Ultra high-risk PFA ependymoma is characterized by loss of chromosome 6q.

BACKGROUND: Within PF-EPN-A, 1q gain is a marker of poor prognosis, however, it is unclear if within PF-EPN-A additional cytogenetic events exist which can refine risk stratification.

METHODS: Five independent non-overlapping cohorts of PF-EPN-A were analyzed applying genome-wide methylation arrays for chromosomal and clinical variables predictive of survival.

RESULTS: Across all cohorts, 663 PF-EPN-A were identified. The most common broad copy number event was 1q gain (18.9%), followed by 6q loss (8.6%), 9p gain (6.5%), and 22q loss (6.8%). Within 1q gain tumors, there was significant enrichment for 6q loss (17.7%), 10q loss (16.9%), and 16q loss (15.3%). The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was strikingly worse in those patients with 6q loss, with a 5-year PFS of 50% (95% CI 45%-55%) for balanced tumors, compared with 32% (95% CI 24%-44%) for 1q gain only, 7.3% (95% CI 2.0%-27%) for 6q loss only and 0 for both 1q gain and 6q loss (P = 1.65 × 10-13). After accounting for treatment, 6q loss remained the most significant independent predictor of survival in PF-EPN-A but is not in PF-EPN-B. Distant relapses were more common in 1q gain irrespective of 6q loss. RNA sequencing comparing 6q loss to 6q balanced PF-EPN-A suggests that 6q loss forms a biologically distinct group.

CONCLUSIONS: We have identified an ultra high-risk PF-EPN-A ependymoma subgroup, which can be reliably ascertained using cytogenetic markers in routine clinical use. A change in treatment paradigm is urgently needed for this particular subset of PF-EPN-A where novel therapies should be prioritized for upfront therapy.