Molecular and cytogenetic insights into the pathogenesis, classification, differential diagnosis, and prognosis of renal epithelial neoplasms

• Published in: Human pathology Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 10 - 29
• Main Authors: Cheng, Liang, MD, Zhang, Shaobo, MD, MacLennan, Gregory T., MD, Lopez-Beltran, Antonio, MD, Montironi, Rodolfo, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 2009; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell - diagnosis; Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell - genetics; Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell - pathology; Adenoma, Oxyphilic - diagnosis; Adenoma, Oxyphilic - genetics; Adenoma, Oxyphilic - pathology; Biological and medical sciences; Cancer; Carcinoma, Papillary - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Papillary - genetics; Carcinoma, Papillary - pathology; Carcinoma, Renal Cell - classification; Carcinoma, Renal Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Renal Cell - genetics; Cells; Classifications; Diagnosis, Differential; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene expression profiling differential diagnosis; Genetics; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms - classification; Kidney Neoplasms - diagnosis; Kidney Neoplasms - genetics; Kidneys; Kinases; Medical research; Medical sciences; Molecular Biology; Molecular genetics; Molecular pathology; Mutation; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial - classification; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial - diagnosis; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial - genetics; Pathology; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Prognosis; Proteins; Renal neoplasms; Tumor origin; Tumors; Classifications; Molecular genetics; Tumor origin; Molecular pathology; Renal neoplasms; Kidney; Gene expression profiling differential diagnosis; Prognosis; Pathogenesis; Differential diagnostic; Gene expression profile; Anatomic pathology; Urinary system; Classification; Cytogenetics; Genetics; Tumor
• ISSN: 0046-8177; 1532-8392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.09.009

Summary Renal cell carcinomas comprise a heterogeneous group of epithelial neoplasms with diverse biologic potential and variable clinical outcomes. The application of molecular and cytogenetic techniques to the study of renal neoplasms has improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor initiation and progression. Molecular classification of renal cell carcinomas has also provided new avenues for diagnosis, clinical outcome, and therapy response prediction. In this article, we review the molecular markers for various renal epithelial neoplasms and discuss the mechanisms underlying the development of these neoplasms. We also evaluate the use of molecular and cytogenetic techniques in establishing an accurate diagnosis in difficult cases and their potential usefulness in accurately classifying renal neoplasms, assessing prognosis, and selecting appropriate therapy.