Leptomeningeal dissemination of a pediatric neoplasm with 1p19q deletion showing mixed immunohistochemical features of an oligodendroglioma and neurocytoma

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumour (DLGNT) in children: the emerging role of genomic analysis

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumours (DLGNT) represent rare enigmatic CNS tumours of childhood. Most patients with this disease share common radiological and histopathological features but the clinical course of this disease is variable. A radiological hallmark of this disease is widespread leptomeningeal enhancement that may involve the entire neuroaxis with predilection for the posterior fossa and spine. The classic pathologic features include low- to moderate-density cellular lesions with OLIG2 expression and evidence of ‘oligodendroglioma-like’ appearance. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway has recently been reported as a potential driver of tumourigenesis in up to 80% of DLGNT with KIAA1549:BRAF fusions being the most common event seen. Until now, limited analysis of the biological drivers of tumourigenesis has been undertaken via targeted profiling, chromosomal analysis and immunohistochemistry. Our study represents the first examples of comprehensive genomic sequencing in DLGNT and shows that it is not only feasible but crucial to our understanding of this rare disease. Moreover, we demonstrate that DLGNT may be more genomically complex than single-event MAPK/ERK signaling pathway tumours.

Primary diffuse leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomatosis with an isolated 1p deletion

We report a case of primary diffuse leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomatosis with an isolated 1p deletion confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis in 52 year-old man. The MRI scan in a patient presenting with progressive headache, nausea and diplopia revealed diffuse leptomeningeal thickening and enhancement without definitive evidence of an intraparenchymal lesion. Biopsy of thickened, enhancing meninges within the left sylvian fissure revealed subarachnoid proliferation of oligodendroglial cells with varying degrees of de-differentiation and sparing of the underlying cortex. An isolated 1p deletion was confirmed by FISH analysis. This is the first reported adult case of a 1p deletion in primary diffuse leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomatosis.

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma with leptomeningeal dissemination in a french bulldog

A 2.5-year-old male French Bulldog was evaluated for seizures. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a glioma in the left piriform area. Radiation therapy (RT) and continuous chemotherapy were administered. Although the lesion had regressed significantly 2 months after RT, a follow-up MRI revealed meningeal enhancement in the left piriform area, which expanded further, with hydrocephalus, by day 310 (8 months after RT). Because of the poor prognosis, the dog was euthanized on day 356 and necropsy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed anaplastic oligodendroglioma with leptomeningeal dissemination. This case suggests that the possibility of leptomeningeal dissemination and hydrocephalus should be considered even after RT and chemotherapy for anaplastic oligodendroglioma.

Molecularly defined diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DLGNT) comprises two subgroups with distinct clinical and genetic features

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumors (DLGNT) represent rare CNS neoplasms which have been included in the 2016 update of the WHO classification. The wide spectrum of histopathological and radiological features can make this enigmatic tumor entity difficult to diagnose. In recent years, large-scale genomic and epigenomic analyses have afforded insight into key genetic alterations occurring in multiple types of brain tumors and provide unbiased, complementary tools to improve diagnostic accuracy. Through genome-wide DNA methylation screening of > 25,000 tumors, we discovered a molecularly distinct class comprising 30 tumors, mostly diagnosed histologically as DLGNTs. Copy-number profiles derived from the methylation arrays revealed unifying characteristics, including loss of chromosomal arm 1p in all cases. Furthermore, this molecular DLGNT class can be subdivided into two subgroups [DLGNT methylation class (MC)-1 and DLGNT methylation class (MC)-2], with all DLGNT-MC-2 additionally displaying a gain of chromosomal arm 1q. Co-deletion of 1p/19q, commonly seen in IDH-mutant oligodendroglioma, was frequently observed in DLGNT, especially in DLGNT-MC-1 cases. Both subgroups also had recurrent genetic alterations leading to an aberrant MAPK/ERK pathway, with KIAA1549:BRAF fusion being the most frequent event. Other alterations included fusions of NTRK1/2/3 and TRIM33:RAF1, adding up to an MAPK/ERK pathway activation identified in 80% of cases. In the DLGNT-MC-1 group, age at diagnosis was significantly lower (median 5 vs 14 years, p < 0.01) and clinical course less aggressive (5-year OS 100, vs 43% in DLGNT-MC-2). Our study proposes an additional molecular layer to the current histopathological classification of DLGNT, of particular use for cases without typical morphological or radiological characteristics, such as diffuse growth and radiologic leptomeningeal dissemination. Recurrent 1p deletion and MAPK/ERK pathway activation represent diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, respectively-laying the foundation for future clinical trials with, e.g., MEK inhibitors that may improve the clinical outcome of patients with DLGNT.

