Prognostic Value of the G2 Expression Signature and MYC Overexpression in Childhood High-Grade Osteosarcoma

Roelof Van Ewijk, Laura S. Hiemcke-Jiwa, Jayne Y. Hehir-Kwa, Nathalie Gaspar, Lianne M. Haveman, Uta E. Flucke, Rana Dandis, Marc Van Tuil, Claudia Y. Janda, Michiel A.J. Van De Sande, Lizz Van Der Heijden, Marco J. Koudijs, Johannes H.M. Merks, Bastiaan B.J. Tops, Antonin Marchais, Lennart A. Kester*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSEIn high-grade osteosarcoma, prognostic factors at diagnosis are insufficient for stratifying patients into relevant subgroups. Recently, a transcriptomic study developed the G1/G2 gene expression signature, in which the G2 signature was associated with unfavorable survival. An orthogonal study identified MYC amplification as an unfavorable prognostic factor using targeted next-generation sequencing. The purpose of this study was to validate the independent prognostic value and to investigate the combined prognostic value of the G1/G2 signature with MYC amplification and/or MYC expression for survival prediction.MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study included pediatric and adolescent patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. RNA-seq was performed in 48 patients. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 40 patients. Gene expression signature scores, MYC amplification (defined as >seven copies), and MYC expression levels were calculated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed for event-free survival (EFS; primary end point) and overall survival (OS; secondary end point).RESULTSIn the full cohort, the 3-year EFS rate was 37%. In multivariable Cox regression analysis with metastatic disease stage (n = 21, 44%) as covariate, the G2 signature and MYC expression were independently associated with worse outcomes in terms of EFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.32 [95% CI, 1.34 to 8.21] and HR, 3.38 [95% CI, 1.71 to 6.66], respectively) and OS (HR, 4.07 [95% CI, 1.19 to 13.9] and HR, 2.88 [95% CI, 1.22 to 6.76], respectively). MYC amplification was not associated with EFS or OS in univariable analysis (HR, 1.88 [95% CI, 0.74 to 4.77] and HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.21 to 3.05], respectively).CONCLUSIONThe G2 gene expression signature and MYC expression were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes in a pediatric cohort of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. The combined prognostic value warrants further prospective validation and could potentially serve as a stratification marker for future osteosarcoma treatment protocols.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2400855
Number of pages9
JournalJCO Precision Oncology
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2025

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