DNA hydroxymethylation in high-grade gliomas

Author(s):  
Angelika Stapińska-Syniec ◽  
Marta Grabiec ◽  
Marcin Rylski ◽  
Albert Acewicz ◽  
Michał Sobstyl

Background and Study Aims Since the new WHO classification of nervous system tumors (2016 revised 4th edition) has been released, gliomas are classified depending on molecular and genetic markers in connection with histopathology, instead of histopathology itself as it was in the previous classification. Over the last years, epigenetic analysis has taken on increased importance in the diagnosis and treatment of different cancers. Multiple studies confirmed that DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation play an important role in the regulation of gene expression during carcinogenesis. In this review, we aim to present the current state of knowledge on DNA hydroxymethylation in human high-grade gliomas (WHO grade III and IV). Results The correlation of DNA hydroxymethylation and survival in glioblastoma patients was evaluated by different studies. The majority of them showed that the expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) and Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes were significantly reduced, sometimes almost undetectable in high-grade gliomas in comparison with the control brain. A decreased level of 5-hmC was associated with poor survival in patients, but high expression of the TET3 enzyme was related to a better prognosis for GBM patients. This points to the relevance of DNA hydroxymethylation in molecular diagnostics of human gliomas, including survival estimation or differentiating patients in terms of response to the treatment. Conclusion Future studies may shed some more light on this epigenetic mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of human high-grade gliomas and help to develop new targeted therapies.

Author(s):  
Stephen J Price ◽  
Harry Bulstrode ◽  
Richard Mair

The term high-grade glioma (HGG) encompasses a number of histological entities that are considered by the WHO Classification as WHO Grade III and IV tumours. They have traditionally been considered as having similar behaviour and had been treated in a similar manner but recent advances in our understanding of tumour biology have led to the identification of molecular markers that are now central to the classification of these tumours. Normal human cells develop into cancer cells through a stepwise accumulation of genomic and epigenomic alterations and this chapter considers the molecular markers of gliomas and explains their significance before going on to discuss the optimal management.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Schüle ◽  
Christine Dictus ◽  
Benito Campos ◽  
Feng Wan ◽  
Jörg Felsberg ◽  
...  

Aberrantwntpathway activation through cytoplasmic stabilization ofβ-catenin is crucial for the development of various human malignancies. In gliomagenesis, the role of canonical (i.e.,β-catenin-dependent) signalling is largely unknown. Here, we studied canonicalwntpathway activation in 15 short-term cultures from high-grade gliomas and potential pathomechanisms leading to cytoplasmicβ-catenin accumulation. Furthermore, we assessed the prognostic relevance ofβ-catenin expression in a tissue microarray comprising 283 astrocytomas. Expression ofβ-catenin, its transcriptional cofactors TCF-1 and TCF-4 as well as GSK-3βand APC, constituents of theβ-catenin degradation complex was confirmed by RT-PCR in all cultures. A cytoplasmicβ-catenin pool was detectable in 13/15 cultures leading to some transcriptional activity assessed by luciferase reporter gene assay in 8/13. Unlike other malignancies, characteristic mutations ofβ-catenin and APC leading to cytoplasmic stabilization ofβ-catenin were excluded by direct sequencing or protein truncation test. In patient tissues,β-catenin expression was directly and its degradation product's (β-catenin-P654) expression was inversely correlated with WHO grade. Increasedβ-catenin expression and lowβ-catenin-P654 expression were associated with shorter survival. Altogether, we report on potential canonicalwntpathway activation in high-grade gliomas and demonstrate thatβ-catenin expression in astrocytomas is associated with increased malignancy and adverse outcome.


2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. E10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Marbacher ◽  
Elisabeth Klinger ◽  
Lucia Schwyzer ◽  
Ingeborg Fischer ◽  
Edin Nevzati ◽  
...  

