Treatment Outcomes in 1p19q Co-deleted/Partially Deleted Gliomas

Study of radiochemotherapy decision-making for young high-risk low-grade glioma patients using a macroscopic and microscopic combined radiomics model

OBJECTIVES

As a few types of glioma, young high-risk low-grade gliomas (HRLGGs) have higher requirements for postoperative quality of life. Although adjuvant chemotherapy with delayed radiotherapy is the first treatment strategy for HRLGGs, not all HRLGGs benefit from it. Accurate assessment of chemosensitivity in HRLGGs is vital for making treatment choices. This study developed a multimodal fusion radiomics (MFR) model to support radiochemotherapy decision-making for HRLGGs.

METHODS

A MFR model combining macroscopic MRI and microscopic pathological images was proposed. Multiscale features including macroscopic tumor structure and microscopic histological layer and nuclear information were grabbed by unique paradigm, respectively. Then, these features were adaptively incorporated into the MFR model through attention mechanism to predict the chemosensitivity of temozolomide (TMZ) by means of objective response rate and progression free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Macroscopic tumor texture complexity and microscopic nuclear size showed significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) between sensitivity and insensitivity groups. The MFR model achieved stable prediction results, with an area under the curve of 0.950 (95% CI: 0.942-0.958), sensitivity of 0.833 (95% CI: 0.780-0.848), specificity of 0.929 (95% CI: 0.914-0.936), positive predictive value of 0.833 (95% CI: 0.811-0.860), and negative predictive value of 0.929 (95% CI: 0.914-0.934). The predictive efficacy of MFR was significantly higher than that of the reported molecular markers (p < 0.001). MFR was also demonstrated to be a predictor of PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

A MFR model including radiomics and pathological features predicts accurately the response postoperative TMZ treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Our MFR model could identify young high-risk low-grade glioma patients who can have the most benefit from postoperative upfront temozolomide (TMZ) treatment.

KEY POINTS

• Multimodal radiomics is proposed to support the radiochemotherapy of glioma. • Some macro and micro image markers related to tumor chemotherapy sensitivity are revealed. • The proposed model surpasses reported molecular markers, with a promising area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95.

SLC11A1 as a stratification indicator for immunotherapy or chemotherapy in patients with glioma

Background

Glioma is a fatal tumor originating from the brain, which accounts for most intracranial malignancies. Currently, Immunotherapy has turned into a novel and promising treatment in glioma patients. however, there are still few effective biomarkers to mirror the reaction to immunotherapy in patients with glioma. Therefore, we intended to elucidate the evaluable efficacy of SLC11A1 in glioma patients.

Methods

In this study, samples from Shanghai General Hospital and data from TCGA, GEO, CGGA datasets were used to investigate and validate the relationship between SLC11A1 and the progression of glioma. We evaluated the predictive value of SLC11A1 on the prognosis of glioma with cox regression analysis. Then the relationship between immune infiltration and SLC11A1 was also analyzed. Ultimately, we performed the prediction on the immunotherapeutic response and therapeutic drugs according to the expression of SLC11A1.

Results

Expression of SLC11A1 increased with progression and predicted unfavorable prognosis for glioma patients. The hazard ratio for SLC11A1 expression was 2.33 with 95% CI (1.92-2.58) (P < 0.001) in cox analysis. And based on expression, we found SLC11A1 stratified glioma patients into subgroups with different immune activation statuses. Moreover, we observed that patients with higher SLC11A1 levels companied with better immunotherapeutic response, while those with lower SLC11A1 levels may respond better to temozolomide.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that SLC11A1 was a novel prognostic marker and immunotherapy response indicator for gliomas. In some cases, SLC11A1 could be an effective marker for identifying patients who might benefit from immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

TRP Family Genes Are Differently Expressed and Correlated with Immune Response in Glioma

(1) Background: glioma is the most prevalent primary tumor of the human central nervous system and accompanies extremely poor prognosis in patients. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels family consists of six different families, which are closely associated with cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. TRP family genes play an essential role in the development of tumors. Nevertheless, the function of these genes in gliomas is not fully understood. (2) Methods: we analyze the gene expression data of 28 TRP family genes in glioma patients through bioinformatic analysis. (3) Results: the study showed the aberrations of TRP family genes were correlated to prognosis in glioma. Then, we set enrichment analysis and selected 10 hub genes that may play an important role in glioma. Meanwhile, the expression of 10 hub genes was further established according to different grades, survival time, IDH mutation status, and 1p/19q codeletion status. We found that TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, MCOLN1, MCOLN2, and MCOLN3 were significantly correlated to the prognosis in glioma patients. Furthermore, we illustrated that the expression of hub genes was associated with immune activation and immunoregulators (immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, and MHC molecules) in glioma. (4) Conclusions: we proved that TRP family genes are promising immunotherapeutic targets and potential clinical biomarkers in patients with glioma.

