KRAS Mutation in Pediatric Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors

Khaiman, Chusana; Techavichit, Piti; Poparn, Hansamon; Chiangthong, Kanhatai; Lauhasurayotin, Supanun; Sosothikul, Darintr; Shotelersuk, Kanjana; Nantavithya, Chonnipa; Jakchairoongruang, Ketsuda; Amornfa, Jiraporn; Khongkhaduead, Ekkachai; Santisukwongchote, Sakun; Teerapakpinyo, Chinachote; Shuangshot, Shanop

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.9.3179

KRAS Mutation in Pediatric Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Integrative and Innovative Hematology/Oncology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

² Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

³ Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

⁴ Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

⁵ Chulalongkorn GenePRO Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

⁶ Department of Pathology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.9.3179

Abstract

Background: Intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) are rare, highly curable neoplasms. KRAS is a gene in the KIT/RAS signaling pathway, and KRAS mutations have been reported in patients diagnosed with IGCTs. Objectives: To describe the clinicopathologic and molecular features of KRAS mutation and the treatment outcome of children diagnosed with IGCTs. Methods: Patients diagnosed with IGCTs at the Department of Pediatrics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and used for molecular study. Mutations in codons 12, 13, and 61 of the KRAS gene were detected using the cobas® KRAS mutation test and pyrosequencing. Results: Eighteen patients were diagnosed with IGCTs (11 males and 7 females): nine with germinomas and nine with non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs). The age range of the patients was 5–14 years (median 10.5 years). Elevated markers were revealed in approximately 25% of the patients. Four patients (two with germinomas and two with NGGCTs) had leptomeningeal involvement. All patients underwent tumor biopsy and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered in 16 patients, and craniospinal radiation was administered only in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis. With a median follow-up of 26 months, overall survival was 88.9% in the patients with germinomas and 37% in the patients with NGGCTs. Mutation of the KRAS gene was detected using pyrosequencing in one patient. The mutation located at codon 61, with frequency 38.3% units, nucleotide substitution CAA > CTA, and amino acid substitution, was Q61L. The patient carrying the mutant gene was diagnosed with germinoma with cerebrospinal fluid metastasis and eventually died from treatment-related toxicity. Conclusion: Our study revealed the treatment outcomes of IGCTs in Thai children. The metastatic germinoma patient with KRAS codon 61 mutation had a poor outcome, supporting that Q61L has a clinical correlation with IGCTs.

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