Evidence-based pathology and the pathologic evaluation of thymomas: The world health organization classification can be simplified into only 3 categories other than thymic carcinoma

摘要: BACKGROUND. The clinical validity and applicability of the World Health Organization (WHO) histopathologic classification thymomas (‘classification’) has been questioned. Evidence-based pathology promotes use systematic reviews analysis data with meta-analysis rather than subjective literature. METHODS. The authors performed a review English literature from 1999 to present identify ‘best evidence’ regarding ‘classification.’ The were analyzed software. RESULTS. To authors' knowledge, only Level-3 or -4 evidence published in retrospective cases series is currently available Meta-analysis demonstrated that 3 WHO categories are associated significant survival differences: A/AB/B1, B2, B3. It also indicated heterogeneity regard results different studies. To knowledge there no current determine whether thymoma types prognostic features for patients previously stratified by stage. CONCLUSIONS. There lack randomized trials evaluating prognosis effects various treatment modalities. needs revision could most likely be simplified into fewer classes value. Future studies needed evaluate and/or predictive value stage. latter information important help select those who may benefit neoadjuvant chemotherapy postoperative radiotherapy other Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Society.