Diagnostic Nuclear Markers of Pineal and Ependymal Neoplasms

What is it about?

Tumors of the pineal region are notoriously difficult to diagnose. We describe novel biomarkers, CRX and FOXJ1, which are highly sensitive and specific for pineal and ependymal tumors. We also provide further evidence that papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is an ependymal neoplasm with features similar to the subcommissural organ.

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Why is it important?

Current biomarkers for pineal and ependymal tumors are often difficult to interpret and lack specificity. Diffuse nuclear CRX expression shows excellent sensitivity and specific for pineal region tumors. Nuclear FOXJ1 expression shows excellent sensitivity and specificity for ependymal tumors including PTPR. These markers provide excellent characteristics for a first-line IHC panel and greater ease of interpretation with nuclear staining.