[Glial tumors of the brain: current aspects of their classification and bases for genetic predisposition].

Gliomas are the most common tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Malignant astrocytic gliomas account for 50% of all primary brain tumors. Cells of origin are unknown for the majority of brain tumors: CNS tumors have frequently in their content many histological forms and their classification will depend on what the parts of neoplasm that will be clearly identified at the material taking and further investigation. Current immunohistochemical studies may determine the antigenic structure of a tumor cell, compare it with the antigens expressed by a certain cell type and, thus, classify the tumor by its origin, but there are no antibodies which would correctly identify different types of tumors. The lecture reflects the current classifications of glial tumors: the typical three-leveled classification, the Kernokhan classification, the Duma-Duport classification. A part of the lecture deals with the specific features of genetics and molecular biology of gliomas: recent studies cast any doubt on the existing data on the sources of growth of these tumors.