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1.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3768, 2024 May 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38704409

Accurate intraoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains pivotal in guiding neurosurgical decisions. However, distinguishing PCNSL from other lesions, notably glioma, through frozen sections challenges pathologists. Here we sought to develop and validate a deep learning model capable of precisely distinguishing PCNSL from non-PCNSL lesions, especially glioma, using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained frozen whole-slide images. Also, we compared its performance against pathologists of varying expertise. Additionally, a human-machine fusion approach integrated both model and pathologic diagnostics. In external cohorts, LGNet achieved AUROCs of 0.965 and 0.972 in distinguishing PCNSL from glioma and AUROCs of 0.981 and 0.993 in differentiating PCNSL from non-PCNSL lesions. Outperforming several pathologists, LGNet significantly improved diagnostic performance, further augmented to some extent by fusion approach. LGNet's proficiency in frozen section analysis and its synergy with pathologists indicate its valuable role in intraoperative diagnosis, particularly in discriminating PCNSL from glioma, alongside other lesions.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Deep Learning , Frozen Sections , Glioma , Lymphoma , Humans , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/surgery , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lymphoma/pathology , Lymphoma/diagnosis , Lymphoma/surgery , Glioma/surgery , Glioma/pathology , Proof of Concept Study , Male , Female , Diagnosis, Differential , Middle Aged , Aged , Intraoperative Period
2.
Brain Tumor Pathol ; 41(2): 85-91, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38597999

Surgical biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas. However, reliable liquid biopsy methods for diagnosing CNS lymphomas have quickly developed and have been implicated in clinical decision-making. In the current report, we introduce two patients for whom liquid biopsy was essential for diagnosing CNS lymphomas and discuss the rapidly growing applications of this technology.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology , Liquid Biopsy/methods , Lymphoma/diagnosis , Lymphoma/pathology
3.
Neurosurg Rev ; 47(1): 146, 2024 Apr 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38600419

This critique evaluates a letter to the editor discussing prognostic factors in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), focusing on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-to-lymphocyte ratio. While the letter provides valuable insights, limitations including reliance on a single-center dataset, lack of consideration for potential confounders, insufficient contextualization within existing literature, and limited discussion of clinical implications are identified. Addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the relevance and applicability of the findings in PCNSL management.


C-Reactive Protein , Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Lactate Dehydrogenases , Lymphocytes , Lymphoma , Humans , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Central Nervous System , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lactate Dehydrogenases/analysis , Lymphoma/diagnosis , Nutrition Assessment , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies
4.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 103(17): e37892, 2024 Apr 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38669431

RATIONALE: Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) originating from the septum pellucidum is exceptionally rare, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic complexities. This case report aims to elucidate the diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies, and outcomes of this rare manifestation. By documenting this case, we seek to enhance understanding within the medical community and contribute valuable insights to the management of CNSL, particularly in atypical locations. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 45-year-old female presented with persistent headaches, blurred vision, and motor weakness, prompting a thorough neurological evaluation. Imaging revealed an enhancing mass in the septum pellucidum, leading to the diagnosis of CNSL. The patient's concerns encompassed not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional impact of her diagnosis and treatment journey. DIAGNOSES: Diagnostic confirmation of CNSL involved cerebrospinal fluid analysis and imaging findings, highlighting the challenge of distinguishing lymphoma from other intracranial pathologies. The case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation in rare CNSL presentations. INTERVENTIONS: Multidisciplinary management included high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy and corticosteroids, with consideration for neurosurgical intervention. Psychosocial support and self-care strategies were integrated into the treatment plan to address holistic patient needs. OUTCOMES: Monitoring revealed a positive treatment response, with a reduction observed in the septum pellucidum mass. Regular assessments ensured adherence to interventions and management of treatment-related side effects, contributing to favorable outcomes and improved quality of life for the patient. LESSONS: This case emphasizes the significance of meticulous diagnostic evaluation and personalized treatment approaches in managing rare CNSL presentations. Collaboration among specialists and comprehensive patient support is paramount in optimizing outcomes and addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by CNSL in unique anatomical locations.


