Heat-stable spores of carotenoid-producing Bacillus marisflavi and non-pigmented Bacillus subtilis cooperatively promote growth, quality, and gut microbiota of white-leg shrimp

We evaluated the benefits of heat-stable carotenoid-producing Bacillus marisflavi SH8 spores individually and in combination with non-pigmented Bacillus subtilis SH23 spores on growth, colour change, nutritional content, innate immunity, and gut microbiota of white-leg shrimp. White-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei; n = 30 per tank; 2 tanks per group) were provided feed without (control group) or with SH8, SH23, or mixed spores (total, 1 × 106 cfu/g pellet) for 28 d. The SH8 and SH8-23 combination groups had significantly higher specific growth rates (9.6 and 11.0%), improved red-colour score (4 scores), astaxanthin concentration (1.8- and 2.3-fold), lipid contents (30 and 50%), and superoxidase dismutase activity (8.5 and 12.3%) than that of the control group. Analysis of shrimp's gut microbiome using 16S rRNA metagenome sequencing revealed increased abundance of four useful species and reduced abundance of four harmful species in the combination group than in the control group. Heat-stable Bacillus spore combination improved growth parameters, nutrient content, red-colour score, live counts, and abundance of useful bacteria in the gut of L. vannamei. This is the first study to show the benefits of combining highly heat-stable pigmented and non-pigmented Bacillus spores and their possible mechanisms in a shrimp model.

Distinct patterns of copy number alterations may predict poor outcome in central nervous system germ cell tumors

We have previously reported that 12p gain may predict the presence of malignant components and poor prognosis for CNS germ cell tumor (GCT). Recently, 3p25.3 gain was identified as an independent predictor of poor prognosis for testicular GCT. Eighty-one CNS GCTs were analyzed. Copy number was calculated using methylation arrays. Five cases (6.2%) showed 3p25.3 gain, but only among the 40 non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs) (5/40, 12.5%; p = 0.03). Among NGGCTs, those with a yolk sac tumor component showed a significantly higher frequency of 3p25.3 gain (18.2%) than those without (1.5%; p = 0.048). NGGCTs with gain showed significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those without (p = 0.047). The 3p25.3 gain and 12p gain were independent from each other. The combination of 3p25.3 gain and/or 12p gain was more frequent among NGGCTs with malignant components (69%) than among those without (29%; p = 0.02). Germinomas containing a higher number of copy number alterations showed shorter PFS than those with fewer (p = 0.03). Taken together, a finding of 3p25.3 gain may be a copy number alteration specific to NGGCTs and in combination with 12p gain could serve as a marker of negative prognosis or treatment resistance. Germinoma with frequent chromosomal instability may constitute an unfavorable subgroup.

A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIb trial of an autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine for newly diagnosed glioblastomas

OBJECTIVE

An autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine (AFTV) derived from resected glioblastoma (GBM) tissue can be used against unidentified tumor antigens. Thus, the authors conducted a multicenter double-blind phase IIb trial to investigate the efficacy of an AFTV.

METHODS

Eligible patients were adults with supratentorial GBMs, 16-75 years of age, with Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores ≥ 60%, and no long-term steroid administration. An AFTV comprising fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue with immune adjuvants or an identical placebo without fixed tumor tissue was injected intradermally over three courses before and after chemoradiotherapy. The primary and secondary end points were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and 3-year survival rate.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were enrolled. The average patient age was 61 years. The median KPS score was 80%, and the median resection rate was 95%. The full analysis set of 57 patients indicated no significant difference in OS (p = 0.64) for the AFTV group (median OS 25.6 months, 3-year OS rate 38%) compared with the placebo group (31.5 months and 41%, respectively) and no difference in PFS (median PFS 13.3 months in both groups, p = 0.98). For patients with imaging-based total tumor removal, the 3-year PFS rate was 81% in the AFTV group versus 46% in the placebo group (p = 0.067), whereas the 3-year OS rate was 80% versus 54% (p = 0.16), respectively. Similar results were obtained in the p53-negative subgroups. Severe adverse effects were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The AFTV may have potential effects in certain patient subgroups. A phase III study for patients with total tumor removal remains warranted to confirm these findings. Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000010602 (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry).

Impact of tumor markers on diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in CNS germ cell tumors: correlations with clinical practice and histopathology

Tumor markers in CNS germ cell tumors (GCTs) include human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP), which have significant diagnostic implications, as elevation of either one leads to clinical diagnosis of non-germinomatous GCTs without histopathological confirmation, justifying intensified chemotherapy and irradiation. The current study, based on an international cohort of histopathologically verified GCTs that underwent biopsy (n = 85) or resection (n = 76), sought to better define the clinical role and prognostic significance of tumor markers from serum and CSF in this challenging patient population. We found that HCG was elevated only in cases with a germinoma or choriocarcinoma component, and there existed a clear cut-off HCG value between the two. AFP was often elevated in GCTs without a yolk sac tumor component, especially immature teratoma. HCG was elevated only in CSF in 3-of-52 cases, and AFP was elevated only in serum in 7-of-49 cases, emphasizing the potential utilization of both serum and CSF studies. Immature teratoma demonstrated unfavorable prognosis independent of tumor marker status, with 56% 5-year overall survival; however, co-existent germinoma components indicated a more favorable prognosis. Taken together, the study findings emphasize the importance for routine assessment and guarded interpretation of tumor markers in CNS GCTs.

PEDT-10 PHASE II TRIAL OF PATHOLOGY-BASED THREE-GROUP TREATMENT STRATIFICATION FOR PATIENTS WITH CNS GERM CELL TUMORS: A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Background

Phase II clinical trial funded by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare from 1995 to 2003 evaluated efficacy of pathology-based three-group treatment stratification for CNS germ cell tumors (GCTs). We here present long-term follow-up results.

Methods

Total 228 cases were registered. Germinoma was treated with carboplatin+etoposide (CARE) and extended-local irradiation, local irradiation was added for intermediate-prognosis-group, and poor-prognosis-group was treated with ifosfamide+cisplatin+etoposide (ICE) and whole-brain or craniospinal irradiation.

Results

Mean/median ages at diagnosis were 16.8/16 years and female-to-male ratio was 40-188. Registry included 123 germinomas, 76 intermediate-prognosis-group cases (including 38 germinoma with STGC), 28 poor-prognosis-group cases and 1 mature teratoma. Median 222-months follow-up was conducted, and 56 recurrences and 39 deaths were recorded. 10 and 20-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) for germinoma, intermediate and poor-prognosis-groups were 84/79%, 83/76% and 59/59%, respectively, and overall survival (OS) for each were 97/91%, 92/85% and 57/53%, respectively. Prognosis for germinoma with or without STGC was the same. Basal ganglia germinoma showed significantly shorter RFS but OS was not different from other locations. Median age at death was 24 years, and ages were significantly different depending on causes, such as disease-related (14 years on average) and complications (29 years). OS after recurrence at 5/10/20 years were 64/62/48%.Hormonal supplementation was seen in 82% for neurohypophyseal cases and antidiuretic hormone supplementation was most frequent (82%). Among available cases, 20-out-of-155 cases showed neoplastic/vascular complications, among which cavernous malformation was the most (n=9). Median period until complication presentation was 235 months, and the rate at 20 years was 11%.

