Cytogenetic and pathologic characterization of MYC-rearranged B-cell lymphomas in pediatric and young adult patients.

MYC-rearranged B-cell lymphoma (BCL) in the pediatric/young adult (YA) age group differs substantially in disease composition from adult cohorts. However, data regarding the partner genes, concurrent rearrangements, and ultimate diagnoses in these patients is scarce compared to that in adult cohorts. We aimed to characterize the spectrum of MYC-rearranged (MYC-R) mature, aggressive BCL in the pediatric/YA population. A retrospective study of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results of patients age ≤ 30 years with suspected Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL), and a MYC-R by FISH between 2013-2022 was performed. Two-hundred fifty-eight cases (129 (50%) pediatric (< 18 years) and 129 (50%) YA (18-30 years)) were included. Most MYC-R BCL in pediatric (89%) and YA (66%) cases were BL. While double-hit (DH) cytogenetics (MYC with BCL2 and/or BCL6-R, HGBCL-DH) was rare in the pediatric population (2/129, 2%), HGBCL-DH increased with age and was identified in 17/129 (13%) of YA cases. Most HGBCL-DH had MYC and BCL6-R, while BCL2-R were rare in both groups (3/258, 1%). MYC-R without an IG partner was more common in the YA group (14/116 (12%) vs 2/128 (2%), p = 0.001). The pediatric to YA transition is characterized by decreasing frequency in BL and increasing genetic heterogeneity of MYC-R BCL, with emergence of DH-BCL with MYC and BCL6-R. FISH to evaluate for BCL2 and BCL6 rearrangements is likely not warranted in the pediatric population but should continue to be applied in YA BCL.

High-grade B-cell lymphoma with a quadruple-hit genetic profile including concurrent MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and CCND1 gene rearrangements.

Several reports of concurrent MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and CCND1 rearrangements in high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) have been recently described. Herein, we aimed to delineate the scope of this entity through a review of HGBL with a "quadruple-hit" genetic profile identified at our institution. We performed a retrospective review (2015-2023) at our institution of B-cell lymphoma (BCL) cases that were evaluated with concurrent MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 break-apart and IGH::MYC and IGH::CCND1 dual-color dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. Of 203 cases meeting inclusion criteria, 2 (1%) with a quadruple-hit genetic profile were identified. Case 1 represented a 59-year-old female with widespread lymphadenopathy and a diagnosis of HGBL who exhibited primary refractoriness to dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) chemotherapy. Case 2 represented a 58-year-old male with mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy and a diagnosis of large BCL who died from disease after 1 cycle of DA-EPOCH-R chemotherapy. Similarly, a literature review of 7 previously reported cases of HGBL with a quadruple-hit profile also demonstrated aggressive disease behavior. Our study adds 2 new cases to the rarely encountered quadruple-hit HGBL, and a brief meta-analysis of the 9 available cases indicates aggressive disease behavior conferred by this constellation of genetic events.

Superior detection rate of plasma cell FISH using FACS-FISH.

OBJECTIVES: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs) requires plasma cell (PC) identification or purification strategies to optimize results. We compared the efficacy of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin FISH (cIg-FISH) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting FISH (FACS-FISH) in a clinical laboratory setting. METHODS: The FISH analysis results of 14,855 samples from individuals with a suspected PCN subjected to cytogenetic evaluation between 2019 and 2022 with cIg-FISH (n = 6917) or FACS-FISH (n = 7938) testing were analyzed. RESULTS: Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-FISH increased the detection rate of abnormalities in comparison with cIg-FISH, with abnormal results documented in 54% vs 50% of cases, respectively (P < .001). It improved the detection of IGH::CCND1 (P < .001), IGH::MAF (P < .001), IGH::MAFB (P < .001), other IGH rearrangements (P < .001), and gains/amplifications of 1q (P < .001), whereas the detection rates of IGH::FGFR3 fusions (P = .3), loss of 17p (P = .3), and other abnormalities, including hyperdiploidy (P = .5), were similar. Insufficient PC yield for FISH analysis was decreased between cIg-FISH and FACS-FISH (22% and 3% respectively, P < .001). Flow cytometry allowed establishment of ploidy status in 91% of cases. In addition, FACS-FISH decreased analysis times, workload efforts, and operating costs. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-FISH is an efficient PC purification strategy that affords significant improvement in diagnostic yield and decreases workflow requirements in comparison with cIg-FISH.

