and address the role of molecular alterations in grading of staining is suggestive of a TP53 mutation, the sensitivity and
diffuse gliomas. specificity as well as the ideal cutoff value of p53 staining are still
debated. Tumor cells are variably positive with GFAP, OLIG2,
SOX10, and MAP2, none of which is specific for the diagnosis.
Pediatric type diffuse gliomas rarely harbor IDH mutations,
Neurofilament protein is useful to identify the entrapped ax-
and their molecular features overlap significantly with solid
onal fibers, confirming the infiltrative growth pattern.
glial and glioneuronal tumors.
A N A P L A S T I C A S T R O C Y T O M A , I D H - M U TA N T ,
D I F F U S E A S T R O C Y T O M A , I D H - M U TA N T , WHO GRADE 3
WHO GRADE 2 Anaplastic astrocytomas either arise from a grade 2 diffuse
Diffuse astrocytomas are composed of moderately pleomor- astrocytoma or, more frequently, are diagnosed de novo.
phic cells with hyperchromatic, oval to round nuclei with ir- Histomorphological features are somewhat similar to diffuse
regular nuclear contours interspersed in the parenchyma astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, WHO grade 2, but they tend to
where neurons or axonal fibers are visible between tumor cells have more prominent cytologic atypia, increased cellularity,
(see Figure 1.1A). Cellularity may vary but often it is moder- and elevated mitotic activity. Necrosis and microvascular pro-
ately increased compared to normal parenchyma. Mitoses are liferation are not seen. Increased number of mitoses is the key
absent or rare. Necrosis or microvascular proliferation is not characteristic feature of anaplastic astrocytoma, IDH-mutant,
seen. By definition, these tumors have a mutation in either WHO grade 3; however, no strict cutoff is set for the number
IDH1 or IDH2, and the most common mutation is the R132H of mitosis for the diagnosis, and mitotic activity should be
mutation in IDH1.9 Concurrent mutations in ATRX and TP53 assessed in the context of specimen size. Molecular character-
are typical features of IDH-mutant diffuse astrocytomas.10 istics of these tumors are also similar to their grade 2 coun-
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is almost always very helpful terpart, including mutations in IDH1 or IDH2, ATRX, and
for diagnosis. Antibody against IDH1 R132H mutant protein TP53 genes, but with more frequent copy number alterations.
shows diffuse cytoplasmic positivity in majority of the tumors, There is ongoing debate about the utility of the current grading
as seen in Figure 1.1B, although it is negative in tumors with system since some studies showed no significant difference in
non-canonical IDH mutations. Therefore, sequencing for prognosis between histologic grade 2 and 3 astrocytomas while
other IDH1 and IDH2 mutations may be necessary. Loss of others did so.11–13 Future studies may refine mitotic thresholds
nuclear ATRX expression by IHC suggests presence of an and may identify additional genetic alterations associated with
ATRX mutation and can be used to strongly argue against more aggressive clinical behavior to establish better grading
an oligodendroglioma. While strong and diffuse p53 nuclear criteria.
Figure 1.1 Infiltrating glial tumors. (A) Diffuse astrocytoma, WHO grade 2: Note atypical tumor cells with irregular nuclear borders (>) diffusely infiltrating
to background cortex evidenced by entrapped cortical neurons (>>), Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E). (B) Immunohistochemistry for isocitrate dehydrogenase
(IDH)-1 R132H mutant protein. (C) Glioblastoma, WHO grade 4: Note multilayered endothelial cells referred to as microvascular proliferation (>), H&E.
(D) Oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-co-deleted, WHO grade 2: Note fine, chicken-wire vasculature and perinuclear halos giving cells a fried-egg
appearance, H&E. (E) Diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant, WHO grade 4: Note that the absence of microvascular proliferation or necrosis does not preclude
the designation of WHO grade 4, H&E. (F) Immunohistochemistry for H3 K27M mutant protein in diffuse midline glioma.
4 | PA R t I : n e U R o - o n c o L o G Y o V e R V I e W
5
none of which is specific for the diagnosis. GFAP staining is which sometimes may be the dominant feature. Because of the
usually limited and more often seen in minigemistocytes or embryonal features, in the past, these tumors were diagnosed
occasional tumors with astrocytic morphology. as glioblastoma, with primitive neuronal features, or as a CNS
embryonal tumor. They are almost always high grade and often
A N A P L A S T I C O L I G O D E N D R O G L I O M A , I D H - M U TA N T , have morphological hallmarks of a high-grade glial tumor
1P/19Q CO-DELETED, WHO GRADE 3 such as microvascular proliferation and/or palisading ne-
Anaplastic oligodendroglioma arises either de novo or by crosis which is very helpful for the correct diagnosis. A GFAP-
progression of a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. Anaplastic positive, OLIG2-negative hemispheric tumor with loss of
oligodendroglioma can be defined as a tumor with high cellularity, nuclear ATRX staining and diffuse p53 staining in the absence
brisk mitotic activity (>6 mitosis per 10 high-power field [HPF}), of IDH mutations is highly suggestive of a H3 G34 mutation.
