PXA-like tumors: prognostic implications

Abstract

Purpose The classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors has evolved significantly with the integration of molecular markers, particularly through DNA methylation profiling. We aimed to explore the disparity between epigenetic profiling, histomorphology, and CNS WHO grade by analyzing the therapeutic and survival duration of the patients. Method This retrospective study evaluated three ambiguous pediatric cases, aged 9 to 15 years, with a radiological diagnosis of high-grade glioma. A multidisciplinary approach assessed the discordance between histomorphology, epigenetic profiling, CNS WHO grade, and overall survival. Results Based on the 5th edition CNS WHO classification, two cases were diagnosed as diffuse pediatric-type high-grade gliomas (PHGG), H3 wild type, IDH wild type, NOS. One of the cases exhibited a BRAF V600E mutation and was classified as glioblastoma with BRAF V600E mutation. DNA methylation profiling using the Heidelberg/DKFZ Classifier classified all three cases as pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA), despite a mean survival of only 13.7 months. Conclusion The study highlights that the methylation class PXA comprises tumors which can exhibit high-grade features and a poor prognosis.