摘要

Ependymomas are CNS tumors that originate from the spinal canal and walls of the ventricular system. Considerable controversy continues to exist with regard to their prognostic factors; age and extent of resection are the only statistically significant prognostic factors yet identified. The authors report a retrospective study of a homogenous population of 119 patients harbouring ependymomas between 1991 and 2002. All clinico-radiological and follow-up data were analyzed and a pathologic review was performed by two pathologists. Immunohistochemical staining for MIB-1, Topo II alpha, p53 and MDM2 was performed. Histopathologic grades show relationship with MIB1 and Topo II alpha labelling indices and cut-off values of 5% can differentiate between anaplastic and lower grades. p53 and MDM2 proteins expression are not common in ependymomas; however, they are seen in higher grades only and may be involved in the tumor progression.