Novel PHOX2B germline mutation in childhood medulloblastoma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Medulloblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor mostly found in children, few studies on pathogenic germline mutations predisposing this disease was reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an 11-year-old male with medulloblastoma, who harbors a de novo PHOX2B germline mutation as detected by whole exome sequencing (WES). Family history was negative. Sanger sequencing confirmed this mutation in peripheral blood, hair bulbs, urine and saliva. Identification of novel germline mutations is beneficial for childhood cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: This case revealed a de novo PHOX2B germline mutation as a potential cause of medulloblastoma in a child and suggests familial germline variant screening is useful when an affected family is considering having a second child. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13053-021-00170-5.