Clear-cell Variant of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Presenting as a Palatal Mass in a 10-Year-old Boy.

BACKGROUND: The clear-cell variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) involving minor salivary glands is extremely rare in children. CASE REPORT: We report a case of clear-cell variant MEC in the minor salivary gland in a 10-year-old boy who presented with a mass of the right hard palate. Fine-needle aspiration showed features suggestive of clear-cell variant of MEC. Microscopically, the tumor cells showed predominant clear cells and scattered mucous cells. There was increased mitotic activity (6/mm2). No tumor necrosis or nuclear pleomorphism was identified. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), tumor protein p63, P40 (ΔNp63), CK5/6 and mucicarmine. Rearrangement of mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 2 (MAML2) (11q21) gene was present in the tumor cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization, supporting the diagnosis of an intermediate-grade clear-cell variant of MEC. A right infrastructure maxillectomy for palate carcinoma with negative margins was performed. Grossly, the tumor was a 2.1 cm well-circumscribed, friable, pale tan mass with focal areas of cystic change. The final pathological diagnosis was clear-cell variant of MEC, intermediate grade, pT2. Post surgery, the patient recovered and was doing well, with no tumor recurrence or metastasis at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of clear-cell variant MEC in a child. Due to low to intermediate tumor grade, an overtly aggressive treatment should be avoided in a child.

Typical, atypical and cryptic t(15;17)(q24;q21) (PML::RARA) observed in acute promyelocytic leukemia: A retrospective review of 831 patients with concurrent chromosome and PML::RARA dual-color dual-fusion FISH studies.

The diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) relies on the identification of PML::RARA fusion. While the majority of APL cases harbor a typical t(15;17)(q24;q21), atypical genetic mechanisms leading to the oncogenic PML::RARA fusion have been reported yet their frequency and scope remain poorly characterized. We assessed the genetic findings of 831 cases with APL investigated with concurrent chromosome banding analysis and dual-color dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH) analysis at our institution over an 18.5-year timeframe. Seven hundred twenty-three (87%) cases had a typical balanced t(15;17) with both testing modalities. Atypical karyotypic results including complex translocations, unbalanced rearrangements and insertional events occurred in 50 (6%) cases, while 6 (0.7%) cases were cryptic by conventional chromosome studies despite PML::RARA fusion by D-FISH evaluation. Atypical FISH patterns were observed in 48 (6%) cases despite apparently balanced t(15;17) on chromosome banding analysis. Two hundred fifty (30%) cases displayed additional chromosome abnormalities of which trisomy/tetrasomy 8 (37%), del(7q)/add(7q) (12%), and del(9q) (7%) were most frequent. Complex and very complex karyotypes were observed in 81 (10%) and 34 (4%) cases, respectively. In addition, 4 (0.5%) cases presented as an apparently doubled, near-tetraploid stemline clone. This report provides the largest appraisal of cytogenetic findings in APL with conventional chromosome and PML::RARA D-FISH analysis. By characterizing the frequency and breadth of typical and atypical results through the lens of these cytogenetic testing modalities, this study serves as a pragmatic source of information for those involved in the investigation of APL in both the clinical and research laboratory settings.

Identification of EWSR1 rearrangements in patients with immature hematopoietic neoplasms: A case series and review of literature.

Rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene (22q12.2) is a well-recognized genetic lesion in bone and soft tissue tumors. However, few reports have suggested that EWSR1 rearrangements may also occur in the setting of hematopoietic tumors. We herein describe two cases of immature hematopoietic neoplasms presenting with EWSR1 rearrangements. The first occurred in a 41-year-old female diagnosed with mixed-phenotype acute leukemia, B/T/myeloid, in which conventional chromosome analysis revealed a t(2;22)(q35;q12). Further analysis with whole genome sequencing revealed that this rearrangement led to an EWSR1::FEV gene fusion. The second case was identified in an 18-year-old male with a high-grade B-cell lineage malignant neoplasm with immature features in which conventional chromosome analysis revealed a t(17;22)(q25;q12). Mate-pair sequencing, a next generation sequencing-based assay, was performed and revealed three in-frame chimeric gene fusions involving the EWSR1, TEF and STRADA gene regions. This report further expands the repertoire of hematopoietic neoplasms with EWSR1 fusions and partner genes involved in these rearrangements.

