Citations

Abstract Background Approximately 12,000 adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39, AYAs) are diagnosed with a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor each year. DNA methylation profiling has transformed CNS tumor classification by refining diagnostic accuracy and identifying biologically distinct subtypes, but its application has not been systematically evaluated in the AYA population. In this study, we examined the spectrum of CNS tumor types across age groups, with a focus on the AYA population. Methods We assembled a large dataset of CNS tumor samples with age annotations and methylation profiles matching with high confidence to a CNS tumor type using the NCI/Bethesda classifier. Prevalence of tumor type, methylation class and DNA copy number aberrations were compared across age strata (pediatric, AYA and adult). Results The cohort of 21,099 CNS tumors included 5139 tumors from AYAs (24%), which showed a mixed pattern, with tumors typical of childhood (e.g. medulloblastoma) as well as those common in older adults (e.g. glioblastoma). Several tumor types were specifically enriched in the AYA, including IDH-mutant astrocytoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, posterior fossa group B ependymoma, and diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant, among others. Distinct methylation subclasses of multiple tumor types were observed in the AYA, and patterns of genomic aberrations showed age-specific distributions. Conclusion Large-scale methylation profiling revealed unique classification patterns of CNS tumors in AYAs, with specific tumor types, subclasses, and genomic alterations enriched in this population. These data may serve as a valuable reference resource for better understanding the spectrum of CNS tumors affecting AYA patients.

Abstract Background Approximately 12 000 adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39, AYAs) are diagnosed with a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor each year. DNA methylation profiling has transformed CNS tumor classification by refining diagnostic accuracy and identifying biologically distinct subtypes, but its application has not been systematically evaluated in the AYA population. In this study, we examined the spectrum of CNS tumor types across age groups, with a focus on the AYA population. Methods We assembled a large dataset of CNS tumor samples with age annotations and methylation profiles matching with high confidence to a CNS tumor type using the NCI/Bethesda classifier. Prevalence of tumor type, methylation class and DNA copy number aberrations were compared across age strata (pediatric, AYA, and adult). Results The cohort of 21 712 CNS tumors included 5351 tumors from AYAs (25%), which showed a mixed pattern, with tumors typical of childhood (eg, medulloblastoma) as well as those common in older adults (eg, glioblastoma). Several tumor types were specifically enriched in the AYA, including IDH-mutant astrocytoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, posterior fossa group B ependymoma, and diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant, among others. Distinct methylation subclasses of multiple tumor types were observed in the AYA, and patterns of genomic aberrations showed age-specific distributions. Conclusion Large-scale methylation profiling revealed unique classification patterns of CNS tumors in AYAs, with specific tumor types, subclasses, and genomic alterations enriched in this population. These data may serve as a valuable reference resource for better understanding the spectrum of CNS tumors affecting AYA patients.

Abstract BACKGROUND Treatment and clinical management decisions for children with NF1-OPGs remain challenging as most existing data are retrospective and have not included standardized visual outcomes. In this study, we prospectively enrolled newly diagnosed NF1-OPGs and performed standardized neuro-oncology and ophthalmology assessments in order to develop evidence-based guidelines for monitoring and treatment. METHODS Children with NF1-OPG on MRI who were evaluated by both a study ophthalmologist and neuro-oncologist/NF1 expert within 1 month of radiologic diagnosis were eligible for enrollment. All subjects attempted quantitative visual acuity using Teller acuity cards (TAC) as well as ATS-HOTV testing. The neuro-oncologist/NF1 expert provided reasons for obtaining the MRI as well as initiating treatment, if applicable. Descriptive statistics calculated the success rate of acquiring TAC and reasons to obtain the MRI. RESULTS Two-hundred fifty subjects from 22 institutions were enrolled and had at least one visit beyond baseline (Median age 3.1 years, range 0.1–16.8; 53% female). TAC was successfully acquired in both eyes (N=195, 78%) and at least one eye in (N=206, 82%). ATS-HOTV was successfully acquired in both eyes (N=97, 39%) and at least one eye in (N=98, 39%). The two most common reasons to obtain an MRI were screening due to a diagnosis of NF1 (N=99, 39%) and ophthalmologic concern (N=81, 32%). At enrollment, continued observation occurred in a majority of subjects (N=221, 88%) while treatment with chemotherapy was initiated in only 11% (N=29). Twenty-nine (11%) subjects initially observed transitioned to treatment after enrollment (range: 2.5–25 months) thus far. DISCUSSION We present a prospective multicenter study of children with newly diagnosed NF1-OPGs. The ability to acquire quantitative visual acuity was higher than anticipated. The frequency of NF1-OPGs requiring treatment is lower than previously reported. Regression models of clinical and MRI features that prompted immediate treatment with chemotherapy versus observation will be discussed.

