Microsatellite Instability Status and the Expression of p16 and Cyclin D1 Proteins in Uterine Adenosarcoma and Their Clinicopathological Significance.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine adenosarcoma has low malignant potential, except in cases with sarcomatous overgrowth (SOG) and a high-grade morphology. We here point out the prognostic clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features as well as the microsatellite instability (MSI) status of high- and low-grade adenosarcomas. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this study, DNA mismatch repair proteins, p16, cyclin D1, ER, PR, and CD10 were examined in uterine adenosarcoma cases using immunohistochemistry. The association between these proteins and clinicopathological parameters was also evaluated. RESULTS: ER, PR and CD10 expressions were lower and weaker in high-grade adenosarcomas with SOG compared to low-grade adenosarcomas without SOG (p < 0.05). p16 positivity was more frequent in high-grade adenosarcomas than low-grade adenosarcomas (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between cyclin D1 positivity, MSI, and other clinicopathological parameters (p ≥ 0.05). Cyclin D1 positivity and loss of CD10 expression were associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS). Loss of ER and CD10 expression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05). MSI was not associated with DFS or OS (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that p16 positivity, and loss of ER, PR, and CD10 expression were predictors of high-grade morphology. Additionally, the current study showed that cyclin D1-positive tumors had high recurrence rates; however, no significant relationships were found between MSI and DFS or OS in patients with uterine adenosarcoma. Further investigations are required to determine the importance of p16, cyclin D1, and MSI in uterine adenosarcomas.

Endometrial Stem/Progenitor cell (ES/PC) Marker Expression Profile in Adenosarcoma and Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The uterus is one of the most dynamic organs in the human body, and this dynamic homeostasis is supported by endometrial stem/progenitor cells (ES/PCs), which are heterogeneous in their phenotype and degree of differentiation. ES/PCs are generally localized in the endometrial stroma, the site of origin for adenosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). Subsets of ESSs and adenosarcomas harbor SUZ12 or DICER1 gene alterations, two genes with roles in embryonic stem cell biology. However, the possible contribution of ES/PCs to tumorigenesis is unexplored. METHOD: We examined the expression of eleven ES/PC markers, along with three proteins expressed in the mature endometrial stroma (ER, PR and CD10) in 60 uterine tumors (24 low-, 11 high-grade ESS, 25 adenosarcomas). Protein expression profiles were assessed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering. miRNA expression profiles were examined in a subset of adenosarcoma with/without DICER1 mutations, using the NanoString platform. RESULTS: ES/PC markers were variably expressed, and the tumors exhibited limited immunophenotypic resemblance to different ES/PCs. Within the ESSs, the ES/PC marker clustering pattern was prognostic for both overall and disease-free survival. Comparing adenosarcomas and ESSs, most high-grade ESSs clustered with one another, while low-grade ESSs and adenosarcomas tended to cluster with one another. Among the adenosarcomas, the miRNA expression profiles were varied with respect to the DICER1 mutation status, with pathway analysis pointing to dysregulated signal transduction and stem cell biology. CONCLUSIONS: ESSs and adenosarcomas exhibit varying immunophenotypic resemblance to ES/PCs. These expression profiles have prognostic implications and may be genetically driven.

BCOR Expression in Mullerian Adenosarcoma: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall.

