Genetic alterations of IDH1 and Vegf in brain tumors

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the presence of R132H mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +936 C/T polymorphism in brain tumors. The impact of these genetic alterations on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) was evaluated. METHODS: A cohort of 80 patients surgically treated at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, between March 2004 and November 2012, was analyzed. Tumors were distributed in 73 primary brain tumors (gliomas, meningiomas, hemangiopericytomas and hemangioblastomas) and seven secondary tumors evolved from a low grade glioma, thus providing a mixed sample. RESULTS: IDH1 (R132H) gene mutation was found in 12 patients (15%) and appears more frequently in secondary tumors (5 (71.4%) whereas in 7 (9.7%) primary tumors (p < .001)). The mutation is related to WHO grade II in primary tumors and a supratentorial location in secondary tumors. The OS analysis for IDH1 showed a tendency towards a better prognosis of the tumors containing the mutation (p = .059).The IDH1 (R132H) mutation confers a better PFS (p = .025) on primary tumors. The T allele of VEFG +936 C/T polymorphism was found in 16 patients (20%). No relation was found between this polymorphism and primary or secondary tumor, neither with OS or PFS. CONCLUSIONS: IDH1 (R132H) gene mutation is exclusive in supratentorial tumors and more frequent in secondary ones, with a greater survival trend and better PFS in patients who carry it. The T allele of VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism is more common in primary tumors, although there is no statistical relation with survival.