CD34 expression in glioblastoma and giant cell glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether CD34 is expressed in glioblastomas and giant cell glioblastomas, as this information may be of value when attempting to differentiate between giant cell glioblastomas and other relevant differential diagnoses such as pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas with anaplastic features and anaplastic gangliogliomas.

MATERIAL

11 giant cell glioblastomas and 16 non-giant cell glioblastomas were assessed with immunocytochemical staining for CD34.

METHOD

Standard immunocytochemical techniques were used, to reflect the staining patterns likely to be seen in routine diagnostic practice. Positive staining refers to staining of neoplastic cells.

RESULTS

73% of giant cell glioblastomas showed some degree of staining for CD34, and 55% showed strong widespread staining. 56% of non-giant cell glioblastomas showed some degree of CD34 staining, and 25% showed strong widespread staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Both giant cell and non-giant cell glioblastomas frequently show CD34 expression by neoplastic cells, which may in some cases be strong and diffuse. Strong widespread staining of neoplastic cells for CD34 was more frequent in giant cell than non-giant cell glioblastomas, however this difference was not statistically significant. CD34 staining in isolation is unlikely to be of assistance in differentiating between giant cell glioblastoma and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas with anaplastic features or anaplastic gangliogliomas.