Immunohistochemical tenascin-C expression in paediatric supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme

Tenascin-C (TN-C) plays an important part in the growth of neoplastic tissu e, leading to new vessel development. TN-C has been assessed in adult gliob lastoma multiforme (GBM) and has been evaluated as anti-neoplastic therapy. No studies have focused on this tissue in paediatric GBM. Tissues were obt ained from six paediatric supratentorial GBMs. Immunohistochemistry was per formed using a mouse antibody directed against human TN-C, and expression i n tumour vasculature was described on the basis of TN-C immunoreactivity. T he expression was minimal in three, moderate in two, and intense in one spe cimen. TN-C was not correlated with clinical history, neurological findings , or with tumour site. Although based on a limited number of patients, this study provides additional insights into tumour growth modulation and cytog enetic profile of paediatric GBM. The detailed understanding of events resp onsible for GBM growth is a prerequisite for the development of therapeutic modalities leading to improved prognosis and cure.