5156

PDGFRA

CD140A|PDGFR-2|PDGFR2|RHEPDGFRA;platelet-derived growth factor receptor, alpha polypeptide;PDGFRA;platelet-derived growth factor receptor, alpha polypeptide

CD140 antigen-like family member A|CD140a antigen|PDGF-R-alpha|PDGFR-alpha|PDGFRA/BCR fusion|alpha platelet-derived growth factor receptor|alpha-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor|platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor|platelet-derived gr

4q12

protein-coding

Amplification of the EGFR, mdm2, CDK4 and PDGFR A genes has been widely demonstrated in adult malignant gliomas, almost exclusively glioblastomas. To determine the role of these mutational events in pediatric astrocytic gliomas weinvestigated the presence of EGFR, mdm2, CDK4 and PDGFR A gene amplification in 38 childhood brain tumor biopsies, including 24 low-grade astrocytomas and 14 malignant tumors. We used differential PCR assay on DNA extracted either from paraffin embedded or frozen tissues. EGFR gene amplification was detected in 4 out of 14 malignant tumors; no low-grade astrocytoma showed amplification. tumors with EGFR gene amplification were negative for the presence of p53 mutations, asobserved in a previous study. One glioblastoma showed PDGFR A amplification, while no amplifications were observed for mdm2 and CDK4 genes. These data are inline with those obtained from studies on gliomas of adults and suggest the existence of two different subsets of malignant gliomas also in pediatric brain tumors: one carrying EGFR gene amplification, the other showing p53 mutations.

Once a poorly defined pathologic oddity, in recent years, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has emerged as a distinct oncogenetic entity that is now center stage in clinical trials of kinase-targeted therapies. This review chartsthe rapid progress that has established GIST as a model for understanding the role of oncogenic kinase mutations in human tumorigenesis. Approximately 80% to 85% of GISTs harbor activating mutations of the KIT tyrosine kinase. In a seriesof 322 GISTs (including 140 previously published cases) studied by the authors in detail, mutations in the KIT gene occurred with decreasing frequency in exons 11(66.1%), 9 (13%), 13 (1.2%), and 17 (0.6%). In the same series, a subset of tumors had mutations in the KIT-related kinase gene PDGF receptor alpha (PDGFRA), which occurred in either exon 18 (5.6%) or 12 (1.5%). The remainder of GISTs (12%) were wild type for both KIT and PDGFRA. Comparative studies of KIT-mutant,PDGFRA-mutant, and wild-type GISTs indicate that there are many similarities between these groups of tumors but also important differences. In particular, the responsiveness of GISTs to treatment with the kinase inhibitor imatinib varies substantially depending on the exonic location of the KIT or PDGFRA mutation. Given these differences, which have implications both for the diagnosis and treatment of GISTs, we propose a molecular-based classification of GIST. Recent studies of familial GIST, pediatric GIST, and variant forms of GIST related to Carney's triad and neurofibromatosis type 1 are discussed in relationship to this molecular classification. In addition, the role of mutation screening in KIT andPDGFRA as a diagnostic and prognostic aid is emphasized in this review.

