Dual activating FGFR1 mutations in pediatric pilomyxoid astrocytoma

Background: Pilomyxoid astrocytomas are an aggressive subtype of astrocytoma, not graded by WHO, frequently located in hypothalamic/chiasmatic region, affecting diencephalic structures, and characterized by shorter survival and high recurrence rates. Pilomyxoid astrocytoma management remains controversial, with pathologic tissue diagnosis and relief of mass effect being the main goals of surgery while avoiding treatment-related morbidity, including vision loss, panhypopituitarism, and hypothalamic dysfunction. Chemotherapy (typically vincristine and carboplatin) in all pediatric patients and radiation therapy in pediatric patients over 5 years of age are used for treatment. Methods: We report clinical presentation, surgical management, and whole exome sequencing results in a pediatric patient with the subtotally resected pilomyxoid astrocytoma. Results: We identified two somatic activating missense mutations affecting FGFR1, including FGFR1 p.K656E and FGFR1 p.V561M. While the former is a known hotspot mutation that is both activating and transforming, the latter has been described as a gatekeeper mutation imparting resistance to FGFR inhibitors. Interestingly, both mutations were present with similar variant allele frequency within the tumor. Conclusion: Similar variant allele frequencies of FGFR1 p.K656E and FGFR1 p.V561M mutations in our patient's tumor suggest that these mutations may have occurred at similar time points. Use of FGFR inhibitors in addition to STAT3 or PI3K/mTOR inhibition may prove a useful strategy in targeting our patient's pilomyxoid astrocytoma.

Automated summary

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas are an aggressive subtype of astrocytoma without WHO grading, often affecting the hypothalamic/chiasmatic region. This study identified two somatic activating mutations affecting FGFR1 in the patient's tumor, suggesting they may have occurred simultaneously. The use of FGFR inhibitors in addition to other targeted therapies may be an effective strategy in treating pilomyxoid astrocytomas.