and/or microvascular proliferation and/or necrosis that shows
the classic molecular oligodendroglioma signature (IDH mu- DIFFUSE ASTROCYTIC GLIOMA, IDH-WILDTYPE
tation and 1p/19q co-deletion). Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas Although diffuse astrocytoma, IDH-wildtype, WHO grade 2 and
are prominently more cellular than grade 2 oligodendrogliomas anaplastic astrocytoma, IDH-wildtype, WHO grade 3 have been
but may still show classic oligodendroglioma morphology with included in the 2016 WHO classification, they have been referred to
round nuclei, perinuclear halos, and chicken-wire vasculature. as “provisional entities.” It is well-documented that IDH-wildtype
The highest grade assigned for a tumor of oligodendroglial lin- astrocytomas have significantly worse outcome than IDH-mutant
eage is grade 3, per WHO 2016.2 Molecular features of anaplastic astrocytomas, and some tumors show a disease course similar
oligodendroglioma are similar to grade 2 oligodendroglioma, to IDH-wildtype glioblastomas. Multiple studies showed that
with increased copy number alterations and more frequent this group may include diffuse gliomas with distinct molecular
CDKN2A loss. In addition to defining molecular alterations (IDH alterations other than IDH mutations, such as H3 K27M or H3
mutation and 1p/19q codeletion), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas G34R mutations, and these tumors should now be diagnosed as
also typically harbor TERT promoter mutations. such. Recent cIMPACT-NOW updates have recommended ad-
ditional molecular testing to identify these tumors, which are ex-
D I F F U S E M I D L I N E G L I O M A , H 3 K 2 7 M - M U TA N T , pected to behave aggressively, and the group uses the terminology
WHO GRADE 4 “diffuse astrocytic glioma, IDH-wildtype with molecular features
As the name specifies, diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M- of glioblastoma WHO grade 4.”19 Molecular features suggesting
mutant (Chapter 18), is an infiltrative glioma, typically of astro- aggressive behavior in this setting includes EGFR amplification,
cytic morphology, involving midline structures such as thalamus, TERT promoter mutation, and gain of chromosome 7q with con-
basal ganglia, and spinal cord, which harbors a K27M mutation current loss of chromosome 10p.
involving histone H3.3 (H3F3A) or H3.1 (HIST1H3B/C) genes.
Tumors often consist of monomorphic, small glial cells and fre-
Molecular features suggesting aggressive behavior in IDH-
quently exhibit features of high-grade glioma, as seen in Figure
wildtype astrocytoma include EGFR amplification, TERT
1.1E.21 However, paucicellular tumors without mitoses, necrosis,
promoter mutation, and gain of chromosome 7q with con-
or microvascular proliferation are not uncommon. Regardless of
current loss of chromosome 10p.
the histologic features, these tumors are assigned WHO grade
4. Additional molecular alterations include frequent mutations in
TP53, PTEN, ATM, PPM1D, and CHEK2.22,23 ACVR1 mutations ASTROCYTOMA, NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED (NOS)
and FRGR1 rearrangements seem to correlate with the type of AND OLIGODENDROGLIOMA, NOS
histone mutation and tumor location.24 These tumors are dif- These tumors have the morphological features of an
fusely positive for H3K27M antibody that reacts with both mu- astrocytoma or an oligodendroglioma but the molecular
tant protein products of either H3.1 or H3.3 genes, as seen in workup needed for definitive integrated diagnosis cannot
Figure 1.1F.25 Mutation leads to inhibition of PRC2 complex, be completed. In this setting, the WHO 2016 classification
resulting decreased levels of trimethylation at the lysine 27 mark recommends that pathologists use these diagnostic categories.
of histone 3 (H3K27me3), which can also be detected by IHC. Although the diagnostic categories for oligoastrocytoma and
anaplastic oligoastrocytoma, NOS, still exist in the WHO
guidelines, these categories should only be used when fur-
Regardless of the histologic features, diffuse midline glioma,
ther testing will not or cannot be completed.28 Histologic
H3 K27M mutant, is assigned WHO grade 4.
features, corresponding molecular alterations and integrated
diagnosis pathways in diffuse adult and pediatric gliomas are
D I F F U S E H E M I S P H E R I C G L I O M A , H 3 G 3 4 - M U TA N T summarized in Figures 1.2 and 1.3.