Septum Pellucidum , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Lymphoma/diagnosis , Lymphoma/therapy , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
5.
BMC Pediatr ; 24(1): 204, 2024 Mar 22.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38519960

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) is one of the major causes of the poor prognosis of childhood leukemia. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of cytomorphology (CM) and flow cytometry (FCM) in diagnosing CNSL, emphasizing the importance of FCM in the diagnosis process. METHODS: One-hundred-sixty-five children with newly diagnosed B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL) were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken for routine CSF analysis, CM analysis, and FCM examination. Computed tomography scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed at diagnosis. Patients with CNS2, CNS3, and traumatic lumbar puncture (TLP) at diagnosis received two additional courses of triple intrathecal injections during induction treatment. We compared the sensitivity of FCM and CM in the diagnosis of children with CNSL. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight (77.58%) CSF samples were negative by either CM or FCM (CM-/FCM-), four (2.42%) were positive by both CM and FCM (CM+/FCM+), and thirty-three (20%) displayed a single positive finding by FCM (CM-/FCM+) (p = 0.044). By adding two intrathecal injections in the induction treatment, ten children with TLP+ had no CNS relapse, like those with TLP-. However, compared to CNS1 and TLP, the event-free survival (EFS) did not significantly improve in patients with CNS2 and CNS3. Moreover, CNSL status was associated with worse 3-year EFS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We have validated that FCM is more accurate in stratifying the status of the CNS compared to CM analysis. However, to improve the EFS rate of childhood leukemia, it is necessary to combine CM examination, FCM, and cranial imaging for the early diagnosis of CNSL.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Child , Humans , Flow Cytometry , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/diagnosis , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Recurrence , China , Prognosis
6.
J Neurooncol ; 167(2): 349-359, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38427131

PURPOSE: Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) integrate clinical, molecular, and radiological information and facilitate coordination of neuro-oncology care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our MTB transitioned to a virtual and multi-institutional format. We hypothesized that this expansion would allow expert review of challenging neuro-oncology cases and contribute to the care of patients with limited access to specialized centers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records from virtual MTBs held between 04/2020-03/2021. Data collected included measures of potential clinical impact, including referrals to observational or therapeutic studies, referrals for specialized neuropathology analysis, and whether molecular findings led to a change in diagnosis and/or guided management suggestions. RESULTS: During 25 meetings, 32 presenters discussed 44 cases. Approximately half (n = 20; 48%) involved a rare central nervous system (CNS) tumor. In 21% (n = 9) the diagnosis was changed or refined based on molecular profiling obtained at the NIH and in 36% (n = 15) molecular findings guided management. Clinical trial suggestions were offered to 31% (n = 13), enrollment in the observational NCI Natural History Study to 21% (n = 9), neuropathology review and molecular testing at the NIH to 17% (n = 7), and all received management suggestions. CONCLUSION: Virtual multi-institutional MTBs enable remote expert review of CNS tumors. We propose them as a strategy to facilitate expert opinions from specialized centers, especially for rare CNS tumors, helping mitigate geographic barriers to patient care and serving as a pre-screening tool for studies. Advanced molecular testing is key to obtaining a precise diagnosis, discovering potentially actionable targets, and guiding management.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Pandemics , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Patient Care Team , Referral and Consultation
7.
Curr Oncol Rep ; 26(4): 377-390, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38488990

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to discuss recent research regarding the biomolecules explored in liquid biopsies and their potential clinical uses for adult-type diffuse gliomas. RECENT FINDINGS: Evaluation of tumor biomolecules via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an emerging technology in neuro-oncology. Studies to date have already identified various circulating tumor DNA, extracellular vesicle, micro-messenger RNA and protein biomarkers of interest. These biomarkers show potential to assist in multiple avenues of central nervous system (CNS) tumor evaluation, including tumor differentiation and diagnosis, treatment selection, response assessment, detection of tumor progression, and prognosis. In addition, CSF liquid biopsies have the potential to better characterize tumor heterogeneity compared to conventional tissue collection and CNS imaging. Current imaging modalities are not sufficient to establish a definitive glioma diagnosis and repeated tissue sampling via conventional biopsy is risky, therefore, there is a great need to improve non-invasive and minimally invasive sampling methods. CSF liquid biopsies represent a promising, minimally invasive adjunct to current approaches which can provide diagnostic and prognostic information as well as aid in response assessment.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Circulating Tumor DNA , Glioma , MicroRNAs , Adult , Humans , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Glioma/diagnosis , Glioma/genetics , Liquid Biopsy/methods , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Circulating Tumor DNA/cerebrospinal fluid
8.
J Cancer Res Ther ; 20(1): 238-242, 2024 Jan 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38554327

