MEDB-57. GNAS inactivation as a driver for sonic hedgehog-activated medulloblastoma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sonic hedgehog (SHH)-activated medulloblastoma is one of the four consensus molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma and is typically associated with PTCH1, SUFU, and/or SMO mutations. GNAS inactivating mutations are a less commonly recognized tumorigenic driver for SHH pathway activation.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an 11-month-old male who presented with a large posterior fossa mass, cerebellar tonsillar herniation, and obstructive hydrocephalus. Following a successful gross total resection, pathology was consistent with desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastoma. Tumor molecular profiling using a DNA-based, next-generation sequencing platform detected a pathogenic frameshift mutation in the GNAS gene (p.D189Mfs*14, NM_000516.4:c.565_568del) at a variant allele frequency of 81%, suggestive of biallelic GNAS inactivation. The same mutation was detected from a buccal swab sample, confirming germline GNAS inactivation. Whole genome methylation profiling was consistent with medulloblastoma subclass SHH B (infant). Concurrent with this brain tumor evaluation, a skin biopsy was performed of scattered subcutaneous, plate-like nodules distributed over the patient’s back and extremities. This revealed metaplastic-appearing cancellous bone within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue consistent with plate-like osteoma cutis. He was treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue and remains disease-free 15 months from diagnosis.

DISCUSSION: There have been scattered case reports describing germline loss-of-function GNAS mutations acting as tumorigenic drivers of SHH medulloblastoma. However, GNAS alterations are not covered by most standard diagnostic molecular sequencing panels for medulloblastoma. Other phenotypic manifestations of germline inactivating GNAS mutations include pseudohypoparathyroidism, pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism, progressive osseous heteroplasia, and osteoma cutis.

CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the possible association between germline GNAS inactivating mutations and the development of childhood SHH-activated medulloblastoma is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation. As such, consideration should be given for inclusion of GNAS alterations in diagnostic medulloblastoma sequencing panels, especially in the setting of osteoma cutis or other endocrinopathies.