Genetically Distinct Oligosarcoma Arising from Oligodendroglioma: Systematic Review & Illustrative Case Example

Background Oligosarcoma is a rare central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm that may arise following oligodendroglioma resection, which demonstrates a unique genetic profile and aggressive clinical phenotype. We present a systematic review and illustrative case example emphasizing the clinical and prognostic features of this unusual and unfavorable neuro-oncologic disease. Methods Systematic literature review and illustrative case report. Results A 41-year-old man who had undergone two neurosurgical resections for a WHO grade II oligodendroglioma (Ki-67=5-10%, 1p/19q co-deleted, IDH2 mutated), without adjuvant chemoradiation, presented with seizures seven years after resection. An extra-axial mass was identified adjacent to the resection cavity, in which gross total resection was achieved. Pathology confirmed WHO grade IV oligosarcoma (Ki-67=20%). Adjuvant chemoradiation was initiated, with disease control observed over 6 months of follow-up.7 publications met inclusion criteria. Oligosarcoma has been confirmed in 36 lesions, arising in 35 patients; 5 were primary oligosarcoma, while 31 occurred in the setting of prior resected oligodendroglioma or oligoastrocytoma. Features shared by these lesions include re–gain of H3K27me3 expression, 1p/19q codeletion, homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/B, loss of 6q, loss of NF1 and YAP1, and attenuation of CpG island methylator (G-CIMP). Median survival after oligosarcoma diagnosis was 1.3 years (range, 0-5.2; n=35). Conclusion Oligosarcoma is a prognostically unfavorable CNS neoplasm with characteristic imaging and pathologic features, and a strong association with previously resected oligodendroglioma. Aggressive treatment is recommended, including gross total resection and adjuvant chemoradiation. Further study is required to define optimal treatment protocol for this CNS malignancy.