Research Information System
Neuro-Oncology Advances, vol.8, no.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
Background Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma/astrocytoma (DIG/DIA) is a rare, low-grade tumor of infants. They are usually composed of a mixed astrocytic and neuronal component with desmoplastic stroma and embryonal-looking areas. Despite some recent reports, clinical, morphological and molecular features of DIG/DIAs are still not well characterized. Here, we present a series of 8 DIG/DIA cases. Methods Hacettepe University and Koc University Hospital, Departments of Pathology, databases were screened for DIG/DIA. Eight patients were identified. All the slides were reevaluated, and patients’ clinical data were obtained. All cases were tested for BRAF V600 mutation and 3 BRAF V600 wild-type cases were sequenced. Results Median age at the diagnosis was 5.5 months (4-30 months). The female to male ratio was 6:2. Two cases recurred. Four cases showed BRAF p. V600 mutation. Of those BRAF p. V600 wild-type cases, one harbored TMEM106B::BRAF fusion, described for the first time in a DIG/DIA case. Conclusions DIG/DIA is a low-grade tumor seen in early childhood and characterized by an indolent clinical course. The most common molecular signature of these tumors is BRAF alterations, including rearrangements. The primary differential diagnosis is infant-type hemispheric glioma and given the similarities, pathologists must remain careful to ensure accurate diagnosis.