Object The accurate discrimination between tumor and normal tissue is crucial for determining how much to resect and therefore for the clinical outcome of patients with brain tumors. In recent years, guidance with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)–induced intraoperative fluorescence has proven to be a useful surgical adjunct for gross-total resection of high-grade gliomas. The clinical utility of 5-ALA in resection of brain tumors other than glioblastomas has not yet been established. The authors assessed the frequency of positive 5-ALA fluorescence in a cohort of patients with primary brain tumors and metastases. Methods The authors conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 531 patients with intracranial tumors treated by 5-ALA–guided resection or biopsy. They analyzed patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative liver function test results, intraoperative tumor fluorescence, and histological data. They also screened discharge summaries for clinical adverse effects resulting from the administration of 5-ALA. Intraoperative qualitative 5-ALA fluorescence (none, mild, moderate, and strong) was documented by the surgeon and dichotomized into negative and positive fluorescence. Results A total of 458 cases qualified for final analysis. The highest percentage of 5-ALA–positive fluorescence in open resection was found in glioblastomas (96%, n = 99/103). Among other tumors, 5-ALA–positive fluorescence was detected in 88% (n = 21/32) of anaplastic gliomas (WHO Grade III), 40% (n = 8/19) of low-grade gliomas (WHO Grade II), no (n = 0/3) WHO Grade I gliomas, and 77% (n = 85/110) of meningiomas. Among metastases, the highest percentage of 5-ALA–positive fluorescence was detected in adenocarcinomas (48%, n = 13/27). Low rates or absence of positive fluorescence was found among pituitary adenomas (8%, n = 1/12) and schwannomas (0%, n = 0/7). Biopsies of high-grade primary brain tumors showed positive rates of fluorescence similar to those recorded for open resection. No clinical adverse effects associated with use of 5-ALA were observed. Only 1 patient had clinically silent transient elevation of liver enzymes. Conclusions Study findings suggest that the administration of 5-ALA as a surgical adjunct for resection and biopsy of primary brain tumors and brain metastases is safe. In light of the high rate of positive fluorescence in high-grade gliomas other than glioblastomas, meningiomas, and a variety of metastatic cancers, 5-ALA seems to be a promising tool for enhancing intraoperative identification of neoplastic tissue and optimizing the extent of resection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii345-iii346
Author(s):  
Alexandre Roux ◽  
Johan Pallud ◽  
Raphaël Saffroy ◽  
Myriam Edjlali-Goujon ◽  
Marie-Anne Debily ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Considering that paediatric high-grade gliomas (HGGs) are biologically distinct from their adult counterparts, the objective of this study was to define the landscape of HGGs in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). METHODS We performed a multicentric retrospective study of 112 AYAs from adult and paediatric Ile-de-France neurosurgical units, treated between 1998 and 2013 to analyse their clinicoradiological and histomolecular profiles. The inclusion criteria were age between 15 and 25-years, histopathological HGG diagnosis, available clinical data, pre-operative and follow-up MRI. MRI and tumoral samples were centrally reviewed. Immunohistochemistry and complementary molecular techniques such as targeted/next generation sequencing, whole exome sequencing and DNA-methylation analyses were performed to achieve an integrated diagnosis according to the 2016 WHO classification. RESULTS Based on 80 documented AYA patients, HGGs constitute heterogeneous clinicopathological and molecular groups, with a predominant representation of paediatric-subtypes (Histone H3-mutants, 40%) but also adult-subtypes (IDH-mutants, 28%) characterized by the rarity of oligodendrogliomas, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q co-deleted and the relative high frequency of “rare adult IDH mutations” (20%). H3G34-mutants (14%) represent the most specific subgroup in AYAs. In the H3K27-mutant subgroup, the non-brainstem diffuse midline gliomas are more frequent (66.7%) than diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (23.8%), contrary to children. We found that WHO grade has no prognostic value, but molecular subgrouping has major prognostic importance. CONCLUSIONS HGGs in AYAs could benefit from a more personalized neuro-oncological management, driven by molecular subtyping rather than age group. Collaborative efforts are needed from paediatric and adult neuro-oncology teams to improve the management of HGGs in AYAs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshaykumar Nana Kamble ◽  
Nidhi K Agrawal ◽  
Surabhi Koundal ◽  
Salil Bhargava ◽  
Abhaykumar Nana Kamble

