Abstract
BACKGROUND: Significant progress has been made in the molecular diagnostic subtyping of brain tumors especially gliomas. Designing effective tailored therapy remains the cornerstone for delving into the molecular heterogeneity and classification of gliomas. More homogenous tumor populations may lead to more uniform tumor responses in particular molecular constellation. Recent decade has seen a surge of molecular markers of glioma which hold a promise and potential of being strong prognostic, predictive, and diagnostic markers. They are also extremely critical for the stratification of current clinical trails. METHOD: Review of the pertinent literature regarding the molecular markers of glioma was performed. Methods of detection of these markers and their clinical relevance are also discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This review provides an update on progress and perspectives of these newest set of biomarkers which can also supplement and refine histological classification and serves as important prognostic and predictive markers; particularly relevant in this aspect are O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation, IDH1 mutations, and codeletion of 1p/19q. BRAF fusion/mutations and EGFR amplification provide important clues diagnostically.