Comprehensive Genetic Study of Malignant Cervical Paraganglioma

Malignant middle ear paraganglioma (MEPGL) is an exceedingly rare tumor of the neuroendocrine system. In general, MEPGLs represent as slow growing and hypervascularized benign neoplasms. The genetic basis of MEPGL tumorigenesis has been poorly investigated. We report a case of malignant MEPGL accompanied by the comprehensive genetic analysis of the primary tumor and metastasis. Based on whole-exome sequencing data, the germline pathogenic mutation p.R230H in the SDHB gene, encoding for subunit B of mitochondrial complex II, was found in a patient. Analysis of somatic mutation spectra revealed five novel variants in different genes, including a potentially deleterious variant in UNC13C that was common for the tumor and metastasis. Identified somatic variants clustered into SBS1 and SBS5 mutational signatures. Of note, the primary tumor was characterized by Ki-67 4% and had an elevated mutational load (1.4/Mb); the metastasis’ mutational load was about 4.5 times higher (6.4/Mb). In addition, we revealed somatic loss of the wild-type SDHB allele, as well as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the 11p locus. Thus, germline mutation in SDHB combined with somatic LOH seem to be drivers that lead to the tumor’s initiation and progression. Other somatic changes identified can be additional disease-causing factors. Obtained results expand our understanding of molecular genetic mechanisms associated with the development of this rare tumor.