AbstractRadiology based classification of glioma independent of histological or genetic markers predicting survival of patients is an unmet need. Until now radiology is chasing these markers rather than focussing directly on the clinical outcome. Our study is first of its kind to come up with the independent new radiological classification of gliomas encompassing both low-and high-grade gliomas under single classification system.TCGA-LGG and REMBRANDT public domain dataset of glioma were analyzed as training and testing dataset respectively. Based on MRI images, gliomas were classified into six types in detailed classification & three types in simplified classification system. Survival analysis using Kaplan Meier and Cox regression was done. Secondary objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of novel signs with existing histological and genetic markers.The study predicted survival in both training and testing dataset independent of genetic or histological information. Novel signs, “Ball on Christmas tree” sign(highly specific), Type-4 lineage sign(highly sensitive) identifies IDH-wild and high-grade gliomas (grade-III and IV) while Type-2 lineage sign showed good specificity in identifying 1p19q non co-deleted IDH-mutated, ATRX del/mutated, Grade-II gliomas. There is a substantial interobserver agreement for the classification and novel signs. New radiological classification of glioma predicts the survival of patients independent of genetic or histological information. This can act as a scaffolding to formulate and streamline the treatment guidelines for glioma patients. This classification has potential of improving the quality of care of glioma patients by predicting the survival without the need of invasive biopsy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Guan ◽  
Ji Xiong ◽  
Mingyuan Pan ◽  
Wenyin Shi ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The optimal treatment for recurrent high-grade gliomas (rHGG) remains uncertain. This research aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CyberKnife radiosurgery as a salvage treatment for high-grade gliomas at first recurrence that within the radiation field.Methods: Between January 2016 and October 2019, rHGG patients treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was OS, and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity. Toxicity was assessed using CTCAE 5.0. The prognostic value of key clinical features (age, performance status, planning target volume, dose, use of bevacizumab) were evaluated.Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study. Forty patients were male and 30 were female. Forty-nine had an initial diagnosis Glioblastoma (GBM), and rest (21) were WHO Grade 3 Gliomas. The median planning target volume (PTV) was 16.68 cm3 (0.81–121.96 cm3). The median prescribed dose was 24 Gy (12-30 Gy) in 4 fractions (2-6 fractions). Median baseline Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) is 70 (40-90). With a median follow-up of 12.1 months, the median overall survival after salvage treatment was 17.6 months (19.5 and 14.6 months for grade 3 and 4 gliomas; p = 0.039). No grade 3 or higher toxicities was recorded. Multivariate analysis showed concurrent bevacizumab with radiosurgery and KPS>70 were favorable prognostic factors for grade 4 patients.Conclusions: Salvage CyberKnife radiosurgery showed a favorable outcome and acceptable toxicity for rHGG. A prospective phase II study (NCT04197492) is ongoing to further investigate the value of HSRS in rHGG.


2022 ◽  
pp. 197140092110674
Author(s):  
Bettina L Serrallach ◽  
Brandon H Tran ◽  
David F Bauer ◽  
Carrie A Mohila ◽  
Adekunle M Adesina ◽  
...  

Primary spinal cord high-grade gliomas, including those histologically identified as glioblastoma (GBM), are a rare entity in the pediatric population but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions. Pediatric spinal cord high-grade gliomas have an aggressive course with poor prognosis. The aim of this case report is to present a 15-year-old female adolescent with histopathologically confirmed spinal cord GBM with H3F3A K27 M mutation consistent with a diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3 K27-altered, CNS WHO grade 4 with leptomeningeal seeding on initial presentation. As imaging features of H3 K27-altered DMGs are non-specific and may mimic more frequently encountered neoplastic diseases as well as demyelinating disorders, severe neurological deficits at presentation with short duration, rapid progression, and early leptomeningeal seeding should however raise the suspicion for a pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma like DMG, H3 K27-altered.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS2084-TPS2084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solmaz Sahebjam ◽  
Peter A. J. Forsyth ◽  
John Arrington ◽  
Nam D. Tran ◽  
Michael Vishal Jaglal ◽  
...  

