BACKGROUND: Diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered (DMG) is a fatal tumour that arises in the midline structures of the brain. When located in the pons, it is more commonly referred to as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). DMG/DIPG is usually diagnosed when children are < 10 years, and it has a median overall survival of < 12 months after diagnosis. Radiological imaging is still the gold standard for DIPG diagnosis while the use of biopsy procedures led to our knowledge on its biology, such as with the identification of the canonical histone H3K27M mutation. However, the need to improve survival encourages the development of non-invasive, fast and inexpensive assays on biofluids for optimizing molecular diagnoses in DMG/DIPG. Here, we propose a rapid, new, imaging and epigenetics-based approach to diagnose DMG/DIPG in the plasma of paediatric patients. METHODS: A total of 20 healthy children (mean age: 10.5 years) and 24 children diagnosed with DMG/DIPG (mean age: 8.5 years) were recruited. Individual histones (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2), histone dimers and nucleosomes were assayed in biofluids by means of a new advanced flow cytometry ImageStream(X)-adapted method. RESULTS: We report a significant increase in circulating histone dimers and tetramers (macroH2A1.1/H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; macroH2A1.2/H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; H2A/H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; H3/H4 versus control: p value = 0.008; H2A/H2B/H3/H4 versus control: p value < 0.0001) and a significant downregulation of individual histones (H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; H3 versus control: p value < 0.0001; H4 versus control: p value < 0.0001). Moreover, histones were also detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with DMG/DIPG and in the supernatant of SF8628, OPBG-DIPG002 and OPBG-DIPG004 DMG/DIPG cell lines, with patterns mostly similar to each other, but distinct compared to blood plasma. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we identified circulating histone signatures able to detect the presence of DMG/DIPG in biofluids of children, using a rapid and non-invasive ImageStream(X)-based imaging technology, which may improve diagnosis and benefit the patients.

• MeSH
• difuzní intrinsický pontinní gliom * genetika   diagnóza   krev   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• gliom * genetika   diagnóza   krev   MeSH
• histony * genetika   krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery krev   MeSH
• nádory mozkového kmene * genetika   diagnóza   krev   MeSH
• nukleozomy metabolismus   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• histony * MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery MeSH
• nukleozomy MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare clinically, neuro-radiologically, and molecularly defined malignancy of the brainstem with a median overall survival of approximately 11 months. Our aim is to evaluate the current tendency for its treatment in Europe in order to develop (inter)national consensus guidelines. METHODS: Healthcare professionals specialized in DIPG were asked to fill in an online survey with questions regarding usual treatment strategies at diagnosis and at disease progression in their countries and/or their centers, respectively. RESULTS: Seventy-four healthcare professionals responded to the survey, of which 87.8% were pediatric oncologists. Only 13.5% of the respondents biopsy all of their patients, 41.9% biopsy their patients infrequently. More than half of the respondents (54.1%) treated their patients with radiotherapy only at diagnosis, whereas 44.6% preferred radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy. When the disease progresses, treatment strategies became even more diverse, and the tendency for no treatment increased from 1.4% at diagnosis to 77.0% after second progression. 36.5% of the healthcare professionals treat children younger than 3 years differently than older children at diagnosis. This percentage decreased, when the disease progresses. Most of the participants (51.4%) included less than 25% of their patients in clinical trials. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates a large heterogeneity of treatment regimens, especially at disease progression. We emphasize the need for international consensus guidelines for the treatment of DIPG, possible by more collaborative clinical trials.

• Klíčová slova
• Chemotherapy, Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), Diffuse midline glioma H3-K27 mutant (DMG K3-27M), Radiotherapy,
• MeSH
• biopsie MeSH
• difuzní intrinsický pontinní gliom diagnóza   terapie   MeSH
• kombinovaná terapie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory mozkového kmene diagnóza   terapie   MeSH
• prognóza MeSH
• progrese nemoci MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine (H3-K27M) mutations most frequently occur in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) of the childhood pons but are also increasingly recognized in adults. Their potential heterogeneity at different ages and midline locations is vastly understudied. Here, through dissecting the single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic and spatial architectures of a comprehensive cohort of patient H3-K27M DMGs, we delineate how age and anatomical location shape glioma cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic features in light of the shared driver mutation. We show that stem-like oligodendroglial precursor-like cells, present across all clinico-anatomical groups, display varying levels of maturation dependent on location. We reveal a previously underappreciated relationship between mesenchymal cancer cell states and age, linked to age-dependent differences in the immune microenvironment. Further, we resolve the spatial organization of H3-K27M DMG cell populations and identify a mitotic oligodendroglial-lineage niche. Collectively, our study provides a powerful framework for rational modeling and therapeutic interventions.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• gliom * genetika   MeSH
• histony genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methionin MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• nádorové mikroprostředí genetika   MeSH
• Racemethionin MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• histony MeSH
• methionin MeSH
• Racemethionin MeSH