Identification of a Cryptic t(8;20;21)(q22;p13;q22) Resulting in RUNX1T1/RUNX1 Fusion in a Patient with Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

The detection of recurrent genetic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including RUNX1T1/RUNX1 gene fusion, is critical for optimal medical management. Herein, we report a 45 year old woman with newly diagnosed AML and conventional chromosome studies that revealed an apparently balanced t(8;20)(q22;p13) in all 20 metaphases analyzed. A RUNX1T1/RUNX1 dual-color dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe set was subsequently performed and revealed a RUNX1T1/RUNX1 gene fusion. Metaphase FISH studies performed on abnormal metaphases revealed a cryptic, complex translocation resulting in RUNX1T1/RUNX1 fusion, t(8;20;21)(q22;p13;q22). This case study shows the importance of performing FISH studies or other high-resolution genetic testing concurrently with conventional chromosome studies for the detection of cryptic recurrent gene fusions in AML, particularly a focused genetic evaluation such as RUNX1T1/RUNX1 gene fusion, when specific abnormalities involving 8q22 are identified.

Increased complexity of t(11;14) rearrangements in plasma cell neoplasms compared with mantle cell lymphoma.

Plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can both harbor t(11;14)(q13;q32) (CCND1/IGH), usually resulting in cyclin D1 overexpression. In some cases, particularly at low levels of disease, it can be morphologically challenging to distinguish between these entities in the bone marrow (BM) since PCN with t(11;14) are often CD20-positive with lymphoplasmacytic cytology, while MCL can rarely have plasmacytic differentiation. We compared the difference in CCND1/IGH by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in PCN and MCL to evaluate for possible differentiating characteristics. We identified 326 cases of MCL with t(11;14) and 279 cases of PCN with t(11;14) from either formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue or fresh BM specimens. The "typical," balanced CCND1/IGH FISH signal pattern was defined as three total CCND1 signals, three total IGH signals, and two total fusion signals. Any deviation from the "typical" pattern was defined as an "atypical" pattern, which was further stratified into "gain of fusion" vs "complex" patterns. There was a significantly higher proportion of cases that showed an atypical FISH pattern in PCN compared with MCL (53% vs 27%, P < .0001). There was also a significantly higher proportion of cases that showed a complex FISH pattern in PCN compared with MCL (47% vs 17%, P < .0001). We confirmed these findings using mate-pair sequencing of 25 PCN and MCL samples. PCN more often have a complex CCND1/IGH FISH pattern compared with MCL, suggesting possible differences in the genomic mechanisms underlying these rearrangements in plasma cells compared with B cells.

Detailed Reanalysis of 500 Breast Cancers With Equivocal HER2 Immunohistochemistry and Borderline ERBB2 Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Results.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of our laboratory's reflex testing process for resolving ERBB2 (HER2) status on breast cancer samples that require additional workup after fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), per guideline recommendations published in 2018 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). METHODS: In total, 500 breast cancer specimens with ERBB2 FISH results in groups 2 through 4 (all reported as immunohistochemistry [IHC] equivocal [2+] at external laboratories) were resubmitted for IHC testing in our laboratory. Per the ASCO/CAP guideline, FISH was rescored when internal IHC was also equivocal (2+), targeted to tumor areas demonstrating more intense IHC staining, if observed. RESULTS: Reflex IHC/FISH testing changed the final reported ERBB2 status in 185 of 500 (37.0%) samples. Result changes included discordant IHC (n = 4 score 0, n = 132 score 1+, and n = 16 score 3+) and discordant FISH (n = 33). Numerical differences in FISH scores were comparable for targeted vs nontargeted FISH rescoring (P = .086 for ERBB2 copy number; P = .49 for ERBB2 ratio). Two cases showed larger differences in FISH scores, suggesting heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Retesting of breast cancer samples with equivocal IHC frequently changes IHC results, but targeted reanalysis of borderline FISH results rarely identifies significant differences in ERBB2 copy number or ratio.