Online calculator to predict early mortality in patient with surgically treated recurrent lower-grade glioma

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors of recurrent lower-grade glioma [LGG] (WHO grades II and III) according to the 2016 updated WHO classification paradigm and finally develop a model for predicting early mortality (succumb within a year after reoperation) in recurrent LGG patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from consecutive patients who underwent surgery for primary LGG and reoperation for tumor recurrence. The end point “early mortality” was defined as death within 1 year after the reoperation. Predictive factors, including basic clinical characteristics and laboratory data, were retrospectively collected.

Results

A final nomogram was generated for surgically treated recurrent LGG. Factors that increased the probability of early mortality included older age (P = 0.042), D-dimer> 0.187 (P = 0.007), RDW > 13.4 (P = 0.048), PLR > 100.749 (P = 0.014), NLR > 1.815 (P = 0.047), 1p19q intact (P = 0.019), IDH1-R132H Mutant (P = 0.048), Fib≤2.80 (P = 0.018), lack of Stupp concurrent chemoradiotherapy (P = 0.041), and an initial symptom of epilepsy (P = 0.047). The calibration curve between the prediction from this model and the actual observations showed good agreement.

Conclusion: A nomogram that predicts individualized probabilities of early mortality for surgically treated recurrent LGG patients could be a practical clinical tool for counseling patients regarding treatment decisions and optimizing therapeutic approaches. Free online software implementing this nomogram is provided at https://warrenwrl.shinyapps.io/RecurrenceGliomaEarlyM/

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09225-9.

Diagnostic Utility of Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3 in Differentiating Between Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutated Grade II-III Astrocytoma and Oligodendroglioma

BACKGROUND/AIM

The application of Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3 (OCAv3) panel in diffuse gliomas (DGs) remains unknown. We investigated the utility of OCAv3-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutated grade II-III DGs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected 20 tissue samples obtained from IDH-mutated grade II-III DG patients and performed OCAv3-based NGS.

RESULTS

By conventional molecular methods, the 20 DGs were classified into seven astrocytomas and 13 oligodendrogliomas. OCAv3 detected all mutations identified in these samples using the conventional methods. The results were highly corroborated by the known mutations in each group. Clustered copy number loss of genes located at the 1p and 19q loci was detected in all 13 oligodendroglioma cases, which harbor the 1p/19q codeletion.

CONCLUSION

The application of OCAv3-based NGS will improve diagnostic accuracy in DG, with the most beneficial aspects expected in detecting copy number alterations to identify the 1p/19q codeletion correctly.

Behavior-Oriented Nomogram for the Stratification of Lower-Grade Gliomas to Improve Individualized Treatment

Secondary glioblastomas (sGBM) are derived from previously lower-grade [World Health Organization (WHO) grades II or III] gliomas. Lower-grade benign-behaving gliomas may retain their former grade following recurrence, or may become malignant higher-grade glioblastomas. Prediction of tumor behavior in lower-grade gliomas is critical for individualized glioma therapy. A total of 89 patients were included between January 2000 and January 2019 in the present study to establish a nomogram via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Nomogram predictive performance was tested in the validation group. We then analyzed 36 O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) unmethylated lower-grade gliomas from patients seen at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Survival statistics were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Two clinical factors (molecular diagnosis and WHO grade), five radiological factors (location, cortical involvement, multicentricity, uniformity, and margin enhancement), one biomarker (1p19q codeletion), and a combination of three biomarkers (IDH+/ATRX-/TP53-) were associated with glioma upgrading. Nomograms positive for these prognostic factors had an AUC of 0.880 in the derivation group and 0.857 in the validation group. The calibration and score-stratified survival curves for the derivation group and validation group were good. An operational nomogram was published at https://warrenwrl.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/. The overall survival of secondary gliomas in the MGMT-unmethylated cohort were influenced independently by the use of temozolomide during the treatment of formerly low-grade gliomas (p=0.00096). Clinical and radiological factors and biomarker-based behavior-oriented nomograms may offer a feasible identification tool for the detection of sGBM precursors. This method may further assist neurosurgeons with the stratification of lower-grade glioma cases and thus the development of better, more individualized treatment plans.

Extent of resection, molecular signature, and survival in 1p19q-codeleted gliomas

OBJECTIVE

Genomic analysis in neurooncology has underscored the importance of understanding the patterns of survival in different molecular subtypes within gliomas and their responses to treatment. In particular, diffuse gliomas are now principally characterized by their mutation status (IDH1 and 1p/19q codeletion), yet there remains a paucity of information regarding the prognostic value of molecular markers and extent of resection (EOR) on survival. Furthermore, given the modern emphasis on molecular rather than histological diagnosis, it is important to examine the effect of maximal resection on survival in all gliomas with 1p/q19 codeletions, as these will now be classified as oligodendrogliomas under the new WHO guidelines. The objectives of the present study were twofold: 1) to assess the association between EOR and survival for patients with oligodendrogliomas in the National Cancer Database (NCDB), which includes information on mutation status, and 2) to demonstrate the same effect for all patients with 1p/19q codeleted gliomas in the NCDB.