H3 G34-mutant gliomas (Chapter 18) are defined by their mo-
lecular alteration but show variable histology.26,27 It is not yet
SOLID GLIAL TUMORS
accepted as a distinct entity by the WHO 2016 classification,
but it is often seen in cerebral hemispheres of young adults. PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA, WHO GRADE 1
Most commonly, they have a biphasic appearance, with a Pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common glioma in chil-
glial component characterized by a fibrillary background and dren but can also be seen in adults of all ages. Although clin-
atypical, pleomorphic cells, and areas of embryonal features ical and radiological features of pilocytic astrocytomas are
6 | PA R t I : n e U R o - o n c o L o G Y o V e R V I e W
7
Histologic grade Grades 2 and 3 Grades 2 and 3 Grade 4 Grade 4 Grades 2 and 3
(Anaplastic)
Oligodendroglioma, (Anaplastic) Astrocytoma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, (Anaplastic) Astrocytoma,
DIAGNOSIS IDH-mutant and IDH-mutant, IDH-mutant, IDH-wildtype, IDH-wildtype,
1p/19q-codeleted, WHO grade 2 (or 3) WHO grade 4* WHO grade 4 WHO grade 2 (or 3)
WHO grade 2 (or 3)
often pathognomonic for the diagnosis, histomorphology of bipolar glial cells with long, hair-like (piloid) processes and
can be challenging since they have a wide range of tissue loosely arranged microcystic areas composed of bland, glial
patterns. Most commonly pilocytic astrocytomas have a bi- cells with small nuclei and short, cobweb-like processes in a
phasic growth pattern with relatively compact areas composed variably myxoid background (see Figure 1.4A). Rosenthal
ACVR1
ATRX
Additional mutations FGFR1/NF1
TP53
TP53, ATRX
Figure 1.4 Solid glial, glioneuronal, and ependymal tumors. (All except panel E are hematoxylin & eosin [H&E] stained sections.) (A) Pilocytic astrocytoma, WHO
grade 1: Note bland bipolar cells, microcystic background, and Rosenthal fibers (>). (B) Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, WHO grade 2: Note mixture of spindle
cells, large atypical cells with smudgy irregular nuclei (>), and large cells with foamy (xanthomatous) cytoplasm (>>). (C) Ganglioglioma, WHO grade 1: Note large,
dysmorphic ganglion cells (>) in the background of bland spindled glial cells and numerous eosinophilic granular bodies (>>). (D) Ependymoma, WHO grade
2: Note perivascular fibrillary anucleate zones, referred to as perivascular pseudorosettes (>). (E) Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) immunohistochemical stain
shows dot-like paranuclear staining in ependymomas. (F) Myxopapillary ependymoma, WHO grade 1: Note papillary structures containing a central vessel with
mucoid degeneration surrounded by small ependymal cells (>) in the myxoid background.
fibers (intracytoplasmic, thick, and long eosinophilic fibers) Pilocytic astrocytomas typically harbor alterations
are often seen in compact areas, and eosinophilic granular activating the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase
bodies (EGBs) are prominent in microcystic areas. Atypical pathway, most frequent of which is a tandem duplication
cells with naked nuclei can be seen, especially at the periphery of BRAF resulting KIAA1549-BRAF fusion.29 Other typical
of the lesion, raising the differential diagnosis of a diffuse alterations include BRAF V600E, KRAS, and NF1 mutations,
astrocytoma. Oligodendroglioma-like cytomorphology can and FGFR1 and RAF1 fusions. Presence of additional
be prominent in other cases. Tumors may show degenerative alterations such as CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion, ATRX
atypia as well as multinucleated cells. mutation, or TERT promoter mutation seems to be associated
with more aggressive behavior.30
Tumor cells are positive for GFAP, OLIG2, S100, and
Most commonly pilocytic astrocytomas have a biphasic
SOX10. Synaptophysin often shows weak cytoplasmic staining,
growth pattern with relatively compact areas composed of
and this should not be interpreted as infiltrative growth pattern
bipolar glial cells with long, hair-like (piloid) processes and
or evidence for a neuronal component. Neurofilament is useful
loosely arranged microcystic areas composed of bland, glial
to demonstrate well-demarcated, solid growth pattern with
cells with small nuclei and short, cobweb-like processes in a
scarce entrapped axons at the periphery. However, it should be
variably myxoid background.
kept in mind that rare examples, especially in cerebellum, may
show an extensive infiltrative pattern. Because these tumors do
Pilocytic astrocytomas are highly vascular and may show not harbor IDH mutations, IDH1 R132H stain is expected to
complex glomeruloid vascular structures, especially lining be negative. Although Ki67 proliferation index is typically low
the tumoral cyst walls. Necrosis can be focal or extensive (<5%), some cases may reveal a quite high index.
and is usually an infarct type as opposed to a palisading
type; therefore, this should not be interpreted as an alarming P ILOMYXOID ASTROCYTOMA
finding. Likewise, mitosis can be seen and may be quite fre- Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is considered a variant of
quent. While the clinical significance is not fully established, pilocytic astrocytoma, with additional, somewhat character-
mitotic counts in excess of 4 mitoses per 10 HPFs associated istic features. These tumors tend to localize in the thalamic or
with palisading necrosis may indicate a potential for more hypothalamic region and are seen in earlier ages compared to
aggressive behavior, and these tumors are referred to as pilocytic astrocytomas.31,32 PMAs are solid tumors composed
anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma, without an officially desig- of monomorphous, bipolar cells with fusiform nuclei and long
nated WHO grade. glial processes in a homogenous myxoid background. Tumor
8 | PA R t I : n e U R o - o n c o L o G Y o V e R V I e W
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