Molecular analysis of genetic changes in ependymomas

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Abstract
Ependymomas are glial cell‐derived tumors. They are, in contrast to other gliomas (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and oligoastrocytomas), ill‐defined with respect to the genes and chromosomal segments important in their tumorigenesis. In this study, we extensively screened I7 ependymomas for genetic changes characteristic of other gliomas. Allelic loss was detected on chromosome arm 22q in three tumors; on chromosome 10 in two tumors; on chromosome arm 17p in two tumors; and on chromosome arms 6q, 9p, I 3q, and I9q, each in one tumor. No allelic losses were found on chromosome arms I p and I6q. None of the tumors had EGFR gene amplification. In each case, the chromosomal segment affected by the deletion included the region known t o harbor a tumor suppressor gene important in glioma tumorigenesis. We conclude that ependymomas resemble the other glial neoplasms with respect to type and location of the chromosomal changes involved. Given the relatively infrequent occurrence of these genetic changes, ependymomas should be considered genetically as low‐grade gliomas.