Research published on novel therapy for choroid plexus carcinoma
A recent case report highlighting a potential novel therapy for adult patients with choroid plexus carcinoma, led by Jay-Jiguang Zhu, MD, PhD, director of neuro-oncology and professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, has been published in JCO Precision Oncology.
Choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) is a malignant brain tumor that primarily occurs in children but is rare in adult patients. Patients diagnosed with CPC have a survival rate of just 2.7 years, with limited regimens for chemotherapy due to limited knowledge of the gene mutation profile of the tumor.
The case report featured a 53-year-old patient whose tumor was sent for molecular DNA testing following surgery of the CPC. The testing identifies mutations among 315 genes, and in this case, the patient showed a mutation in the PTEN gene, which develops an enzyme that suppresses tumors in human tissue.
Researchers then reviewed clinical notes, pathology reports, and MRIs of the patient following her diagnosis to determine the correct treatment regimen. After input from neuro-radiology, neuro-pathology, and radiation oncology professionals, the team decided on a regimen that would consist of radiation to the brain and spine areas as well as targeted chemotherapy with everolimus, a drug that targets the PTEN mutation.
Throughout the treatment, the patient was able to tolerate everolimus, showing just mild side effects. She has been in remission and is doing well for over five years since the initial diagnosis.
“Since there are no established guidelines for treatment against adult CPC after surgery and radiation, we believe that our regimen is a potentially viable therapy for those with the PTEN mutation,” Zhu said. “We hope to share our results to others who have patients with CPC and PTEN mutations.”
Contributing authors for the case report titled “Novel Adjuvant Targeted Approach for PTEN-Mutated Choroid Plexus Carcinoma in Adults: Case Report and Literature Review,” are Jackie Zhang, MD; Juan Rodriguez Quintero, MD; Joshua Nahm, BSA; Meenakshi Bhattacharjee, MD; Luis Nunez, MD; Roy Riascos, MD; Angel Blanco, MD; Arthur Day, MD; and Zhu.