RESUMO
The application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology to cytological samples has significantly modified molecular cytopathology practice. Cytological samples represent a valid source of high-quality DNA for NGS analysis, especially for predicting patients' response to targeted treatments and for refining the risk of malignancy in indeterminate cytological diagnoses. However, several pre-analytical factors may influence the reliability of NGS clinical analysis. Here, we briefly review the challenges of NGS in cytology practice, focusing on those pre-analytical factors that may negatively affect NGS success rates and routine diagnostic applications. Finally, we address the future directions of the field.
Assuntos
Citodiagnóstico/métodos , Técnicas Citológicas/métodos , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/métodos , Humanos , Neoplasias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias/genética , Neoplasias/patologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: When tumour tissue is unavailable, cell-free DNA (cfDNA)can serve as a surrogate for genetic analyses. Because mutated alleles in cfDNA are usually below 1%, next-generation sequencing (NGS)must be narrowed to target only clinically relevant genes. In this proof-of-concept study, we developed a panel to use in ultra-deep sequencing to identify such mutations in cfDNA. METHODS: Our panel ('SiRe') covers 568 mutations in six genes (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, cKIT and PDGFRα)involved in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastrointestinal stromal tumour, colorectal carcinoma and melanoma. We evaluated the panel performance in three steps. First, we analysed its analytical sensitivity on cell line DNA and by using an artificial reference standard with multiple mutations in different genes. Second, we analysed cfDNA from cancer patients at presentation (n=42), treatment response (n=12) and tumour progression (n=11); all patients had paired tumour tissue and cfDNA previously genotyped with a Taqman-derived assay (TDA). Third, we tested blood samples prospectively collected from NSCLC patients (n=79) to assess the performance of SiRe in clinical practice. RESULTS: SiRe had a high analytical performance and a 0.01% lower limit of detection. In the retrospective series, SiRe detected 40 EGFR, 11 KRAS, 1 NRAS and 5 BRAF mutations (96.8% concordance with TDA). In the baseline samples, SiRe had 100% specificity and 79% sensitivity relative to tumour tissue. Finally, in the prospective series, SiRe detected 8.7% (4/46) of EGFR mutations at baseline and 42.9% (9/21) of EGFR p.T790M in patients at tumour progression. CONCLUSIONS: SiRe is a feasible NGS panel for cfDNA analysis in clinical practice.
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Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/genética , Neoplasias Colorretais/genética , DNA de Neoplasias/genética , Tumores do Estroma Gastrointestinal/genética , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/métodos , Melanoma/genética , Mutação/genética , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapêutico , Biomarcadores Tumorais/sangue , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/sangue , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Neoplasias Colorretais/sangue , Neoplasias Colorretais/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Colorretais/patologia , Análise Mutacional de DNA , DNA de Neoplasias/sangue , Feminino , Seguimentos , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/sangue , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/genética , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/patologia , Tumores do Estroma Gastrointestinal/sangue , Tumores do Estroma Gastrointestinal/tratamento farmacológico , Tumores do Estroma Gastrointestinal/patologia , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/sangue , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Masculino , Melanoma/sangue , Melanoma/tratamento farmacológico , Melanoma/patologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Prognóstico , Estudos Prospectivos , Curva ROCRESUMO
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Despite the progresses made in diagnosis and treatment, the identification of tumor markers is still a strong clinical need, because current treatments are efficacious only in a subgroup of patients. UbcH10 represents a potential candidate biomarker, whose expression levels could be employed to predict response or resistance to chemotherapy or targeted agents. UbcH10 mRNA and protein expression levels have been evaluated in a large group of CRC patients and correlated with clinico-pathological characteristics, including KRAS mutations. Moreover, the endogenous levels of UbcH10 and its role on cell growth have been evaluated in CRC cells. Finally, to investigate the impact of UbcH10 protein expression on the response to irinotecan, its active metabolite SN-38 and cetuximab treatment, UbcH10 silencing experiments were carried-out on two colon carcinoma cell lines, Caco-2, and DLD1. Overexpression of UbcH10 mRNA and protein was observed in the vast majority of patients analyzed. UbcH10 suppression decreased CRC cell growth rate (at least in part through deregulation of Cyclin B and ERK1) and sensitized them to pharmacological treatments with irinotecan, SN-38 and cetuximab (at least in part through a down-regulation of AKT). Taken together, these findings indicate that UbcH10 expression regulates CRC growth and could play an important role in the personalization of the therapy of CRC patients.
