From a Polymorphous Low-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumor to a Glioblastoma in an Adult Patient with FGFR3-TACC3 Fusion: A Case Report and Literature Review of the Molecular Profile
From an epidemiological perspective, polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor (PLNTY) represents a small proportion of brain tumors encountered in epilepsy surgery series. Their rarity and relatively recent recognition likely contribute to underdiagnosis and poor prognosis. In terms of histopathological features, they are similar to oligodendrogliomas. Molecular analyses can be used to show the fusion between fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR3) and transforming acidic coiled coil (TACC) proteins, which most commonly results in progression towards glioblastoma (GBM). We report a case of a 62-year-old man who underwent left frontal craniotomy to remove a frontal mass. Histologically, the glial lesion consisted of elements associated with oligodendroglia-like features. Immunohistochemistry was positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (OLIG2), and α-thalassemia X-linked mental retardation syndrome (ATRX) nuclear expression, but negative for isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and BRAF-V600E. Next-generation sequencing showed the <i>FGFR-TACC3</i> fusion, and taken together, these findings supported the final diagnosis of PLNTY. During follow-up, the patient underwent a second neurosurgery, where histological evaluation indicated a GMB. This article presents clinical and radiological data, morphology, immunohistochemistry, molecular features, and treatment to enhance the clinical and pathological understanding of PLNTY with <i>FGFR3-TACC3</i> fusion for all professionals involved in medical decisions.
Authors
- L. Tosatto
- Monia Dall’Agata (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2270-5269)
- Alessia Tomassini
- Chiara Cavatorta
- G. Ghigi
- Laura Ridolfi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-3380)
- P. Cenni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7911-8500)
- Lorena Gurrieri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8935-8794)
- Daniela Bartolini
- Maurizio Naccarato
- Nada Riva
Institutions
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IT)
- Ospedale “M. Bufalini” di Cesena (IT)
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Current Oncology
- Published
- 2026-03-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33030165
- Primary Topic
- Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00