Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: molecular pathogenesis and current management considerations.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) are rare tumors that often occur in patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Surgical resection represents the mainstay of treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy have a role in selected patients with MPNST. Accurate pathologic diagnosis remains a challenge in many cases of MPNST. There are many recent advances in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MPNST which represent the best opportunities to develop new strategies for management of patients with MPNST. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.