Abstract BACKGROUND NF1-OPGs are amorphous tumors involving either single or multiple locations (optic nerve, chiasm, tract) along the anterior visual pathway (AVP). In this prospective study, we investigated how volumetric MRI measures of the AVP as well as other clinical variables are associated with treatment decisions in children with newly diagnosed NF1-OPGs. METHODS Children with newly diagnosed NF1-OPG whose MRI included a T1-weighted volumetric sequence without significant artifact at their enrollment visit were eligible for inclusion. All subjects underwent a quantitative ophthalmic exam to determine if visual acuity (VA) was normal. The neuro-oncologist/NF1 expert determined whether the subject would be observed or undergo treatment at that baseline visit. Volumetric MRI analysis was automatically performed using a deep learning network that measured AVP volume (mm3). Non-parametric group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the impact of age at enrollment, sex, NF1 inheritance type, AVP volume, and VA on the decision for immediate treatment with chemotherapy versus observation. RESULTS One-hundred twenty-three subjects met inclusion criteria. Subjects assigned to observation (N=112, 44% female) and subjects immediately treated with chemotherapy (N=11, 80% female) at enrollment were of similar age (2.7 and 2.8 years, respectively) and inheritance (p > 0.05). Abnormal VA was present more often in the treatment group (46%) compared to the observation group (17%, p <0.001). AVP volume was significantly greater in the treatment group (4,181.1mm3) compared to the observation group (1,819.8mm3, p <0.001). AVP volume, sex, and VA reached significance in univariable regression, however, in the multivariable regression model only the AVP volume (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with treatment initiation. DISCUSSION Children with greater NF1-OPG AVP volumes are treated more often compared with those with lower volumes. Volumetric measures of NF1-OPGs are a valuable metric in understanding treatment patterns and are positioned to help inform clinical decision making.

PURPOSE Diagnosis of Mismatch Repair Deficiency (MMRD) is crucial for tumor management and early detection in patients with the cancer predisposition syndrome constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD). Current diagnostic tools are cumbersome and inconsistent both in childhood cancers and in determining germline MMRD. PATIENTS AND METHODS We developed and analyzed a functional Low-pass Genomic Instability Characterization (LOGIC) assay to detect MMRD. The diagnostic performance of LOGIC was compared with that of current established assays including tumor mutational burden, immunohistochemistry, and the microsatellite instability panel. LOGIC was then applied to various normal tissues of patients with CMMRD with comprehensive clinical data including age of cancer presentation. RESULTS Overall, LOGIC was 100% sensitive and specific in detecting MMRD in childhood cancers (N = 376). It was more sensitive than the microsatellite instability panel (14%, P = 4.3 × 10 −12 ), immunohistochemistry (86%, P = 4.6 × 10 −3 ), or tumor mutational burden (80%, P = 9.1 × 10 −4 ). LOGIC was able to distinguish CMMRD from other cancer predisposition syndromes using blood and saliva DNA ( P < .0001, n = 277). In normal cells, MMRDness scores differed between tissues (GI > blood > brain), increased over time in the same individual, and revealed genotype-phenotype associations within the mismatch repair genes. Importantly, increased MMRDness score was associated with younger age of first cancer presentation in individuals with CMMRD ( P = 2.2 × 10 −5 ). CONCLUSION LOGIC was a robust tool for the diagnosis of MMRD in multiple cancer types and in normal tissues. LOGIC may inform therapeutic cancer decisions, provide rapid diagnosis of germline MMRD, and support tailored surveillance for individuals with CMMRD.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Central Nervous System- Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Tumors (CNS-NGGCT) are rare but curable tumors. Due to their rarity, treatment failures remain a poorly characterized disease with unfavorable outcomes. In this study, we sought to characterize the treatment failures in a large cohort of prospectively treated patients. METHODS: European and North American clinical trials for patients with CNS-NGGCT (SIOP-GCT96, SFOP-TGM TC 90/92, COG-ACNS0122 and COG-ACNS1123) were pooled for analysis. Additionally, patients included and treated in the UK and France national registries under strict protocol-guidelines were included as an independent, non-overlapping cohort. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients experienced a treatment failure. Twenty-four patients had progressive disease during therapy and additional eleven patients were diagnosed with growing teratoma syndrome (GTS). Patients with GTS are significantly younger and present with local failures and negative tumor markers. Eighty-three individuals experienced disease relapses after treatment ended. Patients’ metastatic relapses presented significantly earlier than local relapses and were associated with tumor marker elevation (OR: 4.39; p=0.026). In our analysis, focal or whole ventricular (WVI) radiation therapy was not associated with an increased risk of metastatic relapses. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we present the largest pooled dataset of prospectively treated patients with relapsed CNS-NGGCT. Our study identified younger age and negative tumor markers to be characteristic of GTS. Additionally, we elucidated that metastatic relapses occur earlier than local relapses, are associated with elevated tumor markers, and are not associated with the field of radiation therapy. These findings are of utmost importance for the planning of future clinical trials and the implementation of surveillance strategies in these patients.

