A Summary of the Inaugural WHO Classification of Pediatric Tumors: Transitioning from the Optical into the Molecular Era

Stefan M. Pfister, Miguel Reyes-Múgica, John K. C. Chan, Henrik Hasle, Alexander J. Lazar, Sabrina Rossi, Andrea Ferrari, Jason A. Jarzembowski, Kathy Pritchard-Jones, D. Ashley Hill, Thomas S. Jacques, Pieter Wesseling, Dolores H. López Terrada, Andreas von Deimling, Christian P. Kratz, Ian A. Cree, Rita Alaggio

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

89 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pediatric tumors are uncommon, yet are the leading cause of cancer-related death in childhood. Tumor types, molecular characteristics, and pathogenesis are unique, often originating from a single genetic driver event. The specific diagnostic challenges of childhood tumors led to the development of the first World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Pediatric Tumors. The classification is rooted in a multilayered approach, incorporating morphology, IHC, and molecular characteristics. The volume is organized according to organ sites and provides a single, state-of-the-art compendium of pediatric tumor types. A special emphasis was placed on “blastomas,” which variably recapitulate the morphologic maturation of organs from which they originate.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)331-355
Number of pages25
JournalCancer discovery
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2022

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