Neuro-Oncology

Tracy Batchelor, MD

Dr. med. Wolfgang Wick

This issue of Seminars dedicated to neuro-oncology is designed to provide readers with an overview of topics across a broad spectrum of pediatric and adult nervous system tumors. The reviews cover both clinical and research aspects of each of the tumor types included. Key elements include recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of tumors, first-time incorporation of biomarkers with histological features in the standard diagnostic pathological criteria, and the immediate practical consequences for clinicians. All articles are joint efforts of the multidisciplinary experts from Harvard Medical School and Heidelberg University.

In addition to focused disease overviews, we have highlighted areas of more general relevance to neurologists, such as the implications of the updated World Health Organization classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, emerging molecular concepts in gliomagenesis, common imaging challenges, treatment concepts for the elderly population, and the neuro-oncology perspective on the rapidly evolving field of immunotherapy.

Even though the articles are written incorporating the latest data, all are designed to be used for a first insight into the rapidly changing field of interdisciplinary neuro-oncology, starting with basic molecular concepts and epidemiological and diagnostic data, moving on to the clinics, and highlighting future perspectives. The articles are suitable for basic researchers, first-time neuro-oncologists, and our colleagues from all neighboring neurologic disciplines. We believe, and sincerely hope, that readers of Seminars in Neurology will benefit from these reviews in their scientific work and clinical practice.