Molecular biology of glioblastoma: Classification and mutational locations

Glioblastomas are regarded as the most common malignant brain tumours with great morphological and genetical heterogeneity. They comprise 12% to 15% of all intracranial tumours, with its peak observed in the 8th decade of life. The five-year survival is only 5%. Primary glioblastomas are more common in elders while secondary glioblastomas mostly involve younger people. Based upon gene expression profile, researchers have classified glioblastomas into several subtypes. Genetic mutations provide an advanced standard platform essential for diagnosis, therapeutic remedies and prognosis of glioblastomas. Common mutations observed in glioblastomas are loss of heterozygosity at 10q followed by epidermal growth factor receptor amplification (34%) and others. Vascular occlusion model (Figure) and tumour stem cell model can explain the possible mechanism in glioblastomas pathogenesis. This review highlights glioblastomas' classifications, genetic mutations, pathogenesis and prognosis of different subtypes.