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Satgunaseelan L, Sy J, Shivalingam B, Sim HW, Alexander KL, Buckland ME. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in central nervous system tumours: the molecular state of play. Pathology 2024; 56:158-169. [PMID: 38233331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumours were one of the first cancer types to adopt and integrate molecular profiling into routine clinical diagnosis in 2016. The vast majority of these biomarkers, used to discriminate between tumour types, also offered prognostic information. With the advent of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other large genomic datasets, further prognostic sub-stratification was possible within tumour types, leading to increased precision in CNS tumour grading. This review outlines the evolution of the molecular landscape of adult CNS tumours, through the prism of World Health Organization (WHO) Classifications. We begin our journey in the pre-molecular era, where high-grade gliomas were divided into 'primary' and 'secondary' glioblastomas. Molecular alterations explaining these clinicopathological observations were the first branching points of glioma diagnostics, with the discovery of IDH1/2 mutations and 1p/19q codeletion. Subsequently, the rigorous characterisation of paediatric gliomas led to the unearthing of histone H3 alterations as a key event in gliomagenesis, which also had implications for young adult patients. Simultaneously, studies investigating prognostic biomarkers within tumour types were undertaken. Certain genomic phenotypes were found to portend unfavourable outcomes, for example, MYCN amplification in spinal ependymoma. The arrival of methylation profiling, having revolutionised the diagnosis of CNS tumours, now promises to bring increased prognostic accuracy, as has been shown in meningiomas. While MGMT promoter hypermethylation has remained a reliable biomarker of response to cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy in CNS tumours has unfortunately not had the success of other cancers. Therefore, predictive biomarkers have lagged behind the identification of prognostic biomarkers in CNS tumours. Emerging research from new clinical trials is cause for guarded optimism and may shift our conceptualisation of predictive biomarker testing in CNS tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laveniya Satgunaseelan
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanne Sy
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brindha Shivalingam
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hao-Wen Sim
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kimberley L Alexander
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael E Buckland
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Yu N, Lee HS, Raslan OA, Jin LW, Aboud O. H3G34-mutant diffuse hemispheric glioma with osseous metastases: a case report and literature review. CNS Oncol 2023; 12:CNS95. [PMID: 36919796 PMCID: PMC10171036 DOI: 10.2217/cns-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: H3G34 diffuse hemispheric glioma is a CNS tumor that is difficult to diagnose and treat and accompanied with poor prognosis. It is becoming clear that extra CNS metastasis may present in a subset of patients with H3G34 gliomas, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. Materials & methods: We present a case of a 19-year-old female with a H3G34 mutant diffuse hemispheric glioma with osseous metastases. We then provide a literature review of the most recent understanding of H3G34 mutant malignancies. Conclusion: Given the stress that patients with H3G34 can experience and the poor prognosis, it is imperative to expand our knowledge and ascertain accurate diagnostic methodologies and targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Yu
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Han Sung Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Osama A Raslan
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Pathology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Orwa Aboud
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Halfpenny AM, Wood MD. Review of the Recent Changes in the WHO Classification for Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors. Pediatr Neurosurg 2023; 58:337-355. [PMID: 36617415 PMCID: PMC10664345 DOI: 10.1159/000528957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodic updates to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system for central nervous system (CNS) tumors reflect advances in the pathological diagnosis, categorization, and molecular underpinnings of primary brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve tumors. The 5th edition of the WHO Classification of CNS Tumors was published in 2021. This review discusses the guiding principles of the revision, introduces the more common new diagnostic entities, and describes tumor classification and nomenclature changes that are relevant for pediatric neurological surgeons. SUMMARY Revisions to the WHO CNS tumor classification system introduced new diagnostic entities, restructured and renamed other entities with