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Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Neoplasias Colorretais/patologia , Expressão Gênica , Enzimas de Conjugação de Ubiquitina/genética , Enzimas de Conjugação de Ubiquitina/metabolismo , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Células CACO-2 , Camptotecina/análogos & derivados , Camptotecina/farmacologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Cetuximab/farmacologia , Neoplasias Colorretais/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Colorretais/genética , Neoplasias Colorretais/metabolismo , Feminino , Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Células HCT116 , Células HT29 , Humanos , Irinotecano , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , PrognósticoRESUMO
Whenever tissue sample is not available, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biomarker testing is performed with liquid biopsy. The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) p.G12C mutation is a novel target in patients with NSCLC. In this study, 33 NSCLC frozen plasma samples, previously characterised for KRAS mutational status by next generation sequencing (NGS), were processed by the fully automated Idylla KRAS assay. In 30/33 cases, archival matched cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was also directly pipetted in the cartridge. Overall, 30/33 plasma and 28/30 cfDNA samples yielded valid results. In 29/30 of KRAS p.G12C mutant plasma samples and 26/28 of cfDNA, Idylla confirmed the NGS results. In conclusion, the Idylla NSCLC KRAS liquid biopsy assay may represent a reliable tool to assess KRAS p.G12C mutation.
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Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas , Ácidos Nucleicos Livres , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/genética , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Ácidos Nucleicos Livres/genética , Análise Mutacional de DNA/métodos , Humanos , Biópsia Líquida , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Mutação , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas p21(ras)/genética , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo RealRESUMO
V-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) gene mutations have recently been approved to select advanced stages non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients for tyrosine kinase inhibitors treatments. In this setting, liquid biopsy may represent a valuable option for BRAF mutational testing in patients without tissue availability. Here, we reviewed 196 plasma based liquid biopsies analysed by an in-house developed next generation sequencing panel, termed SiRe. On the overall, 6 (3.1%) out of 196 BRAF mutated cases were identified, with an overall median allelic frequency of 3.4%. Exon 15 p.V600E was the most common detected mutation (2/6, 33.3%). Our data highlighted that the SiRe panel is a robust tool for BRAF mutation assessment on circulating tumour DNA. Further investigation is required to develop a diagnostic algorithm to harmonise BRAF testing on tissue and blood in advanced stages NSCLC patients.
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Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas B-raf/genética , Idoso , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , DNA Tumoral Circulante/genética , Éxons/genética , Feminino , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Humanos , Biópsia Líquida , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Mutação , Estudos Retrospectivos , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
AIMS: In thyroid cytopathology, the undetermined diagnostic categories still pose diagnostic challenges. Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technique for the molecular testing of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens, access to such technology can be difficult because of its prohibitive cost and lack of reimbursement in countries with universal health coverage. To overcome these issues, we developed and validated a novel custom NGS panel, Nexthyro, specifically designed to target 264 clinically relevant mutations involved in thyroid tumourigenesis. Moreover, in this study, we compared its analytical performance with that of our previous molecular testing strategy. METHODS: The panel, which includes 15 genes (BRAF, EIF1AX, GNAS, HRAS, IDH1, KRAS, NF2, NRAS, PIK3CA, PPM1D, PTEN, RET, DICER1, CHEK2, TERT promoter), was validated with a cell-line derived reference standard and 72 FNA archival samples previously tested with the 7-gene test. RESULTS: Nexthyro yielded 100% specificity and detected mutant alleles at levels as low as 2%. Moreover, in 5/72 (7%) FNAs, it detected more clinically relevant mutations in BRAF and RAS genes compared with the 7-gene test. Nexthyro also revealed better postsequencing metrics than the previously adopted commercial 'generic' NGS panel. CONCLUSION: Our comparative analysis indicates that Nexthyro is a reliable NGS panel. The study also implies that a custom-based solution for routine thyroid FNA is sustainable at the local level, allowing patients with undetermined thyroid nodules affordable access to NGS.
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Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide , Biópsia por Agulha Fina , RNA Helicases DEAD-box/genética , DNA , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/métodos , Humanos , Mutação , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas B-raf/genética , Ribonuclease III/genética , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/diagnóstico , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/genética , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/patologia , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/diagnóstico , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/genética , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/patologiaRESUMO
AIM: Next generation sequencing (NGS) represents a key diagnostic tool to identify clinically relevant gene alterations for treatment-decision making in cancer care. However, the complex manual workflow required for NGS has limited its implementation in routine clinical practice. In this worldwide study, we validated the clinical performance of the TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit for NGS analysis. Impressively, this new assay obviates the need for separate, labour intensive and time-consuming pre-analytical steps of DNA extraction, purification and isolation from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens in the NGS workflow. METHODS: The TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit, which enables NGS analysis directly from FFPE, was specifically developed for this study by TargetPlex Genomics Pleasanton, California. Eleven institutions agreed to take part in the study coordinated by the Molecular Cytopathology Meeting Group (University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy). All participating institutions received a specific Library Preparation Kit to test eight FFPE samples previously assessed with standard protocols. The analytical parameters and mutations detected in each sample were then compared with those previously obtained with standard protocols. RESULTS: Overall, 92.8% of the samples were successfully analysed with the TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit on Thermo Fisher Scientific and Illumina platforms. Altogether, in comparison with the standard workflow, the TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit was able to detect 90.5% of the variants. CONCLUSION: The TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit combined with the SiRe panel constitutes a convenient, practical and robust cost-saving solution for FFPE NGS analysis in routine practice.
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Genômica , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Biblioteca Gênica , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/métodos , Humanos , Mutação , Inclusão em ParafinaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Nowadays, the clinical management of thyroid nodules needs to be multi-disciplinary. In particular, the crosstalk between endocrinologists and cytopathologists is key. When FNAs are properly requested by endocrinologists for nodules characterised by relevant clinical and ultrasound features, cytopathologists play a pivotal role in the diagnostic work-up. Conversely, improper FNA requests can lead to questionable diagnostic efficiency. Recently, recommendations to delay all non-urgent diagnostic procedures, such as thyroid FNAs, to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection, have made the interplay between endocrinologists and cytopathologists even more essential. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our practice by evaluating the total number of FNAs performed and the distribution of the Bethesda Categories before, during, and after the lockdown. METHODS: We analysed the FNA trends before (1st January 2019 to March 13th 2020), during (March 14th to May 15th), and after (May 16th to July 7th) the lockdown. RESULTS: Although the total number of weekly FNAs dropped from 62.1 to 23.1, our referring endocrinologists managed to prioritise patients with high-risk nodules. In fact, in the post-lockdown, the weekly proportion of benign diagnoses dropped on average by 12% and that of high-risk diagnoses increased by 6%. CONCLUSIONS: The lesson we have learned so far from this pandemic is that by applying safety protocols to avoid contagion and by increasing the threshold for FNA requests for thyroid nodules, we can continue to guarantee our services to high-risk patients even in times of a health crisis.
