Complex/cryptic EWSR1::FLI1/ERG Gene Fusions and 1q Jumping Translocation in Pediatric Ewing Sarcomas

Abstract

Ewing sarcomas (ES) are rare small round cell sarcomas often affecting children and characterized by gene fusions involving one member of the FET family of genes (usually <i>EWSR1)</i> and a member of the ETS family of transcription factors (usually <i>FLI1</i> or <i>ERG</i>). The detection of <i>EWSR1</i> rearrangements has important diagnostic value. Here, we conducted a retrospective review of 218 consecutive pediatric ES at diagnosis and found eight patients having data from chromosome analysis, FISH/microarray, and gene-fusion assay. Three of these eight ES had novel complex/cryptic <i>EWSR1</i> rearrangements/fusions by chromosome analysis. One case had a t(9;11;22)(q22;q24;q12) three-way translocation involving <i>EWSR1::FLI1</i> fusion and 1q jumping translocation. Two cases had cryptic <i>EWSR1</i> rearrangements/fusions, including one case with a cryptic t(4;11;22)(q35;q24;q12) three-way translocation involving <i>EWSR1::FLI1</i> fusion, and the other had a cryptic <i>EWSR1::ERG</i> rearrangement/fusion on an abnormal chromosome 22. All patients in this study had various aneuploidies with a gain of chromosome 8 (75%), the most common, followed by a gain of chromosomes 20 (50%) and 4 (37.5%), respectively. Recognition of complex and/or cryptic <i>EWSR1</i> gene rearrangements/fusions and other chromosome abnormalities (such as jumping translocation and aneuploidies) using a combination of various genetic methods is important for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes of pediatric ES.