particular impact in the diffuse gliomas and CNS embryonal tumors, and expanded the requirements for incorporating both molecular and histological features of CNS tumors into a unified integrated diagnosis. Many of the new diagnostic entities occur at least occasionally in pediatric patients and will thus be encountered by pediatric neurosurgeons. New nomenclature impacts the terminology that is applied in communication between pathologists, surgeons, clinicians, and patients. Requirements for molecular information in tumor diagnosis are expected to refine diagnostic categories while also introducing practical considerations for intraoperative consultation, preliminary histological evaluation, and triaging of neurosurgical tissue samples for histology, molecular testing, and clinical trial requirements. KEY MESSAGES Pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and clinical management are a multidisciplinary effort that is rapidly advancing in the molecular era. Interdisciplinary collaboration is critical for providing the best care for pediatric CNS tumor patients. Pediatric neurosurgeons and their local neuropathologists and neuro-oncologists must work collaboratively to put the most current CNS tumor diagnostic guidelines into standard practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew D. Wood
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Wolter M, Felsberg J, Malzkorn B, Kaulich K, Reifenberger G. Droplet digital PCR-based analyses for robust, rapid, and sensitive molecular diagnostics of gliomas. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:42. [PMID: 35361262 PMCID: PMC8973808 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Classification of gliomas involves the combination of histological features with molecular biomarkers to establish an integrated histomolecular diagnosis. Here, we report on the application and validation of a set of molecular assays for glioma diagnostics based on digital PCR technology using the QX200™ Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR) system. The investigated ddPCR-based assays enable the detection of diagnostically relevant glioma-associated mutations in the IDH1, IDH2, H3-3A, BRAF, and PRKCA genes, as well as in the TERT promoter. In addition, ddPCR-based assays assessing diagnostically relevant copy number alterations were studied, including 1p/19q codeletion, gain of chromosome 7 and loss of chromosome 10 (+ 7/-10), EGFR amplification, duplication of the BRAF locus, and CDKN2A homozygous deletion. Results obtained by ddPCR were validated by other methods, including immunohistochemistry, Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, microsatellite analyses for loss of heterozygosity, as well as real-time PCR- or microarray-based copy number assays. Particular strengths of the ddPCR approach are (1) its high analytical sensitivity allowing for reliable detection of mutations even with low mutant allele frequencies, (2) its quantitative determination of mutant allele frequencies and copy number changes, and (3) its rapid generation of results within a single day. Thus, in line with other recent studies our findings support ddPCR analysis as a valuable approach for molecular glioma diagnostics in a fast, quantitative and highly sensitive manner.
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Panagopoulos I, Andersen K, Gorunova L, Lund-Iversen M, Lobmaier I, Heim S. Recurrent Fusion of the Genes for High-mobility Group AT-hook 2 ( HMGA2) and Nuclear Receptor Co-repressor 2 ( NCOR2) in Osteoclastic Giant Cell-rich Tumors of Bone. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:163-177. [PMID: 35181586 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Chimeras involving the high-mobility group AT-hook 2 gene (HMGA2 in 12q14.3) have been found in lipomas and other benign mesenchymal tumors. We report here a fusion of HMGA2 with the nuclear receptor co-repressor 2 gene (NCOR2 in 12q24.31) repeatedly found in tumors of bone and the first cytogenetic investigation of this fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six osteoclastic giant cell-rich tumors were investigated using G-banding, RNA sequencing, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS Four tumors had structural chromosomal aberrations of 12q. The pathogenic variant c.103_104GG>AT (p.Gly35Met) in the H3.3 histone A gene was found in a tumor without 12q aberration. In-frame HMGA2-NCOR2 fusion transcripts were found in all tumors. In two cases, the presence of an HMGA2-NCOR2 fusion gene was confirmed by FISH on metaphase spreads. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that a subset of osteoclastic giant cell-rich tumors of bone are characterized by an HMGA2-NCOR2 fusion gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Kristin Andersen
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludmila Gorunova
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marius Lund-Iversen
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Lobmaier
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Heim
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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