Very scarce data is available on histological and molecular methods used by neuropathologists for the diagnosis of brain tumors. We performed a survey on this subject, addressed to neuropathologists worldwide and answered through an online form. There were responses from 314 centers from 49 countries. The great majority of neuropathologists systematically use the world health organization pathology guidelines [1Louis D.N., Ohgaki H., Wiestler O.D. Classification of tumours of the central nervous system IARC Lyon: World Health Organization (2007).  [ISBN 92-832-2430-2].

Haga clic aquí para ir a la sección de Referencias, 2Louis D.N., Perry A., Burger P., Ellison D.W., Reifenberger G., von Deimling A., y al. International Society Of Neuropathology. Haarlem consensus guidelines for nervous system tumor classification and grading Brain Pathol 2014 ;  24 (5) : 429-435 [cross-ref]

Haga clic aquí para ir a la sección de Referencias] and around 20% use it mostly with rare exceptions. Immunohistochemistry is available in practically all centers, and around 75% of all centers use some form of molecular technique for the diagnosis of brain tumors, of which 69% FISH or CISH, and 62% techniques other than FISH/CISH. Molecular techniques are more available in countries with highest human development index and in centers with highest number of cases diagnosed. Most pediatric brain tumors are diagnosed by centers also diagnosing adult cases. Most pathologists have access to relevant clinical data and imaging exams from their patients. This survey confirms that most pathologists often perform at least some molecular techniques for the diagnosis of brain tumors. Techniques and availability are heterogeneous worldwide and access to them could be largely improved through collaboration.