SWI/SNF-deficient tumors of the central nervous system: An update

Clinical Neuropathology
|November 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) are aggressive brain tumors caused by SWI/SNF gene mutations. This review clarifies AT/RT diagnosis and distinguishes it from other rare SWI/SNF-deficient central nervous system tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare, highly malignant central nervous system tumor.
  • AT/RT is defined by the biallelic inactivation of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex genes SMARCB1/INI1 or SMARCA4/BRG1.
  • Loss of nuclear SMARCB1 or SMARCA4 protein expression is a hallmark of AT/RT.

Conclusions:

  • The molecular definition of AT/RT continues to evolve.
  • Accurate classification of SWI/SNF-deficient central nervous system tumors is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Distinguishing AT/RT from other rare SWI/SNF-deficient entities improves understanding of these rare brain tumors.