# Case Report: A rare pediatric case of B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma presenting as an isolated renal mass with EWSR1::FLI1 translocation and germline CHEK2 variant

**Authors:** Katelyn P. Daniels, Kim E. Nichols, Arti S. Pandey, Gabriela Gheorghe, Sara Helmig, Kevin Garrett, Asim K. Bag, Hiroto Inaba, Raul Ribeiro

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1569506 · Frontiers in Pediatrics · 2025-06-24

## TL;DR

A 5-year-old boy with a kidney tumor was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma, leading to a modified treatment approach based on genetic findings.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare pediatric B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with unique genetic features and a tailored treatment strategy.

## Key findings

- The tumor had an EWSR1::FLI1 fusion distinct from Ewing's sarcoma breakpoints.
- Multiple somatic pathogenic variants were identified, including mutations in WT1, ETV6, and SETD2.
- A germline CHEK2 variant was found, suggesting potential cancer predisposition.

## Abstract

We describe a 5-year-old boy who initially presented with a large left renal mass, suspected to be Wilms tumor (WT). However, biopsy results revealed B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL) manifesting as an isolated renal mass. Tumor transcriptome analysis identified an EWSR1::FLI1 fusion, with breakpoints distinct from those typically associated with Ewing's sarcoma. Other somatic pathogenic variants affecting WT1, ETV6, SETD2, ADD2, EZH2, PRDM2, and NF2 were identified. The patient also carried a germline CHEK2 variant of unknown significance, raising concerns for cancer predisposition. Given the unusual clinical presentation, somatic and germline genetic findings, and impossibility of measuring early response to therapy, the classical treatment of lymphoblastic lymphoma was modified. To minimize exposure to agents that increase DNA breakage, blinatumomab was used for consolidation. This approach led to significant tumor regression and the patient remains in remission for eight months post-diagnosis. This case underscores the importance of precise diagnosis, comprehensive somatic and germline genetic evaluation, and adapted treatment in pediatric oncology.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** EWSR1 (EWS RNA binding protein 1) [NCBI Gene 2130], FLI1 (Fli-1 proto-oncogene, ETS transcription factor) [NCBI Gene 2313], WT1 (WT1 transcription factor) [NCBI Gene 7490], ETV6 (ETS variant transcription factor 6) [NCBI Gene 2120], SETD2 (SET domain containing 2, histone lysine methyltransferase) [NCBI Gene 29072], ADD2 (adducin 2) [NCBI Gene 119], EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit) [NCBI Gene 2146], PRDM2 (PR/SET domain 2) [NCBI Gene 7799], NF2 (NF2, moesin-ezrin-radixin like (MERLIN) tumor suppressor) [NCBI Gene 4771], CHEK2 (checkpoint kinase 2) [NCBI Gene 11200]
- **Diseases:** Wilms tumor (MONDO:0006058), Ewing's sarcoma (MONDO:0012817)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** SETD2 (SET domain containing 2, histone lysine methyltransferase) [NCBI Gene 29072] {aka HBP231, HIF-1, HIP-1, HSPC069, HYPB, KMT3A}, WT1 (WT1 transcription factor) [NCBI Gene 7490] {aka AWT1, GUD, NPHS4, WAGR, WIT-2, WT-1}, EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit) [NCBI Gene 2146] {aka ENX-1, ENX1, EZH2b, KMT6, KMT6A, WVS}, ADD2 (adducin 2) [NCBI Gene 119] {aka ADDB}, NF2 (NF2, moesin-ezrin-radixin like (MERLIN) tumor suppressor) [NCBI Gene 4771] {aka ACN, BANF, SCH, SWNV, merlin-1}, CHEK2 (checkpoint kinase 2) [NCBI Gene 11200] {aka CDS1, CHK2, HuCds1, LFS2, PP1425, RAD53}, PRDM2 (PR/SET domain 2) [NCBI Gene 7799] {aka HUMHOXY1, KMT8, KMT8A, MTB-ZF, RIZ, RIZ1}, ETV6 (ETS variant transcription factor 6) [NCBI Gene 2120] {aka TEL, TEL/ABL, THC5}
- **Diseases:** isolated renal mass (MESH:C537153), renal mass (MESH:C536030), B-LBL (MESH:D016393), lymphoblastic lymphoma (MESH:D054198), Ewing's sarcoma (MESH:D012512), Tumor (MESH:D009369), WT (MESH:D009396)
- **Chemicals:** blinatumomab (MESH:C510808)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

24 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12234301/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12234301