TPS2084 Background: Nivolumab is an IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 immune checkpoint pathway and prevents binding of PD-1 with PD-L1 and PD-L2. Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 is found in the microenvironment of high grade gliomas and correlates with worse outcome providing a rationale for investigating nivolumab in this group of patients (pts) with very limited treatment options. Nivolumab monotherapy is well tolerated in recurrent glioblastoma pts. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that radiotherapy synergizes with anti PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and produces tumor regression and long-term survival in orthotopic murine models of glioma. This report describes an ongoing phase I trial of nivolumab in combination with HFSRT in pts with recurrent WHO grade III or IV gliomas. Methods: This phase I study includes a safety cohort of 6 pts followed by dose expansion cohort of 20 pts (NCT02829931). Pts with bevacizumab naïve recurrent WHO grade III or IV gliomas (maximum diameter of enhancing brain lesion ≤ 4 cm) are eligible. An interval of at least 6 months after the end of prior radiation therapy is required unless there is a new recurrence outside of the previous radiotherapy treatment field. Eligible patients will be treated with HFSRT to the recurrent tumor (30 Gy delivered in 5 fractions). Nivolumab will be started 5 days after HFSRT. It will be administered intravenously every 2 weeks (at 240 mg flat dose) for 4 months. After 4 months, nivolumab will be administered every 4 weeks at 480 mg flat dose. The primary study objectives are to determine safety and tolerability of nivolumab administered in combination with HFSRT to recurrent high grade gliomas. Secondary endpoints include determination of the preliminary antitumor activity (response rate, 6-months survival and 9-months survival rates), and exploring tissue and imaging biomarkers. Study Progress: At deadline for abstract submission, 5 patients have been treated on this study. Clinical trial information: NCT02829931.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244383
Author(s):  
Joshua L. Wang ◽  
Rolf F. Barth ◽  
Robert Cavaliere ◽  
Vinay K. Puduvalli ◽  
Pierre Giglio ◽  
...  

Background Carboplatin is a potent cytoreductive agent for a variety of solid tumors. However, when delivered systemically, clinical efficacy for the treatment of high grade gliomas is poor due to limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Direct intracerebral (IC) convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of carboplatin has been used to bypass the BBB and successfully treat the F98 rat glioma. Based on these studies, we initiated a Phase I clinical trial. Objective This Phase I clinical trial was conducted to establish the maximum tolerated dose and define the toxicity profile of carboplatin delivered intracerebrally via convection enhanced delivery (CED) for patients with high grade glial neoplasms. Methods Cohorts of 3 patients with recurrent WHO grade III or IV gliomas were treated with escalating doses of CED carboplatin (1–4 μg in 54mL over 72 hours) delivered via catheters placed at the time of recurrent tumor resection. The primary outcome measure was determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary outcome measures included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and radiographic correlation. Results A total of 10 patients have completed treatment with infusion doses of carboplatin of 1μg, 2μg, and 4μg. The total planned volume of infusion was 54mL for each patient. All patients had previously received surgery and chemoradiation. Histology at treatment include GBM (n = 9) and anaplastic oligodendroglioma (n = 1). Median KPS was 90 (range, 70 to 100) at time of treatment. Median PFS and OS were 2.1 and 9.6 months after completion of CED, respectively. A single adverse event possibly related to treatment was noted (generalized seizure). Conclusions IC CED of carboplatin as a potential therapy for recurrent malignant glioma is feasible and safe at doses up to 4μg in 54mL over 72 hours. Further studies are needed to determine the maximum tolerated dose and potential efficacy.


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