Incidence of kiaa1549‐braf fusion gene in Egyptian pediatric low grade glioma

Abstract Background Low grade glioma (LGG) is the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumor in children. Some are treated with surgery alone, while chemotherapy is given for unresectable tumor with clinical symptoms or progression. Conventional chemotherapy is effective but 30–40% patients may have reactivation of disease requiring re-treatment throughout lifetime. MEK inhibitor for BRAF-fusion positive LGG is a new treatment option for refractory cases. Methods Retrospective search in territory-wide pediatric oncology registry for children diagnosed with LGG from 2010–2020 in Hong Kong. To identify patients with molecular confirmed BRAF-fusion positive LGG and any treatment with MEK inhibitor. Results Twelve patients (N=12) were identified with BRAF-fusion positive LGG, male:female was 1:2, age 0.3–15.1yr (median 5.0yr) at presentation. The median follow up duration was 1.8yr. Five patients (42%) had surgical resection only. Seven patients (58%) were given chemotherapy with Carboplatin / Vincristine. Five out of seven (n=7) treated patients (71%) have partial response at their initial treatment. Two patients (29%) had progressive disease during treatment and switched to second-line chemotherapy, vinblastine however without improvement. Three patients required re-treatment as disease reactivation. Total five patients had refractory diseases were treated with MEK inhibitor, Trametinib including one diagnosed NF-1. All of them have adverse skin reaction and raised transaminase with one required dose reduction. They have been taking the MEK inhibitor for 0.1–3.3 yr with sustainable partial response. Conclusion Pediatric LGG has overall favourable prognosis. Some of them treated with surgery alone while conventional chemotherapy could also achieve satisfactory disease control. For refractory disease with BRAF-fusion positive, MEK inhibitor is a well tolerated treatment option showing sustainable partial response. However, prolonged medication and disturbing skin reaction are still a major concern for this group of patients. On-going clinical trials to compare conventional chemotherapy versus MEK inhibitor could give us more insight about the clinical benefit, patient selection and treatment duration.

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Clinical and economic impact of molecular testing for BRAF fusion in pediatric low-grade Glioma

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-03069-1 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Juan David Rios ◽

Russanthy Velummailum ◽

Julie Bennett ◽

Liana Nobre ◽

Derek S. Tsang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Economic Impact ◽

Low Grade Glioma ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Low Grade ◽

Precision Oncology ◽

Secondary Neoplasms ◽

Life Years ◽

Braf Fusion ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Treatment personalization via tumor molecular testing holds promise for improving outcomes for patients with pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG). We evaluate the health economic impact of employing tumor molecular testing to guide treatment for patients diagnosed with PLGG, particularly the avoidance of radiation therapy (RT) for patients with BRAF-fusion. Methods We performed a model-based cost-utility analysis comparing two strategies: molecular testing to determine BRAF fusion status at diagnosis against no molecular testing. We developed a microsimulation to model the lifetime health and cost outcomes (in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 2018 CAD, respectively) for a simulated cohort of 100,000 patients newly diagnosed with PLGG after their initial surgery. Results The life expectancy after diagnosis for individuals who did not receive molecular testing was 39.01 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 32.94;44.38) years and 40.08 (95% CI: 33.19;45.76) years for those who received testing. Our findings indicate that patients who received molecular testing at diagnosis experienced a 0.38 (95% CI: 0.08;0.77) gain in QALYs and $1384 (95% CI: $-3486; $1204) reduction in costs over their lifetime. Cost and QALY benefits were driven primarily by the avoidance of long-term adverse events (stroke, secondary neoplasms) associated with unnecessary use of radiation. Conclusions We demonstrate the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of molecular testing in guiding the decision to provide RT in PLGG. While our results do not consider the impact of targeted therapies, this work is an example of the value of simulation modeling in assessing the long-term costs and benefits of precision oncology interventions for childhood cancer, which can aid decision-making about health system reimbursement.

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