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COVID-19/epidemiologia , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Pandemias , Quarentena , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/diagnóstico , Adulto , Idoso , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Biópsia por Agulha Fina/estatística & dados numéricos , Biópsia por Agulha Fina/tendências , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/métodos , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/organização & administração , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/normas , Feminino , Fidelidade a Diretrizes/normas , Fidelidade a Diretrizes/estatística & dados numéricos , Fidelidade a Diretrizes/tendências , Prioridades em Saúde/normas , Prioridades em Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Prioridades em Saúde/tendências , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/normas , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/tendências , História do Século XXI , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Padrões de Prática Médica/normas , Padrões de Prática Médica/estatística & dados numéricos , Padrões de Prática Médica/tendências , Quarentena/organização & administração , Quarentena/normas , Encaminhamento e Consulta/estatística & dados numéricos , Encaminhamento e Consulta/tendências , Glândula Tireoide/patologia , Nódulo da Glândula Tireoide/epidemiologia , Fatores de Tempo , Ultrassonografia de IntervençãoRESUMO
Although gene fusions occur rarely in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, they represent a relevant target in treatment decision algorithms. To date, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization are the two principal methods used in clinical trials. However, using these methods in routine clinical practice is often impractical and time consuming because they can only analyze single genes and the quantity of tissue material is often insufficient. Thus, novel technologies, able to test multiple genes in a single run with minimal sample input, are being under investigation. Here, we discuss the utility of next-generation sequencing and nCounter technologies in detecting simultaneous gene fusions in NSCLC patients.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/genética , Fusão Gênica/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Oncologia/métodos , Oncologia/tendências , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , HumanosRESUMO
Liquid biopsy, which allows the isolation of circulating cell-free (ccf) DNA from blood, is an emerging noninvasive tool widely used in oncology for diagnostic and prognosis purposes. Previous data have shown that serum cfDNA discriminates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) from other interstitial lung diseases. Our study aimed to measure plasma levels of ccfDNA in 59 consecutive therapy-naive and clinically stable IPF patients. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the MUC5B gene promoter (rs35705950), associated with increased susceptibility of developing IPF, has been sought in plasma cfDNA and genomic DNA for comparison. Thirty-five age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. Our results show that concentrations of small-size ccfDNA fragments were significantly higher in IPF patients than in controls and inversely correlated with lung function deterioration. Moreover, the median level of 104 ng/mL allowed discriminating patients with mild disease from those more advanced. The rs35705950 polymorphism was found in 11.8% of IPF patients and 8% of controls, with no differences. Complete concordance between ccfDNA and genomic DNA was detected in all control samples, while four out of seven IPF cases (57%) carrying the rs35705950 polymorphism were discordant from genomic DNA (7% of total IPF). Liquid biopsy is a suitable tool with optimistic expectations of application in the field of IPF. In analogy with cancer biology, finding some discrepancies between ccfDNA and genomic DNA in IPF patients suggests that the former may convey specific genetic information present in the primary site of the disease.
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Molecular cytopathology is a rapidly evolving field embracing both conventional microscopy and molecular pathology. Its growing popularity stems from the fact that in many types of advanced cancers, including non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cytological samples often constitute the only available specimens for morphomolecular analysis. Indeed, non formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) cytological samples feature a higher quality of extracted nucleic acids than histological specimens. However, because of the growing complexity of molecular testing, several efforts should be made to validate the analytical performance of the wide array of currently available molecular technologies, including next generation sequencing (NGS). This technology has the terrific advantage of allowing simultaneous detection of scores of predictive biomarkers even in low-input DNA/RNA specimens. Here, we briefly review the role of the modern cytopathologist in the morphomolecular diagnosing of advanced stage NSCLC and the adoption of NGS in conventional cytopreparations (cell blocks, direct smears, and liquid-based cytology) and supernatants.
RESUMO
AIMS: In the time of COVID-19, predictive molecular pathology laboratories must still timely select oncological patients for targeted treatments. However, the need to respect social distancing measures may delay results generated by laboratory-developed tests based on sequential steps a long hands-on time. Laboratory workflows should now be simplified. METHODS: The organisation of the University of Naples Federico II predictive pathology laboratory was assessed before (March-April 2019) and during (March-April 2020) the Italian lockdown. RESULTS: The number of patients undergoing single or multiple biomarker testing was similar in 2019 (n=43) and in 2020 (n=45). Considering adequate samples for molecular testing, before the outbreak, next-generation sequencing was mostly used (35/42, 83.3%). Testing six genes had a reagent cost of 98/patient. Conversely, in 2020, almost all cases (38/41, 92.7%) were analysed by automated testing. This latter had for any single assay/gene a significant reagent cost (95-136) and a faster mean turnaround time (5.3 vs 7.9 working days). CONCLUSION: In the times of coronavirus, laboratory fully automated platforms simplify predictive molecular testing. Laboratory staff may be more safely and cost-effectively managed.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores/análise , COVID-19/diagnóstico , Surtos de Doenças , Oncologia , Patologia Molecular , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Automação Laboratorial , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/virologia , Feminino , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Laboratórios , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Fatores de Tempo , Fluxo de Trabalho , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) play a key role in the treatment of advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC) patients featuring a deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) system or a high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) profile. However, beyond the established role in CRC patients, ICIs have highly proven efficacy in other solid tumors featuring MSI-H/dMMR status represented by endometrial, gastric, ovarian, prostatic, and pancreatic carcinomas (EC, GC, OC, PrC, and PaC). Our aim was to compare the concordance rates among the Idylla™ MSI test, TapeStation 4200, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis in assessing MSI-H/dMMR status in EC, GC, OC, PrC, and PaC patients. The Sanger sequencing-based Titano MSI test was used in discordant cases. One hundred and eighty-five cases (n = 40 PrC, n = 39 GC, n = 38 OC, n = 35 PaC, and n = 33 EC) were retrospectively selected. MMR protein expression was evaluated by IHC. After DNA quality and quantity evaluations, the IdyllaTM and TapeStation 4200 platforms were adopted for the evaluation of MSI status. Remarkably, compared to IHC, the Idylla™ platform achieved a global concordance rate of 94.5% (154/163) for the microsatellite stable (MSS)/proficient MMR (pMMR) cases and 77.3% (17/22) for the MSI-H/dMMR cases. Similarly, a global concordance rate of 91.4% (149/163) and 68.2% (15/22) for MSS/pMMR and MSI-H/dMMR cases was also identified between IHC and the TapeStation 4200 microfluidic system. In addition, a global concordance of 93.1% (148/159) and 69.2% (18/26) for MSS/pMMR and MSI-H/dMMR cases was observed between the Idylla™ and TapeStation 4200 platforms. Discordant cases were analyzed using the Titano MSI kit. Overall, our data pinpointed a central role for molecular techniques in the diagnostic evaluation of dMMR/MSI-H status not only in CRC patients but also in other types of solid tumors.
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Reparo de Erro de Pareamento de DNA , Neoplasias do Sistema Digestório/genética , Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos/genética , Instabilidade de Microssatélites , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Biomarcadores Tumorais/análise , Enzimas Reparadoras do DNA/análise , Neoplasias do Sistema Digestório/enzimologia , Neoplasias do Sistema Digestório/patologia , Neoplasias do Endométrio/enzimologia , Neoplasias do Endométrio/genética , Neoplasias do Endométrio/patologia , Feminino , Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos/enzimologia , Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos/patologia , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Itália , Masculino , Técnicas Analíticas Microfluídicas , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular , Neoplasias Ovarianas/enzimologia , Neoplasias Ovarianas/genética , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/enzimologia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/genética , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Neoplasias da Próstata/enzimologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Estudos Retrospectivos , Neoplasias Gástricas/enzimologia , Neoplasias Gástricas/genética , Neoplasias Gástricas/patologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent an important treatment option for patients who have advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, evaluation of the expression level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has proven highly successful as a positive predictive biomarker for ICIs. In addition to PD-L1, other promising predictive biomarkers are emerging, including high tumor mutational burden (TMB-H). However, measuring TMB-H remains challenging for several reasons, among which is the difficulty in obtaining adequate tissue material from NSCLC patients. There are no data in the current literature regarding the possibility of adopting cell blocks (CBs) for TMB evaluation; therefore, our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of analyzing TMB on CBs. METHODS: For evaluation of differences in run metric parameters, 8 pairs of histological and CB samples from patients with NSCLC were analyzed using the Oncomine Tumor Mutational Load Assay on Ion Torrent S5 GS next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. RESULTS: Most CBs (6/8, 75.0%) were successfully analyzed by adopting the broad NGS panel approach. CBs provided results similar to those obtained on histological matched specimens in terms of median total reads (7207048.80 vs 7558817.80), median mapped reads (7075753.83 vs 7513822.00), median read lengths (115.50 vs. 113.00), median percentage of reads on-target (97.49% vs. 98.45%), median average reads per amplicon (454.67 vs 476.14), and median uniformity of amplicon coverage (83.52% vs 84.13%). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, we demonstrated the technical feasibility of assessing TMB on CBs.
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Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/genética , Técnicas Citológicas/métodos , Análise Mutacional de DNA/métodos , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/métodos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Mutação , Idoso , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Masculino , Projetos Piloto , Prognóstico , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Gene fusions represent novel predictive biomarkers for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we validated a narrow NGS gene panel able to cover therapeutically-relevant gene fusions and splicing events in advanced-stage NSCLC patients. To this aim, we first assessed minimal complementary DNA (cDNA) input and the limit of detection (LoD) in different cell lines. Then, to evaluate the feasibility of applying our panel to routine clinical samples, we retrospectively selected archived lung adenocarcinoma histological and cytological (cell blocks) samples. Overall, our SiRe RNA fusion panel was able to detect all fusions and a splicing event harbored in a RNA pool diluted up to 2 ng/µL. It also successfully analyzed 46 (95.8%) out of 48 samples. Among these, 43 (93.5%) out of 46 samples reproduced the same results as those obtained with conventional techniques. Intriguingly, the three discordant results were confirmed by a CE-IVD automated real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis (Easy PGX platform, Diatech Pharmacogenetics, Jesi, Italy). Based on these findings, we conclude that our new SiRe RNA fusion panel is a valid and robust tool for the detection of clinically relevant gene fusions and splicing events in advanced NSCLC.
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Gain-of-function of V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) is one of the most frequent oncogenic mutations in numerous cancers, including thyroid papillary carcinoma, melanoma, colon, and lung carcinomas, and to a lesser extent, ovarian and glioblastoma multiforme. This mutation aberrantly activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, thereby eliciting metastatic processes. The relevance of BRAF mutations stems from its prognostic value and, equally important, from its relevant therapeutic utility as an actionable target for personalized treatment. Here, we discuss the double facets of BRAF. In particular, we argue the need to implement diagnostic molecular algorithms that are able to detect this biomarker in order to streamline and refine diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
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Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas B-raf/genética , Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Humanos , Mutação/genética , Neoplasias/genética , Transdução de Sinais/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Thyroid fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) with undetermined morphology can be outsourced to centralized laboratories for comprehensive molecular profiling. When a local, rapid screening rules out easily detectable BRAF and NRAS mutations outsourcing is minimized, leading to cost savings. The fully automated Idylla technology, that does not require trained staff, is an emerging option. However, Idylla platform has only been validated to process formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections. Here we investigate whether also the FNA needle rinse could be genotyped by the same cytopathologist who performs the FNA, a procedure that can be termed rapid on site molecular evaluation (ROME). METHODS: To validate this approach, the Idylla BRAF and NRAS Test was performed on the rinses from 25 simulated (bench-top) FNAs, in a first part of the study. Genotyping data were compared with those obtained on matched histological FFPE blocks. The second part of the study was carried out on 25 prospectively collected routine FNAs to assess the performance of the Idylla BRAF and NRAS assay against a gold standard real time polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test was performed on needle rinse as well as histological FFPE blocks. A sensitivity of 88.9%, a specificity of 100.0% were obtained comparing the Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test on needle rinse to the reference method. CONCLUSIONS: The FNA needle rinse can be directly genotyped. This obviates the need of cell block preparation, making possible a rapid combined morphological and molecular evaluation. Since DNA extraction is no longer necessary, the cytopathologist can perform ROME him/herself.
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GTP Fosfo-Hidrolases/genética , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular , Mutação , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas B-raf/genética , Glândula Tireoide , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide , Biópsia por Agulha Fina , Análise Mutacional de DNA , GTP Fosfo-Hidrolases/metabolismo , Humanos , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas B-raf/metabolismo , Glândula Tireoide/enzimologia , Glândula Tireoide/patologia , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/diagnóstico , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/enzimologia , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/genética , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/patologiaRESUMO
In advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) testing may soon acquire a predictive significance to select patients for AMG510 treatment. Since tissue samples are not always available, liquid biopsy may represent a viable option for KRAS testing. Here, we review the last three years clinical practice performed on 194 plasma based liquid biopsies by next generation sequencing (NGS) SiRe® panel. In particular, 36 (18.6%) KRAS mutated cases were identified, with an overall median allelic frequency of 5.0% (ranging between 0.2% and 46.8%). No concomitant mutations were observed in the other NSCLC clinical relevant genes included in the SiRe® panel, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF). Exon 2 p.G12C was the most common detected mutation (13/36, 36.1%). In conclusion, our data update and confirm that SiRe® NGS panel represents a robust analytical tool to assess KRAS mutational status on circulating tumor DNA. Further investigation is required to design more cost-effective diagnostic algorithms to harmonize clinical relevant biomarker testing on tissue and blood in advanced stage NSCLC clinical practice.
RESUMO
Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) needs to be validated and standardized to ensure that cancer patients are reliably selected for target treatments. In Italy, NGS is performed in several institutions and harmonization of wet and dry procedures is needed. To this end, a consortium of five different laboratories, covering the most part of the Italian peninsula, was constituted. A narrow gene panel (SiRe®) covering 568 clinically relevant mutations in six different genes (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, cKIT, and PDGFRα) with a predictive role for therapy selection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastrointestinal stromal tumor, colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and melanoma was evaluated in each participating laboratory. Methods: To assess the NGS inter-laboratory concordance, the SiRe® panel, with a related kit and protocol for library preparation, was used in each center to analyze a common set of 20 NSCLC and CRC routine samples. Concordance rate, in terms of mutation detected and relative allelic frequencies, was assessed. Then, each institution prospectively analyzed an additional set of 40 routine samples (for a total of 160 specimens) to assess the reproducibility of the NGS run parameters in each institution. Results: An inter-laboratory agreement of 100% was reached in analyzing the data obtained from the 20 common sample sets; the concordance rate of allelic frequencies distribution was 0.989. The prospective analysis of the run metric parameters obtained by each center locally showed that the analytical performance of the SiRe® panel in the different institutions was highly reproducible. Conclusions: The SiRe® panel represents a robust diagnostic tool to harmonize the NGS procedure in different Italian laboratories.
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BACKGROUND: Thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a reliable and cost-effective diagnostic tool for establishing the nature of thyroid nodules, although up to 30% of FNAs are still classified as "indeterminate." Molecular testing of FNAs could improve preoperative diagnosis, thereby reducing unnecessary surgery. In this multicenter prospective study the authors investigated, using a 7-gene assay, the distribution and diagnostic impact of BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPARg, the most frequent genomic alterations occurring during thyroid oncogenesis. METHODS: In total, of 1172 routine FNAs from 7 centers in southern Italy were classified according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Each specimen was tested, and molecular data were compared with available histology or cytologic follow-up. RESULTS: In particular, for atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance cases, the 7-gene test confirmed the high positive predictive value of BRAFV600E and BRAF-like mutations (80%) and the moderate positive predictive value of RAS-like alterations (32.4%), suggesting different surgical management, depending on the type of mutation. The rate of mutation-positive FNAs was strictly related to the risk of malignancy of each diagnostic class, supporting the identification of prognostically relevant diagnostic categories. CONCLUSIONS: The 7-gene panel test improves the preoperative risk stratification of indeterminate thyroid FNAs, especially when considering the biologic significance of the different types of mutations. Moreover, the rate of mutation-positive FNAs is related to the risk of malignancy of each diagnostic class.