Assessment of circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid by whole exome sequencing to detect genomic alterations of glioblastoma

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been demonstrated as a better source of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) than plasma for brain tumors. However, it is unclear whether whole exome sequencing (WES) is qualified for detection of ctDNA in CSF. The aim of this study was to determine if assessment of ctDNA in CSF by WES is a feasible approach to detect genomic alterations of glioblastoma. Methods CSFs of ten glioblastoma patients were collected pre-operatively at the Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. ctDNA in CSF and genome DNA in the resected tumor were extracted and subjected to WES. The identified glioblastoma-associated mutations from ctDNA in CSF and genome DNA in the resected tumor were compared. Results Due to the ctDNA in CSF was unqualified for exome sequencing for one patient, nine patients were included into the final analysis. More glioblastoma-associated mutations tended to be detected in CSF compared with the corresponding tumor tissue samples (3.56 +/- 0.75vs. 2.22 +/- 0.32,P = 0.097), while the statistical significance was limited by the small sample size. The average mutation frequencies were similar in CSF and tumor tissue samples (74.1% +/- 6.0%vs. 73.8% +/- 6.0%,P = 0.924). The R132H mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and the G34V mutation of H3 histone, family 3A (H3F3A) which had been reported in the pathological diagnoses were also detected from ctDNA in CSF by WES. Patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy previously or those whose tumor involved subventricular zone tended to harbor more mutations in their CSF. Conclusion Assessment of ctDNA in CSF by WES is a feasible approach to detect genomic alterations of glioblastoma, which may provide useful information for the decision of treatment strategy.