Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Oncology > Pediatrics > Neuro-oncology

Neuro-oncology

Identify pediatric central nervous system cancers

Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors have higher instances of gene fusions than adults. And some pediatric tumor types, including medulloblastoma, have molecular characteristics affiliated with distinct clinical outcomes.1 Precision analysis that simultaneously detects for multiple biomarkers can provide a heightened understanding of the genetic landscape of a child’s tumor.

26%

26% of pediatric cancers are central nervous system2

48%

48% of pediatric cancer patients who underwent molecular testing were identified as having an actionable mutation3

~70%

~70% of CNS tumors are treatable4

Pediatric neuro-oncology test menu

Neuro-oncology Neuro-oncology

Neuro-oncology

Our pediatric-focused molecular testing provides robust coverage of established and emerging cancer-related gene expression, including mutations, rearrangements, fusions, and copy number variants. Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic neuro-oncologists, molecular geneticists, and genetic counselors, our testing covers an array of CNS cancers, including medulloblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, pediatric-type gliomas, and neuroblastoma.

Key testing

  • NONCP | Neuro-Oncology Expanded Gene Panel with Rearrangement, Tumor
    • Uses next-generation sequencing panel to evaluate abnormalities in 160 genes associated with pediatric-type brain tumors.
    • Simultaneously assesses for multiple 2021 WHO diagnostic/grading molecular biomarkers, including mutations in 89 genes and rearrangements in 81 genes.
    • Offers increased sensitivity to detect lower-level tumor purity.
    • Guides decisions on targeted treatment options.
  • CMAPT | Chromosomal Microarray, Tumor, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded
    • Uses high-resolution, genome-wide copy number variant analysis to provide robust coverage of emerging diagnostic biomarkers, such as CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion.
    • Simultaneously tests for multiple 2021 WHO diagnostic biomarkers, including copy number variants and amplifications.
    • Superior analysis of the 1p/19q deletion in gliomas.
    • Detects abnormalities, including the gain of chromosome 7, loss of chromosome 10, and EGFR amplification.

Highlights

Chromosomal microarray better informs brain tumor diagnosis

Molecular biomarkers are a critical component in the treatment of adult and pediatric brain tumors. Robert Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' chromosomal microarray provides more comprehensive and accurate tumor analysis compared with other test methods.

Learn more
New gene panel enhances brain tumor profiles

Cristiane (Cris) Ida, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated neuro-oncology gene panel provides more clinically relevant information for managing adult and pediatric brain tumors.

Learn more
References
  1. Menyhárt O, Győrffy B. Molecular stratifications, biomarker candidates and new therapeutic options in current medulloblastoma treatment approaches. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2020;39(1):211-233. doi:10.1007/s10555-020-09854-1.
  2. Rare cancers of childhood treatment (PDQ®) – Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/patient/rare-childhood-cancers-pdq. Updated Dec. 8, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2023.
  3. Lee J, Gillam L, Visvanathan K, Hansford J, McCarthy M. Clinical utility of precision medicine in pediatric oncology: a systemic review. JCO Precision Oncology. 2021 :5, 1088-1102
  4. Goldman R, Chang S, Cochrane D. Improving diagnosis of pediatric central nervous system tumors: aiming for early detection. CMAJ. March 27, 2017 189 (12) E459-E463; doi:https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160074.
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