MN1 rearrangement in astroblastoma: study of eight cases and review of literature

MicroRNAs Expression Profile in MN1-Altered Astroblastoma

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm more frequent in young female patients, with unclear clinical behaviors and outcomes. The diagnostic molecular alteration is a rearrangement of the Meningioma 1 (MN1) gene. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene expression regulators with strong implications in biological processes. Here, we investigated microRNA expression, regulation, and biological processes correlated to target genes of deregulated miRNAs in MN1-altered astroblastoma.

METHODS

A cohort of 14 tumor samples, histologically classified as astroblastoma, was retrospectively collected and analyzed through their DNA methylation profiles. MiRNA expression profiles were then detected on MN1-altered astroblastomas (n = 8) and normal brain controls (n = 2) by Nanostring technology and validated by RT-qPCR; then, the expression of deregulated miRNAs was correlated with clinical-pathological characteristics. Subsequently, the methylation status of promoters of deregulated miRNAs was investigated through a methylation profiling microarray. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes (BPs) and target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs.

RESULTS

Eight MN-altered astroblastoma were identified. Thirty-nine miRNAs were deregulated in tumor samples compared to normal brain tissue. Downregulated microRNAs exhibited an association with an increased risk of recurrence. The promoter methylation status was investigated in 32/39 miRNAs: 14/32 were epigenetically deregulated. None of them were genetically regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

MN1-altered astroblastomas have an miRNA expression signature that identifies specific BPs and pathways. Our findings suggested that the involved pathways could be associated with clinical and pathological characteristics of MN1-altered astroblastomas. Also, the biology of this rare tumor could have potential implications on prognostic markers and therapy.

Supra-tentorial Ependymomas with ZFTA Fusion, YAP1 Fusion, and Astroblastomas, MN1-altered: Characteristic Imaging Features

PURPOSE

Supratentorial (ST) ependymoma subgroups are defined by two different fusions with different prognoses. Astroblastomas, MN1-altered, have ependymal-like histopathologic features and represent a differential diagnosis in children. We hypothesized that ZFTA-fused ependymoma and YAP1-fused ependymoma on the one hand, and astroblastoma, MN1-altered, on the other hand, show different MRI characteristics.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative imaging of 45 patients with ST ependymoma or astroblastoma between January 2000 and September 2020, blinded to histomolecular grouping. Several characteristics, such as location, tumor volume, calcifications, solid/cystic component, and signal enhancement or diffusion were evaluated. We compared imaging characteristics according to their molecular subtype (ZFTA-fused, YAP1-fused, and astroblastoma, MN1-altered).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were classified as having an ependymoma, 35 with a ZFTA fusion and four with a YAP1 fusion, and six as having an astroblastoma, MN1-altered. YAP1-fused ependymomas were more likely to involve at least 3 lobes than ZFTA-fused ependymomas. Astroblastomas were located in the frontal lobe in 100% of the tumors versus 49% of the ependymomas. Cerebral blood flow by arterial spin labeling was higher in astroblastomas than in ependymomas. There were no differences in the other characteristics between the molecular groups. All the tumors showed common features: intra-axial extra-ventricular tumors, very frequent contrast enhancement (39/43, 91%), a cystic/necrotic component (41/45, 91%), restricted diffusion (32/36, 89%), calcifications (15/18, 83%), and peri-tumoral edema (38/44, 86%).

CONCLUSION

The distinction between ST ependymoma subtypes and astroblastomas can be guided by several imaging features. These tumors share common imaging features that may help to differentiate ST ependymomas and astroblastomas from other pediatric ST tumors.

Astroblastoma: A molecularly defined entity, its clinico-radiological & pathological analysis of eight cases and review of literature

Astroblastoma, a unique entity of glial tumor, predominantly occur in young women with distinctive MN1 rearrangement, Given its limited documentation in existing literature, we report eight cases of astroblastoma, detailing their clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics along with molecular analysis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of our neuropathology archive database spanning the past 8 years. We included all cases that underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), surgical resection, histopathological examination, molecular testing, and follow-up. Histopathological examination involving immunohistochemistry and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) was carried out for all cases. All tumors were found to be located in the supratentorial region (cerebral hemisphere). The median age of the group was 35.1 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.6:1. The most common clinical presentation was headache. Morphologically, all tumors exhibited astroblastic features with pseudorosettes and perivascular hyalinization. Immunohistochemistry consistently revealed positivity for EMA and variable immunoreactivity for GFAP, OLIG2, and D2-40. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis conducted for all cases showed MN1 rearrangement in 7 cases. The mean follow-up period was 45 months (ranging from 12 to 105 months). Radiotherapy was administered for high-grade and recurrent astroblastomas. All patients are currently alive and in good health. Astroblastomas are uncommon central nervous system (CNS) tumors with characteristics morphology and molecular signatures. They typically carry a favorable prognosis. High level suspicion is required for their diagnosis and molecular analysis is must to distinguish them from other morphological mimics.

