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Neuro-oncology: Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations in low-grade gliomas

David Schiff1, Benjamin W Purow

  • 1University of Virginia Neuro-Oncology Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0432, USA. davidschiff@virginia.edu

Nature Reviews. Neurology
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Point mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase are common in gliomas and indicate an early stage of tumor development. These genetic alterations are unique to gliomas and are associated with a better patient prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Genetics

Background:

  • Gliomas, including grade II and III, and secondary glioblastomas, frequently harbor specific genetic alterations.
  • Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are a hallmark of certain brain tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and significance of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations in glioma pathogenesis.
  • To determine the prognostic implications of IDH mutations in gliomas.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of point mutations in the substrate binding site of isocitrate dehydrogenase.
  • Correlation of mutation status with tumor grade and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The majority of grade II and III gliomas and secondary glioblastomas exhibit point mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase.
  • These IDH mutations are largely specific to gliomas and appear early in tumor formation.
  • IDH mutations are associated with a favorable prognosis in glioma patients.

Conclusions:

  • Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations are a key early event in the development of most gliomas.
  • The presence of IDH mutations serves as a significant favorable prognostic biomarker for glioma patients.

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