Rare FGFR Oncogenic Alterations in Sequenced Pediatric Solid and Brain Tumors Suggest FGFR Is a Relevant Molecular Target in Childhood Cancer.

Abstract

Multiple FGFR inhibitors are currently in clinical trials enrolling adults with different solid tumors, while very few enroll pediatric patients. We determined the types and frequency of <i>FGFR</i> alterations (<i>FGFR1-4</i>) in pediatric cancers to inform future clinical trial design. Tumors with <i>FGFR</i> alterations were identified from two large cohorts of pediatric solid tumors subjected to targeted DNA sequencing: The Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Profile Study (n = 888) and the multi-institution GAIN/iCAT2 (Genomic Assessment Improves Novel Therapy) Study (n = 571). Data from the combined patient population of 1,395 cases (64 patients were enrolled in both studies) were reviewed and cases in which an <i>FGFR</i> alteration was identified by OncoPanel sequencing were further assessed. We identified 41 patients with tumors harboring an oncogenic <i>FGFR</i> alteration. Median age at diagnosis was 8 years (range, 6 months-26 years). Diagnoses included 11 rhabdomyosarcomas, nine low-grade gliomas, and 17 other tumor types. Alterations included gain-of-function sequence variants (n = 19), amplifications (n = 10), oncogenic fusions (<i>FGFR3</i>::<i>TACC3</i> [n = 3], <i>FGFR1</i>::<i>TACC1</i> [n = 1], <i>FGFR1</i>::<i>EBF2</i> [n = 1], <i>FGFR1</i>::<i>CLIP2</i> [n = 1], and <i>FGFR2</i>::<i>CTNNA3</i> [n = 1]), pathogenic-leaning variants of uncertain significance (n = 4), and amplification in combination with a pathogenic-leaning variant of uncertain significance (n = 1). Two novel <i>FGFR1</i> fusions in two different patients were identified in this cohort, one of whom showed a response to an FGFR inhibitor. In summary, activating <i>FGFR</i> alterations were found in approximately 3% (41/1,395) of pediatric solid tumors, identifying a population of children with cancer who may be eligible and good candidates for trials evaluating FGFR-targeted therapy. Importantly, the genomic and clinical data from this study can help inform drug development in accordance with the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity for Children Act.