Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pathology

Background:Astrocytic gliomas are the most common glial neoplasms, accounting for 60% of them. Although Wilms{u2019} tumor gene (WT1) was initially known as a tumor marker in Wilms{u2019} tumor, its mutation has recently been detected in gliomas. Expanding data indicate that WT1 mutation plays a contributive role in gliomagenesis and is overexpressed in most glioblastomas.Lately, clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy targeting WT1 protein have shown promising results in glioblastomas mostly in resistant cases, recommending that WT1 can be a possible target for immunotherapy in high-grade gliomas. Objectives:The goal of the current study was to further specify WT1 expression across different histological grades of astrocytomas to increase its diagnostic lucidity and reliability in routine diagnostic work,besides its correlation with Ki-67 labeling index and the clinico-pathological parameters of the tumors as well. Material and methods:This was a retrospective study on 46 cases of astrocytomas.Immunohistochemical expression of WT1& Ki-67 was assessed in the tumor cells. Results:Forty-six astrocytomas were assessed for WT1 by immunohistochemistry. WT1 immunoexpression was detected in all astrocytomas (100%). WT1 score correlated with the tumor histological grades (P < 0.001) with higher score in higher grade. WT1 score showed a significant correlation with K-67 labeling index as well(P < 0.001). WT1 score was valuable in differentiating high- and low-grade astrocytomas

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