BAP1-deficient meningioma presenting with trabecular architecture and cytokeratin expression: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Aims: BRCA (BReast CAncer gene)-associated protein 1 (BAP1), encoded by the BAP1 gene, a tumour suppressor that is lost in several cancers. Importantly, such mutations have been shown to be susceptible to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition in preclinical studies, offering hope for targeted therapy. While rare, BAP1 loss has been observed in a subset of rhabdoid and papillary meningioma and is associated with earlier recurrence. We seek to add to the literature on this rare disease and advocate for more routine BAP1 testing.

Methods: We present a report of two cases of BAP1-deficient meningioma and review the available literature on this rare entity.

Results: Both cases present with a distinct trabecular architecture without rhabdoid or papillary features. Interestingly, both also presented with radiographic and histopathological findings unusual for meningioma. While immunohistochemistry and genetic sequencing confirmed BAP1 loss, DNA methylation analysis was required to confirm the final diagnosis.

Conclusions: We suggest that BAP1-deficient meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extra-axial central nervous system (CNS) tumours with atypical imaging or histopathological features and that BAP1 loss may constitute a clinically important meningioma subtype with opportunities for targeted therapy.