BACKGROUND: Small round cell tumors (SRCTs) are a group of malignant neoplasms with minimal or no differentiation, characterized by the presence of round cells with high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. Although SRCTs can occur in any part of the body, involvement of central nervous system (CNS) is uncommon. AIM: We aimed to study the clinicopathological spectrum of cranial SRCT diagnosed in our institute over a period of four years (2016-2019). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records (2016-2019) with a morphological diagnosis of cranial SRCT was made. Both intra-axial and extra-axial tumors were included. A total of 60 cases were retrieved, and the clinical and histopathological features were studied. Special cytochemical staining and immunohistochemistry were performed, where needed. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 18.4 years (range, 1-60 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1. The most common site was posterior fossa of brain (n = 28, 47%), followed by dorso-lumbar spine (n = 9, 15%). The most common type of tumor was medulloblastoma (n = 29, 48.3%), followed by Ewing sarcoma (ES)/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) (n = 11, 18.3%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (n = 9, 15%), neuroblastoma (n = 3, 5%), and CNS embryonal tumor, NOS (n = 2, 3.3%). One case each of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), rhabdomyosarcoma, pineoblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was also documented. CONCLUSIONS: SRCTs have a variable age of presentation. Their incidence in CNS is low as compared to other organ systems. On light microscopy, the histopathology of these lesions is overlapping, posing a great diagnostic dilemma for the pathologist. The use of ancillary techniques like immunohistochemistry helps in arriving at the correct diagnosis. Treatment strategy and tumor prognosis also vary along the entire spectrum of SRCT, thus making exact characterization essential for proper management.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Cerebellar Neoplasms , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal , Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive , Rhabdomyosarcoma , Sarcoma , Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Tertiary Care Centers , Sarcoma/pathology , Rhabdomyosarcoma/pathology , Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive/pathology , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/epidemiology
10.
Leuk Res ; 137: 107452, 2024 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38335816

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may experience extramedullary involvement when disease is present outside of the blood and bone marrow. In particular, the presence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement has traditionally been thought of as a poor prognostic factor. In the presently available literature, there is a paucity of conclusive data surrounding CNS AML given its rarity and lack of unified screening practices. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to more definitively characterize survival outcomes in this patient population. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated survival outcomes and response rates from clinical studies on patients with AML stratified by the presence of CNS involvement. Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis with a resulting hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) of 1.34 with a 95 % CI of 1.14 to 1.58. These findings suggest that CNS involvement in adult patients with AML is associated with an increased hazard of mortality compared to those patients without CNS involvement. As such, CNS involvement should be viewed as negative prognostic marker, and attention should be made to ensure prompt identification and treatment of patients who experience this complication.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Adult , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Bone Marrow , Proportional Hazards Models , Central Nervous System , Prognosis
11.
Ann Hematol ; 103(6): 2033-2039, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38180535

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is highly associated with central nervous system (CNS) infiltration and can be associated with higher risk of relapse. Conventional cytology (CC) is the traditional method for diagnosing CNS infiltration, although the use of immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FC) has gained prominence in recent years due to its higher sensitivity. Also, some authors have proposed that CSF contamination by a traumatic lumbar puncture (TLP) could have a clinical impact. This retrospective study accessed the impact of CNS infiltration by CC or FC on overall survival, event-free survival, and relapse rate. In a cohort of 105 newly diagnosed ALL patients, CNS1, CNS2, and CNS3 status were found in 84%, 14%, and 2%, respectively. We found that extramedullary disease at the diagnosis, higher leukocyte counts, and higher blast percentage were associated with a positive CC. Sensitivity and specificity of CC were 53% and 98%, respectively. Three-year overall survival was 42.5%. Conversely, TLP was not associated with a positive CC nor had an impact on relapse rates. In multivariate analysis, a positive CC was associated with an increased relapse rate (HR 2.074, p = 0.037), while its detection by FC did not associate with this endpoint. Survival rates seem to be increasing over the last years by the adoption of a stratified CNS prophylaxis risk strategy. CSF contamination does not represent a major concern according to our report, as it did not increase CNS involvement or relapse rates.