Diffuse gliomas with K27M histone mutations (H3K27M glioma) are generally characterized by a fatal prognosis, particularly affecting the pediatric population. Based on the molecular heterogeneity observed in this tumor type, personalized treatment is considered to substantially improve therapeutic options. Therefore, clinical evidence for therapy, guided by comprehensive molecular profiling, is urgently required. In this study, we analyzed feasibility and clinical outcomes in a cohort of 12 H3K27M glioma cases treated at two centers. Patients were subjected to personalized treatment either at primary diagnosis or disease progression and received backbone therapy including focal irradiation. Molecular analyses included whole-exome sequencing of tumor and germline DNA, RNA-sequencing, and transcriptomic profiling. Patients were monitored with regular clinical as well as radiological follow-up. In one case, liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used. Analyses could be completed in 83% (10/12) and subsequent personalized treatment for one or more additional pharmacological therapies could be recommended in 90% (9/10). Personalized treatment included inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (3/9), MAPK signaling (2/9), immunotherapy (2/9), receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition (2/9), and retinoic receptor agonist (1/9). The overall response rate within the cohort was 78% (7/9) including one complete remission, three partial responses, and three stable diseases. Sustained responses lasting for 28 to 150 weeks were observed for cases with PIK3CA mutations treated with either miltefosine or everolimus and additional treatment with trametinib/dabrafenib in a case with BRAFV600E mutation. Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment of a case with increased tumor mutational burden (TMB) resulted in complete remission lasting 40 weeks. Median time to progression was 29 weeks. Median overall survival (OS) in the personalized treatment cohort was 16.5 months. Last, we compared OS to a control cohort (n = 9) showing a median OS of 17.5 months. No significant difference between the cohorts could be detected, but long-term survivors (>2 years) were only present in the personalized treatment cohort. Taken together, we present the first evidence of clinical efficacy and an improved patient outcome through a personalized approach at least in selected cases of H3K27M glioma.

• Klíčová slova
• H3K27M, comprehensive molecular profiling, diffuse midline glioma, pediatric oncology, precision medicine,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: The use of liquid biopsy is of potential high importance for children with high grade (HGG) and diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), particularly where surgical procedures are limited, and invasive biopsy sampling not without risk. To date, however, the evidence that detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could provide useful information for these patients has been limited, or contradictory. METHODS: We optimized droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for the detection of common somatic mutations observed in pediatric HGG/DMG, and applied them to liquid biopsies from plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and cystic fluid collected from 32 patients. RESULTS: Although detectable in all biomaterial types, ctDNA presented at significantly higher levels in CSF compared to plasma and/or serum. When applied to a cohort of 127 plasma specimens from 41 patients collected from 2011 to 2018 as part of a randomized clinical trial in pediatric non-brainstem HGG/DMG, ctDNA profiling by ddPCR was of limited use due to the small volumes (mean = 0.49 mL) available. In anecdotal cases where sufficient material was available, cfDNA concentration correlated with disease progression in two examples each of poor response in H3F3A_K27M-mutant DMG, and longer survival times in hemispheric BRAF_V600E-mutant cases. CONCLUSION: Tumor-specific DNA alterations are more readily detected in CSF than plasma. Although we demonstrate the potential of the approach to assessing tumor burden, our results highlight the necessity for adequate sample collection and approach to improve detection if plasma samples are to be used.

