Specifics of spinal neuropathology in the molecular age

Abstract

Tumors located in the spinal cord and its coverings can be diagnostically challenging and require special consideration regarding treatment options. During the last decade, important advances regarding the molecular characterization of central and peripheral nervous system tumors were achieved, resulting in improved diagnostic precision, and understanding of the tumor spectrum of this compartment. In particular, array-based global DNA methylation profiling has emerged as a valuable tool to delineate biologically and clinically relevant tumor subgroups and has been incorporated in the current WHO classification for central nervous system tumors of 2021. In addition, several genetic drivers have been described, which may also help to define distinct tumor types and subtypes. Importantly, the current molecular understanding not only sharpens diagnostic precision but also provides the opportunity to investigate both targeted therapies as well as risk-adapted changes of treatment intensity. Here, we discuss the current knowledge and the clinical relevance of molecular neuropathology in spinal tumor entities.