Conclusions

Germinoma and intermediate-prognosis-group cases showed long-term survival for approximately 90%, while more intensive treatment would be necessitated for poor-prognosis-group. Long-term survivors often required hormonal supplementation, and increasing frequency of treatment-related complications was observed. There is no end of outpatient follow-up for CNS GCT patients.

NQPC-6 CHANGE ON STANDING OF HEALTH RELATED QOL IN BRAIN TUMOR AND STROKE PATIENTS ON A VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Introduction

It is important for brain tumor and stroke patients to evaluate not only prognosis but also health related QOL (HRQoL). In this study, we have evaluated HRQoL and reviewed the related factors to improve HRQoL through in hospital to after discharge.

Methods

One hundred-eighteen brain tumor (n=21) and stroke patients (n=97) of one hundred-thirty-one patients in our vocational rehabilitation program were enrolled. We evaluated HRQoL using EORTC QLQ-C30/BN-20 on admission, pre- and six months after discharge and examined the influence factor.

Results

In QLQ-C30 assessment on admission, although physical functioning (F), role F, social F and financial difficulties were lower than borderline, improved up to the standard healthy level by discharge. While future uncertainty score in BN-20 improved from 40points (p) to 30p, that has averaged higher value of 49p to 47p in brain tumor patients. On an individual basis, the score of 30% of global health status cases, 9% of physical F, 37% of financial F and 18% of future uncertainty deteriorated during the course of hospitalization significantly. While scores of all categories in stroke patients were improved, those of emotional F (-15.4p), social F (-14.3%), pain (+10.5p) and insomnia (+21.2p) in brain tumor patients were deteriorated, the tendency of which was especially prominent in malignant brain tumor. KPS and motor FIM in brain tumor patients correlated to physical F, and mRS and motor FIM in stroke to functioning scale strongly, to symptom scale moderately.

Conclusion

QOL evaluation can reveal the HRQoL deterioration in patients hard to detect the symptom. Appropriate intervention is needed because some cases deteriorate on an individual basis, especially brain tumor patients while HRQoL has almost improved with time. Rehabilitation therapy could contribute to HRQoL improvement because that strongly correlates to examination data of motor function.

Bevacizumab beyond Progression for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (BIOMARK): Phase II Safety, Efficacy and Biomarker Study

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab beyond progression (BBP) in Japanese patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and explored predictors of response to bevacizumab. This phase II study evaluated a protocol-defined primary therapy by radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide plus bevacizumab, followed by bevacizumab monotherapy, and secondary therapy (BBP: bevacizumab upon progression). Ninety patients received the protocol-defined primary therapy (BBP group, n = 25). Median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) were 25.0 and 14.9 months, respectively. In the BBP group, in which O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-unmethylated tumors predominated, mOS and mPFS were 5.8 and 1.9 months from BBP initiation and 16.8 and 11.4 months from the initial diagnosis, respectively. The primary endpoint, the 2-year survival rate of the BBP group, was 27.0% and was unmet. No unexpected adverse events occurred. Expression profiling using RNA sequencing identified that Cluster 2, which was enriched with the genes involved in macrophage or microglia activation, was associated with longer OS and PFS independent of the MGMT methylation status. Cluster 2 was identified as a significantly favorable independent predictor for PFS, along with younger age and methylated MGMT. The novel expression classifier may predict the prognosis of glioblastoma patients treated with bevacizumab.

GCT-09. Transcriptome and methylome profiles of CNS germ cell tumors and their comparison with testicular counterpart

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of CNS germ cell tumors (GCTs) has yet to be fully unraveled, resulting in the paucity of treatment options. The biological comparison with its testicular counterpart has not been interrogated. METHODS: In total, 84 cases of CNS GCT were investigated for methylation and transcriptome analyses, and an integrative analysis of the normal cells undergoing embryogenesis and testicular GCTs was conducted. RESULTS: Transcriptome analysis revealed germinoma and non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs) were clearly separated. On transcriptome, germinoma was characterized by primitive cell state, closely related to primordial germ cell (PGC) with meiosis/mitosis potentials. NGGCT had a feature of more differentiated cell state directed toward organogenesis. Germinoma was subdivided into two clusters on integrated transcriptome and methylation analysis, and they are different in the age distribution and tumor cell content. CNS and testicular GCTs were divided based on histology, either germinoma/seminoma or NGGCT/non-seminomatous GCTs on methylation. Expression analysis mainly clustered them depending on the site of origin and histology. CONCLUSIONS: Expression profiles of CNS GCTs distinctly reflect the histological variabilities. Germinoma may be clustered into two groups, with possible differentiation in treatment intensity in the future. GCTs at CNS and gonads seem to have a mutual cell-of-origin and similar genomic backgrounds, which potentiates site-agnostic treatment development.

Transcriptome and methylome analysis of CNS germ cell tumor finds its cell-of-origin in embryogenesis and reveals shared similarities with testicular counterparts

BACKGROUND

CNS germ cell tumors (GCTs) predominantly develop in pediatric and young adult patients with variable responses to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This study aimed to examine the complex and largely unknown pathogenesis of CNS GCTs.

METHODS

We used a combined transcriptomic and methylomic approach in 84 cases and conducted an integrative analysis of the normal cells undergoing embryogenesis and testicular GCTs.

RESULTS

Genome-wide transcriptome analysis in CNS GCTs indicated that germinoma had a transcriptomic profile representative of primitive cells during early embryogenesis with high meiosis/mitosis potentials, while nongerminomatous GCTs (NGGCTs) had differentiated phenotypes oriented toward tissue formation and organogenesis. Co-analysis with the transcriptome of human embryonic cells revealed that germinomas had expression profiles similar to those of primordial germ cells, while the expression profiles of NGGCTs were similar to those of embryonic stem cells. Some germinoma cases were characterized by extensive immune-cell infiltration and high expression of cancer-testis antigens. NGGCTs had significantly higher immune-cell infiltration, characterized by immune-suppression phenotype. CNS and testicular GCTs (TGCTs) had similar mutational profiles; TGCTs showed enhanced copy number alterations. Methylation analysis clustered germinoma/seminoma and nongerminoma/nonseminoma separately. Germinoma and seminoma were co-categorized based on the degree of the tumor microenvironment balance.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the pathophysiology of GCTs was less dependent on their site of origin and more dependent on the state of differentiation as well as on the tumor microenvironment balance. This study revealed distinct biological properties of GCTs, which will hopefully lead to future treatment development.