Leukemic Infiltration , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Humans , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/diagnosis , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/mortality , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/cerebrospinal fluid , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Leukemic Infiltration/cerebrospinal fluid , Adolescent , Aged , Young Adult , Prognosis , Survival Rate , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/mortality , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/cerebrospinal fluid , Flow Cytometry , Immunophenotyping , Disease-Free Survival
12.
Histopathology ; 84(5): 893-899, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38253970

AIMS: The SOX10 transcription factor is important for the maturation of oligodendrocytes involved in central nervous system (CNS) myelination. Currently, very little information exists about its expression and potential use in CNS tumour diagnoses. The aim of our study was to characterize the expression of SOX10 in a large cohort of CNS tumours and to evaluate its potential use as a biomarker. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SOX10 and OLIG2 in a series of 683 cases of adult- and paediatric-type CNS tumours from different subtypes. The nuclear immunostaining results for SOX10 and OLIG2 were scored as positive (≥10% positive tumour cells) or negative. RESULTS: OLIG2 and SOX10 were positive in diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), H3-mutant, and EZHIP-overexpressed. However, in all DMG, EGFR-mutant, SOX10 was constantly negative. In diffuse paediatric-type high-grade gliomas (HGG), all RTK1 cases were positive for both OLIG2 and SOX10. RTK2 cases were all negative for both OLIG2 and SOX10. MYCN cases variably expressed OLIG2 and were all immunonegative for SOX10. In glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype, OLIG2 was mostly positive, but SOX10 was variably expressed, depending on the epigenetic subtype. All circumscribed astrocytic gliomas were positive for both OLIG2 and SOX10 except pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas, astroblastomas, MN1-altered, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas. SOX10 was negative in ependymomas, meningiomas, pinealoblastomas, choroid plexus tumours, intracranial Ewing sarcomas, and embryonal tumours except neuroblastoma, FOXR2-activated. CONCLUSION: To conclude, SOX10 can be incorporated into the IHC panel routinely used by neuropathologists in the diagnostic algorithm of embryonal tumours and for the subtyping of paediatric and adult-type HGG.


Astrocytoma , Brain Neoplasms , Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Glioma , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal , Adult , Humans , Child , Immunohistochemistry , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Glioma/diagnosis , Glioma/genetics , Glioma/metabolism , Astrocytoma/pathology , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , SOXE Transcription Factors , Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2 , Forkhead Transcription Factors
13.
J Vet Diagn Invest ; 36(2): 153-168, 2024 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38234003

The diagnosis of primary and secondary CNS neoplasms of dogs and cats relies on histologic examination of autopsy or biopsy samples. In addition, many neoplasms must be further characterized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for a more refined diagnosis in specific cases. Given the many investigations assessing the diagnostic and prognostic IHC profile of CNS neoplasms in the veterinary literature, it may be difficult for the diagnostic pathologist or pathology trainee to narrow the list of reliable diagnostic IHCs when facing a challenging case. Here we compile a comprehensive list of the most diagnostically relevant immunomarkers that should be utilized for the diagnostic support or confirmation of the most common primary and secondary CNS neoplasms of dogs and cats.


Cat Diseases , Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Dog Diseases , Cats , Dogs , Animals , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cat Diseases/pathology , Immunohistochemistry , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/pathology , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/veterinary , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology , Prognosis
14.
Eur J Pediatr ; 183(4): 1485-1497, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38206395

Central nervous system (CNS) tumours in neonates are relatively rare and present differently when compared with those occurring later in childhood in terms of aetiology, clinical features, location, histology and prognosis. The clinical presentation is extremely variable. Even if the most frequent clinical sign is a macrocephaly, there are many other non-specific symptoms associated. The prognosis is usually poor with overall survival of less than 30%. Surgery continues to be the primary treatment for neonatal CNS tumours, aiming for a gross total resection, directly correlated with prognosis and the overall outcome. The chemotherapy is the only adjuvant therapy whereas the radiotherapy is avoided under three years of age because of the severe sequelae. Hence the importance of molecular characterization of these neoplasms in order to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and identify new therapeutic targets. The aim of this review is to describe the main characteristics of these tumours and the recent advances in their treatment in order to recognize these pathologies in the prenatal period and create a multidisciplinary team providing the best possible treatment while minimising the risk of long-term complications. Neonatologists play a key role in the early detection, diagnostic evaluation, management and supportive care of these neonates.  Conclusion: The aim of this review is to describe the main characteristics of these tumours and the recent advances in their treatment in order to ensure the essential knowledge that will help the neonatologist identify them and create a multidisciplinary team providing the best possible treatment while minimising the risk of long-term complications. What is Known: • Neonatal CNS tumours are relatively rare and their early identification is important to identify the best diagnostic-therapeutic management. • Surgery is the main treatment of neonatal CNS tumours. The extent of surgical resection directly correlates with prognosis and outcome. What is New: • Predisposing conditions such as Cancer Predisposition Syndromes must be considered. • Targeted drugs and other therapeutic strategies can be identified through molecular characterization.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Neonatologists , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Prognosis , Combined Modality Therapy , Disease Progression
15.
Pathology ; 56(2): 158-169, 2024 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38233331