Radiomics and artificial intelligence applications in pediatric brain tumors

BACKGROUND

The study of central nervous system (CNS) tumors is particularly relevant in the pediatric population because of their relatively high frequency in this demographic and the significant impact on disease- and treatment-related morbidity and mortality. While both morphological and non-morphological magnetic resonance imaging techniques can give important information concerning tumor characterization, grading, and patient prognosis, increasing evidence in recent years has highlighted the need for personalized treatment and the development of quantitative imaging parameters that can predict the nature of the lesion and its possible evolution. For this purpose, radiomics and the use of artificial intelligence software, aimed at obtaining valuable data from images beyond mere visual observation, are gaining increasing importance. This brief review illustrates the current state of the art of this new imaging approach and its contributions to understanding CNS tumors in children.

DATA SOURCES

We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the following key search terms: ("radiomics" AND/OR "artificial intelligence") AND ("pediatric AND brain tumors"). Basic and clinical research literature related to the above key research terms, i.e., studies assessing the key factors, challenges, or problems of using radiomics and artificial intelligence in pediatric brain tumors management, was collected.

RESULTS

A total of 63 articles were included. The included ones were published between 2008 and 2024. Central nervous tumors are crucial in pediatrics due to their high frequency and impact on disease and treatment. MRI serves as the cornerstone of neuroimaging, providing cellular, vascular, and functional information in addition to morphological features for brain malignancies. Radiomics can provide a quantitative approach to medical imaging analysis, aimed at increasing the information obtainable from the pixels/voxel grey-level values and their interrelationships. The "radiomic workflow" involves a series of iterative steps for reproducible and consistent extraction of imaging data. These steps include image acquisition for tumor segmentation, feature extraction, and feature selection. Finally, the selected features, via training predictive model (CNN), are used to test the final model.

CONCLUSIONS

In the field of personalized medicine, the application of radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms brings up new and significant possibilities. Neuroimaging yields enormous amounts of data that are significantly more than what can be gained from visual studies that radiologists can undertake on their own. Thus, new partnerships with other specialized experts, such as big data analysts and AI specialists, are desperately needed. We believe that radiomics and AI algorithms have the potential to move beyond their restricted use in research to clinical applications in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of pediatric patients with brain tumors, despite the limitations set out.

Spinal astroblastoma, MN1 altered in 3-year-old child: An uncommon tumor at an unusual site

Astroblastoma is an uncommon circumscribed glial tumor mostly involving the cerebral hemisphere. The characteristic molecular alteration is meningioma (disrupted in balanced translocation) 1 (MN1) rearrangement. No definite World Health Organization grade has been assigned as both low- and high-grade tumors are known to occur. Tumors in the spine are extremely rare; to date only three cases have been reported in the literature. A vigilant microscopy and ancillary testing aid in diagnosis when the tumors present in unusual locations, as in our case. The prompt differentiation of this tumor from its mimickers is a mandate as modalities of management are different and not clearly established.

Approaches to supratentorial brain tumours in children

The differential diagnosis of supratentorial brain tumours in children can be challenging, especially considering the recent changes to the WHO classification of CNS tumours published in 2021. Many new tumour types have been proposed which frequently present in children and young adults and their imaging features are currently being described by the neuroradiology community. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance to residents and fellows new to the field of paediatric neuroradiology on how to evaluate an MRI of a patient with a newly diagnosed supratentorial tumour. Six different approaches are discussed including: 1. Tumour types, briefly discussing the main changes to the recent WHO classification of CNS tumours, 2. Patient age and its influence on incidence rates of specific tumour types, 3. Growth patterns, 4. Tumour location and how defining the correct location helps in narrowing down the differential diagnoses and 5. Imaging features of the tumour on DWI, SWI, FLAIR and post contrast sequences.

