Multi-layered molecular profiling informs the diagnosis and targeted therapy of desmoplastic small round cell tumor

Nat Commun. 2026 Apr 9;17(1):3397. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-71636-0.

Abstract

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an ultra-rare sarcoma with limited treatment options. Here, we show that comprehensive molecular profiling informs diagnosis and individualized therapy in this disease. We report the results of whole-genome/exome, transcriptome, and DNA methylome analyses performed in 30 refractory DSRCT patients, complemented by (phospho)proteomic profiling in nine, within a nationwide precision oncology program. In eight patients (27%), DSRCT was diagnosed only after molecular profiling. Although DSRCTs have "quiet" genomes, 28 patients (93%) received 107 molecular-based management recommendations, including assessment of clinical trial eligibility in 17 (57%). Most recommendations are informed by overexpression of tyrosine kinases, SSTR3/5, and CLDN6, detected in 45%, 33%, and 20% of cases, respectively. Thirteen patients (46%) received recommended therapies, yielding disease control in eight (62%), including three long-lasting responses to pazopanib and trastuzumab deruxtecan, the latter administered based on ERBB2 overexpression in the absence of aberrant ERBB2 kinase activation. These findings demonstrate that multi-omics profiling provides clinically actionable insights for DSRCT management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • DNA Methylation
  • Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor* / diagnosis
  • Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor* / drug therapy
  • Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor* / genetics
  • Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor* / metabolism
  • Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor* / therapy
  • Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Indazoles
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / genetics
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / metabolism
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use
  • Transcriptome
  • Trastuzumab / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Pyrimidines
  • pazopanib
  • Sulfonamides
  • Trastuzumab
  • Receptors, Somatostatin
  • Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
  • Indazoles