CLONAL CYTOGENETIC ABNORMALITIES IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN-TUMORS - CYTOGENETIC ANALYSIS AND CLINICAL CORRELATION

The use of contemporary techniques in genetics has resulted in identif ying a number of recurring abnormalities in pediatric brain tumors. Th is information has potential significance in the diagnosis and subtypi ng of these tumors, Although recurring genetic alterations have been i dentified in specific tumor types, there are some indications that ped iatric brain tumors may be different cytogenetically from adult tumors . In addition, cytogenetic aberrations in certain tumors are associate d with unfavorable outcome. In this report we present the cytogenetic characteristics of 14 brain tumors, The clinical outcome is correlated with cytogenetic abnormalities. Clonal abnormalities were observed in 6 of 14 (43%) tumors, All 7 cases had abnormalities specific to histo logic subtype. Five of 6 cases with clonal abnormalities (83%) and 2 o f 8 with a normal karyotype (25%) were observed in patients with poor prognosis. We also describe the cytogenetic aberrations associated wit h progression in a rare pediatric brain tumor. This data suggests that cytogenetic analysis of pediatric brain tumors may not be entirely di fferent from their adult counterpart and like the latter may be clinic ally relevant not only in diagnosis but also as a prognostic indicator .