Predictors of clinical outcome in pediatric oligodendroglioma: meta-analysis of individual patient data and multiple imputation

OBJECTIVE Oligodendroglioma is a rare primary CNS neoplasm in the pediatric population, and only a limited number of studies in the literature have characterized this entity. Existing studies are limited by small sample sizes and discrepant interstudy findings in identified prognostic factors. In the present study, the authors aimed to increase the statistical power in evaluating for potential prognostic factors of pediatric oligodendrogliomas and sought to reconcile the discrepant findings present among existing studies by performing an individual-patient-data (IPD) meta-analysis and using multiple imputation to address data not directly available from existing studies. METHODS A systematic search was performed, and all studies found to be related to pediatric oligodendrogliomas and associated outcomes were screened for inclusion. Each study was searched for specific demographic and clinical characteristics of each patient and the duration of event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Given that certain demographic and clinical information of each patient was not available within all studies, a multivariable imputation via chained equations model was used to impute missing data after the mechanism of missing data was determined. The primary end points of interest were hazard ratios for EFS and OS, as calculated by the Cox proportional-hazards model. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The multivariate model was adjusted for age, sex, tumor grade, mixed pathologies, extent of resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, tumor location, and initial presentation. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A systematic search identified 24 studies with both time-to-event and IPD characteristics available, and a total of 237 individual cases were available for analysis. A median of 19.4% of the values among clinical, demographic, and outcome variables in the compiled 237 cases were missing. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed subtotal resection (p = 0.007 [EFS] and 0.043 [OS]), initial presentation of headache (p = 0.006 [EFS] and 0.004 [OS]), mixed pathologies (p = 0.005 [EFS] and 0.049 [OS]), and location of the tumor in the parietal lobe (p = 0.044 [EFS] and 0.030 [OS]) to be significant predictors of tumor progression or recurrence and death. CONCLUSIONS The use of IPD meta-analysis provides a valuable means for increasing statistical power in investigations of disease entities with a very low incidence. Missing data are common in research, and multiple imputation is a flexible and valid approach for addressing this issue, when it is used conscientiously. Undergoing subtotal resection, having a parietal tumor, having tumors with mixed pathologies, and suffering headaches at the time of diagnosis portended a poorer prognosis in pediatric patients with oligodendroglioma.

Clinicopathologic features of pediatric oligodendrogliomas: a series of 50 patients

Oligodendrogliomas are an important adult form of diffuse gliomas with a distinctive clinical and genetic profile. Histologically similar tumors occurring rarely in children are incompletely characterized. We studied 50 patients with oligodendrogliomas (median age at diagnosis 8 y, range 7 mo to 20 y). Tumors resembling dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors or pilocytic astrocytomas or those having a "mixed" histology were excluded. Tumors at first diagnosis were low grade (n=38) or anaplastic (n=12). Histologic features included uniform round cells with perinuclear halos (100%), secondary structures (predominantly perineuronal satellitosis) (90%), calcifications (46%), and microcysts (44%). Sequential surgical specimens were obtained in 8 low-grade oligodendroglioma patients, with only 1 progressing to anaplasia. Studies for 1p19q performed in 40 cases demonstrated intact 1p19q loci in 29 (73%), 1p19q codeletion in 10 (25%), and 1p deletion with intact 19q in 1 (2%). Except for 2 young patients (3 and 11 y of age), patients with 1p19q codeletion were older than 16 years at diagnosis. Mutant IDH1 (R132H) protein immunohistochemistry was positive in 4 (of 22) (18%) cases, 3 of which also had 1p19q codeletion, whereas 1p19q status was not available on the fourth case. There was a nonsignificant trend for worse overall survival in grade III tumors, but no significant association with age, extent of resection, or 1p19q status. In summary, oligodendrogliomas with classic histology occur in the pediatric population but lack 1p19q codeletion and IDH1 (R132H) mutations in most instances. They are predominantly low grade, recur/clinically progress in a subset, but demonstrate a relatively low frequency of histologic progression.

Diffuse leptomeningeal neuroepithelial tumor: 9 pediatric cases with chromosome 1p/19q deletion status and IDH1 (R132H) immunohistochemistry

Leptomeningeal dissemination in children is typical of high-grade, and occasionally low-grade, neoplasms. Rare cases of widely disseminated oligodendroglia-like leptomeningeal tumors, sometimes with associated spinal cord lesions, have been described that respond to treatment and follow an indolent course. Whether these lesions represent an established tumor category or are a unique entity remains to be established. We present 9 pediatric cases of such diffuse leptomeningeal neuroepithelial tumors (DLNT), 8 with assessment of 2 common genetic alterations seen in oligodendrogliomas, 1p and 19q chromosomal deletions and isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) R132H mutations. Four patients were male and 5 female, with a mean age at presentation of 4 years (range, 2 to 7 y). All presented with signs of increased intracranial pressure and diffuse contrast enhancement of the leptomeninges by magnetic resonance imaging. Three had a cervical or upper thoracic spinal cord tumor, and another had a small cerebellar lesion. Leptomeningeal biopsies showed a thickened and fibrotic arachnoid infiltrated by monotonous cells with round nuclei and prominent perinuclear clearing. All cases were strongly immunoreactive for S100 protein, and most showed faint granular synaptophysin reactivity. Six of 8 cases showed deletions of chromosome arm 1p by fluorescence in situ hybridization, 2 of which also had loss of 19q. None of the lesions reacted with IDH1-R132H antibodies. Although the clinicopathologic features show overlap of these DLNT lesions with oligodendroglioma and extraventricular neurocytoma, they do not exactly match either one, suggesting that DLNTs are a distinct tumor entity.