Update on the national survey on molecular diagnostics in CNS tumors

Abstract

There have been significant changes in the diagnostic criteria for diffuse gliomas in the 2016 WHO CNS tumor classification, with the incorporation of molecular criteria into a number of definitions. This has placed a greater emphasis on the availability of key immunohistochemical and molecular tests. In order to determine the effect that these changes have had on neuropathology practice and the access of different centres to these tests, we designed a survey that was sent to all members of the Canadian Association of Neuropathology member list in the fall of 2017. This survey asked a number of questions relating to the approach to glioma diagnosis, immunohistochemical/molecular test ordering patterns, in-house test availability, and need to send out for testing. In this presentation we will present preliminary results from this survey, with a focus on institutional testing capabilities. This provides a valuable resource that could ultimately need to a national database of immunohistochemical and molecular test availability for each neuropathology centre.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1. 1. Review the key molecular markers in the diagnosis of adult gliomas and methods of testing for them

2. 2. Discuss the effect that the 2016 WHO CNS tumor update has had on clinical practice in Canada