BOT-3 Prognostic Factors of CNS Germ Cell Tumors; Molecular and Histopathological Analyses on 154 Cases from the iGCT Consortium

Background: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) preferentially occurs in pediatric and young adult age groups. Chemo- and radiation therapies cause long-term sequelae in their later lives. We searched for clinical and histopathological features to predict the prognosis and affect treatment response, with a future goal of treatment stratification.Methods: A total of 154 GCT cases were included in the analysis. Total of 114 germinoma cases underwent measurement of tumor cell content on H-E specimen, and 82 GCT cases underwent 450K methylation analysis. 12p gain was determined on methylation-based copy number computation and FISH. Association with progression-free and overall survival (PFS/OS) was investigated. Results: The tumor cell content was widely distributed from <5% to 90% in the specimens, with a median value of 50%. Patients with a higher tumor cell content (>=50%) showed shorter PFS than those with a lower tumor cell content (<50 %) (p=0.03). In the multivariate analysis with tumor location, tumor cell content was the sole statistically significant prognostic factor (p=0.04). 12p gain was found in 25-out-of-82 cases (30%) and was more frequent in NGGCTs, particularly in cases with malignant components. The presence of 12p gain correlated with shorter PFS and OS, even with histology and tumor markers incorporated in the multivariate analysis. Among NGGCTs, 12p gain still had prognostic significance for PFS and OS. The 12p copy number status was shared among histological components in mixed GCTs. Whole-genome amplification was suggested by FISH.Conclusions: We found that tumor cell content significantly affected the prognosis of germinomas. 12p gain predicts the presence of malignant components of NGGCTs, and poor prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, 12p is likely to be an early event in the tumorigenesis of CNS GCT. These potentially open the possibility of leveraging these pathological and molecular factors in the future clinical trials when stratifying the treatment intensity.

NQPC-2 Cognitive function of a low-grade glioma patient treated with radiation therapy 28 years ago

While there are many reports that long-term survivors of low-grade glioma patients treated with radiation therapy cannot lead a healthy social life due to cognitive dysfunction, we report a low-grade glioma patient with almost normal cognitive function even after radiation therapy 28 years ago. CASE REPORT. A 64-year-old woman developed with sudden left hemiparesis and was diagnosed as a small infarction in the left corona radiata. After treated by anticoagulant therapy, she was admitted to our hospital for rehabilitation. Twenty-eight years ago, she underwent surgical resection and radiation therapy with 60 Gy for astrocytoma (WHO grade 2) in the right insular cortex. At the time of this admission, she presented with a good MMSE score of 30 points, but she couldn’t walk and her left hand was less maneuverable. After 109 days of intensive rehabilitation in our hospital, she was discharged on a cane walk, and returned to work as a gas station clerk. COGNITIVE FUNCION. We evaluated her cognitive function on TMT-A/B test, CAT (Clinical Assessment for Attention)and WAIS-4. The TMT test was normal with age adjustments. In CAT, the percentage of correct answers for the 7 constituent items was within the standard range, but in the task of evaluating the required time, a slight delay in processing speed was observed. In WAIS-4, the Full scale IQ was 98 points (normal range) including normal 3 of 4 constituent items. But, only the PSI (processing speed) of 75 point was below the standard range. CONCLUSION: We observed a slight delay in processing speed on her high-level cognitive function tests, but determined that she would be well-adapted to a familiar job in a small community. In fact, she was doing well on the job 10 months after her discharge.

NQPC-3 A short-time intensive rehabilitation for brain tumor patients with Karnofsky Performance Status of 60-30

OBJECTIVE: Brain tumor patients with KPS of 60 to 30 after the initial treatment are not able to spend independent life at home. The goal of this study is to return these patients to their home with minimal family support by delivering intensive rehabilitation to them. Seventy-five brain patients were evaluated every 10 days from the beginning to the end of rehabilitation treatment, according to clinical scales of Functional Independence Measure (FIM) of 1–7 points depending on the degree of independence. The rehabilitation effect was judged by the degree of improvement of 11 out of 13 motor FIM items, excluding stair climbing and bathing movements. When more than half number of the 11 motor FIM items requiring physical assistance (4 points or less) improved up to non-assistance (5 points or more), it was judged as a significant effect. In addition, when all 11 items present with 6 points (independence possible) or more and all 5 of FIM recognition items are 5 points or more (understand the domestic rules), it was judged that the patients acquired independent living ability. RESULTS: 1. Of the 75 patients, 54 (72%) showed a significant effect, and 38 of them (50.7% of the total) aquired independence at home. The acquisition-rate of independent living ability by tumor was 44.7% for 38 malignant gliomas, 53.8% for 13 metastatic tumors, 50% for 14 meningiomas, and 71.4% for 7 vascular tumors, and there was no significant difference between them. 2. The median time to reach the maximum rehabilitation effect was 35 days. CONCLUSION: Intensive rehabilitation for brain tumor patients with KPS of 60 to 30 is effective and should be incorporated into the palliative treatments in the brain tumor treatment guidelines.

NQPC-7 Rehabilitation program toward reinstatement support based on network construction among related departments for the patients after treatment of brain disease including brain tumor

Introduction: We have conducted a rehabilitation program to support a return to work for patients with brain disease since 2019. The program focuses on independence in the home environment; physical ability for desk work, commuting and conversation; and concentration and executive ability in the office. The “Promotion of Health and Employment Support” document of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has been used to update the program since May 2021. Here, we report the status of this program.Methods: Patients desiring employment reinstatement attended the program. A doctor first gave an overview. Social workers then used the QLQ-C30/BN-20 questionnaire to assess mental and physical health, a therapist evaluated physical and higher cognitive function, and nurses advised on work-life balance and mental state. This information was used to develop suitable rehabilitation for each patient. The employment situation was surveyed after discharge. Results: The program included 77 patients (55 men, 22 women, mean age 54) from January 2019 to July 2021, after treatment for stroke (n=55), brain tumor (n=14), and traumatic brain injury or other conditions (n=8). FIM (94.2) and MMSE (26.3) at admission indicated that almost all patients were independent in ADL. A return to work was achieved by 25 (83%) of the 30 patients that could be investigated, including all 4 with brain tumors. The period until reinstatement was &lt;1 month in 16 cases, but &gt;1 month in 3 with brain tumors. The program was found useful by 26 patients (86%). Employment reinstatement was not achieved due to company reasons and family circumstances. Only 4 patients were interviewed by an industrial physician. Conclusion: The physical and cognitive functions of patients wishing for employment reinstatement were relatively well maintained. Cooperation with the company, information sharing with an industrial physician, and adjustment to the home environment were also important for reinstatement.

PATH-42. PROGNOSTIC FACTORS OF CNS GERM CELL TUMORS; MOLECULAR AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSES ON 154 CASES FROM THE IGCT CONSORTIUM

BACKGROUND

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) preferentially occurs in pediatric and young adult age groups. Chemo- and radiation therapies cause long-term sequelae in their later lives. We searched for clinical and histopathological features to predict the prognosis and affect treatment response, with a future goal of treatment stratification.

METHODS

A total of 154 GCT cases were included in the analysis. Total of 114 germinoma cases underwent measurement of tumor cell content on H-E specimen, and 82 GCT cases underwent 450K methylation analysis. 12p gain was determined on methylation-based copy number computation and FISH. Association with progression-free and overall survival (PFS/OS) was investigated.

RESULTS

The tumor cell content was widely distributed from &lt; 5% to 90% in the specimens, with a median value of 50%. Patients with a higher tumor cell content (≥50%) showed shorter PFS than those with a lower tumor cell content (&lt; 50 %) (p=0.03). In multivariate analysis with tumor location, tumor cell content was the sole statistically significant prognostic factor (p=0.04). 12p gain was found in 25-out-of-82 cases (30%) and was more frequent in NGGCTs, particularly in cases with malignant components. The presence of 12p gain correlated with shorter PFS and OS, even with histology and tumor markers incorporated in the multivariate analysis. Among NGGCTs, 12p gain still had prognostic significance for PFS and OS. The 12p copy number status was shared among histological components in mixed GCTs. Whole-genome amplification was suggested by FISH.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that tumor cell content significantly affected the prognosis of germinomas. 12p gain predicts the presence of malignant components of NGGCTs, and poor prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, 12p is likely to be an early event in the tumorigenesis of GCT. These potentially open the possibility of leveraging these pathological and molecular factors in future clinical trials when stratifying the treatment intensity.

