The 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: A Practical Approach for Gliomas, Part 1. Basic Tumor Genetics

CNS gliomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors that exhibit different behaviors clinically, and pathologic identification categorizes them into groups with similar prognosis and subsequent treatment. The World Health Organization published the fourth edition of the classification for CNS tumors in 2014 and presented a new update in May 2016. This latest update integrates recent advances and results in glioma tumorigenesis at the molecular level with previous histopathologic classification. It also removes terms that were found not clinically useful. This article offers a practical review of glioma molecular profiles and their importance in the latest classification and changes of nomenclature. Representative imaging features on MR imaging and illustrative cases are also included.

Learning Objectives: Identify the role of isocitrate dehydrogenase status in the new World Health Organization classification of gliomas and its importance regarding natural history and prognosis.