Analysis of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2 gene mutations in gliomas.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight recent researches which may show promise for histomolecular classification and new treatments for gliomas. DATA SOURCES: All articles cited in this review were mainly searched from PubMed, which were published in English from 1996 to 2010. STUDY SELECTION: Original articles and critical reviews selected were relevant to the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2 mutation in gliomas and other tumors. RESULTS: Extraordinary high rates of somatic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2 occur in the majority of World Health Organization grade II and grade III gliomas as well as grade IV secondary glioblastomas. Isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2 mutations are associated with younger age at diagnosis and a better prognosis in patients with mutated tumors. The functional role of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2 mutations in the pathogenesis of gliomas is still unclear. CONCLUSION: Isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2 mutations define a specific subtype of gliomas and may have great significance in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with these tumors.