Central nervous system (CNS) tumours were one of the first cancer types to adopt and integrate molecular profiling into routine clinical diagnosis in 2016. The vast majority of these biomarkers, used to discriminate between tumour types, also offered prognostic information. With the advent of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other large genomic datasets, further prognostic sub-stratification was possible within tumour types, leading to increased precision in CNS tumour grading. This review outlines the evolution of the molecular landscape of adult CNS tumours, through the prism of World Health Organization (WHO) Classifications. We begin our journey in the pre-molecular era, where high-grade gliomas were divided into 'primary' and 'secondary' glioblastomas. Molecular alterations explaining these clinicopathological observations were the first branching points of glioma diagnostics, with the discovery of IDH1/2 mutations and 1p/19q codeletion. Subsequently, the rigorous characterisation of paediatric gliomas led to the unearthing of histone H3 alterations as a key event in gliomagenesis, which also had implications for young adult patients. Simultaneously, studies investigating prognostic biomarkers within tumour types were undertaken. Certain genomic phenotypes were found to portend unfavourable outcomes, for example, MYCN amplification in spinal ependymoma. The arrival of methylation profiling, having revolutionised the diagnosis of CNS tumours, now promises to bring increased prognostic accuracy, as has been shown in meningiomas. While MGMT promoter hypermethylation has remained a reliable biomarker of response to cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy in CNS tumours has unfortunately not had the success of other cancers. Therefore, predictive biomarkers have lagged behind the identification of prognostic biomarkers in CNS tumours. Emerging research from new clinical trials is cause for guarded optimism and may shift our conceptualisation of predictive biomarker testing in CNS tumours.


Brain Neoplasms , Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Glioma , Young Adult , Humans , Child , Prognosis , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/therapy , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , Glioma/diagnosis , Glioma/genetics , Biomarkers , Mutation , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
16.
Acta Neuropathol Commun ; 12(1): 9, 2024 Jan 16.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38229158

DNA methylation analysis has become a powerful tool in neuropathology. Although DNA methylation-based classification usually shows high accuracy, certain samples cannot be classified and remain clinically challenging. We aimed to gain insight into these cases from a clinical perspective. To address, central nervous system (CNS) tumors were subjected to DNA methylation profiling and classified according to their calibrated score using the DKFZ brain tumor classifier (V11.4) as "≥ 0.84" (score ≥ 0.84), "0.3-0.84" (score 0.3-0.84), or "< 0.3" (score < 0.3). Histopathology, patient characteristics, DNA input amount, and tumor purity were correlated. Clinical outcome parameters were time to treatment decision, progression-free, and overall survival. In 1481 patients, the classifier identified 69 (4.6%) tumors with an unreliable score as "< 0.3". Younger age (P < 0.01) and lower tumor purity (P < 0.01) compromised accurate classification. A clinical impact was demonstrated as unclassifiable cases ("< 0.3") had a longer time to treatment decision (P < 0.0001). In a subset of glioblastomas, these cases experienced an increased time to adjuvant treatment start (P < 0.001) and unfavorable survival (P < 0.025). Although DNA methylation profiling adds an important contribution to CNS tumor diagnostics, clinicians should be aware of a potentially longer time to treatment initiation, especially in malignant brain tumors.