METHODS

The NCDB was queried for all cases of oligodendroglioma between 2004 and 2014, with follow-up dates through 2016. The authors found 2514 cases of histologically confirmed oligodendrogliomas for the final analysis of the effect of EOR on survival. Upon further query, 1067 1p/19q-codeleted tumors were identified in the NCDB. Patients who received subtotal resection (STR) or gross-total resection (GTR) were compared to those who received no tumor debulking surgery. Univariable and multivariable analyses of both overall survival and cause-specific survival were performed.

RESULTS

EOR was associated with increased overall survival for both histologically confirmed oligodendrogliomas and all 1p/19q-codeleted-defined tumors (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Tumor grade, location, and size covaried predictably with EOR. When evaluating tumors by each classification system for predictors of overall survival, facility setting, age, comorbidity index, grade, location, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were all shown to be significantly associated with overall survival. STR and GTR were independent predictors of improved survival in historically classified oligodendrogliomas (HR 0.83, p = 0.18; HR 0.69, p = 0.01, respectively) and in 1p/19q-codeleted tumors (HR 0.49, p < 0.01; HR 0.43, p < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

By using the NCDB, the authors have demonstrated a side-by-side comparison of the survival benefits of greater EOR in 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas.

Conventional Magnetic Resonance Features for Predicting 1p19q Codeletion Status of World Health Organization Grade II and III Diffuse Gliomas

PURPOSE

The conventional magnetic resonance features of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II and III diffuse gliomas in relation to chromosome 1p and 19q deletions (1p19q codeletion) were analyzed.

METHODS

We identified 147 cases of WHO grade II and III diffuse gliomas (1p/19q codeletion, 36 cases; no 1p/19q codeletion, 111 cases). χ Test and univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between the imaging features and 1p19q codeletion status of WHO grade II and III diffuse gliomas in the discovery group, including the WHO grade II and III subgroups.

RESULTS

(1) In the entire population, multivariate regression demonstrated that proportion contrast-enhanced tumor (>5% vs ≤5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.169; P = 0.009), enhancing margin (poorly vs well defined; OR, 12.435; P = 0.002), and hemorrhage (yes vs no; OR, 21.082; P < 0.001) were associated with a higher incidence of 1p19q codeletion status. The nomogram showed good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC], 0.803) and calibration. (2) For grade II tumors, subgroup analysis found that enhancing margin (poorly vs well defined; OR, 0.308; P = 0.007) and subventricular zone (presence vs absence-; OR, 0.137; P < 0.001) were associated with a higher incidence of 1p19q codeletion status (AUC, 0.779). (3) For grade III tumors, subgroup analysis found that age (≥40 years vs <40 years; OR, 5.977; P = 0.03) and hemorrhage (yes vs no; OR, 18.051; P < 0.001) were associated with a higher incidence of 1p19q codeletion status (AUC, 0.816).

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional magnetic resonance features can be conveniently used to facilitate the preoperative prediction of 1p19q codeletion status of WHO grade II and III diffuse gliomas. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful.

Targeted next-generation sequencing panel (TruSight Tumor 170) in diffuse glioma: a single institutional experience of 135 cases

PURPOSE

The TruSight Tumor 170 (TST-170) panel consists of a DNA workflow for the identification of single-nucleotide variants, small insertions and deletions, and copy number variation, as well as a panel of 55 genes for a RNA workflow for the identification of splice variants and gene fusions. To date, the application of TST-170 in diffuse gliomas (DGs) has not been described.

METHODS

We analyzed 135 samples of DG, which were diagnosed by WHO criteria based on histological features and conventional molecular tests including immunostaining, 1p/19q FISH, and analysis of MGMT methylation and TERT promoter mutation.

RESULTS

A total of 135 cases consisted of 38 IDH-mutant [17 astrocytoma (AC), 13 oligodendroglioma (OD) and eight glioblastoma (GBM)], 87 IDH-wildtype (six AC, three OD and 78 GBM), and 10 diffuse midline glioma, H3K27M-mutant. DNA analysis enabled the detection of all mutations identified in these samples by conventional techniques, and the results were highly comparable to the known mutations in each subtype. RNA analysis detected four fusion genes including PTPRZ1-MET, FGFR3-TACC3, FAM131B-BRAF, and RET-CCDC6 and one splicing variant (EGFR vIII mutant). Clustered copy number loss in 1p and 19q loci genes were detected in 1p/19q-codeleted OD.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of TST-170 panel based NGS in clinical and laboratory setting is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and prognostication. Most benefits are expected in IDH-wildtype DG, a group of genetically heterogenous tumors harboring DNA sequence changes, copy number alterations, and fusions in a large number of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.