IDH1 or IDH2 mutations are found in >70% of lower grade diffusely infiltrative gliomas and in >90% of secondary glioblastoma. IDH mutational status has been reported to be a favorable prognostic indicator relative to wild-type gliomas of similar histology, regardless of grade. Therapeutic strategies exploiting mutated IDH protein, including through direct inhibition and vaccine-based approaches, are currently the subject of preclinical research and clinical trials.

IDH2 is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in citrate metabolism. Mutations at Arg140 and Arg172 of IDH2 are typically heterozygous mutations and considered gain of function mutations that lead to increased levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate which is believed to alter epigenetic regulation (ie, DNA methylation) in AML. Mutations of IDH2 appear to be mutually exclusive of mutations in TET2, another gene involved in regulation of DNA methylation, and also exclusive of mutations in IDH1. Mutations of IDH2 have been shown to lead to increased DNA methylation in AML. IDH2 mutations have been reported in 10-20% of AML and are often associated with a normal karyotype. IDH2 mutations have been reported in less than 5% of cases of MDS and less than 10% of myeloproliferative neoplasms. The prognostic impact of IDH2 mutations in AML appears uncertain due to conflicting reports. In the setting of essential thrombocytosis, primary myelofibrosis and MDS, the presence of IDH2 mutations is associated with reduced survival. Therapeutic targeting with an FDA approved mutant IDH2 inhibitor (enasidenib (AG-221)) has been reported for patients with relapsed or refractory IDH2-mutated AML.

IDH2 is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in citrate metabolism. Mutations at Arg140 and Arg172 of IDH2 are typically heterozygous and are considered gain-of-function mutations that lead to increased levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate believed to alter epigenetic regulation in various tumors, especially in myeloid neoplasms. The Arg140 mutation of IDH2 has not been reported previously in lung tumors. However, a few other IDH2 mutations have been described in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) in a very small number of patients in the literature. The prognostic impact of IDH2 mutations in NSCLC remains uncertain at this time. Mutant IDH2 may provide a potential therapeutic target in some settings. Clinical correlation is recommended.