Brain Neoplasms , Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Humans , DNA Methylation , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/pathology
17.
Pathol Int ; 74(2): 51-67, 2024 Feb.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38224248

The definitive diagnosis and classification of individual cancers are crucial for patient care and cancer research. To achieve a robust diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, a genotype-phenotype integrated diagnostic approach was introduced in recent versions of the World Health Organization classification, followed by the incorporation of a genome-wide DNA methylome-based classification. Microarray-based platforms are widely used to obtain DNA methylome data, and the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum [DKFZ]) has a webtool for a DNA methylation-based classifier (DKFZ classifier). Integration of DNA methylome will further enhance the precision of CNS tumor classification, especially in diagnostically challenging cases. However, in the clinical application of DNA methylome-based classification, challenges related to data interpretation persist, in addition to technical caveats, regulations, and limited accessibility. Dimensionality reduction (DMR) can complement integrated diagnosis by visualizing a profile and comparing it with other known samples. Therefore, DNA methylome-based classification is a highly useful research tool for auxiliary analysis in challenging diagnostic and rare disease cases, and for establishing novel tumor concepts. Decoding the DNA methylome, especially by DMR in addition to DKFZ classifier, emphasizes the capability of grasping the fundamental biological principles that provide new perspectives on CNS tumors.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Epigenome , Humans , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , DNA Methylation , DNA
18.
J Clin Oncol ; 42(6): 686-695, 2024 Feb 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38064656

Tumors of CNS are common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). As the second leading cause of cancer-related death, CNS tumors in AYAs require improved clinical management. In this review, we discussed the current diagnostic approaches and recommended management strategies for malignant tumors in adult-type (IDH-mutant gliomas) and pediatric-type gliomas (pediatric high-grade gliomas), ependymoma and medulloblastoma, which commonly occur in AYAs. The impact of advanced molecular diagnostic approaches on the understanding of tumor biology of AYA CNS tumors is emphasized. To enhance participation in clinical trials, which poses a unique challenge in AYAs with CNS tumors, we propose encouraging referrals to neuro-oncology specialty care and improving collaboration between oncologists who care for both pediatric and adult patients. This will ensure better representation of AYA patients in research studies. Finally, we discussed the importance of considering neurocognitive and psychological function in AYAs with CNS tumor.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Cerebellar Neoplasms , Ependymoma , Glioma , Medulloblastoma , Neoplasms , Humans , Adolescent , Young Adult , Child , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Glioma/genetics , Glioma/therapy
19.
JCO Oncol Pract ; 20(2): 195-202, 2024 Feb.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37967301

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare lymphoma representing 3% of CNS malignancies. The diagnosis is complicated by the unique risks associated with brain biopsy, and the treatment is similarly complicated by the restriction of effective therapeutics able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Currently, the majority of individuals diagnosed with this disease are immunocompetent although immune deficiency related to HIV or immunosuppressive therapy remains an important risk factor. Improvements in both frontline therapy and consolidation options, including the use of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, have translated to improved survival. Unfortunately, patients experiencing relapsed or refractory disease often fare poorly. Here, we review key clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects of PCNSL and highlight challenging clinical scenarios that may be encountered by the treating oncologist.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Lymphoma , Humans , Lymphoma/diagnosis , Lymphoma/therapy , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
20.
Blood ; 143(6): 522-534, 2024 Feb 08.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37946299

ABSTRACT: State-of-the-art response assessment of central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) by magnetic resonance imaging is challenging and an insufficient predictor of treatment outcomes. Accordingly, the development of novel risk stratification strategies in CNSL is a high unmet medical need. We applied ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing to 146 plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 67 patients, aiming to develop an entirely noninvasive dynamic risk model considering clinical and molecular features of CNSL. Our ultrasensitive method allowed for the detection of CNSL-derived mutations in plasma ctDNA with high concordance to CSF and tumor tissue. Undetectable plasma ctDNA at baseline was associated with favorable outcomes. We tracked tumor-specific mutations in plasma-derived ctDNA over time and developed a novel CNSL biomarker based on this information: peripheral residual disease (PRD). Persistence of PRD after treatment was highly predictive of relapse. Integrating established baseline clinical risk factors with assessment of radiographic response and PRD during treatment resulted in the development and independent validation of a novel tool for risk stratification: molecular prognostic index for CNSL (MOP-C). MOP-C proved to be highly predictive of outcomes in patients with CNSL (failure-free survival hazard ratio per risk group of 6.60; 95% confidence interval, 3.12-13.97; P < .0001) and is publicly available at www.mop-c.com. Our results highlight the role of ctDNA sequencing in CNSL. MOP-C has the potential to improve the current standard of clinical risk stratification and radiographic response assessment in patients with CNSL, ultimately paving the way toward individualized treatment.


Central Nervous System Neoplasms , Circulating Tumor DNA , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin , Humans , Circulating Tumor DNA/genetics , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/genetics , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/therapy , Prognosis , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Central Nervous System
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