Identification of Multiclass Pediatric Low-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumor Molecular Subtype with ADC MR Imaging and Machine Learning

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Molecular biomarker identification increasingly influences the treatment planning of pediatric low-grade neuroepithelial tumors (PLGNTs). We aimed to develop and validate a radiomics-based ADC signature predictive of the molecular status of PLGNTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective bi-institutional study, we searched the PACS for baseline brain MRIs from children with PLGNTs. Semiautomated tumor segmentation on ADC maps was performed using the semiautomated level tracing effect tool with 3D Slicer. Clinical variables, including age, sex, and tumor location, were collected from chart review. The molecular status of tumors was derived from biopsy. Multiclass random forests were used to predict the molecular status and fine-tuned using a grid search on the validation sets. Models were evaluated using independent and unseen test sets based on the combined data, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for the prediction of 3 classes: KIAA1549-BRAF fusion, BRAF V600E mutation, and non-BRAF cohorts. Experiments were repeated 100 times using different random data splits and model initializations to ensure reproducible results.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-nine children from the first institution and 23 children from the second institution were included (53.6% male; mean, age 8.01 years; 51.8% supratentorial; 52.2% with KIAA1549-BRAF fusion). For the 3-class prediction using radiomics features only, the average test AUC was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.73-0.75), and using clinical features only, the average test AUC was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.66-0.68). The combination of both radiomics and clinical features improved the AUC to 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.77). The diagnostic performance of the per-class test AUC was higher in identifying KIAA1549-BRAF fusion tumors among the other subgroups (AUC = 0.81 for the combined radiomics and clinical features versus 0.75 and 0.74 for BRAF V600E mutation and non-BRAF, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

ADC values of tumor segmentations have differentiative signals that can be used for training machine learning classifiers for molecular biomarker identification of PLGNTs. ADC-based pretherapeutic differentiation of the BRAF status of PLGNTs has the potential to avoid invasive tumor biopsy and enable earlier initiation of targeted therapy.

Pediatric CNS tumors and 2021 WHO classification: what do oncologists need from pathologists?

The fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), published in 2021, established new approaches to both CNS tumor nomenclature and grading, emphasizing the importance of integrated diagnoses and layered reports. This edition increased the role of molecular diagnostics in CNS tumor classification while still relying on other established approaches such as histology and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, it introduced new tumor types and subtypes based on novel diagnostic technologies such as DNA methylome profiling. Over the past decade, molecular techniques identified numerous key genetic alterations in CSN tumors, with important implications regarding the understanding of pathogenesis but also for prognosis and the development and application of effective molecularly targeted therapies. This review summarizes the major changes in the 2021 fifth edition classification of pediatric CNS tumors, highlighting for each entity the molecular alterations and other information that are relevant for diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic purposes and that patients' and oncologists' need from a pathology report.

Development and External Validation of an MRI-based Radiomics Nomogram to Distinguish Circumscribed Astrocytic Gliomas and Diffuse Gliomas: A Multicenter Study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification of tumors of the Central Nervous System (WHO CNS) has introduced the term "diffuse" and its counterpart "circumscribed" to the category of gliomas. This study aimed to develop and validate models for distinguishing circumscribed astrocytic gliomas (CAGs) from diffuse gliomas (DGs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from patients with CAGs and DGs across three institutions. After tumor segmentation, three volume of interest (VOI) types were obtained: VOItumor and peritumor, VOIwhole, and VOIinterface. Clinical and combined models (incorporating radiomics and clinical features) were also established. To address imbalances in training dataset, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique was employed.

RESULTS

A total of 475 patients (DGs: n = 338, CAGs: n = 137) were analyzed. The VOIinterface model demonstrated the best performance for differentiating CAGs from DGs, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.806 and area under the precision-recall curve (PRAUC)of 0.894 in the cross-validation set. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA) feature selector and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, seven features were selected. The model achieved an AUC and AUPRC of 0.912 and 0.972 in the internal validation dataset, and 0.897 and 0.930 in the external validation dataset. The combined model, incorporating interface radiomics and clinical features, showed improved performance in the external validation set, with an AUC of 0.94 and PRAUC of 0.959.

CONCLUSION

Radiomics models incorporating the peritumoral area demonstrate greater potential for distinguishing CAGs from DGs compared to intratumoral models. These findings may hold promise for evaluating tumor nature before surgery and improving clinical management of glioma patients.

Brain Tumor Imaging in Adolescents and Young Adults: 2021 WHO Updates for Molecular-based Tumor Types

Published in 2021, the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) introduced new molecular criteria for tumor types that commonly occur in either pediatric or adult age groups. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are at the intersection of adult and pediatric care, and both pediatric-type and adult-type CNS tumors occur at that age. Mortality rates for AYAs with CNS tumors have increased by 0.6% per year for males and 1% per year for females from 2007 to 2016. To best serve patients, it is crucial that both pediatric and adult radiologists who interpret neuroimages are familiar with the various pediatric- and adult-type brain tumors and their typical imaging morphologic characteristics. Gliomas account for approximately 80% of all malignant CNS tumors in the AYA age group, with the most common types observed being diffuse astrocytic and glioneuronal tumors. Ependymomas and medulloblastomas also occur in the AYA population but are seen less frequently. Importantly, biologic behavior and progression of distinct molecular subgroups of brain tumors differ across ages. This review discusses newly added or revised gliomas in the fifth edition of the CNS WHO classification, as well as other CNS tumor types common in the AYA population.