• Klíčová slova
• CSF, DIPG, HGG, cfDNA, ctDNA, plasma,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PDGFRA is crucial to tumorigenesis and frequently genomically altered in high-grade glioma (HGG). In a comprehensive dataset of pediatric HGG (n = 261), we detect PDGFRA mutations and/or amplifications in 15% of cases, suggesting PDGFRA as a therapeutic target. We reveal that the PDGFRA/KIT inhibitor avapritinib shows (1) selectivity for PDGFRA inhibition, (2) distinct patterns of subcellular effects, (3) in vitro and in vivo activity in patient-derived HGG models, and (4) effective blood-brain barrier penetration in mice and humans. Furthermore, we report preliminary clinical real-world experience using avapritinib in pediatric and young adult patients with predominantly recurrent/refractory PDGFRA-altered HGG (n = 8). Our early data demonstrate that avapritinib is well tolerated and results in radiographic response in 3/7 cases, suggesting a potential role for avapritinib in the treatment of HGG with specific PDGFRA alterations. Overall, these translational results underscore the therapeutic potential of PDGFRA inhibition with avapritinib in HGG.

• Klíčová slova
• PDGFRA alteration, PDGFRA amplification, PDGFRA inhibitor, PDGFRA mutation, avapritinib, brain penetrance, diffuse midline glioma, glioblastoma, high-grade glioma, tyrosine kinase inhibitor,
• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• gliom * farmakoterapie   genetika   patologie   MeSH
• hematoencefalická bariéra metabolismus   MeSH
• inhibitory proteinkinas * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory mozku * farmakoterapie   genetika   patologie   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• protinádorové látky * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• pyrazoly * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• pyrroly MeSH
• růstový faktor odvozený z trombocytů - receptor alfa * genetika   antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• stupeň nádoru MeSH
• triaziny MeSH
• xenogenní modely - testy protinádorové aktivity MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• avapritinib MeSH Prohlížeč
• inhibitory proteinkinas * MeSH
• protinádorové látky * MeSH
• pyrazoly * MeSH
• pyrroly MeSH
• růstový faktor odvozený z trombocytů - receptor alfa * MeSH
• triaziny MeSH

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) bearing driver mutations of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27M) are incurable brain tumors with unique epigenomes. Here, we generated a syngeneic H3K27M mouse model to study the amino acid metabolic dependencies of these tumors. H3K27M mutant cells were highly dependent on methionine. Interrogating the methionine cycle dependency through a short-interfering RNA screen identified the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) as a critical vulnerability in these tumors. This vulnerability was not mediated through the canonical mechanism of MTAP deletion; instead, DMG cells have lower levels of MAT2A protein, which is mediated by negative feedback induced by the metabolite decarboxylated S-adenosyl methionine. Depletion of residual MAT2A induces global depletion of H3K36me3, a chromatin mark of transcriptional elongation perturbing oncogenic and developmental transcriptional programs. Moreover, methionine-restricted diets extended survival in multiple models of DMG in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that MAT2A presents an exploitable therapeutic vulnerability in H3K27M gliomas.

• MeSH
• epigenom MeSH
• gliom * genetika   MeSH
• histony genetika   MeSH
• methionin genetika   MeSH
• methioninadenosyltransferasa metabolismus   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádory mozku * genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• histony MeSH
• Mat2a protein, mouse MeSH Prohlížeč
• methionin MeSH
• methioninadenosyltransferasa MeSH

Revised WHO 2016 classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) incorporates for the first time genetic information in addition to morphology for classification of many tumor entities. One of the most important changes is restructuring the chapter of diffuse gliomas. Based on shared genetic driver mutations, diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas are now classified together, separately from "other" glial tumors with a more circumscribed growth pattern, different pathogenesis and clinical outcome. Diffuse gliomas can now be more objectively diagnosed and further prognostically stratified by use of a relatively small number of markers (ATRX and IDH1/2 mutations and del 1p/19q). Another newly genetically-defined and clinically relevant entity is diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant. Some glioma entities, variants and growth patterns were deleted and new variants, such as epithelioid glioblastoma and glioblastoma with a primitive neural component were added. In the article, the most important changes of diffuse gliomas classification are summarized and a practical diagnostic approach is illustrated.

• Klíčová slova
• astrocytoma - oligodendroglioma - glioblastoma - classification - IDH - ATRX.,
• MeSH
• astrocytom * diagnóza   genetika   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• gliom * diagnóza   genetika   MeSH
• isocitrátdehydrogenasa MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• nádory mozku * diagnóza   genetika   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• isocitrátdehydrogenasa MeSH