Biomarkers (Tumor Markers/Descriptors)

In addition to the standard data items found on a pathology report, information on biomarkers or genetics can also be found on the pathology report. Some of these may be found on the original pathology report (with or without an addendum), or in a separate molecular pathology report.

Biomarkers (tumor markers) can be

• Diagnostic: Aid in making diagnosis
• Predictive: Associated with response to treatment
• Prognostic: Associated with disease outcome (i.e., overall survival)

Brain Primary Tumor Location [NAACCR Data Item #3964]

Although not a biomarker or genetics, this data item is important since it allows registrars to specify when the pons is the primary site.

The pons subsite is included with primary site C717, which is the “brain stem.” Additional subsites, such as the choroid plexus of fourth ventricle, medulla oblongata, midbrain, olive, and pyramid, are also covered in this topography code.

The pons site is the third most common site for pediatric brain tumors and there is currently no way to identify tumors that occur in this site. Surgery is too dangerous for these types of tumors. Needle biopsies are also dangerous and extremely rare. Without pathology specimens, accurate histology is elusive, making accurate incidence not possible. A cascade of implications results without accurate incidence including support for drug development.

By adding this SSDI, tracking of pons tumors, especially Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is much more accurate.

This data item will be discontinued when the US adopts ICD-O-4 since there will be a unique topography code for the pons.

Updated: September 23, 2026