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07.11.2017
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The 2016 update of the
WHO brain tumor classification
Dr. Adelheid Wöhrer
Institute of Neurology
Outline
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• The Making of the 2016 Update of the WHO brain tumor
classification
• Update on most important changes
• Diffuse glioma
• Embryonal tumors
• Other newly introduced entities and variants
• Implications on neuropathological practice & molecular marker
testing
The WHO brain tumor classification
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2016 update of the 4
th
edition
Prior to 2016
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• Brain tumor classification based on histogenesis
• Microscopic similarities of tumors with different cells of origin
• Based on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections +
immunohistochemical expression of lineage-associated proteins (+
ultrastructure)
Harvey Cushing
In the meantime
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• Large-scale studies revealed the genetic basis of tumorigenesis of
adult and pediatric brain tumors
• Molecular markers provide prognostic and/or predictive information
within
diagnostic categories
• Canonical genetic alterations may be used to define specific
entities
2014 HaarlemMeeting, the Netherlands
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• Under the auspices of the International Society of Neuropathology
• Aim: Providing guidelines for how to incorporate molecular findings
into brain tumor diagnostics
• Set the stage for a major revision of the 2007 CNS WHO
classification