GFAP and alpha1a-AR staining and nuclear morphometry of oligodendrogliomas by confocal microscopy and image analysis: useful parameters for predicting survival in oligodendrogliomas.

Objective: This study attempts to evaluate the GFAP and alpha1a-AR staining and morphometrical nuclear features of oligodendrogliomas and their prognostic implications as compared to present histopathology classification and their survival outcome.

Study Design: Surgical specimens from 24 patients with oligodendrogliomas during the period 1981-2000 were included. These cases were classified into two groups defined by the grade of the neoplasm: Group I: oligodendrogliomas grade II; Group II: oligodendrogliomas grade III and two groups based on the outcome status: Group of the alive cases and group of the death cases.