Abstract Background Pineoblastoma is a rare brain tumor usually diagnosed in children. Given its rarity, no pineoblastoma-specific trials have been conducted. Studies have included pineoblastoma accruing for other embryonal tumors over the past 30 years. These included only occasional children with pineoblastoma, making clinical features difficult to interpret and determinants of outcome difficult to ascertain. Patients and Methods Centrally or independently reviewed series with treatment and survival data from North American and Australian cases were pooled. To investigate associations between variables, Fisher’s exact tests, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman correlations were used. Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models were used in survival analyses. Results We describe a pooled cohort of 178 pineoblastoma cases from Children’s Oncology Group (n = 82) and institutional series (n = 96) over 30 years. Children &lt;3 years of age have significantly worse survival compared to older children, with 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates of 13.5 ± 5.1% and 16.2 ± 5.3%, respectively, compared with 60.8 ± 5.6% and 67.3 ± 5.0% for ≥3 years old (both P &lt; .0001). Multivariable analysis showed male sex was associated with worse PFS in children &lt;3 years of age (hazard ratio [HR] 3.93, 95% CI 1.80-8.55; P = .0006), suggestive of sex-specific risks needing future validation. For children ≥3 years of age, disseminated disease at diagnosis was significantly associated with an inferior 5-year PFS of 39.2 ± 9.7% (HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.52-5.45; P = .0012) and 5-year OS of 49.8 ± 9.1% (HR 2.87, 95% CI 1.49-5.53; P = .0016). Conclusion Given the rarity of this tumor, prospective, collaborative international studies will be vital to improving the long-term survival of these patients.

Abstract Background Central Nervous System Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Tumors (CNS-NGGCT) are rare but curable tumors. Due to their rarity, patients with treatment failures remain a poorly characterized group with unfavorable outcomes. In this study, we sought to characterize patients with treatment failures in a large, prospectively treated cohort. Methods European and North American clinical trials for patients with CNS-NGGCT (SIOP-GCT-96, SFOP-TGM-TC 90/92, COG-ACNS0122, and COG-ACNS1123) were pooled for analysis. Additionally, patients included and treated in the UK and France national registries under strict protocol guidelines were included as an independent, non-overlapping cohort. Results A total of 118 patients experienced a treatment failure. Twenty-four patients had progressive disease during therapy, and additional 11 patients were diagnosed with growing teratoma syndrome (GTS). Patients with GTS are significantly younger and present with local failures and negative tumor markers. Eighty-three individuals experienced disease relapses after treatment ended. Patients’ metastatic relapses presented significantly earlier than local relapses and were associated with tumor marker elevation (OR: 4.39; P = .026). In our analysis, focal or whole-ventricular radiation therapy was not associated with an increased risk of metastatic relapses. Conclusions Herein, we present the largest pooled dataset of prospectively treated patients with relapsed CNS-NGGCT. Our study identified younger age and negative tumor markers to be characteristic of GTS. Additionally, we elucidated that metastatic relapses occur earlier than local relapses are associated with elevated tumor markers and are not associated with the field of radiation therapy. These findings are of utmost importance for the planning of future clinical trials and the implementation of surveillance strategies in these patients.

Abstract Background Pineoblastoma (PB) is a rare embryonal brain tumour most often diagnosed in young children. To date, no clinical trials have been conducted specific to pediatric PB. Collaborative studies performed over the past 30 years have included PB in studies accruing for other embryonal tumours, primarily medulloblastoma (MB), but also including the entity formerly known as CNS-PNET and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors. Each of these studies have included only a small number of children with PB, making clinical features difficult to interpret and determinants of outcome difficult to ascertain. Patients and Methods Published centrally reviewed series with sufficient treatment and outcome data from North American and Australian cases were pooled. To investigate associations between variables, Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman correlations were used as appropriate. Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models were used in survival analysis. Results We describe a 30-year review of the reported clinical features of PB and a pooled centrally reviewed, cohort analysis of cases (n=178) from the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) (n=82) groups and several published, centrally reviewed institutional series (n=96). We find young children &lt;3 years of age have a dramatically poorer outlook compared to older children (5-year OS 16.2% +/- 5.3% vs 67.3% +/- 5%) confirming new and novel approaches are needed in future clinical trials for this at risk group. Interestingly, male gender was predictive of worse outcome possibly suggestive of gender specific subgroup risks that needs validation in future studies. Assessment of radiation therapy is not possible as the vast majority of children under age three did not receive any form of radiation therapy. Conclusion Given the relative scarcity of this tumor and the emerging data on subgroups of pineoblastoma, prospective, collaborative international studies will be vital to improving the long-term survival of these patients.