Adenosarcoma can mimic high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with ZC3H7B-BCOR fusion that may show entrapped glands and often exhibits diffuse BCOR expression. We encountered diffuse BCOR expression in rare adenosarcomas and sought to define its frequency among a larger cohort of these tumors. BCOR immunohistochemistry was performed on archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue in 13 of 14 adenosarcomas with and without stromal overgrowth arising in the uterus or ovary. The staining intensity and percentage of positive tumor nuclei in the mesenchymal component were evaluated. Eleven cases with sufficient tumoral tissue were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of BCOR, BCORL1, NUTM1, ZC3H7B, and JAZF1 rearrangement. Three cases were subjected to targeted RNA sequencing. BCOR was expressed in 9 of 13 (70%) tumors, including 6 with and 3 without stromal overgrowth. Moderate to strong staining in >70% of cells was seen throughout in 1 low-grade and 6 high-grade tumors, 5 of which had stromal overgrowth. No staining was seen in 3 low-grade and 1 high-grade tumors with stromal overgrowth. One tumor demonstrating extensive sex cord-like differentiation and diffuse BCOR expression harbored JAZF1 and BCORL1 rearrangements. No BCOR or BCORL1 rearrangement was identified in the remaining tumors. BCOR expression is seen in most adenosarcomas with and without stromal overgrowth. BCORL1 rearrangement is seen in rare tumors with diffuse BCOR expression. Assessment of BCOR or BCORL1 rearrangement status is required in adenosarcomas demonstrating BCOR expression.

[Prognosis-related clinicopathologic characteristics of FIGO stage â Müllerian adenosarcoma of uterus].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of FIGO stage Ⅰ uterine Müllerian adenosarcoma and clinical prognosis. Methods: Fifteen cases of uterine Müllerian adenosarcoma at FIGO stage Ⅰ were collected at PLA General Hospital from 2005 to 2017. Twelve cases with complete follow-up data were divided into 2 groups: group A (7 patients with survival) and group B(5 patients of death or tumor progression). Clinicopathologic features were compared between the two groups. Results: The median age of the patients was 43 years and 56 years, and the tumor size was 4.3 cm and 7.3 cm for group A and B, respectively. Cases in group A were FIGO ⅠA and ⅠB stage tumors and were mainly low grade in histology (5/7) with rare tumor hemorrhagec, necrosis (1/7) and sarcomatous overgrowth. In contrast, most cases in group B were high grade sarcomas(3/5) with frequent hemorrhage, necrosis(3/5) and sarcomatous overgrowth(4/5). Most cases of group A expressed ER, PR and CD10 (6/7) and low Ki-67 index of ≤20%(5/7). While most group B cases lost expression of ER and PR (3/5), significantly reduced expression of CD10 and higher Ki-67 index of ≥30%(4/5). Conclusions: Most of uterine adenosarcomas are of low malignant potential. The main prognostic indicator is advanced tumor stage. For patients at stage Ⅰ, sarcomatous overgrowth, high-grade histology, deep myometrial invasion, decreased or absent expression of CD10, ER and PR, increased Ki-67 index(≥30%) and hemorrhagic necrosis may indicate poor prognosis. Müllerian adenosarcomas arising from endomeriosis may present unusual growth patterns.

Female Sex Hormone Receptor Profiling in Uterine Adenosarcomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the hormonal receptor status in uterine adenosarcoma (AS) and uterine AS with sarcomatous overgrowth (AS + SO), including those with high-grade histologic features (nuclear pleomorphism, atypical mitoses, necrosis), with or without heterologous elements. Estrogen receptor (ER) status, including estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor ß (ERß), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), and progesterone receptor (PgR) status were examined. METHODS: From August 2001 to November 2013, 11 patients with histologic diagnosis of uterine AS were identified. Tumor tissue sections were stained for ERα, ERß, GPER, and PgR and examined both for percentage of overall cells stained and for intensity of staining. Descriptive statistics were calculated using clinicopathologic data abstracted from the medical record. RESULTS: Eight cases of AS and 3 cases of AS with high-grade features were identified. Seven of 8 tumor samples of AS showed strong or moderate intensity immunostaining for ERα; all AS + SO tumor samples showed minimal to no immunoreactivity for ERα. There was a significant decrease in ERα H scores in high-grade tumors when compared with AS (P = 0.01). Lower PgR H scores were observed in high-grade tumors compared with those in AS (P = 0.04). Estrogen receptor ß immunostaining was variable, and GPER immunostaining was absent in the majority of tumor samples. CONCLUSIONS: Higher expression of ERα and PgR was observed in AS when compared with those with AS + SO and high-grade features. Both tumor subtypes showed similar levels of ERß and GPER expression, although significant differences in ERß and GPER expression were not detected. In contrast to our previous findings in uterine carcinosarcoma, ERs ERß and GPER do not seem to play a significant role in AS in this study.

D2A-Ala peptide derived from the urokinase receptor exerts anti-tumoural effects in vitro and in vivo.

D2A-Ala is a synthetic peptide that has been created by introducing mutations in the original D2A sequence, 130IQEGEEGRPKDDR142 of human urokinase receptor (uPAR). In vitro, D2A-Ala peptide displays strong anti-tumoural properties inhibiting EGF-induced chemotaxis, invasion and proliferation of a human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT 1080, and a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, HT 29. D2A-Ala exerts its effects by preventing EGF receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation. To test D2A-Ala in vivo, this peptide was PEGylated generating polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-D2A-Ala peptide. PEGylation did not alter the inhibitory properties of D2A-Ala. Human tumour xenografts in the immunodeficient nude mice using HT 1080 and HT 29 cell lines showed that PEG-D2A-Ala significantly prevents tumour growth decreasing size, weight and density of tumours. The most efficient doses of the peptide were 5 and 10 mg/kg, thereby relevant for possible development of the peptide into a drug against cancer in particular tumours expressing EGFR.

Genetic analysis of uterine adenosarcomas and phyllodes tumors of the breast.

Uterine adenosarcomas and breast phyllodes tumors (PTs) are morphologically similar, being composed of stromal projections in a leaf-like fashion lined by epithelial cells. Here, we investigated whether their histologic similarities would be mirrored at the genetic level. The previously reported repertoires of somatic genetic alterations found in 19 adenosarcomas and 22 PTs (six benign, six borderline, and 10 malignant) were compared. PTs significantly more frequently displayed mutations affecting MED12, the TERT gene promoter and bona fide cancer genes, whereas adenosarcomas harbored a higher rate of MDM2/CDK4 and TERT gene amplifications. Pathway analyses based on the genes affected by somatic genetic alterations in these tumors indicated that Wnt signaling likely plays a role in the biology of adenosarcomas and benign/borderline PTs. In conclusion, despite the differences at the gene level, PTs and adenosarcomas share remarkable morphologic similarities and enrichment for somatic genetic alterations affecting Wnt pathway-related genes.

Submucous uterine adenosarcoma-minimally invasive treatment.

BACKGROUND: Uterine adenosarcomas are rare malignant gynaecological tumours. Due to its submucous localization, they can be easily confound with benign tumours like endometrial polyps or submucous myomas. However, the treatment of uterine adenosarcomas requires an oncologic surgical approach. CASE PRESENTATION: In the following case report, we present the minimally invasive treatment of a uterine adenosarcoma by hysteroscopy and laparoscopy in a 37-year-old patient and discuss the special role of hysteroscopy in such cases. CONCLUSIONS: In case of unknown or suspect intrauterine tumours, a diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy with biopsy could be realized prior to laparoscopic hysterectomy especially when the use of a laparoscopic electric morcellation is planned. Thus, a correct oncologic approach can be guaranteed if an adenosarcoma is diagnosed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN.

Uterine Adenosarcoma.

Müllerian adenosarcoma is an uncommon biphasic tumor composed of malignant stromal and benign epithelial components. Morphologically, adenosarcoma is characterized by a broad leaflike architecture, reminiscent of phyllodes tumors of the breast. Periglandular cuffing of the stromal cells around the compressed or cystically dilated glands is characteristic. The mesenchymal component is typically a low-grade spindle cell sarcoma, whereas the epithelial counterpart is commonly endometrioid with frequent squamous or mucinous metaplasia and may, in some circumstances, show mild to moderate atypia. In all cases, it is important to assess for the presence of sarcomatous overgrowth and myometrial invasion, which are the prognostic factors. In this brief review, we present the clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features of adenosarcoma, as well as updates on the molecular biology of this neoplasm.

Metanephric adenosarcoma: a rare case with immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metanephric neoplasms comprised a spectrum of kidney tumors containing renal epithelial or stromal cells or both, including metanephric adenoma, metanephric stromal tumor, and metanephric adenofibroma. The majority of cases were benign; only one case of "metanephric adenosarcoma" had been reported in the English literature. HISTORY: We present the case of a 69-year-old man who developed a neoplasm composed of renal epithelial component identical to metanephric adenoma combined with malignant spindle-cell stroma. The epithelial component was positive for CD57, AE1/AE3, but negative for WT-1, CD56, SYN, and CgA; whereas the sarcomatous component was negative for epithelial markers, SMA, Caldesmon, MyoD1, Myogenin, and S-100; and positive for vimentin, CD10, and WT1 focally. No specific sarcoma differentiation was apparent in the stroma by immunohistochemistry, and no SYT-SS18 rearrangement or BRAF mutation was detected by molecular analysis.A diagnosis of metanephric adenosarcoma was made because of the morphological features and immunohitochemistry and molecular pathology analysis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: We believe that metanephric adenosarcoma should be in the expanded spectrum of metanephric neoplasia as a malignant stromal variant. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of metanephric adenosarcoma with immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis and emphasize the histopathologic features and differential diagnosis of the rare lesion to promote a better and broader understanding of this less understood subject. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_179.

[Recurrent Müllerian adenofibroma of uterus: a clinicopathologic study of 7 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of recurrent Müllerian adenofibroma (MAF) of the uterus. METHODS: Clinicopathologic information of 7 cases of recurrent MAF of uterus was retrieved from January 1992 to April 2006 and compared with 12 cases of MAF without recurrence and 14 cases of low-grade Müllerian adenosarcoma (MAS). EnVision immunohistochemistry of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), smooth muscle actin (SMA), CD10, Ki-67 and p53 were performed in all cases. RESULTS: All cases of recurrent MAF of the uterus were polypoid, lobulated, and broad based mass arising from the corpus or cervix. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of benign epithelial and mesenchymal components with low mitotic activity ( ≤ 1/10 HPF). The clinical and pathologic features of 3 recurrent tumors were similar to their primary tumors, while 4 cases of recurrent tumor presented with focally higher cellularity and mitotic activity, meeting the diagnostic criteria of adenosarcoma. The stromal expression patterns of ER, PR, SMA and p53 in recurrent MAF were similar to those of clinically benign MAF and low-grade MAS. Negative or focally positive stromal cell expression of CD10 was seen infrequently in recurrent MAF (1/7) and clinically benign MAF (1/12). In contrast, a moderate to strong CD10 staining was frequently seen in MAS (9/14, P < 0.05). The difference of Ki-67-labeling index between MAF and MAS did not reach a statistical significance (P > 0.05). Ki-67-labeling index increased in areas of periglandular stromal cuffing as compared with interglandular areas in all MAS cases, but it was not observed in either recurrent MAF or clinically benign MAF cases. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent MAF may be associated with aggressive behavior. It is difficult to distinguish MAF from low-grade MAS. CD10 and Ki-67 staining pattern in stromal cells may be helpful for the differential diagnosis.

Prognostic factors in uterine sarcoma.

Uterine sarcomas usually have an aggressive clinical behaviour, with great tendency to local and distant spread, with unfavourable clinical outcome, excluding endometrial stromal sarcomas and adenosarcoma. Tumour stage is the strongest prognostic factor for all uterine sarcomas, with 5-year survival of about 50-55% for stage I and 8-12% for more advanced stages. Multivariate analysis of some studies have shown that women with leiomyosarcoma have a poorer survival than those with carcinosarcoma. The key issues that will be discussed include the prognostic relevance of pathological and biological variables other than tumour stage in the different histological subtypes of uterine sarcoma. Immunomarkers for cell proliferation and apoptosis have been tested for the identification of tumours with different clinical behaviour, but they are still subject to research and are not currently used in clinical practice.

Ovarian adenosarcoma arising from benign cystadenoma and associated intraoperative consultation pitfalls.

An unusual case of ovarian adenosarcoma arising from a smooth-walled serous cystadenoma is described. The ovary was replaced by a multiloculated, fluid-filled cyst without any solid or papillary areas. The malignant component was underdiagnosed during frozen section examination as benign cystadenoma because of the deceptively benign gross appearance of the tumor. On the permanent sections, a phyllodes-like pattern of stromal proliferation and periglandular condensation of atypical stromal cells with a mitotic count of 3 per 10 high-power fields was more apparent and led to the diagnosis of adenosarcoma. The malignant component could not be distinguished from the benign component using immunohistochemical analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an adenosarcoma arising from a grossly benign cystadenoma and the third case in the literature of an adenosarcoma associated with a cystadeno(fibro)ma. This case also shows the challenges in differentiating adenosarcoma from a benign counterpart on both frozen and permanent sections.

Uterine sarcomas: a review.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine sarcomas are rare tumors that account for 3% of uterine cancers. Their histopathologic classification was revised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003. A new staging system has been recently designed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Currently, there is no consensus on risk factors for adverse outcome. This review summarizes the available clinicopathological data on uterine sarcomas classified by the WHO diagnostic criteria. METHODS: Medline was searched between 1976 and 2009 for all publications in English where the studied population included women diagnosed of uterine sarcomas. RESULTS: Since carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed mesodermal tumors or MMMT) are currently classified as metaplastic carcinomas, leiomyosarcomas remain the most common uterine sarcomas. Exclusion of several histologic variants of leiomyoma, as well as "smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential," frequently misdiagnosed as sarcomas, has made apparent that leiomyosarcomas are associated with poor prognosis even when seemingly confined to the uterus. Endometrial stromal sarcomas are indolent tumors associated with long-term survival. Undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas exhibiting nuclear pleomorphism behave more aggressively than tumors showing nuclear uniformity. Adenosarcomas have a favorable prognosis except for tumors showing myometrial invasion or sarcomatous overgrowth. Adenofibromas may represent well-differentiated adenosarcomas. The prognosis of carcinosarcomas (which are considered here in a post-script fashion) is usually worse than that of grade 3 endometrial carcinomas. Immunohistochemical expression of Ki67, p53, and p16 is significantly higher in leiomyosarcomas and undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas than in endometrial stromal sarcomas. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of H&E stained sections has been equivocal in the prediction of behavior of uterine sarcomas. Immunohistochemical studies of oncoproteins as well as molecular analysis of non-random translocations will undoubtedly lead to an accurate and prognostically relevant classification of these rare tumors.

Hormone receptor expression in uterine sarcomas: prognostic and therapeutic roles.

OBJECTIVES.: The utility of hormone therapy in the management of uterine sarcomas is poorly defined. We hypothesize that estrogen receptor (ER) expression is common in uterine sarcomas, and carries prognostic significance. Further, we hypothesize that ER-positive uterine sarcomas respond to hormone therapy. METHODS.: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with uterine sarcomas. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate variables related to the risk of death: age, histology, stage, use of pelvic radiotherapy, and ER expression. In addition, we examined clinical outcomes in patients treated with aromatase inhibitors, megestrol acetate, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, and tamoxifen. RESULTS.: Fifty-four patients underwent immunohistochemical staining, and 34 (63%) were ER-positive. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test indicated that patients with ER-positive sarcomas demonstrated improved overall survival when compared with ER-negative patients (median OS 36 vs. 16 months, p=0.004). Upon multivariate analysis, ER positivity retained significance as an independent predictor of survival (HR=0.32, CI 0.12-0.89, p=0.03). Four patients received hormonal treatment in the adjuvant setting and remained in remission (range of follow up: 18-68 months). Eighteen patients received hormone therapy in the setting of recurrent or progressive disease: fourteen (78%) demonstrated stable disease or complete or partial response (range of follow up: 6-124 months). CONCLUSIONS.: ER expression is common and is associated with improved overall survival in uterine sarcomas. Conducting immunohistochemical staining to ascertain ER status may aid with prognostication in this disease. Hormone therapy should be considered in patients with primary and recurrent ER-positive uterine sarcomas.

Coexistence of a clear cell adenocarcinoma and an adenosarcoma with a heterologous rhabdomyosarcoma in an endometriotic cyst of the ovary: a case study.

SUMMARY: A rare case of a clear cell adenocarcinoma and an adenosarcoma coexisting with a heterologous rhabdomyosarcoma in an endometriotic cyst of the ovary is reported. The tumor was composed of a cystic area and a solid area arising from the cyst wall. In the cystic lesion, a detached polypoid mass was also identified. The cyst wall was lined with a single layer of endometrial-type cells, whereas the solid area was composed of a clear cell adenocarcinoma. In the detached polypoid mass, an exophytic leaf-like pattern containing benign endometrial-type cells and squamous epithelial and rhabdomyosarcoma components, which were positive for desmin and myoglobin, was observed. Using X-chromosomal clonality assay, these clear cell adenocarcinoma and adenosarcoma components showed patterns of polyclonality. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a clear cell adenocarcinoma and an adenosarcoma coexisting with heterologous rhabdomyosarcoma in an endometriotic cyst of the ovary.

Mullerian adenosarcoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 55 cases challenging the existence of adenofibroma.

Mullerian adenosarcomas are rare mixed tumors of low malignant potential that occur mainly in the uterus and also in extrauterine locations. Microscopically, they may be difficult to distinguish from adenofibromas. In this clinicopathologic study of 55 adenosarcomas, the mean patient age was 50 years (range: 13 to 83 y). Thirty-seven tumors were of the uterine corpus, 11 of the cervix, 4 of the ovary, and 1 each of the fallopian tube, vagina, and Douglas peritoneum. Abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding were the usual complaints. Treatment was known in 50 patients: 10 had polypectomy, 1 cone biopsy, and 39 hysterectomy, which was accompanied by bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in 24 and lymphadenectomy in 4. Five patients had radiotherapy and 2 of them had chemotherapy. Stage was known in 41 cases. Of 30 tumors of the uterine corpus, 17 were stage IA, 11 stage IB, 1 stage IC, and 1 stage IIIC. Four cervical tumors were stage IB. Three of the 4 ovarian tumors were stage IA and the other was stage IIIC. The tumor of the fallopian tube was stage IC, and the tumors of the vagina and recto-uterine pouch were confined to their site of origin. Most uterine tumors were polypoid masses ranging from 1 to 20 cm (mean: 6.5 cm). Microscopically, sarcomatous overgrowth was found in 18 cases (33%), heterologous elements in 13 (24%), and sex cordlike differentiation in 7 (13%). Fourteen of 30 uterine tumors (47%) had myometrial invasion that was minimal in 5, involved one-third of the myometrial thickness in 7, and more than 50% in 2. Of 4 cervical tumors, 2 were endocervical polyps, 1 invaded one-third of the cervical wall, and the other invaded its full thickness. Follow-up information (2 mo to 18 y; average: 7.5 y) was available in 29 patients. Six developed metastases and 5 of them died of tumor. Four had adenosarcomas with sarcomatous overgrowth; however, the other 2 patients had typical low-grade adenosarcomas of the uterine corpus and cervix, respectively, exhibiting only mild nuclear atypia of the stromal component and