News Release

Allina Health neuroscience study improves tumor subtyping

Faster accurate brain tumor diagnosis

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Allina Health

Benign tumors in the pituitary gland make up ten to 15 percent of all brain tumors. Because accurate subtyping directly impacts the patient's treatment plan, Allina Health researchers wanted to simplify the complex pathology classification process.

"Steroidogenic Factor 1, Pit-1, and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone: A Rational Starting Place for the Immunohistochemical Characterization of Pituitary Adenoma" published online May 26 by the Journal of Archives and Lab Medicine and Pathology describes their process to create an algorithm for pituitary adenomas. The algorithm helps pathologists make a more accurate diagnosis with fewer tests, saving time and reducing costs.

"Histologic classification of pituitary adenomas is complicated but important, because specific medical therapy can be directed at inoperable disease, especially in the case of adenomas that make growth hormone, prolactin or thyroid stimulating hormone" said William McDonald, MD, pathologist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, part of Allina Health.

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The Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation and Allina Health Center for Healthcare Innovation funded the research.

About Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Abbott Northwestern is part of Allina Health. In addition to retaining its first place ranking for the best hospital in the Twin Cities and second in the State of Minnesota in the U.S. News & World Report's 2014-15 best hospital rankings, Abbott Northwestern Hospital has received nursing magnet certification, a recognition earned by only five percent of hospitals nationwide. Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

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