Clinical Value of NGS Genomic Studies for Clinical Management of Pediatric and Young Adult Bone Sarcomas

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Clinical management of sarcomas is complex because they are rare and heterogeneous tumors. Management requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, especially in children. Genomic characterization of this complex group of tumors contributes to the identification of prognostic biomarkers and to the continued expansion of therapeutic options. In this article, we present the positive experience of two Spanish hospitals in the use of genomic analysis in the overall clinical management of sarcomas in children and young adults. We describe on a case-by-case basis how genomic analysis has contributed to both diagnosis and treatment. ABSTRACT: Genomic techniques enable diagnosis and management of children and young adults with sarcomas by identifying high-risk patients and those who may benefit from targeted therapy or participation in clinical trials. Objective: to analyze the performance of an NGS gene panel for the clinical management of pediatric sarcoma patients. We studied 53 pediatric and young adult patients diagnosed with sarcoma, from two Spanish centers. Genomic data were obtained using the Oncomine Childhood Cancer Research Assay, and categorized according to their diagnostic, predictive, or prognostic value. In 44 (83%) of the 53 patients, at least one genetic alteration was identified. In 80% of these patients, the diagnosis was obtained (n = 11) or changed (n = 9), and thus genomic data affected therapy. The most frequent initial misdiagnosis was Ewing’s sarcoma, instead of myxoid liposarcoma (FUS-DDDIT3), rhabdoid soft tissue tumor (SMARCB1), or angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (EWSR1-CREB1). In our series, two patients had a genetic alteration with an FDA-approved targeted therapy, and 30% had at least one potentially actionable alteration. NGS-based genomic studies are useful and feasible in diagnosis and clinical management of pediatric sarcomas. Genomic characterization of these rare and heterogeneous tumors also helps in the search for prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic opportunities.