HER2 Testing for Breast Cancer in the Genomics Laboratory: A Sea Change for Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization.

CONTEXT.­: Guidelines for HER2 testing in breast cancer have changed over time, from the US Food and Drug Administration guideline to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines published in 2007, 2013, and 2018. OBJECTIVE.­: To investigate the change in assignment of HER2 status in breast cancers with equivocal (2+) immunohistochemistry (IHC) results by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) following implementation of the ASCO/CAP 2018 guideline. DESIGN.­: The study included 3556 invasive breast cancers that were HER2 equivocal (2+) by IHC and were submitted to our FISH laboratory after July 2018. Reflex testing (with repeat IHC staining) was performed on certain categories of FISH results known as groups 2, 3, and 4. Concomitant review of IHC and FISH was performed on these reflex cases per 2018 guideline recommendations. The FISH data were analyzed to compare US Food and Drug Administration and ASCO/CAP 2007, 2013, and 2018 interpretations. RESULTS.­: Of 3548 invasive breast cancers with complete data available, the percentage agreement for FISH according to different guidelines was highest for ASCO/CAP 2018 versus US Food and Drug Administration (96.5%), followed by ASCO/CAP 2018 versus 2007 (93.8%), and lowest with ASCO/CAP 2018 versus 2013 (83.7%). Per the 2018 guideline, reflex IHC testing was performed on 633 breast cancers (17.8%); the majority of reflex testing results were negative (541 of 633; 85.5%). The overall distribution of HER2 FISH results (per the 2018 guideline) was 88.5% negative and 11.5% positive. CONCLUSIONS.­: By eliminating the equivocal FISH category, the 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline significantly reduced the HER2 FISH-positive rate in tumors with equivocal (2+) IHC results.

High level MYC amplification in B-cell lymphomas: is it a marker of aggressive disease?

While MYC translocations in B-cell lymphoma (BCL) have been extensively studied, the significance of MYC amplification (MYC amp) is poorly understood. This study characterizes BCL showing MYC amp, defined as uncountable FISH signals. Retrospective analysis of all BCL FISH for MYC aberrations performed at our institution (1/2010-2/2018) identified 44/9715 (0.45%) cases with MYC amp. MYC amp probe signals appeared in a cloud-like distribution (70%) or in a single homogenous-staining-region (30%). In total 59% also had MYC separation by breakapart probe indicating concurrent MYC translocation. The most common morphology was large cell (82%) and diagnosis was diffuse large BCL (DLBCL, 50%). In total 88% were germinal center B-cell-like by Hans algorithm. In total 12/42 (29%) cases were "double-hit" by WHO criteria (DHL/THL) in addition to having MYC amp. The estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) of DLBCL cases with MYC amp was 80%. There was no significant difference in OS between DLBCL and DHL/THL among cases with MYC amp, suggesting a poor prognostic impact of MYC amp. However, when compared to a larger cohort of DLBCL and DHL/THL, MYC amp did not have prognostic significance. In summary, MYC amp in BCL is rare, most commonly occurs in DLBCL, and was not associated with survival in our cohort.

Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation for TP63 rearrangements in T cell lymphomas: single-site experience of 470 patients and implications for clinical testing.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to review our 5-year experience with clinical FISH testing for TP63 rearrangements using both TP63 break-apart (BAP) and TBL1XR1/TP63 dual-fusion (D-FISH) probes to evaluate the frequency of TP63 rearrangements and the distribution of TBL1XR1 vs. alternate partner loci, and to assess whether both probe sets are necessary in all cases undergoing FISH testing. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic cytogenetic database identified 470 patients evaluated by FISH testing for TP63 rearrangements in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue using both BAP and D-FISH probes. Of these, 25 (5.3%) had TP63 rearrangements. All samples were being investigated for anaplastic large-cell lymphoma or other T cell lymphoma subtypes. A TBL1XR1 partner was identified by D-FISH in 12 (48%) of 25 cases. All cases positive by TBL1XR1/TP63 D-FISH were also positive by TP63 BAP FISH. CONCLUSION: This is the largest series of TP63 rearrangements to date. The frequency of positive results among cases referred to a large reference laboratory for TP63 FISH testing was 5.3%. Approximately half of TP63 rearrangements have a TBL1XR1 partner. TP63 BAP FISH testing is sufficient for up-front testing of FFPE tissue samples. However, because of the genomic proximity of the TP63 and TBL1XR1 loci, we recommend reflex TBL1XR1/TP63 D-FISH testing in positive and equivocal cases.