Insights into the molecular roles of FOXR2 in the pathology of primary pediatric brain tumors

Forkhead box gene R2 (FOXR2) belongs to the family of FOX genes which codes for highly conserved transcription factors (TFs) with critical roles in biological processes ranging from development to organogenesis to metabolic and immune regulation to cellular homeostasis. A number of FOX genes are associated with cancer development and progression and poor prognosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that FOXR2 is an oncogene. Studies suggested important roles for FOXR2 in cancer cell growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Recent studies showed that FOXR2 is overexpressed by a subset of newly identified entities of embryonal tumors. This review discusses the role(s) FOXR2 plays in the pathology of pediatric brain cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target.

A Radiologist's Guide to the 2021 WHO Central Nervous System Tumor Classification: Part 2-Newly Described and Revised Tumor Types

The fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), published in 2021, introduces major shifts in the classification of brain and spine tumors. These changes were necessitated by rapidly increasing knowledge of CNS tumor biology and therapies, much of which is based on molecular methods in tumor diagnosis. The growing complexity of CNS tumor genetics has required reorganization of tumor groups and acknowledgment of new tumor entities. For radiologists interpreting neuroimaging studies, proficiency with these updates is critical in providing excellent patient care. This review will focus on new or revised CNS tumor types and subtypes, beyond infiltrating glioma (described in part 1 of this series), with an emphasis on imaging features.

Rare Neuronal, Glial and Glioneuronal Tumours in Adults

Rare glial, neuronal and glioneuronal tumours in adults form a heterogeneous group of rare, primary central nervous system tumours. These tumours, with a glial and/or neuronal component, are challenging in terms of diagnosis and therapeutic management. The novel classification of primary brain tumours published by the WHO in 2021 has significantly improved the diagnostic criteria of these entities. Indeed, diagnostic criteria are nowadays multimodal, including histological, immunohistochemical and molecular (i.e., genetic and methylomic). These integrated parameters have allowed the specification of already known tumours but also the identification of novel tumours for a better diagnosis.

Early ependymal tumor with MN1-BEND2 fusion: a mostly cerebral tumor of female children with a good prognosis that is distinct from classical astroblastoma

PURPOSE

Review of the clinicopathologic and genetic features of early ependymal tumor with MN1-BEND2 fusion (EET MN1-BEND2), classical astroblastomas, and recently described related pediatric CNS tumors. I also briefly review general mechanisms of gene expression silencing by DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling, and genomic DNA methylation profiling as a powerful new tool for CNS tumor classification.

METHODS

Literature review and illustration of tumor histopathologic features and prenatal gene expression timelines.

RESULTS

Astroblastoma, originally descried by Bailey and Cushing in 1926, has been an enigmatic tumor. Whether they are of ependymal or astrocytic derivation was argued for decades. Recent genetic evidence supports existence of both ependymal and astrocytic astroblastoma-like tumors. Studies have shown that tumors exhibiting astroblastoma-like histology can be classified into discrete entities based on their genomic DNA methylation profiles, gene expression, and in some cases, the presence of unique gene fusions. One such tumor, EET MN1-BEND2 occurs mostly in female children, and has an overall very good prognosis with surgical management. It contains a gene fusion comprised of portions of the MN1 gene at chromosomal location 22q12.1 and the BEND2 gene at Xp22.13. Other emerging pediatric CNS tumor entities demonstrating ependymal or astroblastoma-like histological features also harbor gene fusions involving chromosome X, 11q22 and 22q12 breakpoint regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Genomic DNA profiling has facilitated discovery of several new CNS tumor entities, however, traditional methods, such as immunohistochemistry, DNA or RNA sequencing, and cytogenetic studies, including fluorescence in situ hybridization, remain necessary for their accurate biological classification and diagnosis.

Review of the Recent Changes in the WHO Classification for Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

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.

Spinal astroblastoma: a rare tumour in an unusual location

Astroblastomas are central nervous system tumours with unknown cell of origin and clinical behaviour. These tumours occur most commonly in cerebral hemispheres with spinal astroblastomas being very rare. We report a case of spinal astroblastoma which harboured MN1 alteration.

The 2021 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: What Neuroradiologists Need to Know

Neuroradiologists play a key role in brain tumor diagnosis and management. Staying current with the latest classification systems and diagnostic markers is important to provide optimal patient care. Publication of the 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System introduced a paradigm shift in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasms. For the first time, both histologic features and genetic alterations were incorporated into the diagnostic framework, classifying and grading brain tumors. The newly published 2021 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System, May 2021, 5th edition, has added even more molecular features and updated pathologic diagnoses. We present, summarize, and illustrate the most salient aspects of the new 5th edition. We have selected the key "must know" topics for practicing neuroradiologists.

