Bernd W. Scheithauer

Improving diagnostic accuracy and interobserver concordance in the classification and grading of primary gliomas

Accurate histologic diagnosis of gliomas is fundamental to proper patient management and to the interpretation of basic and clinical investigations. Diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility are compromised by the subjective histologic criteria currently used to classify and grade gliomas.

The prognostic significance of MIB‐1, p53, and DNA flow cytometry in completely resected primary meningiomas

Despite the availability of clinical and pathologic parameters of prognosis, the behavior of an individual meningioma may be difficult to predict. In a recent review of gross totally resected (GTR) meningiomas, the authors found strong associations between microscopic brain invasion, increased mitotic rate (≥4/10 high‐power fields), the presence of at least 3 of 4 morphologic variables (sheeting, hypercellularity, macronucleoli, and small cells), and decreased recurrence free survival (RFS). In this study, they assessed the prognostic value of three ancillary techniques: DNA flow cytometry, MIB‐1 labeling, and p53 protein expression.

Malignant tumors of the kidney, brain, and soft tissues in children and young adults with the tuberous sclerosis complex†

The tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by seizures, mental retardation, and benign tumors of the brain, heart, skin, and kidney. Malignant tumors also can occur in patients with tuberous sclerosis, particularly in the kidney, although they occur less frequently than benign tumors. The types of malignancy that occur in TSC have not been characterized fully.

Pineal parenchymal tumors. Clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects.

Background. Pineal parenchymal tumors are rare; therefore, only limited clinical data regarding their behavior is available. This study was performed to provide further information regarding the pathologic features, clinical behavior, and response to therapy of these tumors.

Supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas : a clinicopathologic, prognostic, and flow cytometric study of 51 patients

Background. Supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas are uncommon tumors, the prognosis and management of which have been controversial.

Histologically confirmed pineal tumors and other germ cell tumors of the brain

This study examined the outcome of patients with histologically confirmed pineal region tumors.

A Phase III Study of radiation therapy plus carmustine with or without recombinant interferon-α in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma

The current study was conducted to determine whether the addition of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) to treatment with radiation therapy and carmustine (BCNU) improves time to disease progression or overall survival in patients with high‐grade glioma.

The World Health Organization classification of adenohypophysial neoplasms. A proposed five-tier scheme.

Although numerous attempts have been made, the classification of pituitary neoplasms remains controversial.

Management of recurrent meningeal hemangiopericytoma.

Meningeal hemangiopericytoma is an uncommon neoplasm with a high propensity for recurrence. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of different treatment options in patients with recurrent disease.

“Malignancy” in meningiomas

Due to the rarity of malignancy in meningiomas, prior studies have been limited to small series. Controversies regarding the definition of malignant meningioma have complicated matters further. Although histologic anaplasia and extracranial metastasis are established criteria, the former is difficult to define and the latter represents a clinical finding. Traditionally, brain invasion has also been accepted, although this has recently been debated. In a prior series, the authors were unable to prove that 23 meningiomas that had invaded the brain were more aggressive than atypical meningiomas.