12p gain is predominantly observed in non-germinomatous germ cell tumors and identifies an unfavorable subgroup of central nervous system germ cell tumors

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs) are neoplasms predominantly arising in pediatric and young adult populations. While germinomas generally respond to chemotherapy and radiation, non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs) require more intensive treatment. This study aimed to determine whether 12p gain could predict the prognosis of CNS GCTs.

METHODS

Eighty-two CNS GCTs were included in this study. The 12p gain was defined by an additional 12p in the background of potential polyploidy or polysomy. Cases were analyzed using an Illumina methylation 450K array for copy number investigations and validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

RESULTS

A 12p gain was found in 25-out-of-82 cases (30%) and was more frequent in NGGCTs (12% of germinoma cases and 50% of NGGCT cases), particularly in cases with malignant components, such as immature teratoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and embryonal carcinoma. 12p gain and KIT mutation were mutually exclusive events. The presence of 12p gain correlated with shorter progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (10-year OS: 59% vs 94%, with and without 12p gain, respectively, P = 0.0002), even with histology and tumor markers incorporated in the multivariate analysis. Among NGGCTs, 12p gain still had prognostic significance for PFS and OS (10-year OS: 47% vs. 90%, respectively, P = 0.02). The 12p copy number status was shared among histological components in mixed GCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

12p gain may predict the presence of malignant components of NGGCTs, and poor prognosis of the patients. It may be associated with early tumorigenesis of CNS GCT.

Low tumor cell content predicts favorable prognosis in germinoma patients

Background

Germinoma preferentially occurs in pediatric and young adult age groups. Although they are responsive to treatment with chemotherapy and radiation, the treatment may cause long-term sequelae in their later lives. Here, we searched for clinical and histopathological features to predict the prognosis of germinoma and affect treatment response.

Methods

A total of 114 germinoma cases were included in the analysis. We investigated the association between clinical factors, tumor cell content, and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

The tumor cell content was widely distributed from <5% to 90% in the specimens, with a median value of 50%. Female patients showed higher tumor cell content in the specimens (P = .002). Cases with lesions at atypical sites showed shorter PFS than those with lesions at other sites (P = .03). Patients with a higher tumor cell content (≥50%) showed shorter PFS than those with a lower tumor cell content (<50%) (P = .03). In multivariate analysis, tumor cell content was the only statistically significant prognostic factor (P = .04). Among the 7 cases treated with local radiation and chemotherapy, all 3 cases that recurred (2 outside of the radiation field, 1 unknown) had tumor cell content of ≥50% in the original specimen, whereas all 4 cases without recurrence had tumor cell contents of <50%.

Conclusions

We found that tumor cell content significantly affected the prognosis of germinomas. Although validation of these results using an independent and larger cohort is necessary, this potentially opens the possibility of leveraging this pathological factor in future clinical trials when stratifying the treatment intensity.

GCT-15. INTEGRATED CLINICAL, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL, AND MOLECULAR DATA ANALYSIS OF 190 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM GERM CELL TUMORS FROM THE IGCT CONSORTIUM

BACKGROUND

We integrated clinical, histopathological, and molecular data of central nervous system germ cell tumors to provide insights into their management.

METHODS

Data from the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis Consortium were reviewed. A total of 190 cases were classified as primary GCTs based on central pathological reviews.

RESULTS

All but one of the cases that were bifocal (neurohypophysis and pineal glands) and cases with multiple lesions including neurohypophysis or pineal gland were germinomas (34 of 35). Age was significantly higher in patients with germinoma than other histologies. Comparison between tumor marker and histopathological diagnoses showed that 18.2% of histopathologically diagnosed germinomas were marker-positive and 6.1% of non-germinomatous GCTs were marker-negative, suggesting a limitation in the utility of markers or histopathology alone using small specimens for diagnosis. Comparison between local and central histopathological diagnoses revealed a discordance of 12.7%. Discordance was significantly less frequent in biopsy cases, implying difficulty in detecting all histopathological components of heterogeneous GCTs. Germinomas at the typical sites (neurohypophysis or pineal gland) showed a better PFS than those at atypical sites (p=0.03). A molecular-clinical association study revealed frequent MAPK pathway mutations in males (51.4 vs 14.3 %, p=0.007), and PI3K/mTOR pathway mutations in basal ganglia cases (p=0.004). Basal ganglia cases also had frequent chromosomal losses. Some chromosomal aberrations (2q, 8q gain, 5q, 9p/q, 13q, 15q loss) showed potential prognostic significance.

CONCLUSIONS

These in-depth findings of this study regarding the clinical and molecular heterogeneity will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of this enigmatic tumor.

GCT-43. GAIN OF SHORT ARM OF CHROMOSOME 12 IS A MOLECULAR MARKER TO PREDICT PROGNOSIS AND REPRESENTS AN EARLY EVENT IN TUMORIGENESIS IN INTRACRANIAL GERM CELL TUMORS

Gain of short arm of chromosome 12 (12p) is commonly observed in testicular germ cell tumors (tGCTs) and also seen in intracranial GCTs (iGCTs). However, little is known about the clinical significance of 12p gain in iGCTs. We have collected over 200 fresh frozen tissue samples of iGCTs through the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis Consortium in Japan. Firstly, we analyzed DNA methylation profile in 83 iGCTs, 3 tGCTs (seminomas) and 6 normal control samples using Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip array (Illumina, CA, USA) in order to determine 12p gain status. Then, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study was carried out on 3 mixed iGCT cases using 12p/CEP12 probe (Abbott Molecular, Abbott park, IL, USA). Lastly, 58 iGCTs with clinicopathological information were analyzed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Gain of 12p was observed in 100% (3/3) of seminoma, 14% (3/22) of germinoma, 17% (1/6) of mature teratoma, 25% (1/4) of immature teratoma, 55% (11/20) of mixed germ cell tumor, 100% (4/4) of yolk sac tumor, 100% (1/1) of embryonal carcinoma, and 100% (1/1) of choriocarcinoma. In total, 45% (37/83) of iGCT showed 12p gain. Different histological components in each mixed GCT shared the same 12p copy number status within each mixed GCT case. Both PFS and OS were significantly worse in iGCTs with 12p gain (PFS: P=0.027, OS: P=0.0012). Gain of 12p can be a molecular marker to predict prognosis and represents an early event in tumorigenesis prior to histological differentiation in iGCTs.