Recurrence- and Malignant Progression-Associated Biomarkers in Low-Grade Gliomas and Their Roles in Immunotherapy

Despite a generally better prognosis than high-grade glioma (HGG), recurrence and malignant progression are the main causes for the poor prognosis and difficulties in the treatment of low-grade glioma (LGG). It is of great importance to learn about the risk factors and underlying mechanisms of LGG recurrence and progression. In this study, the transcriptome characteristics of four groups, namely, normal brain tissue and recurrent LGG (rLGG), normal brain tissue and secondary glioblastoma (sGBM), primary LGG (pLGG) and rLGG, and pLGG and sGBM, were compared using Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) databases. In this study, 296 downregulated and 396 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with high consensus were screened out. Univariate Cox regression analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) yielded 86 prognostically relevant DEGs; a prognostic prediction model based on five key genes (HOXA1, KIF18A, FAM133A, HGF, and MN1) was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression dimensionality reduction and multivariate Cox regression analysis. LGG was divided into high- and low-risk groups using this prediction model. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that signaling pathway differences in the high- and low-risk groups were mainly seen in tumor immune regulation and DNA damage-related cell cycle checkpoints. Furthermore, the infiltration of immune cells in the high- and low-risk groups was analyzed, which indicated a stronger infiltration of immune cells in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group, suggesting that an immune microenvironment more conducive to tumor growth emerged due to the interaction between tumor and immune cells. The tumor mutational burden and tumor methylation burden in the high- and low-risk groups were also analyzed, which indicated higher gene mutation burden and lower DNA methylation level in the high-risk group, suggesting that with the accumulation of genomic mutations and epigenetic changes, tumor cells continued to evolve and led to the progression of LGG to HGG. Finally, the value of potential therapeutic targets for the five key genes was analyzed, and findings demonstrated that KIF18A was the gene most likely to be a potential therapeutic target. In conclusion, the prediction model based on these five key genes can better identify the high- and low-risk groups of LGG and lay a solid foundation for evaluating the risk of LGG recurrence and malignant progression.

Thirteen-year long-term follow-up in a rare case of anaplastic astroblastoma: What makes the difference?

Background:

Astroblastomas are uncommon neuroepithelial tumors of the central nervous system with a distinct, yet, controversial radiological, histological, and molecular profile. Debatable differences between low- and high-grade astroblastoma have been reported in the medical literature; indeed, despite the increasing relevance of molecular genetic profiling in the realm of astroblastoma, its application is still in its early stages. As a result, the diagnostic criteria for astroblastoma remain undecided with yet no real consensus on the most ideal management.

Case Description:

This report describes a case of astroblastoma diagnosed 13 years ago in a young woman who despite six episodes of recurrence, transformation, and progression was able to retain a perfomace status of 0 by World Health Organization standard, throughout.

Conclusion:

This report discusses the clinical, radiological, histological features, and management of this rare tumor with an extraordinarily long survival, with an aim to strengthen the literature on management options. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest surviving case of anaplastic astroblastoma reported in the available medical literature.

Astroblastomas exhibit radial glia stem cell lineages and differential expression of imprinted and X-inactivation escape genes

Astroblastomas (ABs) are rare brain tumors of unknown origin. We performed an integrative genetic and epigenetic analysis of AB-like tumors. Here, we show that tumors traceable to neural stem/progenitor cells (radial glia) that emerge during early to later brain development occur in children and young adults, respectively. Tumors with MN1-BEND2 fusion appear to present exclusively in females and exhibit overexpression of genes expressed prior to 25 post-conception weeks (pcw), including genes enriched in early ventricular zone radial glia and ependymal tumors. Other, histologically classic ABs overexpress or harbor mutations of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway genes, outer and truncated radial glia genes, and genes expressed after 25 pcw, including neuronal and astrocyte markers. Findings support that AB-like tumors arise in the context of epigenetic and genetic changes in neural progenitors. Selective gene fusion, variable imprinting and/or chromosome X-inactivation escape resulting in biallelic overexpression may contribute to female predominance of AB molecular subtypes.

Recurrent HGNET-MN1 altered (astroblastoma MN1-altered) of the foramen magnum: Case report and molecular classification

Background

Astroblastoma is a rare primary brain tumor of unclear origin, often occurring in young patients less than 30-years-old. It typically arises supratentorially and is diagnosed based on histological features including vascular hyalinization and perivascular pseudorosettes. Recent molecular characterization of primary CNS high-grade neuroepithelial tumors with meningioma I alteration (HGNET-MN1) found that HGNET-MN1 and tumors with morphological signatures of astroblastoma clustered together. Further analysis revealed such astroblastomas have MN1 alteration and the 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the CNS now recognizes astroblastoma MN1-altered as a new entity.

