Molecular Characterization of TFE3-Rearranged Renal Cell Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (TFE3-RCC) is a rare but aggressive subtype of kidney cancer that mainly affects young patients. However, the molecular characteristics of TFE3-RCCs in children and adolescents remain poorly understood. To this end, we performed a comprehensive study to characterize the genomic and transcriptional profiles of pediatric/adolescent TFE3-RCCs and compare them with those of adult tumors. In this study, 17 pediatric/adolescent patients with TFE3-RCC who underwent kidney surgery between 2009 and 2023 were selected from our multicenter TFE3-RCC database (n = 118). Whole-exome and RNA sequencing were performed on untreated primary tumor tissues. Detailed clinicopathological data and patient follow-up information were collected for analysis. ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion was the most common fusion subtype in pediatric/adolescent patients. Tumors with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion developed at a younger age compared with those with other fusion subtypes (median age: 21 years vs 39 years, P < .001). Pediatric/adolescent TFE3-RCCs demonstrated similar genomic features and survival outcomes to those in adults. Similar to adult tumors, pediatric/adolescent TFE3-RCCs with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion displayed higher expression of angiogenesis, proliferation, and stroma gene signatures and responded favorably to anti-PD1 plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination therapy. This study provides comprehensive insights into the genomic and transcriptional features of pediatric/adolescent TFE3-RCCs, suggesting the importance of transcriptional signatures and the potential therapeutic strategies tailored for this population.