Applications of gene expression profiling to the study of malignant gliomas

Abstract

Malignant central nervous system tumors that originate from brain tissue or from the brain's coverings cause significant morbidity and mortality. Tumors of the glioma group are the most common primary brain tumors in adults and the most important group of diffusely infiltrating gliomas are the astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Most gliomas are incurable because they infiltrate brain tissue, making it difficult to completely remove the tumor without damaging normal structures. Because of this, recurrences of such tumors are common, despite standard therapeutic efforts. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.