Embryonal Tumors of the Central Nervous System: The WHO 2016 Classification and New Insights

Genetic association of type 2 diabetes mellitus and glycaemic factors with primary tumours of the central nervous system

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pivotal chronic disease with an increasing prevalence. Recent studies have found associations between T2DM and the development of central nervous system (CNS) tumours, a special class of solid tumours with an unclear pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between T2DM and certain glycaemic factors with common CNS tumours by using genetic data to conduct Mendelian randomization (MR) and co-localisation analysis. We found a causal relationship between T2DM and glioblastoma, fasting glucose and spinal cord tumours, glycated haemoglobin and spinal cord tumours, and insulin-like growth factor-1 and spinal cord tumours, pituitary tumours, and craniopharyngiomas. These results clarify the relationship between T2DM, glucose-related factors, and common CNS tumours, and they provide valuable insight into further clinical and basic research on CNS tumours, as well as new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Optical genome mapping identifies a novel pediatric embryonal tumor with a ZNF532::NUTM1 fusion

The molecular characteristics of pediatric brain tumors have not only allowed for tumor subgrouping but have led to the introduction of novel treatment options for patients with specific tumor alterations. Therefore, an accurate histologic and molecular diagnosis is critical for optimized management of all pediatric patients with brain tumors, including central nervous system embryonal tumors. We present a case where optical genome mapping identified a ZNF532::NUTM1 fusion in a patient with a unique tumor best characterized histologically as a central nervous system embryonal tumor with rhabdoid features. Additional analyses including immunohistochemistry for NUT protein, methylation array, whole genome, and RNA-sequencing was done to confirm the presence of the fusion in the tumor. This is the first description of a pediatric patient with a ZNF532::NUTM1 fusion, yet the histology of this tumor is similar to that of adult cancers with ZNF::NUTM1 fusions reported in the literature. Although rare, the distinct pathology and underlying molecular characteristics of the ZNF532::NUTM1 tumor separates this from other embryonal tumors. Therefore, screening for this or similar NUTM1 rearrangements should be considered for all patients with unclassified central nervous system tumors with rhabdoid features to ensure accurate diagnosis. Ultimately, with additional cases, we may be able to better inform therapeutic management for these patients. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.