An integrated approach to molecular profiling supports precision diagnosis of pediatric medulloblastoma in Argentina amid the resource-constrained setting.
Marisa E Boycho, Sandra L Colli, Silvia B Christiansen, Franco M Mangone, Murilo Bonatelli, Flávia E de Paula, Mercedes García Lombardi, Agostina Attardo, Elena N De Matteo, Hernán J García Rivello, Rui M Reis, Mario A Lorenzetti, María Victoria Preciado
Abstract
Open AccessMedulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and shows marked molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Molecular subgrouping guides prognosis and treatment but remains scarce in low- and middle-income countries. We analyzed 84 pediatric MB cases from Argentina using a cost-effective, integrative workflow combining low- and high-complexity techniques. Tumors were classified following 2021 WHO guidelines, assessing links between molecular groups, risk, histology, location, and overall survival (OS). Non-WNT/non-SHH tumors predominated (60.7%), followed by SHH-activated (27.4%) and WNT-activated (10.7%). SHH TP53 - tumors were more common in infants, while WNT tumors occurred only in older children/adolescents. Group-specific alterations included CTNNB1 and chromosome 6 changes in WNT tumors, and MYCN and i17q in non-WNT/non-SHH tumors. SHH TP53 + tumors correlated with very high biological risk and poor OS, whereas WNT tumors had favorable outcomes. Low-cost methods resolved 90% of cases; NanoString clarified the remainder, achieving 98.8% precision. This first molecular characterization of pediatric MB in Argentina demonstrates that a tiered, conventional-tools-based approach can deliver high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value, supporting its integration into routine care in resource-limited settings.