LAUSR

In May 2016, an update of the 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (CNS) was officially released [1]. This revised 4th edition represents a paradigm shift as, for the first time, the definition of multiple CNS tumour entities is now partly based on particular genotypic characteristics. Additionally, compared to the 4th edition (published in 2007), some splitting and lumping of entities occurred because of new insights in the genetic underpinnings of CNS tumours and/or based on more recently published clinico-pathologic studies. As the WHO Classification of CNS tumours is the worldwide accepted standard for the diagnosis of these neoplasms and serves as an important guide for the design of studies monitoring response to therapy and clinical outcome, changes in the classification have important consequences. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.