Abnormal Vimentin and Histone H3p.K27me3 immunohistochemical expression patterns as potential surrogate markers for 1p/19q-codeletion in adult-type diffuse gliomas

Abstract

The retrospective study outlined in this thesis focuses on two adult-type diffuse gliomas - oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Since both neoplasms possess several overlapping histological features, the identification of unique aberrations using molecular tests is essential for accurate diagnosis. However, these tests are generally less accessible and more expensive with longer turn-around times compared to immunohistochemical tests. The investigation aims to determine if variations in vimentin and histone H3p.K27me3 immunohistochemical expression could substitute for the 1p/19q-codeletion to effectively differentiate between the two gliomas. The correlation between these immunohistochemical stains and various histological features is also evaluated. Additionally, a review of the current literature pertaining to both central nervous system (CNS) tumors and the immunohistochemical markers is included.