Clinico-Pathological Significance of Cancer Cell Stem Marker Nestin Immunohistochemical Expression in Pediatric and Adult Brain Glioma

Abstract

Background: Gliomas, the most common CNS tumors, exhibit significant clinical and molecular differences between pediatric and adult populations. Nestin, a neural progenitor marker associated with tumor invasiveness and stem-like properties, has been studied in adult gliomas but less so in pediatric cases. Investigating Nestin's immunohistochemical expression in both groups may reveal age-specific patterns and provide insights into glioma biology and potential therapeutic targets.

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to determine clinico-pathological significance of nestin immunohistochemical expression in pediatric and adult gliomas

Methods: Expression of Nestin in cancer cells was immunohistochemically studied in 128 patients and its association with clinico-pathological features in pediatric and adult gliomas was evaluated.

Results: Among 128 glioma cases (18 pediatric, 110 adult), Nestin expression was significantly higher in adults. Over 80% Nestin-positive cells were observed in 43% of adult tumors versus 12% in pediatric cases. Adult gliomas also showed greater staining intensity and IRS, with moderate-to-strong expression predominant. (P = 0.05).

Conclusion: Nestin expression was markedly elevated in adult gliomas, indicating its association with tumor aggressiveness and potential utility as a cancer stem cell marker in age-specific glioma profiling.