Glioblastoma multiforme in a child with tuberous sclerosis complex

Am J Med Genet A. 2015 Oct;167A(10):2388-93. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37158. Epub 2015 May 6.

Abstract

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is characterized by the presence of benign tumors in the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. The typical brain lesions are cortical tubers, subependimal nodules and subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas. The occurrence of malignant astrocytomas such as glioblastoma is rare. We report on a child with a clinical diagnosis of TSC and a rapidly evolving glioblastoma multiforme. Genetic analysis identified a de novo mutation in TSC2. Molecular characterization of the tumor was performed and discussed, as well as a review of the literature where cases of TSC and glioblastoma multiforme are described. Although the co-occurrence of TSC and glioblastoma multiforme seems to be rare, this possible association should be kept in mind, and proper clinical and radiological follow up should be recommended in these patients.

Keywords: Glioblastoma multiforme; TSC; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex; children; follow-up MR; tumors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / radiation effects
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Child
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gamma Rays / therapeutic use
  • Gene Expression
  • Glioblastoma / complications
  • Glioblastoma / genetics*
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / complications
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / pathology
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / therapy
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • TSC2 protein, human
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins