Rapid diagnosis of medulloblastoma molecular subgroups.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Microarray studies indicate medulloblastoma comprises distinct molecular disease subgroups, which offer potential for improved clinical management.

Experimental design

Minimal mRNA expression signatures diagnostic for the Wnt/Wingless (WNT) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) subgroups were developed, validated, and used to assign subgroup affiliation in 173 tumors from four independent cohorts, alongside a systematic investigation of subgroup clinical and molecular characteristics.

Results

WNT tumors [12% (21/173)] were diagnosed >5 years of age (peak, 10 years), displayed classic histology, CTNNB1 mutation (19/20), and associated chromosome 6 loss, and have previously been associated with favorable prognosis. SHH cases [24% (42/173)] predominated in infants (<3 years)

SUBMITTER: Schwalbe EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3071325 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature