Allelic deletion analysis of the FHIT gene predicts poor survival in non-small cell lung cancer.

The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene at chromosome 3p14.2 is a candidate tumor suppressor gene linked to cancers of the lung, breast, colon, pancreas, and head and neck. Reports of frequent allelic deletion and abnormal transcripts in primary lung tumors plus recent evidence that it is targeted by tobacco smoke carcinogens suggest that it plays an important role in lung carcinogenesis. Non-small cell lung carcinoma still maintains a poor 5-year survival rate with the stage of disease at presentation as a major determinant of prognosis. We examined for allelic deletion at the FHIT locus in a series of 106 non-small cell lung carcinomas for which a full clinical, epidemiological, and 5-year survival profile was available. We found an allelic deletion frequency of 38% at one or two intragenic microsatellites. Allelic deletion of FHIT was related to tumor histology with 4 of 20 adenocarcinomas (20%) displaying loss of heterozygosity (LOH) compared with 12 of 22 (55%) nonadenocarcinomas (P = 0.03). We found that 63% of tumors with LOH of FHIT also had p53 missense mutations whereas only 26% with LOH had wild type p53 negative sequence (P = 0.02). We also found a significant trend toward poorer survival in patients with LOH of at least one locus of the FHIT gene (log rank, P = 0.01). This survival correlation is independent of tumor stage, size, histological subtype, degree of differentiation, and p53 mutation status. Our data support the hypothesis that the loss of the FHIT contributes to the molecular pathogenesis of human lung cancer and is an indicator of poor prognosis.

p21waf1/cip1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 protein expression correlate with survival in non-small cell lung cancer.

p21waf1/cip1 encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that is transcriptionally activated by the p53 tumor suppressor gene, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), AP2, and other pathways. Because p21waf1/cip1, p53, and TGF-beta 1 all regulate apoptosis and the cell cycle, we tested the hypothesis that their relative protein levels would correlate with biological features including the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We conducted an immunohistochemical analysis of p21waf1/cip1 and TGF-beta 1 and identified four patient groups with distinct survival outcomes. Concordant p21waf1/cip1 and TGF-beta 1 expression (i.e., either high p21waf1/cip1 and high TGF-beta 1 expression or low p21waf1/cip1 and low TGF-beta 1 expression) predicted 70% disease-free survival at 2000 days of follow-up. Discordant p21waf1/cip1 and TGF-beta 1 expression (i.e., either high p21waf1/cip1 and low TGF-beta 1 expression or low p21waf1/cip1 and high TGF-beta 1 expression) predicted 35% disease-free survival (P = 0.0003; log-rank test). These survival relationships were not attributable to differences in grade, stage, or p53 status. Although current models do not fully explain these complex interactions, most of these data fit a paradigm whereby TGF-beta 1 regulation determines NSCLC survival. In addition to the survival correlation, we found that high p21waf1/cip1 protein expression correlated with high tumor grade (P = 0.014). There is little evidence that p21waf1/cip1 protein levels accurately predict p53 mutation status in NSCLC; specifically, 20 of 48 (42%) tumors with p53 mutations contained high levels of p21waf1/cip1 protein. These findings indicate that p21waf1/cip1 immunohistochemical analysis may provide useful information concerning the biological properties of NSCLC.

Biphasic synovial sarcomas arising in the pleural cavity. A clinicopathologic study of five cases.

Five cases of primary synovial sarcoma of the pleura are presented with a discussion of differentiation from other biphasic malignant neoplasms, most notably malignant mesothelioma. The cases have clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features consistent with synovial sarcoma of soft tissue. The average age at initial presentation of the reported patients was 25 years with an approximate range of 9 to 50 years. A large pleural-based intrathoracic mass was identified in each case. Histologic analysis showed a biphasic (mixed) pattern composed of epithelial and spindle cells. The epithelial cells showed cleft-like to tubulopapillary growth with focal intraluminal periodic acid Schiff's (PAS)-positive, diastase-resistant secretions identified in four of the five cases. The spindle cell component was composed predominantly of densely packed, elongated, fusiform cells. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity with antibodies against cytokeratin, BER.EP4, epithelial membrane antigen, and vimentin in all cases. The patients seem to have an aggressive course, with four deaths reported within 3 years from initial surgery. These cases represent the first reported cases of primary synovial sarcoma of the pleura and lend further credence to the theory that synovial sarcomas are derived from immature mesenchymal elements, not from synovium.

Survival analysis of 200 pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors with clarification of criteria for atypical carcinoid and its separation from typical carcinoid.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung embrace a spectrum from low-grade typical carcinoid (TC), intermediate-grade atypical carcinoid (AC), and high-grade categories of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and small cell carcinoma (SCLC). We studied 200 neuroendocrine lung tumors to critically evaluate the Arrigoni histologic criteria for AC using statistical analysis to delimit more rigorously an intermediate survival for AC between TC and the high-grade tumors of LCNEC and SCLC. Histologic features that might predict prognosis were used for Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards survival analysis, and an optimal mitotic range for AC was calculated. The optimal mitotic range for AC was 2 to 10 mitoses per 2 mm2 of viable tumor (10 high-power fields). Based on this finding, we collapsed mitoses into three categories (< 2; 2-10; > or = 11) and performed Cox multivariate analysis for all 200 neuroendocrine tumors. Mitotic counts were the only independent predictor of prognosis. Based on this analysis, we propose that AC be defined as a tumor with neuroendocrine morphology, mitotic counts between 2-10 per 2 mm2 of viable tumor (10 high-power fields), or coagulative necrosis. Using these criteria, the 200 neuroendocrine tumors were classified as 51 TC, 62 AC, 37 LCNEC, and 50 SCLC. The 5- and 10-year survival was 87% and 87% for TC, 56% and 35% for AC, 27% and 9% for LCNEC, and 9% and 5% for SCLC, respectively. After stratification for stage, survival for AC was significantly worse than for TC (p < 0.001); for LCNEC and SCLC it was significantly worse than for AC; but the survival for LCNEC was no different than that for SCLC.

Immunohistochemical study of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).

To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the pathogenesis of the structural damage and cystic lesions found in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), immunohistochemical studies were made of the localization of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, HMB-45, and type IV collagen in sections of lung biopsy specimens from four patients with this disorder. These studies showed increased immunoreactivity compared with that in normal bronchiolar and vascular smooth muscle cells, of MMP-2 and, to a lesser extent, MMP-9 and MMP-1 in the LAM cells. MMP-2 was also localized in some elastic fibers and in the basement membranes of LAM cells and overlying epithelial cells. The basement membranes in both of these sites often showed colocalization of MMP-2 and type IV collagen. Some epithelial basement membranes showing this colocalization were disrupted. These changes were not accompanied by increased immunoreactivity for TIMPs. Taken together with previous observations showing structural damage to elastic fibers and collagen fibrils, and with the absence of demonstrable neutrophil or pancreatic types of elastase, these findings suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 (both of which can degrade elastin as well as collagens) are responsible for the connective tissue destruction and cyst formation in LAM.

Alveolar adenoma: a histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analysis of 17 cases.

Alveolar adenoma of lung is a rare benign neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis. Its rarity hampers characterization of its epithelial and mesenchymal elements. Clinical and histopathologic features of 17 alveolar adenomas were reviewed. Histochemistry was performed on 10 cases, ultrastructural analysis on two, and immunohistochemistry on six cases for pneumocyte markers, thyroid transcription factor (TTF-1), surfactant protein markers pro-SP-B and pro-SP-C, and the Clara cell marker, CC10. Immunohistochemistry was performed in nine cases for desmin, smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, cytokeratin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), factor VIII, and carcinoembryonic antigen. The mean age was 53 years. Seven cases occurred in men, and nine occurred in women. The age and sex were not known for one patient. The tumors were coin lesions on chest radiographs in asymptomatic patients except for one (cough). The mean size was 2.2 cm. The tumors were well demarcated with multiple cystic spaces containing granular material. Mostly type 2 pneumocytes lined the cystic spaces with fewer type 1 cells and no Clara cells. This was confirmed by staining for TTF-1, pro-SP-B, and pro-SP-C and by ultrastructure. CC10 was negative in all cases. The stroma varied from prominent spindle cells with a myxoid matrix to thin alveolar septa. The interstitial spindle cells resembled fibroblasts by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructure. Follow-up data available in five cases showed no recurrence at 2, 2, 5, 8, and 13 years. In summary, alveolar adenoma is a benign neoplasm consisting of an intimate admixture of alveolar epithelial and septal mesenchymal tissue. Most of the epithelial cells are type 2 pneumocytes, and the interstitial stromal cells are fibroblasts or fibroblast-like cells. Recognition of its characteristic morphological appearance allows for its distinction from other benign lesions of the lung.

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in bronchial squamous preinvasive lesions.

Metalloproteinases and their inhibitors are known to play an important role in the extracellular matrix remodeling associated with preinvasive lesions and invasive carcinomas; however, little is known about their role in early lung carcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies were made of the reactivity of bronchial squamous preneoplastic lesions from cigarette smokers, including basal cell hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), and type IV collagen in 13 patients. Staining for type IV collagen disclosed discontinuities in basement membranes from basal cell hyperplasia to dysplasia, progressing to destruction in carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Reactivity for MMP-9 was mild in basal cell hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, increasing in carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. In contrast, reactivity for MMP-1 was strong in basal cell hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, decreasing in carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Some neoplastic cells in carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma were MMP-3 positive. Staining for MMP-2 and TIMP-1 was moderate to strong in all squamous preinvasive lesions. Confocal microscopy showed MMP-9-positive cells passing through fragmented basement membranes in which type IV collagen and MMP-9 were colocalized. Type IV collagen colocalized with MMP-2 in all lesions and with TIMP-1 in basal cell hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia. The inverse relationships between the reactivity for MMP-1 and MMP-9 with progression of bronchial squamous preinvasive lesions suggest important roles for these MMPs in basement membrane remodeling in these lesions.

Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry in a surgical series of non-small cell lung cancer patients.

The bcl-2 gene is implicated in oncogenesis by its ability to prolong cell survival through the inhibition of apoptosis, without increasing cell proliferation. An association between immunohistochemical staining for bcl-2 protein and the histological type and prognosis of non-small cell carcinoma was hypothesized by Pezzella et al. (N Engl J Med 329:690-694, 1993). In a case series, we stained formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from 106 surgical non-small cell lung cancer patients with an antibody to bcl-2 protein (DAKO clone 124, Carpinteria, CA). The resulting bcl-2 staining data were evaluated for associations with demographic, histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic features, including p53 mutations. Bcl-2 staining was observed in tumors from 29 of 106 (27%) of subjects, but was significantly less frequent in subjects' adenocarcinoma histology (8 of 55, 14.6%) (P = .007). This finding persisted after adjustment for age, gender, stage, grade, smoking history, and disease-free survival. In univariate analyses, no association was seen with age, weight, body mass index, gender, or pack-years smoking; tumor grade, stage, or patient performance status; p53 or c-erbB2 immunohistochemical staining, or p53 mutations. These data agree with earlier reports that bcl-2 staining is less common in adenocarcinomas; however, our data do not support the hypothesis that bcl-2 staining confers a better prognosis overall, in squamous cell carcinoma, or in an older patient population.

Primary basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is an unusual but well-established entity, primarily in the upper aerodigestive tract, composed of basaloid cells associated with dysplastic to neoplastic squamous cells, and characterized by an aggressive and rapidly fatal course. To date, BSCC originating in the trachea has not been reported. In this article, the authors describe the clinical, gross, and microscopic pathologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features of two cases of BSCC arising in the trachea. Features distinguishing this entity from other, more common tumors of the trachea, including metastases and direct extension from other sites of origin, are also discussed.

Mature teratoma of the uterine cervix with pulmonary differentiation.

Teratomas of the uterus are very rare, and a uterine teratoma with pulmonary differentiation has not, to our knowledge, been described previously. In this article, we report such a case in a 33-year-old woman, who presented with heavy vaginal bleeding and a polypoid mass of the uterine cervix. The cervical lesion was composed entirely of mature lung tissue, including bronchial, bronchiolar, and alveolar structures. The presence of well-differentiated respiratory epithelial cells, ie, Clara cells and alveolar type II cells, is confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The patient had no history of dilatation and curettage; therefore, implantation of fetal tissue could be excluded from the differential diagnoses. Since this is a newly developed mass in an adult individual, we favor a neoplastic process over heterotopia and interpret the lesion as unilateral lung development in an extragonadal mature teratoma.

Eight cases of Sister Mary Joseph's nodule diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration.

We report eight cases of umbilical metastases (Sister Mary Joseph's nodules) diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration. The primary carcinoma was below the diaphragm in seven patients. There was one false-negative diagnosis. We advocate the use of fine needle aspiration as the initial diagnostic test. It is a simple, fast, accurate, and relatively inexpensive means of making the definitive diagnosis. It can spare patients invasive procedures that are not clearly of benefit.

Fine-needle aspiration of six carotid body paragangliomas.

We report six carotid body paragangliomas diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in five patients. A total of eight aspirations were performed. The cytologic findings are characteristic: hemorrhagic background, hypo- to hypercellular smears (depending on the skill of the aspirator) with cells having delicate, ill-defined, vacuolated cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei with distinct nucleoli, rare intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions, and prominent rosette formation. No complications arose in any of the eight aspirations. FNA is a safe, accurate means of diagnosing carotid body paragangliomas. It can provide essential information for treatment planning and patient management.

Interstitial lung disease.

Because the list of interstitial lung diseases is so extensive, encompassing more than 180 chronic lung diseases in which the interstitium is altered by inflammation and/or fibrosis, this chapter focuses on several inflammatory lung diseases of unknown etiology: usual interstitial pneumonitis, respiratory bronchiolitis, idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia, pulmonary Langerhans' cell granulomatosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Vasculitis of the lung.

Many conditions are known to produce vasculitis of the lung but only a few major idiopathic vasculitis syndromes are clinically encountered-- and their diagnosis is very difficult. The authors provide in-depth coverage of these syndromes, focusing on clinical features, pathologic features, and diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Pulmonary angiitis and granulomatosis: radiologic-pathologic correlation.

Five distinct clinical syndromes of pulmonary angiitis and granulomatosis are currently recognized: Wegener granulomatosis, lymphomatoid granulomatosis, necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis, bronchocentric granulomatosis, and allergic angiitis and granulomatosis (Churg-Strauss syndrome). Patients typically present in middle age with fever, cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, or chest discomfort. Upper airway involvement such as sinusitis suggests Wegener granulomatosis. Medical renal disease is associated with Wegener granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome. Asthma may be present in bronchocentric granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome. Pathologic examination of these entities demonstrates vasculitis, granulomatous inflammation, and parenchymal necrosis. The radiologic manifestations of pulmonary disease are varied, but the most typical appearance is that of multiple nodules or masses that may demonstrate cavitation. Diffuse multifocal air-space opacities with or without cavitation may also be seen. Pulmonary hemorrhage is a well-known presenting manifestation of Wegener granulomatosis and, less commonly, of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Because of the multifocal lung involvement in these diseases, pulmonary metastases and infectious causes are often considered in the differential diagnosis. Affected patients are treated with cytotoxic agents and corticosteroids. The prognosis is variable, depending on the specific syndrome, but may be favorable in the absence of significant complications.

From the archives of the AFIP. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: radiologic-pathologic correlation.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant neoplasm that typically affects individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos through a variety of industries. The patients experience an insidious onset of symptoms, including dyspnea, chest pain, cough, malaise, and weight loss. The pathologic diagnosis of MPM is difficult, and special stains or immunohistochemical or ultrastructural analysis may be required to differentiate MPM from metastatic adenocarcinoma. The tumor affects both the parietal and visceral pleural surfaces and progresses to encase the lung and invade the lung, mediastinum, and chest wall. Radiologically, MPM manifests as unilateral pleural effusion, pleural nodules, or pleural masses. Imaging studies are useful for diagnosis and staging in patients who are potential surgical candidates. Although a variety of multimodality therapies are available and radical surgical procedures have been developed, the prognosis remains dismal.

Immunohistochemical study of metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the lungs of patients with diffuse alveolar damage and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Immunohistochemical and confocal microscopic studies of the localization of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), and type IV collagen were made in lung tissues from patients with normal pulmonary histology (n = 3), diffuse alveolar damage (n = 14), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 12). Pretreatment with pepsin revealed otherwise undetectable MMP- and TIMP-immunoreactive sites. In normal lung, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were localized in ciliated cells, endothelial cells, pneumocytes, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells; fibroblasts showed a strong reaction only for MMP-2. Only TIMP-2 showed co-localization with type IV collagen. Myofibroblasts and epithelial cells expressed increased reactivity for MMPs and TIMPs in both disorders. The reactivities for MMPs and TIMPs were stronger in diffuse alveolar damage. MMP-2 showed focal co-localization in capillary endothelial and disrupted epithelial basement membranes, suggesting activation of collagenolysis. A protective effect against this lysis was suggested by the extensive co-localization of TIMP-2 with type IV collagen and fibrillar collagens. Alveolar buds showed increased reactivity for MMPs and TIMPs in their lining epithelial cells, myofibroblasts, and their basement membranes; however, their matrices were mostly unreactive. These findings emphasize the complexity of the roles of MMPs and TIMPs in collagen turnover in diffuse alvcolar damage and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.