Case Description

Here, we present the case of a 36-year-old right-handed woman with recurrent low-grade astroblastoma in the cervicomedullary junction. The patient presented with worsening motor and sensory deficits of her upper extremities, pain, ataxia, visual disturbance, and nausea. Due to extensive recurrence and neurological symptoms, the patient underwent reoperation.

Conclusion

We review a rare case of recurrent astroblastoma in the foramen magnum in light of new relevant literature about tumor biology and prognostic significance of the new classification of astroblastoma MN1-altered.

Neuroimaging of astroblastomas: A case series and systematic review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Astroblastoma is a rare type of glial tumor, histologically classified into two types with different prognoses: high and low grade. We aimed to investigate the CT and MRI findings of astroblastomas by collecting studies with analyzable neuroimaging data and extracting the imaging features useful for tumor grading.

METHODS

We searched for reports of pathologically proven astroblastomas with analyzable neuroimaging data using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Sixty-five studies with 71 patients with astroblastomas met the criteria for a systematic review. We added eight patients from our hospital, resulting in a final study cohort of 79 patients. The proportion of high-grade tumors was compared in groups based on the morphology (typical and atypical) using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

High- and low-grade tumors were 35/71 (49.3%) and 36/71 (50.7%), respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportion of high-grade tumors based on the tumor morphology (typical morphology: high-grade = 33/58 [56.9%] vs. atypical morphology, 2/13 [15.4%], p = .012). The reviews of neuroimaging findings were performed using the images included in each article. The articles had missing data due to the heterogeneity of the collected studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed neuroimaging features were clarified, including tumor location, margin status, morphology, CT attenuation, MRI signal intensity, and contrast enhancement pattern. The classification of tumor morphology may help predict the tumor's histological grade, contributing to clinical care and future oncologic research.

Cerebral astroblastoma with oligodendroglial-like cells: A case report

RATIONALE

Astroblastoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system with uncertain biological behavior and origin. Its histopathological features have been well established, while, to our knowledge, astroblastoma with oligodendroglial-like cells have not been reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 15-year-old girl presented with nausea, vomiting, headache, and visual disturbance.

DIAGNOSIS

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large neoplasm in the left temporal. Histologically, the tumor showed solid and pseudopapillary structure. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. The oligodendroglial-like cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2. The antigen KI67 labeling index was about 4%. Sequencing for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 codon 132 and IDH2 codon 172 gene mutations showed negative results. Furthermore, fluorescent analysis revealed neither 1p nor 19q deletion in the lesion. Based on these findings, the girl was finally diagnosed as astroblastoma.

INTERVENTIONS

A craniotomy with total excision of the tumor was performed.

OUTCOMES

The follow-up time was 1 year, no evidence of disease recurrence was found in magnetic resonance imaging.

LESSONS

Cerebral astroblastoma with oligodendroglial-like cells is a clinically rare tumor of central nervous system. Clear distinction and diagnosis are critical.

A pediatric cerebral tumor with MN1 alteration and pathological features mimicking carcinoma metastasis: may the terminology "high grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration" still be relevant?

INTRODUCTION

Astroblastoma, MN1-altered (old name: high-grade neuroepithelial tumor/HGNET with MN1 alteration) is a recently described central nervous system tumor mostly affecting pediatric patients and profoundly young girls. Differential pathological diagnoses of these tumors include ependymoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, meningioma, and even glioblastoma. As the treatment approaches to these tumors differ, it is essential to increase the awareness about these tumors in the neurosurgical community.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 7-year-old female patient admitted with a 7-day history of headache, nausea, and vomiting. A contrasted MRI scan revealed a left parietal 4 × 4 × 5 cm mass with central necrosis and peripheral contrast enhancement. The tumor's histopathological findings were suggestive of a metastatic carcinoma with unknown primary, yet further genetic analysis revealed MN1 alteration. Peculiarly, the tumor pathomorphological features were not compatible with astroblastomas and exerted features strongly indicating a metastatic cancer; however, systemic PET and whole-body MRI failed to detect a primary malignancy.

