DIFFUSE LEPTOMENINGEAL GLIONEURONAL TUMOR IN CHILDREN: MR CHARACTERISTICS, CLINICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOME. FOUR CLINICAL CASES

Abstract

Background. Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DLGNT) is an extremely rare entity first officially recognized in 2016 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of this tumor usually visualizes diffuse meningeal infiltration with contrast enhancement, with the presence of multiple small contrast‑negative cysts, visible mainly in the T2 images. The main molecular markers of DLGNTs include the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion gene, BRAF V600E substitution is less common.The aim of this work is to describe the manifestation of DLGNT, its neuroimaging and molecular genetic characteristics, the experience of using anti‑BRAF and anti‑MEK therapy.Materials and methods. In this article are described four cases of DLGNT. The first patient with the presence of the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion in the tumor tissue received a full course of SIOP‑LGG / 2004 chemotherapy (carbo‑ platin and vincristine), the stabilization of the disease on the MRI remains for 4 years after completion of treatment. Second patient with KIAA1549-BRAF fusion gene in tumour tissue received MEK inhibitor trametinib as first line of treatment with the stabilization of the disease on control MRI which last for 2 years. A third patient with a mutation in the BRAF V600E gene. After disease progression on standard chemotherapy (carboplatin and vincristine) according to the SIOP‑LGG / 2004 protocol, anti‑BRAF therapy with vemurafenib was prescribed. After 10 months on MRI a complete response was recorded, which persists during the drug intake for 2.5 years. In the fourth patient, no molecular genetic aberrations were detected; a refractory / progressive course of the dis‑ ease was noted. To date, the stabilization of the disease is recorded on the fourth line of chemotherapy (everoli‑ mus and temozolomide).Conclusion. Given the rarity of this tumor and the lack of consensus about therapy, despite the limited number of observations, our experience allows us to recommend molecular testing of DLGNT to detect activating events in the BRAF gene, as well as consideration of anti‑BRAF / MEK therapy if either the BRAF V600E mutation is de‑ tected or KIAA1549-BRAF fusion.