GCT-52. TRANSCRIPTOME OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM GERM CELL TUMOR REVEALS ITS PATHOGENESIS AND CONTRASTS WITH TESTICULAR COUNTERPARTS IN INTEGRATED OMICS ANALYSIS

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are unique neoplasms in that they arise from the migrated cells which were supposed to be directed to gonads. They occur in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as gonadal organs such as testis and ovary. Our genomic analysis revealed that they are characterized by mutations in MAPK and PI3K pathways, chromosomal instability and global hypomethylation in germinoma. However, there were plenty of cases which lacked driver alterations and their pathogenesis is yet to be fully unraveled. Here we aimed to uncover CNSGCT’s pathogenesis from a transcriptomic perspective. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis was performed for 58 CNS and 3 testicular GCTs. This demonstrated that germinoma had a transcriptional profile characteristic to primordial germ cells (PGCs) at early embryogenesis, whereas non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) showed that with differentiation into various tissues. Integration of transcriptome and methylome corroborated the above finding that pluripotency/meiosis-genes were unmethylated and highly expressed in germinoma compared with NGGCT. Co-analysis with transcriptome of various developmental stages of embryonic cells revealed germinoma and NGGCT had similarities in expression to PGC and embryonic stem cells, respectively. Multi-omics analysis with testicular GCTs (n=134) from TCGA showed shared genomic backgrounds between germinoma-seminoma and NGGCT-nonseminomatous GCT (NSGCT) in mutation and methylation profiles, and contrast in the chromosomal instability, which was more highlighted in testicular GCTs. These new insights into molecular profiles of GCTs lead to a better understanding of the complex pathogenesis of GCTs, and will hopefully provide a clue to future development of new treatments.

NQPC-08 Short-time intensive rehabilitation for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma

PURPOSE: Many reports presented that patients with GBM had stable HRQoL during their remission time. However, there are few reports on the situation of ADL that is the basis of QOL. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation for physically disabled patients with GBM after the initial treatment. PATIENTS and METHOD: Sixteen patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma presenting with severe physical disabilities were registered after the completion of postsurgical radiation therapy combined with TMZ. All patients were evaluated by means of a core set of clinical scales of Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Sitting Balance score, Standing Balance score, and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Patients were evaluated before the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation treatment. The daily rehabilitation program consisted of individual 180-min. sessions of treatment, seven days a week, for four to six consecutive weeks. Speech therapy was included when aphasia was diagnosed. RESULTS: Fifteen of 16 patients presented with improved physical functioning score, and seven of 16 patients returned to their independent life at home, CONCLUSION: A short-time intensive rehabilitation (4 to 6seeks) is effective for GBM patients during TMZ withdrawal period after the postoperative radiation therapy. This effective program requires close teamwork with the medical cooperation teams in the medical and rehabilitation hospitals: explanation to patients of the significance of the short-term rehabilitation, which is different from stroke rehabilitation, adjustment of hospitalization date considering radiotherapy and chemotherapy schedule, and adjustment of MRI imaging or bevacizumab administration schedule during rehabilitation.

Current Status of Palliative and Terminal Care for Patients with Primary Malignant Brain Tumors in Japan

Palliative care and advance care planning (ACP) from the first diagnosis of glioblastoma are important. This questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the current status of palliative care for brain tumors in Japan. Representative characteristics of Japan in comparison with Western countries (P <0.01) are described below: (1) Gender ratio of male in physicians who treat brain tumors in Europe and the United States/Canada are about 70%, but 94% in Japan. (2) The specialty is predominantly neurosurgeon (93%) in Japan. The ratio of neurologists is predominantly 40% in Europe. In the United States/Canada, neurologist (27%) and neurosurgeon (29%) are main parts. (3) Years of medical experience over 15 in physicians is 73% in Japan. Proportions of those with over 15 years are 45% in Europe and 30% in the United States/Canada. (4) In practicing setting, the rate of academic medical centers is about 80% in Europe and the United States/Canada, and ~60% in Japan. Representative differences compared with past domestic data (2007) (P <0.01): (1) In glioblastoma, the rate of explaining about median survival time increases from 39% (2007) to 80% (2018). Explanation about medical conditions to the patient himself with his family increases from 20% (2007) to 39% (2018). (2) Place of death: The rate at hospital is decreasing from 96% (2007) to 79% (2018) and at home is increasing from 3% (2007) to 10% (2018) (3) The rate of ventilator in adult has decreased from 74% (2007) to 54% (2018), but nasal tube feeding has remained unchanged from 62% (2007) to 60% (2018). These results will be shared with physicians to make better care systems for patients with brain tumors.

Integrated clinical, histopathological, and molecular data analysis of 190 central nervous system germ cell tumors from the iGCT Consortium

BACKGROUND

We integrated clinical, histopathological, and molecular data of central nervous system germ cell tumors to provide insights into their management.

METHODS

Data from the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis (iGCT) Consortium were reviewed. A total of 190 cases were classified as primary germ cell tumors (GCTs) based on central pathological reviews.

RESULTS

All but one of the cases that were bifocal (neurohypophysis and pineal glands) and cases with multiple lesions including neurohypophysis or pineal gland were germinomas (34 of 35). Age was significantly higher in patients with germinoma than other histologies. Comparison between tumor marker and histopathological diagnoses showed that 18.2% of histopathologically diagnosed germinomas were marker positive and 6.1% of non-germinomatous GCTs were marker negative, suggesting a limitation in the utility of markers or histopathology alone using small specimens for diagnosis. Comparison between local and central histopathological diagnoses revealed a discordance of 12.7%. Discordance was significantly less frequent in biopsy cases, implying difficulty in detecting all histopathological components of heterogeneous GCTs. Germinomas at the typical sites (neurohypophysis or pineal gland) showed a better progression-free survival than those at atypical sites (P = 0.03). A molecular clinical association study revealed frequent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway mutations in males (51.4% vs 14.3%, P = 0.007), and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) pathway mutations in basal ganglia cases (P = 0.004). Basal ganglia cases also had frequent chromosomal losses. Some chromosomal aberrations (2q, 8q gain, 5q, 9p/q, 13q, 15q loss) showed potential prognostic significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The in-depth findings of this study regarding clinical and molecular heterogeneity will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of this enigmatic tumor.

Comparison on epidemiology, tumor location, histology, and prognosis of intracranial germ cell tumors between Mayo Clinic and Japanese consortium cohorts

OBJECTIVE

Central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare malignant neoplasms that arise predominantly in adolescents and young adults. CNS GCTs demonstrate characteristic trends in national associations, with implications for both tumor incidence and genetics. Although the incidence of CNS GCTs is markedly higher in East Asia than Western countries, direct comparative analyses between these CNS GCT populations are limited.

METHODS

In Japan, to facilitate the genomic analyses of CNS GCTs, the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis Consortium was established in 2011, and more than 200 cases of GCTs are available for both tumor tissue and clinical data, which is organized by the National Cancer Center (NCC) Japan. At the Mayo Clinic, there have been 98 cases of intracranial GCTs treated by the Department of Neurologic Surgery since 1988. In this paper, the authors compared the epidemiology, clinical presentation including location and histology, and prognosis between cases treated in the US and Japan.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age and sex distributions between the databases. However, there was a significant difference in the tumor locations; specifically, the frequency of basal ganglia was higher in the NCC database compared with the Mayo Clinic (8.4% vs 0%, p = 0.008), and bifocal location (neurohypophysis and pineal gland) was higher at the Mayo Clinic than at the NCC (18.8% vs 5.8%, p = 0.002). There was no difference in histological subdivisions between the databases. There was no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of germinoma cases and OS of nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) cases treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy covering whole ventricles. However, PFS of NGGCTs differed significantly, and was better in the NCC cohorts (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be a differential distribution of GCTs by neuroanatomical location between major geographic and national groups. Further study is warranted to better characterize any underlying genomic, epigenetic, or environmental factors that may be driving the phenotypic differences.