OUTCOME AND CONCLUSIONS

Eighteen months after gross-total tumor resection, an in-field and out-field multifocal recurrence developed which required a second surgery and subsequent chemo-radiotherapy. The patient is doing well for 1 year after the second treatment regimen at the time of this report. Despite the final cIMPACT6 classification in 2020 advised to define all MN1 altered brain tumors as astroblastomas, there exist prognostic differences in MN1-altered tumors with and without morphological features of astroblastoma. Rare morphological variants of MN1-altered tumors shall be recognized for their future prognostic and clinical classification. HGNET with MN1 alteration seems still be a more proper definition of such malignancies as an umbrella term.

Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Gliomas

Gliomas are the most common central nervous system tumors. New technologies, including genetic research and advanced statistical methods, revolutionize the therapeutic approach to the patient and reveal new points of treatment options. Moreover, the 2021 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System has fundamentally changed the classification of gliomas and incorporated many molecular biomarkers. Given the rapid progress in neuro-oncology, here we compile the latest research on prognostic and predictive biomarkers in gliomas. In adult patients, IDH mutations are positive prognostic markers and have the greatest prognostic significance. However, CDKN2A deletion, in IDH-mutant astrocytomas, is a marker of the highest malignancy grade. Moreover, the presence of TERT promoter mutations, EGFR alterations, or a combination of chromosome 7 gain and 10 loss upgrade IDH-wildtype astrocytoma to glioblastoma. In pediatric patients, H3F3A alterations are the most important markers which predict the worse outcome. MGMT promoter methylation has the greatest clinical significance in predicting responses to temozolomide (TMZ). Conversely, mismatch repair defects cause hypermutation phenotype predicting poor response to TMZ. Finally, we discussed liquid biopsies, which are promising diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive techniques, but further work is needed to implement these novel technologies in clinical practice.

Unique pathological findings of astroblastoma with MN1 alteration in a patient with late recurrence

Astroblastoma is an extremely rare brain tumor that has recently attracted attention owing to its association with MN1 gene alteration. However, its long-term clinical course remains unclear. We report a late recurrence of MN1-altered astroblastoma with unique pathological findings. A 24-year-old woman presented with seizures due to a left frontal lobe tumor. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved, and the diagnosis was MN1-altered astroblastoma, which presented cell wrapping, i.e., presence of tumor cells enveloping one another. She received local radiotherapy (50 Gy). However, the tumor recurred after 12 years, and its size increased rapidly. The second surgery achieved GTR and confirmed increasing anaplasia. The patient was tumor-free for 1 year without any neurological deficits. This case implies the importance of long-term follow-up of MN1-altered astroblastoma. The pathological significance of cell wrapping in this case is unclear, but it may be associated with MN1-altered astroblastoma and should be noted in future cases.

Embryonal tumors of the central nervous system

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to give an update on histopathological, molecular and clinical features of central nervous system (CNS) 'embryonal' tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

The taxonomy of previously called 'CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumor' (CNS PNET) has been deeply modified since the discovery of specific molecular profiles for each various sub-entity of these rare, mainly pediatric, tumors. The term 'embryonal tumors' now refers to medulloblastomas, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and other rare entities, defined by their specific histopathological features together with expression-based or methylation-based profiling; specific gene mutations or fusions characterize some tumor types. In addition, the compilation of large series of molecular data has allowed to dissecting several of these tumor types in molecular subgroups, increasing the number of tumor entities, and leading to an amazingly complex nosology of rare-to-extremely rare malignancies. This rarity precludes from having strong evidence-based therapeutic recommendations, although international efforts are conducted to define the best treatment strategies.

SUMMARY

Embryonal tumors now correspond to molecularly well defined entities, which deserve further international collaborations to specify their biology and the appropriate burden of treatment, in order to minimize the long-term side-effects of treatment of these overall rare and severe diseases of childhood.

A Rare Case of a High-Grade Astroblastoma with 5-Year Follow-up

Astroblastoma is a very rare glial tumor derived from astroblasts. It has been controversial in terms of its features and diagnosis. The objective of this report is to present the findings of the high-grade astroblastoma with a good prognosis in a 21-year-old female who presented to us with diplopia and headache. While imaging led to the foremost differentials of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and Ganglioglioma which are low-grade neoplasms, the final diagnosis was established on microscopy and immunohistochemistry after excision. Treatment protocol included surgery with postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Due to controversial and limited literature, this tumor poses difficulties in diagnosis and management. This is a rare, successfully managed case of astroblastoma with a positive outcome 5 years after the diagnosis was established. In this case report, we review the steps of diagnosis, the differentials, the pathological and histological features, and the management of this rare entity.