In the wake of recent progress in understanding the genetic pathways involved inthe development of brain tumors, a major goal is to correlate molecular data with clinical outcome, survival, and response to treatment modalities. This is of particular importance among the pediatric population. Reliable prognostic factors could potentially permit a tailoring of therapy in that only patients with the most aggressive tumors would receive the most intense treatments. A survey of publications about prognosis-related molecular features among pediatric brain tumors revealed 74 series, of which 46 presented statistically significant outcome-associated parameters as defined by a p value <0.05. Most investigationsrevealing significant prognosis-related features were performed on medulloblastomas (34 publications), followed by astrocytic tumors (6 publications) and ependymomas (5 publications). Promising approaches and molecular markers include gene expression profiles, DNA ploidy, loss of heterozygosity and chromosomal aberrations as detected by CGH and FISH (1q, 17p,17q), as well as oncogenes/ tumor suppressor genes and their proteins (TP53, PTEN, c-erbB2, N-myc, c-myc), growth factor and hormonal receptors (PDGFRA, VEGF, EGFR, HER2, HER4, ErbB-2, hTERT, TrkC), cell cycle genes (p27) and cell adhesionmolecules, as well as factors potentially related to therapeutic resistance (multi-drug resistance, DNA topoisomerase IIalpha, metallothionein, P-glycoprotein, tenascin). This review discusses the predictive potential of molecular markers for clinical outcome and their influence on therapeutic decision-making among children with brain tumors.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors of the intestinaltract that typically occur in adults over the age of 40 years. GISTs in younger patients are rare and not well characterized. The objective was to define the characteristics of GISTs in children and young adults (<30 years old). Clinicopathologic and molecular features, including KIT/PDGFRA genotype, in GISTs from 5 children and 10 young adults were analyzed. Gene expression analysis was performed on 5 gastric tumor samples from 2 children, 2 gastric tumors from young adults, and 10 gastric GISTs from older adults using an U133A Affymetrix platform (22,000 genes). ALL five pediatric GISTs occurred in girls, involved the stomachas multiple nodules, showed predominantly an epithelioid morphology, often involved lymph nodes, and lacked KIT or PDGFRA mutations. Although ALL five patients developed recurrence (four in the liver, three in the peritoneum, and two in both sites), four are still alive with disease. Of the 10 GISTs in young adults, half occurred in the small bowel and had spindle cell morphology, and one case had lymph node metastasis. KIT mutations were identified in seven cases, four in exon 11 and three in exon 9. Seven patients developed recurrence, and atlast follow-up two patients had died of disease. Gene expression analysis showedhigh expression of PHKA1, FZD2, NLGN4, IGF1R, and ANK3 in the pediatric and young adult versus older adult cases. GISTs that occur in children are a separate clinicopathologic and molecular subset with predilection for girls, multifocal gastric tumors, and wild-type KIT/PDGFRA genotype. In contrast, GISTs in young adults are a more heterogeneous group, including cases that resemble either the pediatric or the older adult-type tumors. The distinct gene expression profile suggests avenues for investigation of pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Radiation-induced glioblastomas (RIGs) represent a significant proportion of glioblastomas (GBMs) seen in children and young adults and manifest poor prognosis. Little is known about their underlying biology, although limited studies have suggested no unique histologic or cytogenetic characteristics to distinguish them from de novo GBMs. In this study, we confirmed that a series of5 RIGs showed no unique histologic or cytogenetic features compared with de novopediatric GBMs, prompting us to further investigate RIGs using gene expression microarray profiling and Western blot analysis. Despite the inability of histologic and molecular genetic studies to identify distinguishing features between RIGs and pediatric GBMs, gene microarrays suggested significant differences between these 2 tumor types, at least those occurring in pediatric patients. pediatric RIGs show greater homogeneity of gene expression than do de novo pediatric GBMs. Greater overlap was detected in gene expression patterns between RIGs and pilocytic astrocytomas than between RIGs and GBMs, medulloblastomas, ependymomas, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, or rhabdomyosarcomas, suggesting a common precursor cell for RIG and pilocytic astrocytoma. Western blot analyses confirmed that ErbB3, Sox10, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha proteins were consistently expressed in RIGs but rarely in pediatric GBMs.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive skeletal muscle cancer of childhood. Our initial studies of rhabdomyosarcoma gene expression for patients enrolled ina national clinical trial suggested that platelet-derived growth factor receptorA (PDGFR-A) may be a mediator of disease progression and metastasis. Using our conditional mouse tumor models that authentically recapitulate the primary mutations and metastatic progression of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas in humans, wefound by immunoblotting and immunokinase assays that PDGFR-A and its downstream effectors, mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt, were highly activated in both primary and metastatic tumors. Inhibition of PDGFR-A by RNA interference, small molecule inhibitor or neutralizing antibody had a dramatic effect on tumorcell growth both in vitro and in vivo, although resistance evolved in one-third of tumors. These results establish proof-of-principal for PDGFR-A as a therapeutic target in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 85% of GISTs harbor activating mutations in the KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene and approximately 95% of GISTs are positive for KIT (CD117) by immunohistochemistry. Nevertheless, approximately 5% of GISTs lack KIT expression. Inhibition of KIT and PDGFRA by tyrosine kinase inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs and demands accurate tumor classification.DOG1.1 is a recently described mouse monoclonal antibody reported to have superior sensitivity and specificity compared with KIT (CD117) and CD34. We evaluated this new antibody on a group of 81 GISTs obtained from 74 patients with special regard to KIT-negative GISTs (n=28), pediatric GISTs (n=11), and GISTs associated with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) (n=16). Conventional GISTs (n=26)were also included. ALL conventional KIT-positive GISTs, ALL NF1-associated GISTs, and 9/11 pediatric GISTs expressed DOG1.1. DOG1.1 was expressed in 10/28 (36%) of KIT-negative tumors. The staining pattern was cytoplasmic and/or membranous. This study demonstrates that DOG1.1 is a sensitive immunohistochemical marker for GIST, comparable with KIT, with the additional benefit of detecting 36% of KIT-negative GISTs. DOG1.1 is also a sensitive marker for unusual GIST subgroups lacking KIT or PDGFRA mutations. In tumors that are negative for both KIT and DOG1.1, mutational screening may be required to confirm the diagnosis of GIST.

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MEPN) generally can be cured by gross total surgical resection and usually manifest a favorable prognosis. However, surgery is less curative in tumors that are large, multifocal or extend outside the thecal sac. Late recurrences may occur, particularly in pediatric patients. The role of adjuvant therapy is unclear in the clinical management of recurrent tumors. Clinical trial design requires a better understanding of tumor biology. Unique molecular features of MEPN were investigated by using microarray technology to compare the gene expression of five pediatric MEPN to 24 pediatric intracranial ependymoma (EPN). The upregulation of three genes of interest, homeobox B13 (HOXB13), neurofilament, light polypeptide (NEFL) and PDGFR alpha, was further studied by immunohistochemistry in a larger cohort that included adult MEPN and EPN specimens. Protein expression in MEPN was compared to subependymoma, spinal EPN, intracranial EPN and normal fetal and adult ependyma. Immunoreactivity for HOXB13, NEFL and PDGFR alpha was strongest in MEPN and virtually absent in subependymoma. Spinal and intracranial EPN generally expressed weak or focal staining. MEPN manifests unique gene and protein expression patterns compared toother EPNs. Aberrant expression of HOXB13 suggests possible recapitulation of developmental pathways in MEPN tumorigenesis. PDGFR alpha may be a potential therapeutic target in recurrent MEPN.

PURPOSE: To define copy number alterations and gene expression signatures underlying pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducteda high-resolution analysis of genomic imbalances in 78 de novo pediatric HGGs, including seven diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, and 10 HGGs arising in children who received cranial irradiation for a previous cancer using single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis. Gene expression was analyzed with gene expression microarrays for 53 tumors. Results were compared with publicly available data from adult tumors. RESULTS: Significant differences in copy number alterations distinguish childhood and adult glioblastoma. PDGFRA was the predominant target of focal amplification in childhood HGG, including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, and gene expression analyses supported an important role for deregulated PDGFRalpha signaling in pediatric HGG. No IDH1 hotspot mutations were found in pediatric tumors, highlighting molecular differences with adult secondary glioblastoma. pediatric and adult glioblastomas were clearly distinguished by frequent gain of chromosome 1q (30% v 9%, respectively) and lower frequency of chromosome 7 gain (13% v 74%, respectively) and 10q loss (35%v 80%, respectively). PDGFRA amplification and 1q gain occurred at significantlyhigher frequency in irradiation-induced tumors, suggesting that these are initiating events in childhood gliomagenesis. A subset of pediatric HGGs showed minimal copy number changes. CONCLUSION: Integrated molecular profiling showed substantial differences in the molecular features underlying pediatric and adultHGG, indicating that findings in adult tumors cannot be simply extrapolated to younger patients. PDGFRalpha may be a useful target for pediatric HGG, includingdiffuse pontine gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in multidisciplinary treatment approaches have improved the overall prognosis of pediatric brain tumors, but some patients remain refractory to treatment and do poorly. Several molecularly targeted therapies are under development for the treatment of brain tumors, and high-grade gliomas in adults are a particular area of study. PROCEDURE: To better understand if these new therapies can be used in pediatric populations, we examined the expression of the following seven marker genes involved in signaling pathways targeted by new therapies: beta-catenin, suppressor of fused (SUFU), erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ERBB) 2, platelet-derived growthfactor receptoralpha (PDGFRalpha), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), secreted protein acid and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR). Samples from 27 patients with the primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)/medulloblastomas (MBs) (n = 8), ependymomas (n = 5), or gliomas (n = 14) were assessed by quantitative real-timePCR. [Correction made here after initial online publication]. We assigned an EXPscore to compare across samples and determined the levels of gene expression among tumor cell types. RESULTS: Gene expression varied among the different tumors, but, within a tumor type, clear expression patterns were seen. The expression of SUFU, ERBB2, and PCNA in metastatic MBs were greater than that seen in non-metastatic MBs. Most glioma cases highly expressed PDGFRalpha and G-CSFR.Additionally, the expression patterns of gliomas and ependymomas were similar (r= 0.77, P = 0.04), but PNET/MBs substantially differed from gliomas (r = -0.37, P = 0.41) or ependymomas (r = 0.23, P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: The development of newdrugs targeting up-regulated pathways may be useful for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. As new drugs are developed, gliomas and ependymomas may be treated with similar compounds.#CI- Copyright (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

pediatric glioblastoma (pGBM), although rare, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in children, with tumors essentially refractory to existing treatments. We have identified IGF1R to be a potential therapeutic target in pGBM due to gene amplification and high levels of IGF2 expression in some tumor samples, as well as constitutive receptor activation in pGBM cell lines. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of strategies targeting the receptor, we havecarried out in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies using the specific IGF1R inhibitor NVP-AEW541. A modest inhibitory effect was seen in vitro, with GI(50) values of 5 to 6 mumol/L, and concurrent inhibition of receptor phosphorylation.Specific targeting of IGF1R with short interfering RNA decreased cell viability,diminished downstream signaling through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and induced G(1) arrest, effects mimicked by NVP-AEW541, both in the absence and presence of IGF2. Hallmarks of PI3K inhibition were observed after treatment with NVP-AEW541 by expression profiling and Western blot analysis. Phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) arrays showed phosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) alpha/beta in pGBM cells, suggesting coactivation of an alternative RTK pathway. Treatment of KNS42 with the PDGFR inhibitor imatinib showed additional effects targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and cotreatment of the PDGFR inhibitor imatinib with NVP-AEW541 resulted in a highly synergistic interaction in vitro and increased efficacy after 14 days therapy in vivo compared with either agent alone. These data provide evidence that inhibition of IGF1R, in combination with other targeted agents, may be a useful and novel therapeutic strategy in pGBM.#CI- (c)2011 AACR

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is one of the most frequent malignant pediatric brain tumor and its prognosis is universaly fatal. No significant improvement has been made in last thirty years over the standard treatment with radiotherapy. To address the paucity of understanding of DIPGs, we have carried out integrated molecular profiling of a large series of samples obtained with stereotactic biopsy at diagnosis. While chromosomal imbalances did not distinguish DIPG and supratentorial tumors on CGHarrays, gene expression profiling revealed clear differences between them, with brainstem gliomas resembling midline/thalamic tumours, indicating a closely-related origin. Two distinct subgroups of DIPG were identified. The first subgroup displayed mesenchymal and pro-angiogenic characteristics, with stem cell markers enrichment consistent with the possibility to grow tumor stem cells from these biopsies. The other subgroup displayed oligodendroglial features, and appeared largely driven by PDGFRA, in particular through amplification and/or novel missense mutations in the extracellular domain. Patients in this later group had a significantly worseoutcome with an hazard ratio for early deaths, ie before 10 months, 8 fold greater that the ones in the other subgroup (p = 0.041, Cox regression model). The worse outcome of patients with the oligodendroglial type of tumors was confirmed on a series of 55 paraffin-embedded biopsy samples at diagnosis (median OS of 7.73 versus 12.37 months, p = 0.045, log-rank test). Two distinct transcriptional subclasses of DIPG with specific genomic alterations can be defined at diagnosis by oligodendroglial differentiation or mesenchymal transition, respectively. Classifying these tumors by signal transduction pathway activation and by mutation in pathway member genes may be particularily valuablefor the development of targeted therapies.

Studies on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in young patients are limiteddue to their rarity, and none have been conducted in Asian populations. GISTs from patients under the age of 30 were retrospectively reviewed and were analyzed for clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemistry for SDHB (succinate dehydrogenase subunit B), and mutations for exon 9, 11, 13, and 17 of KIT gene and exon 12, 14, and 18 of PDGFRA gene. We found two pediatric (<18 years old) and 20 young adult (18-30 years old) GIST cases. pediatric GISTs occurred in twogirls, both as solitary masses with epithelioid histology in the stomach. Both GISTs were wild type for KIT and PDGFRA genes, were negative for SDHB, and therewas no recurrence during follow-up. Of the 20 GISTs in young adults, 12 (60%) were from extra-gastric locations (six duodenum, five jejunum, and one esophagus), and 16 (80%) showed a spindle cell morphology. mutations of KIT or PDGFRA genes were identified in 14 (78%) of the 18 cases. One patient with multiple gastric GISTs with perigastric lymph node metastases at presentation developed multiple distant metastases and died of the disease 7.3 years after diagnosis. Of the 19 R0-resected young adult patients, one patient with small intestinal GIST harboring KIT exon 11 deletion mutation developed recurrence andshowed partial responses for imatinib. In summary, compared with pediatric GIST cases, young adult GISTs are heterogeneous and share the characteristics of bothpediatric and adult GISTs. When a mesenchymal tumor is clinically suspected in the small intestine of young adults, a GIST should be included in the differential diagnoses. Further mutation studies and extensive treatments are recommended for these cases.#CI- (c) 2013 APMIS. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.