Distinct molecular profile and outcome of oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant, 1p/19q-codeleted, and TERTp-wildtype: A grade 1 oligodendroglioma of young patients?

Abstract

Background Oligodendrogliomas, characterized by isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations and 1p/19q codeletion, often exhibit telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) mutations, which have been linked to telomere maintenance (TM) and tumor proliferation. Although there are a few reports on a TERTp-wildtype subset of these tumors in adolescents and young adults, the frequency, molecular characteristics, and prognostic implications of TERTp-wildtype status in oligodendrogliomas remain elusive. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 166 IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendroglioma cases through comprehensive histopathological review and molecular analyses, including Sanger sequencing, DNA methylation profiling, and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Results A TERTp-wildtype status was observed in 20/166 cases (12.0%) and was significantly associated with noticeably young age (age range: 14-27, P