Advances in the cytological diagnosis of brain tumors

Authors

Keywords:

brain tumor, biomarkers, biopsy, cytology, immunocytochemistry, medical oncology

Abstract

Introduction: Brain tumors pose a significant challenge in oncology due to their variability and diagnostic complexity. Cytological diagnosis has emerged as a valuable tool for the rapid evaluation of samples, enabling early intervention and treatment planning.

Objective: To synthesize advances in the cytological diagnosis of brain tumors over the past two decades, identifying the main technological, methodological, and clinical innovations that have enhanced its accuracy, accessibility, and application in neurooncology management.

Methodology: A narrative review was conducted, based on a search between January 2024 and February 2025. Databases such as Cochrane Library and Scielo were used, with keywords: "cytological diagnosis," "brain tumors," "neurooncology," "stereotactic biopsy”, and "biomarkers". Out of 634 retrieved documents, 73 were reviewed, and 24 were selected, and 8.34% were selected to include in the article.

Development: Cytological diagnosis offers a rapid and less invasive alternative to histological diagnosis, with particular effectiveness in differentiating high- and low-grade tumors. However, it faces challenges such as interobserver variability and the need for adequate samples. Advances in immunocytochemistry and the introduction of molecular biomarkers have increased diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions: While cytological diagnosis is a promising tool, its full integration into clinical practice requires further standardization, expert training, and technological improvements. Future research should focus on optimizing biopsy methods and developing new biomarkers.

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References

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Published

2025-08-30

How to Cite

1.
Sotomayor González M, Brocard Azahares E, Salinas Olivares M, Rodríguez Borges W. Advances in the cytological diagnosis of brain tumors. Rev Cubana Med Milit [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 30 [cited 2025 Sep. 5];54(3):e025076435. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/76435

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 3 (2025): July - September (In Progress)

Section

Review Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mairen Sotomayor González, Elaine Brocard Azahares, Mercedes Salinas Olivares, Wendolin Rodríguez Borges

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