CS-04 INTEGRATED CLINICAL, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL, AND MOLECULAR DATA ANALYSIS OF 190 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM GERM CELL TUMORS FROM THE IGCT CONSORTIUM

BACKGROUND

We integrated clinical, histopathological, and molecular data of central nervous system germ cell tumors to provide insights into their management.

METHODS

Data from the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis Consortium were reviewed. A total of 190 cases were classified as primary GCTs based on central pathological reviews.

RESULTS

All but one of the cases that were bifocal (neurohypophysis and pineal glands) and cases with multiple lesions including neurohypophysis or pineal gland were germinomas (34 of 35). Age was significantly higher in patients with germinoma than other histologies. Comparison between tumor marker and histopathological diagnoses showed that 18.2% of histopathologically diagnosed germinomas were marker-positive and 6.1% of non-germinomatous GCTs were marker-negative, suggesting a limitation in the utility of markers or histopathology alone using small specimens for diagnosis. Comparison between local and central histopathological diagnoses revealed a discordance of 12.7%. Discordance was significantly less frequent in biopsy cases, implying difficulty in detecting all histopathological components of heterogeneous GCTs. Germinomas at the typical sites (neurohypophysis or pineal gland) showed a better PFS than those at atypical sites (p=0.03). A molecular-clinical association study revealed frequent MAPK pathway mutations in males (51.4 vs 14.3 %, p=0.007), and PI3K/mTOR pathway mutations in basal ganglia cases (p=0.004). Basal ganglia cases also had frequent chromosomal losses. Some chromosomal aberrations (2q, 8q gain, 5q, 9p/q, 13q, 15q loss) showed potential prognostic significance.

CONCLUSIONS

These in-depth findings of this study regarding the clinical and molecular heterogeneity will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of this enigmatic tumor.

NQPC-12 SHORT-TIME INTENSIVE REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED MALIGNANT GLIOMAS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MEDICAL COOPERATION TEAM

PURPOSE

Many reports presented that patients with GBM had stable HRQoL during their remission time. However, there are few reports on the situation of ADL that is the basis of QOL. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation for physically disabled patients with GBM after the initial treatment.

PATIENTS and METHOD

Twelve patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma presenting with severe physical disabilities were registered after the completion of postsurgical radiation therapy combined with TMZ. All patients were evaluated by means of a core set of clinical scales of Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Sitting Balance score, Standing Balance score, and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Patients were evaluated before the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation treatment. The daily rehabilitation program consisted of individual 180-min. sessions of treatment, seven days a week, for four to six consecutive weeks. Speech therapy was included when aphasia was diagnosed.

RESULTS

Ten of 12 patients presented with mean increased FIM score of 26.6 points that reached the individual maximum point within 10 to 56 days.

CONCLUSION

A short-time intensive rehabilitation (4 to 6seeks) is effective for GBM patients during TMZ withdrawal period after the postoperative radiation therapy. This effective program requires close teamwork with the medical cooperation teams in the medical and rehabilitation hospitals: explanation to patients of the significance of the short-term rehabilitation, which is different from stroke rehabilitation, adjustment of hospitalization date considering radiotherapy and chemotherapy schedule, and adjustment of MRI imaging or bevacizumab administration schedule during rehabilitation.

NQPC-01 CURRENT STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF ADVANCE CARE PLANNING AND PALLIATIVE CARE FOR MALIGNANT BRAIN TUMOR

Purpose Genomic medicine is in progress, but the median survival of glioblastoma is 14–16 months. It seems to have the same life prognosis as stage 4 like unresectable pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. Palliative care including Advance care planning (ACP) at first diagnosis of glioblastoma is important We conducted a questionnaire survey to understand the current status of Japanese oncologists. Method In July 2018, a questionnaire of 37 items was sent by e-mail to 767 members of Japanese Society of Neuro Oncology, and in August replies were received from 154 persons (20%). The same 22-item questionnaire in 2012–2013 was compared internationally with a report (Walbert T., et al., 2015) by Society of NeuroOncology and the European Association of NeuroOncology. In addition, we compared domestically with a 30-item questionnaire (Narita et al. 2009) in 2007. The Nonparametric Mann-Whitney’s U test was mainly used. Result 1 Characteristics of Japan in comparison with Western countries(p&lt;0.01): 1. The number of doctors in charge is overwhelmingly male. 2. The specialty is predominantly neurosurgeons. 3. Aging of NeuroOncologists. 4, medical treatment place: the proportion of university is low. 5, frequent regular examination of the patient. Result 2Changes compared with domestic(Japan) data 11 years ago(p&lt;0.01): 1 Explaining the condition in more detail. 2. Explaining to not only the family but also the patient. 3. Continuing chemotherapy more aggressively. 4. The place of death: decreasing at hospitals and increasing at home. 5, Frequency with a respirator decreased. 6, About 70% at the end of the period, nasal injection and gastrostomy are applied. Conclusion In the treatment of malignant brain tumors in Japan, a male neurosurgeon who has over 15 years of experience actively continues chemotherapy and appears to see it with nasal injection.

MPC-08 CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF 12P GAIN IN INTRACRANIAL GERM CELL TUMORS

BACKGROUND

Gain of short arm of chromosome 12 (12p) is commonly observed in testicular germ cell tumors (tGCTs). 12p gain is also frequently seen in intracranial GCTs (iGCTs). However, little is known about the clinical significance of 12p gain in iGCTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have collected over 200 fresh frozen tissue samples of iGCTs through the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis Consortium in Japan. Firstly, we analyzed DNA methylation status in 83 iGCTs, 3 seminomas and 6 normal control samples using Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip array (Illumina, CA). Idat files were processed using R (Version 3.5.3) and minfi package (1.30.0) to generate copy number variations. Compared with average genome-wide copy number level, 12p gain was determined. Then, 58 iGCTs with clinicopathological information were analyzed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Those tumors that consist of only either germinoma and/or mature teratoma components were classified as Favorable Histology (FH) and all the others that contains malignant histological components were classified as Unfavorable Histology (UFH).

RESULT

12p gain was observed in 100% (3/3) of seminoma, 13.6% (3/22) of germinoma, 16.7% (1/6) of mature teratoma, 25% (1/4) of immature teratoma, 55% (11/20) of mixed germ cell tumor, 100% (4/4) of yolk sac tumor, 100% (1/1) of embryonal carcinoma, and 100% (1/1) of choriocarcinoma. In total, 44.6% (37/83) of iGCT showed 12p gain. Regarding histological classification, the 12p gain rate in UFH (72%, 18/25) was significantly higher than that in FH (12.1%, 4/33, P<0.01). Both PFS and OS were significantly worse in iGCTs with 12p gain (PFS: P=0.027, OS: P=0.0012).

DISCUSSION

12p gain can be a molecular marker to predict prognosis and histological malignancy in iGCTs.

Intratumoural immune cell landscape in germinoma reveals multipotent lineages and exhibits prognostic significance

AIMS

Alterations in microenvironments are a hallmark of cancer, and these alterations in germinomas are of particular significance. Germinoma, the most common subtype of central nervous system germ cell tumours, often exhibits massive immune cell infiltration intermingled with tumour cells. The role of these immune cells in germinoma, however, remains unknown.

METHODS

We investigated the cellular constituents of immune microenvironments and their clinical impacts on prognosis in 100 germinoma cases.