Treatment response of CNS high-grade neuroepithelial tumors with MN1 alteration

Central nervous system high-grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration (CNS HGNET-MN1) is a rare recently described entity. Fourteen CNS HGNET-MN1 patients were identified using genome-wide methylation arrays/RT-PCR across seven institutions. All patients had surgery (gross total resection: 10; subtotal resection: four) as initial management followed by observation alone in three patients, followed by radiotherapy in eight patients (focal: five; craniospinal: two; CyberKnife: one) and systemic chemotherapy in three patients. Seven patients relapsed; five local and two metastatic, despite adjuvant radiotherapy, of which three died. Treatment of CNS HGNET-MN1 remains a major treatment challenge despite aggressive surgical resections and upfront radiotherapy, warranting new approaches to this rare malignancy.

Well-differentiated Astroblastoma with Both Focal Anaplastic Features and a Meningioma 1 Gene Alteration

A 6-year-old female was incidentally found to have a brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a gadolinium-enhanced mass in the left parietal lobe. We performed gross total resection with the assistance of fluorescent guidance by 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). A histological examination of the tumor specimen showed well-differentiated astroblastic features with focal anaplasia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed meningioma 1 (MN1) gene alteration and supported our diagnosis. She received local radiotherapy and oral temozolomide followed by maintenance temozolomide chemotherapy, and the tumor was well controlled without any neurological deficit for 27 months. Our case is considered to be valuable since it describes a patient who is diagnosed to have a well-differentiated astroblastoma with both focal anaplastic features and MN1 gene rearrangement. A larger study is warranted to establish evidence supporting the diagnosis and treatment of astroblastoma with molecular characteristic features. MN1 alteration will be a diagnostic marker for astroblastoma in the future.

cIMPACT-NOW update 6: new entity and diagnostic principle recommendations of the cIMPACT-Utrecht meeting on future CNS tumor classification and grading

cIMPACT-NOW (the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy) was established to evaluate and make practical recommendations on recent advances in the field of CNS tumor classification, particularly in light of the rapid progress in molecular insights into these neoplasms. For Round 2 of its deliberations, cIMPACT-NOW Working Committee 3 was reconstituted and convened in Utrecht, The Netherlands, for a meeting designed to review putative new CNS tumor types in advance of any future World Health Organization meeting on CNS tumor classification. In preparatory activities for the meeting and at the actual meeting, a list of possible entities was assembled and each type and subtype debated. Working Committee 3 recommended that a substantial number of newly recognized types and subtypes should be considered for inclusion in future CNS tumor classifications. In addition, the group endorsed a number of principles-relating to classification categories, approaches to classification, nomenclature, and grading-that the group hopes will also inform the future classification of CNS neoplasms.

Central nervous system neuroepithelial tumors with MN1-alteration: an individual patient data meta-analysis of 73 cases

MN1 alteration characterizes a recently described group of neuroepithelial tumors with varied morphological features. In cIMPACT-NOW update 6, only those with astroblastoma morphology has been accepted as a newly recognized tumor type, whereas the rest of morphological variants are considered lesions sub-judice. We perform an individual patient data meta-analysis of MN1-altered neuroepithelial tumors comprising a total of 73 cases, in order to study the survival data and predictive markers for better diagnosis and management of this rare molecular entity. The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival are 38% and 0%, whereas the 5- and 10-year overall survival are 89% and 55%, respectively. Among all the morphological variants of MN1-altered tumor, astroblastoma morphology is significantly associated with an improved overall survival, emphasizing the importance of providing an integrated histologic and molecular diagnosis. Histological grading within the molecularly-defined MN1-altered astroblastoma remains controversial. In tumors with astroblastoma morphology, the odds of MN1-altered status among patients less than 15-year-old is 10.5 times that of those 15-year-old and older, and female of 9.4 times that of the male gender. Gross tumor resection appears as main treatment modality for better disease control based on observational data.

Progress in rare central nervous system tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors are rare, certain tumor types each represent less than 2% of the total and an annual incidence of about 1000 patients or less. Most of them are disproportionally diagnosed in children and young adults, but older adults can also be affected and are rarely recruited to clinical trials. Recent new molecular techniques have led to reclassification of some of these tumors and discovery of actionable molecular alterations.

RECENT FINDINGS

We review recent progress in the molecular understanding and therapeutic options of selected rare CNS tumors, with a focus on select clinical trials (temozolomide and lapatinib for recurrent ependymoma; vemurafenib for BRAFV600E-mutated tumors), as well as tumor-agnostic approvals (pembrolizumab, larotrectinib) and their implications for rare CNS tumors.

SUMMARY

Although rare CNS tumors are a very small fraction of the total of cancers, they represent a formidable challenge. There is a need for dedicated clinical trials with strong correlative component in patients of all ages with rare CNS tumors. Critical research questions include relevance of the selected target for specific tumor types, persistence of the actionable biomarker at recurrence, blood-brain barrier penetration, and analysis of mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance.