Prevalence of mutated TP53 on cDNA (but not on DNA template) in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with positive TP53 immunohistochemistry

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a tumor of astrocytic lineage that may have anaplastic features; such a phenotype usually correlates with a less favorable outcome. The molecular profile of PXA differs from other astrocytic tumors, but the molecular mechanisms of its formation and progression are still undefined. We analyzed a loss of heterozygosity and mutations of the SMARCB1 (also known as SNF5 or INI1) and TP53 genes in four cases of PXA. In just one case a TP53 mutation (Cys238Tyr) was readily detectable at the mRNA level, but it was almost undetectable during DNA sequencing. This case was also the only one exhibiting anaplastic features and TP53 overexpression as defined by immunohistochemistry. This observation supports our earlier findings on discrepancies in TP53 status in glioblastomas. We suggest that the incidence of TP53 mutations in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma may be underestimated and that molecular approaches should be used for greater diagnostic precision.