RESULTS

Patients with germinomas lower in tumour cell content (i.e. higher immune cell infiltration) had a significantly longer progression-free survival time than those with higher tumour cell contents (P = 0.03). Transcriptome analyses and RNA in-situ hybridization indicated that infiltrating immune cells comprised a wide variety of cell types, including lymphocytes and myelocyte-lineage cells. High expression of CD4 was significantly associated with good prognosis, whereas elevated nitric oxide synthase 2 was associated with poor prognosis. PD1 (PDCD1) was expressed by immune cells present in most germinomas (93.8%), and PD-L1 (CD274) expression was found in tumour cells in the majority of germinomas examined (73.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The collective data strongly suggest that infiltrating immune cells play an important role in predicting treatment response. Further investigation should lead to additional categorization of germinoma to safely reduce treatment intensity depending on tumour/immune cell balance and to develop possible future immunotherapies.

Successful treatment of mixed yolk sac tumor and mature teratoma in the spinal cord: case report

Primary spinal germ cell tumors are rare, and spinal nongerminomatous germ cell tumors represent an even rarer subset for which no standard therapy has been established. The authors report the case of a 24-year-old woman with multifocal primary spinal germ cell tumors scattered from T-12 to L-5 that consisted of yolk sac tumor and mature teratoma. After diagnostic partial resection, the patient was treated with 30 Gy of craniospinal irradiation and 30 Gy of local spinal irradiation, followed by 8 courses of chemotherapy based on ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide (ICE). Salvage surgery was also performed for residual mature teratoma components after the third course of ICE chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was continued after the operation, but ifosfamide was entirely eliminated from the ICE regimen because severe myelosuppression was observed after previous courses. The patient remains recurrence free as of more than 5 years after the completion of chemotherapy. This case suggests that this treatment strategy is an effective option for primary spinal yolk sac tumor.

Human chorionic gonadotropin detection in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with a germinoma and its prognostic significance: assessment by using a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay

OBJECTIVE Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can be detected in a certain population of patients with a germinoma, but the frequency of germinoma HCG secretion and the prognostic value of HCG in the CSF are unknown. METHODS The authors measured HCG levels in sera and CSF in patients with a histologically confirmed germinoma by using a highly sensitive assay known as an immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay (EIA), which is more than 100 times as sensitive as the conventional method, and they analyzed the correlation between HCG levels and the prognoses of patients with a germinoma. RESULTS HCG levels in sera and CSF of 35 patients with a germinoma were examined with the immune complex transfer EIA. The median CSF HCG levels in patients with a germinoma during the pretreatment and posttreatment evaluations were 192.5 pg/ml (range 1.2-13,116.5 pg/ml) and 18.7 pg/ml (1.2-283.9 pg/ml), respectively. Before treatment, the CSF HCG level was greater than the cutoff value in 85.7% of the patients with a germinoma. The authors compared survival rates among the patients by using a CSF HCG cutoff level of 1000 pg/ml, and the difference was statistically significant between the groups (p = 0.029, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS Results of this study demonstrate that most germinomas secrete HCG. Patients with a germinoma that secretes higher amounts of HCG in their CSF experienced recurrence more frequently than those with lower CSF HCG levels.

Consensus on the management of intracranial germ-cell tumours

The management of intracranial germ-cell tumours is complex because of varied clinical presentations, tumour sites, treatments and outcomes, and the need for multidisciplinary input. Participants of the 2013 Third International CNS Germ Cell Tumour Symposium (Cambridge, UK) agreed to undertake a multidisciplinary Delphi process to identify consensus in the clinical management of intracranial germ-cell tumours. 77 delegates from the symposium were selected as suitable experts in the field and were invited to participate in the Delphi survey, of which 64 (83%) responded to the invitation. Invited participants represented multiple disciplines from Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Americas. 38 consensus statements encompassing aspects of intracranial germ-cell tumour work-up, staging, treatment, and follow-up were prepared. To achieve consensus, statements required at least 70% agreement from at least 60% of respondents. Overall, 34 (89%) of 38 statements met consensus criteria. This international Delphi approach has defined key areas of consensus that will help guide and streamline clinical management of patients with intracranial germ-cell tumours. Additionally, the Delphi approach identified areas of different understanding and clinical practice internationally in the management of these tumours, areas which should be the focus of future collaborative studies. Such efforts should translate into improved patient outcomes.

Clinical interpretation of residual uptake in 11C-methionine positron emission tomography after treatment of basal ganglia germ cell tumors: report of 3 cases

Although (11)C-methionine (MET)-PET has been used to diagnose intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) arising in the basal ganglia, whether this imaging technique is useful in assessing treatment response and residual tumor is still unclear. The authors report 3 cases of basal ganglia GCTs in which the residual MET uptake at the end of treatment did not develop into a relapse, even without additional treatment. Case 1 is a 22-year-old man who had a second relapse of a left basal ganglia germinoma with diffuse dissemination on the walls of both of his lateral ventricles. MET-PET revealed high MET accumulation around tumors and their surroundings (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax] 3.3). After all treatments, MET-PET demonstrated mild tracer accumulation in both basal ganglia (SUVmax 2.2). Progression-free survival was 56 months from the second relapse without any further treatment. Case 2 is a 17-year-old boy with a left basal ganglia germinoma that showed increased MET uptake (SUVmax 4.2). After treatment, MET-PET revealed residual MET uptake (SUVmax 2.4) along the left posterior limb of the internal capsule. Progression-free survival was 52 months from the start of treatment. Case 3 is a 7-year-old boy with a left basal ganglia choriocarcinoma with increased tumor MET uptake (SUVmax 2.5). A minor enhanced mass remained on MRI after treatment with residual MET accumulation (SUVmax 1.4). Progression-free survival was 44 months. Treatment strategies based on MET uptake on PET should be carefully designed in patients with basal ganglia GCTs to avoid overtreatment and complications.

Malignant transformation of germinoma 14 years after onset: Favorable efficacy of oral etoposide

We report the case of a 19-year-old woman with a highly malignant intracranial germ cell tumor (GCT) that developed 14 years after treatment for neurohypophyseal germinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large neurohypophyseal mass and a synchronous lesion in the pineal region. Plasma α-fetoprotein was elevated to 3038 ng/mL. Although the tumor shrank and tumor marker levels normalized after chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation, treatment was switched to oral etoposide for the residual tumor because of adverse events. MRI after oral etoposide introduction showed additional tumor shrinkage for 27 months after the onset of the second tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest interval between germinoma onset and the development of highly malignant recurrent GCT to be reported in the English-language literature. Oral etoposide prevented regrowth of the GCT, which has a poor prognosis, and decreased the size of the residual tumor.

Brainstem oligodendroglial tumors in children: two case reports and review of literatures

PURPOSE

There is little information on pediatric oligodendroglial tumor located in the brainstem because of its rarity.

METHODS

Here, we present two pediatric cases of pontine oligodendroglial tumors with radiological findings atypical for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

RESULTS

The first patient was an 8-year-old boy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated diffuse high-intensity changes in the pons, left middle cerebellar peduncle, and part of the left cerebellar hemisphere on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, with an enhanced spot lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere. The pathological diagnosis was anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and we identified a mutation in histone H3.3 in the tumor specimen. He succumbed to massive disseminated relapse 7 months from diagnosis despite local radiation therapy. The second patient, a 2-year-old girl, was diagnosed with oligoastrocytoma. Brain MRI revealed a large mass in her rostral pons extended to the fourth ventricle with obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumor recurred with intracranial dissemination 56 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric brainstem oligodendroglial tumors can include histone H3.3-mutated tumors and have a tendency to disseminate throughout the neuroaxis at the time of relapse.

Duration between onset and diagnosis in central nervous system tumors: impact on prognosis and functional outcome

BACKGROUND

The initial presentation of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children frequently mimics other more common and less serious conditions, resulting in diagnostic difficulty and a prolonged time to diagnosis. Yet whether early diagnosis contributes to better life prognosis and functional outcome has not been elucidated. Only a few such reports have originated from Japan, where neuroimaging techniques are the best in the world. We examined the time to diagnosis, the so-called prediagnostic symptomatic interval (PSI), and its impact on prognosis and functional outcome in children with CNS tumors.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 127 patients aged <15 years with CNS tumors, who were treated at our two institutions between November 1993 and October 2011.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 7.2 years (range, 3 weeks-14.9 years). The male-to-female ratio was 63:64. Median PSI was 1.5 months (0-36 months). Overall survival and progression-free survival did not differ significantly between the groups, regardless of whether the PSI was longer than the median PSI. The PSI was significantly longer in patients with long-lasting clinical signs after the initial treatment than in patients with temporary symptoms only at onset. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that high histological grading was statistically correlated with short PSI.

CONCLUSIONS

A short PSI was significantly associated with high-grade tumors. Earlier diagnosis did not lead to better life prognosis, but possibly to better functional outcome in children with CNS tumors.

Abstract 4264: Whole exome and targeted sequencing identified the MAPK and PI3K pathways as the main targets in intracranial and testicular germ cell tumors

Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) are the second most common central nervous system tumors in patients under 14 in Japan. The majority of germinomas respond well to combined chemo- and radiotherapy, however non-germinoma germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) may show resistance to therapy and have a poor clinical outcome. Despite their clinical significance, the biology of iGCTs is mostly unknown. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of iGCTs through a comprehensive genomic analysis. A total of 198 germ cell tumors (GCTs) including 133 iGCTs (69 pure germinomas, 56 NGGCTs and 8 metastatic tumors) as well as 65 testicular germ cell tumors (tGCTs) (39 seminomas and 26 non-seminoma GCTs) were collected from 13 centers participating in the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Consortium in Japan. Matched normal DNA was available for 70 iGCTs and 4 tGCTs. Somatic mutations in all coding exons were investigated by whole exome sequencing (WES) using SureSelectXT Human All Exon v4 and a GAIIx or HiSeq 2000 system in 41 tumors and the matched normal DNAs. Targeted sequencing with a set of custom made PCR primers was performed using either an IonTorrent PGM or Proton System. The results were integrated with the patients' clinical information that was available for 124 iGCT patients. Mutations in selected candidate genes were further evaluated in an independent tumor cohort using the IonTorrent PGM system. On average, 15.4 non-synonymous somatic mutations were observed in each tumor, ranging from 1 to 140 by WES in 41 iGCTs. Based on the WES data, 41 candidate genes were selected according to the frequency and/or significance of the mutations found. All coding exons of these 41 genes spanning over 160kb were PCR-amplified in a further 157 GCTs using the IonTorrent system. The combined WES and IonTorrent screenings showed that KIT was the most frequently mutated gene in both iGCTs (27%) and tGCTs (18%). MTOR was the second most frequently mutated also in both iGCTs (7%) and tGCTs (6%). RAS mutations (KRAS, HRAS, NRAS) were altogether found in 13% of iGCTs and 12% of tGCTs. These mutations were mutually exclusive to each other and also to KIT mutations. Collectively, the genes involved in the MAPK pathway (e.g., KIT, RAS, NF1) and the PI3K/MTOR pathway (e.g., MTOR, PTEN) were mutated in 44% and 13% of all GCTs. These alterations were significantly more common among pure germinomas than NGGCTs. The mutated MTOR protein was shown to have increased kinase activity, which was suppressed by a specific MTOR inhibitor. Our comprehensive mutational genomic analysis of GCTs revealed that alterations of the MAPK and/or PI3K/MTOR pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of both iGCTs and tGCTs, although the extent of their involvement depends on the histopathological subtypes. Our findings will hopefully lead to the development of a targeted therapy for treatment-resistant iGCTs.

Citation Format: Koichi Ichimura, Shintaro Fukushima, Yasushi Totoki, Yuko Matsushita, Ayaka Otsuka, Arata Tomiyama, Tohru Niwa, Ryuichi Sakai, Toshikazu Ushijima, Taishi Nakamura, Tomonari Suzuki, Kouhei Fukuoka, Takaaki Yanagisawa, Kazuhiko Mishima, Yoichi Nakazato, Fumie Hosoda, Yoshitaka Narita, Soichiro Shibui, Akihiko Yoshida, Hirokazu Takami, Akitake Mukasa, Koki Aihara, Nobuhito Saito, Toshihiro Kumabe, Masayuki Kanamori, Teiji Tominaga, Keiichi Kobayashi, Saki Shimizu, Motoo Nagane, Toshihiko Iuchi, Masahiro Mizoguchi, Koji Yoshimoto, Kaoru Tamura, Taketoshi Maehara, Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Mitsutoshi Nakada, Keiichi Sakai, Yonehiro Kanemura, Masahiro Nonaka, Kiyotaka Yokogami, Hideo Takeshima, Nobutaka Kawahara, Tatsuya Takayama, Masahiro Yao, Hiromi Nakamura, Natsuko Hama, Masao Matsutani, Tatsuhiro Shibata, Ryo Nishikawa. Whole exome and targeted sequencing identified the MAPK and PI3K pathways as the main targets in intracranial and testicular germ cell tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4264. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4264

Phase I/IIa trial of fractionated radiotherapy, temozolomide, and autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine for newly diagnosed glioblastoma

OBJECT

Temozolomide (TMZ) may enhance antitumor immunity in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this paper the authors report on a prospective Phase I/IIa clinical trial of fractionated radiotherapy (FRT) concomitant with TMZ therapy, followed by treatment with autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine (AFTV) and TMZ maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed GBM.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (age 16-75 years, Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≥ 60% before initiation of FRT) with newly diagnosed GBM received a total dose of 60 Gy of FRT with daily concurrent TMZ. After a 4-week interval, the patients received 3 AFTV injections and the first course of TMZ maintenance chemotherapy for 5 days, followed by multiple courses of TMZ for 5 days in each 28-day cycle.

RESULTS

This treatment regimen was well tolerated by all patients. The percentage of patients with progression-free survival (PFS) ≥ 24 months was 33%. The median PFS, median overall survival (OS), and the actuarial 2- and 3-year survival rates of the 24 patients were 8.2 months, 22.2 months, 47%, and 38%, respectively. The median PFS in patients with a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response after the third AFTV injection (DTH-2) of 10 mm or larger surpassed the median length of follow-up for progression-free patients (29.5 months), which was significantly greater than the median PFS in patients with a smaller DTH-2 response.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment regimen was well tolerated and resulted in favorable PFS and OS for newly diagnosed GBM patients. Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000001426 (UMIN clinical trials registry, Japan).