Myeloid Sarcoma With CBFB-MYH11 Fusion (inv(16) or t(16;16)) Prevails in the Abdomen.

OBJECTIVES: Myeloid sarcoma with CBFB-MYH11 fusion may be enriched in abdominal sites. The clinicopathologic features of 11 cases are reported. METHODS: We collected clinical features, morphology, immunophenotype, and bone marrow (BM) involvement of myeloid sarcoma cases with CBFB-MYH11 fusion. RESULTS: Eleven of 29 total myeloid sarcoma cases were CBFB-MYH11 positive and all 11 involved abdominal sites. The blastic infiltrate was associated with eosinophils in four of 11 cases and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) nodules in four of six cases. CD34, CD117, and myeloperoxidase were expressed in eight of nine, 10 of 10, and 10 of 10 cases, respectively. Ten of 10 cases showed no BM involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Our current series, combined with a literature review, identifies a compelling series of 31 (94%) of 33 cases of myeloid sarcoma with CBFB-MYH11 fusion showing a marked predilection for abdominal sites. In addition, the lack of obvious associated eosinophils, presence of pDC nodules, and lack of concurrent BM involvement suggest that "myeloid sarcoma with CBFB-MYH11 fusion" may represent a unique phenomenon.

Warthin-like Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Unusual Morphology and Diagnostic Pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a newly recognized rare entity and could be misdiagnosed as a benign Warthin tumor. We report such a case of a 36-year-old male who presented with a left parotid gland mass. CASE REPORT: Fine-needle aspiration showed features suggestive of Warthin tumor. Following parotidectomy, grossly there was a 1.6 cm well-circumscribed multilobular mass with focal areas of cystic change. Microscopically, at low magnification it had histological features resembling Warthin tumor, while lining with squamoid cells with scattered mucocytes demonstrating mild cytologic atypia was observed at high magnification. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for p40, p63, cytokeratin 5/6, cytokeratin 7, and cancer antigen 125, but negative for discovered on GIST-1 (DOG1). Mucicarmine stain highlighted intracellular mucin within mucocytes. Rearrangement of mastermind like transcriptional coactivator 2 (MAML2) (11q21) gene was shown to be present in tumor cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization, supporting the diagnosis of a low-grade Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was disease-free 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma has not been widely recognized and can be misdiagnosed as Warthin tumor. Testing for MAML2 rearrangement provides essential support for diagnosis in difficult cases.

Acute leukemias harboring KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion: a 10-year experience from a single genomics laboratory.

The MLLT10 (formerly AF10) gene is the fourth most common KMT2A fusion partner across all acute leukemias and requires at least 3 breaks to form an in-frame KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion due to the opposite orientation of each gene. A 10-year retrospective review was performed to identify individuals from all age groups that harbor KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion obtained by our KMT2A/MLLT10 dual-color dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH) assay. Of the 60 unique individuals identified, 31 were male and 29 were female (M:F ratio, 1.1:1) with ages ranging from 3 days to 86 years (mean 21.5 years, median 5.5 years). The diagnoses included acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (49 patients, 82%), B- or T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (7 patients, 12%), myeloid sarcoma (3 patients, 5%), and a single case (2%) of undifferentiated leukemia. Twenty-seven of 49 patients (55%) with AML were in the infant or pediatric age group. Fifty-three of 60 patients (88%) had KMT2A/MLLT10 D-FISH signal patterns mostly consisting of single fusions. In addition, 10 (26%) of 38 patients with conventional chromosome studies had "normal" (5 patients) or abnormal (5 patients) chromosome studies that lacked structural or numeric abnormalities involving chromosomes 10 or 11, implying cryptic cytogenetic mechanisms for KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion. Lastly, mate-pair sequencing was performed on 4 AML cases, 2 of which had "normal" chromosome studies and cryptic KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion as detected by KMT2A/MLLT10 D-FISH studies, and verified the multiple breaks required to generate KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion.