Concordance Analysis of ALK Gene Fusion Detection Methods in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer from Chile, Brazil, and Peru.

About 4% to 7% of the non-small-cell lung cancer patients have anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, and specific targeted therapies improve patients' outcomes significantly. ALK gene fusions are detected by immunohistochemistry or fluorescent in situ hybridization as gold standards in South America. Next-generation sequencing-based assays are a reliable alternative, able to perform simultaneous detection of multiple events from a single sample. We analyzed 4240 non-small-cell lung cancer samples collected in 37 hospitals from Chile, Brazil, and Peru, where ALK rearrangements were determined as part of their standard of care (SofC) using either immunohistochemistry or fluorescent in situ hybridization. A subset of 1450 samples was sequenced with the Oncomine Focus Assay (OFA), and the concordance with the SofC tests was measured. An orthogonal analysis was performed using a real-time quantitative PCR echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-ALK fusion detection kit. ALK fusion prevalence is similar for Chile (3.67%; N = 2142), Brazil (4.05%; N = 1013), and Peru (4.59%; N = 675). Although a comparison between OFA and SofC assays showed similar sensitivity, OFA had significantly higher specificity and higher positive predictive value, which opens new opportunities for a more specific determination of ALK gene rearrangements.

CD8+ and FoxP3+ T-cell infiltration in actinic cheilitis.

BACKGROUND: Differences in immune profile between actinic cheilitis (AC), a precursor of lip squamous cell carcinoma, and normal lip vermillion (NL) have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To compare density, distribution, and ratios of CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells between AC and NL and assess their associations with clinicopathologic variables. METHODS: Samples of AC and NL obtained between 2001 and 2013 at the College of Dentistry of the University of Concepcion, Chile, were retrospectively analyzed for immunohistochemical detection of CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells. Differences between groups were tested by Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. Independent effects of cell densities and CD8/FoxP3 ratio with AC were assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for potential confounding. RESULTS: A total of 62 AC and 24 NL biopsies were included. Densities of CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells in AC were significantly higher than in NL. Conversely, the CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio was significantly lower in AC as compared to NL. After adjustment for sun exposure, age, gender, and smoking status, a stromal FoxP3+ cell density higher than 0.35 cells/field was significantly associated with increased odds of AC (odds ratio [OR] = 5.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-21.31), while a stromal CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio higher than 5.91 was associated with decreased odds of AC (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.08-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: AC is characterized by increased FoxP3+ cell infiltration and a reduced CD8/FoxP3 ratio as compared to NL. Therefore, increased infiltration of FoxP3+ cells relative to CD8+ cells may contribute to the transition from normal to preneoplastic stages in lip carcinogenesis.

[Comparison of Helicobacter pylori in oral cavity and gastric mucosa according to virulence genotype (cagA and vacA m 1)]. / Comparación de Helicobacter pylori en cavidad oral y mucosa gástrica de acuerdo a genotipo de virulencia (cagA y vacAm 1).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the virulence genotype (cagA and vacA ml genes) of Helicobacter pylori obtained simultaneously from gastric mucosa and oral cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gastric samples of 18 patients were obtained by endoscopic biopsies. Oral samples of these patients were obtained from dental plaque and saliva swabs from the floor of the mouth and the base of the tongue. All samples were studied by conventional PCR and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Virulence genes cagA and vacA ml were studied by RT- PCR. RESULTS: According to presence and/or absence of cagA and vacAm1 genes, seven different combinations were observed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there is a variety of genetic profiles of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach and oral cavity, with a predominance of less virulent genotypes in the patients included in this study (cagA-, vacA m1-).

Comparación de Helicobacter pylori en cavidad oral y mucosa gástrica de acuerdo a genotipo de virulencia (cagA y vacAm 1) / Comparison of Helicobacter pylori in oral cavity and gastric mucosa according to virulence genotype (cagA and vacA m 1)

Objective: To compare the virulence genotype (cagA and vacA ml genes) of Helicobacter pylori obtained simultaneously from gastric mucosa and oral cavity. Material and Methods: Gastric samples of 18 patients were obtained by endoscopic biopsies. Oral samples of these patients were obtained from dental plaque and saliva swabs from the floor of the mouth and the base of the tongue. All samples were studied by conventional PCR and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Virulence genes cagA and vacA ml were studied by RT- PCR. Results: According to presence and/or absence of cagA and vacAm1 genes, seven different combinations were observed. Conclusion: These results suggest that there is a variety of genetic profiles of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach and oral cavity, with a predominance of less virulent genotypes in the patients included in this study (cagA-, vacA m1-).

Objetivo: Comparar el genotipo de virulencia (genes cagA y vacA m1) de Helicobacter pylori, obtenido simultáneamente de mucosa gástrica y cavidad oral. Material y Métodos: Para esto se incluyeron muestras de biopsias gástricas de 18 pacientes. Las muestras orales de estos pacientes fueron obtenidas de placa bacteriana y saliva del piso de boca y base de la lengua. Las muestras fueron estudiadas con RPC convencional y RPC en tiempo real (RPC-TR). Los genes de virulencia cagA y vacA m1 fueron estudiados con RPC-TR. Resultados: De acuerdo a la presencia o ausencia de los genes de virulencia cagA y vacA m1 detectados en las muestras gástricas y orales, se pudieron diferenciar siete combinaciones diferentes. Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren que existe una variedad de genotipos de virulencia en Helicobacter pylori en el estómago y la cavidad oral, predominando en los pacientes incluidos en este estudio las cepas con genotipos asociados a menor virulencia (cagA-, vacA m1-).

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor concomitant with cystic complex odontoma: case report.

This case report describes a 10-year-old female patient with an adenomatoid odontogenic tumor developing together with a cystic complex odontoma. This occurrence is considered very unusual. Immunohistochemical detection of cytokeratins AE1/AE3, CK5, CK8, CK10, CK14, CK19 and Ki-67 was performed.