Classification based on mutations of TERT promoter and IDH characterizes subtypes in grade II/III gliomas

Abstract

Background Grade II and III gliomas have variable clinical behaviors, showing the distinct molecular genetic alterations from glioblastoma (GBM), many of which eventually transform into more aggressive tumors. Since the classifications of grade II/III gliomas based on the genetic alterations have been recently emerging, it is now a trend to include molecular data into the standard diagnostic algorithm of glioma. Methods Here we sequenced TERT promoter mutational status (TERTp-mut) in the DNA of 377 grade II/III gliomas and analyzed the clinical factors, molecular aberrations, and transcriptome profiles. Results We found that TERTp-mut occurred in 145 of 377 grade II and III gliomas (38.5%), mutually exclusive with a TP53 mutation (TP53-mut; P