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1.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer ; 63(1): e23207, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37787425

ABSTRACT

Substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathways associated with vascular tumors over the last two decades. In addition to mutations and copy number aberrations, fusions have emerged as significant contributors to the pathogenesis of a notable subset of vascular tumors. In this report, we present a case of an unusual intradermal vascular tumor with epithelioid cytomorphology. Immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse positivity for CD31, ERG and Factor VIII, supporting its endothelial lineage. RNA sequencing (ArcherFusion Plex) revealed the presence of an in-frame fusion between the genes TPM3 Exon 8 and ALK Exon 20. Immunohistochemistry confirmed ALK expression by the endothelial cells. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a vascular tumor harboring an ALK fusion. It may fall within the spectrum of epithelioid hemangiomas; nevertheless, we cannot definitively exclude the possibility of it being a distinct and potentially unique benign entity on its own.


Subject(s)
Hemangioma , Skin Neoplasms , Vascular Neoplasms , Humans , Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase/genetics , Endothelial Cells/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Tropomyosin/genetics
2.
Br J Haematol ; 205(1): 127-137, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38613141

ABSTRACT

Histiocytic neoplasms are diverse clonal haematopoietic disorders, and clinical disease is mediated by tumorous infiltration as well as uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Individual subtypes include Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes disease (RDD) and Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), and these have been characterized with respect to clinical phenotypes, driver mutations and treatment paradigms. Less is known about patients with mixed histiocytic neoplasms (MXH), that is two or more coexisting disorders. This international collaboration examined patients with biopsy-proven MXH with respect to component disease subtypes, oncogenic driver mutations and responses to conventional (chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressive) versus targeted (BRAF or MEK inhibitor) therapies. Twenty-seven patients were studied with ECD/LCH (19/27), ECD/RDD (6/27), RDD/LCH (1/27) and ECD/RDD/LCH (1/27). Mutations previously undescribed in MXH were identified, including KRAS, MAP2K2, MAPK3, non-V600-BRAF, RAF1 and a BICD2-BRAF fusion. A repeated-measure generalized estimating equation demonstrated that targeted treatment was statistically significantly (1) more likely to result in a complete response (CR), partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) (odds ratio [OR]: 17.34, 95% CI: 2.19-137.00, p = 0.007), and (2) less likely to result in progression (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.23, p < 0.0001). Histiocytic neoplasms represent an entity with underappreciated clinical and molecular diversity, poor responsiveness to conventional therapy and exquisite sensitivity to targeted therapy.


Subject(s)
Erdheim-Chester Disease , Mutation , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Erdheim-Chester Disease/genetics , Erdheim-Chester Disease/drug therapy , Aged , Adolescent , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Young Adult , Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/genetics , Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/drug therapy , Child , Histiocytosis, Sinus/genetics , Histiocytosis, Sinus/drug therapy , Histiocytosis, Sinus/pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Child, Preschool
3.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 2024 May 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38704032

ABSTRACT

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare skin cancer of apocrine-rich skin that mimics common inflammatory and infectious dermatoses, leading to delays in diagnosis and increased patient morbidity. Better clinical recognition of this entity, multidisciplinary patient assessment, and deeper understanding of the underlying pathophysiology are essential to improve patient care and disease outcomes. It is important to distinguish primary intraepithelial/micro-invasive EMPD from invasive EMPD or cases with adenocarcinoma arising within EMPD. This 2-part continuing medical education series provides a complete picture of EMPD. Part 1 of this continuing medical education series reviews the epidemiology, oncogenesis, clinical and histopathologic presentation, workup, and prognosis of this rare cancer.

4.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 90(1): 52-57, 2024 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37634737

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna (LM) can mimic benign, flat, pigmented lesions and can be challenging to diagnose. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new dermatoscopic feature termed "perifollicular linear projections (PLP)" as a diagnostic criterion for LM on the face. METHODS: Retrospective study on reflectance confocal microscopy and dermatoscopy images of flat facial pigmented lesions originating from 2 databases. PLP were defined as short, linear, pigmented projections emanating from hair follicles. Dermatoscopy readers were blinded to the final histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: From 83 consecutive LMs, 21/83 (25.3%) displayed "bulging of hair follicles" on reflectance confocal microscopy and 18 of these 21 (85.7%), displayed PLP on dermatoscopy. From a database of 2873 consecutively imaged and biopsied lesions, 252 flat-pigmented facial lesions were included. PLP was seen in 47/76 melanomas (61.8%), compared with 7/176 lesions (3.9%) with other diagnosis (P < .001). The sensitivity was 61.8% (95% CI, 49.9%-72.7%), specificity 96.0% (95% CI, 92.9%-98.4%). PLP was independently associated with LM diagnosis on multivariate analysis (OR 26.1 [95% CI, 9.6%-71.0]). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSION: PLP is a newly described dermatoscopic criterion that may add specificity and sensitivity to the early diagnosis of LM located on the face. We postulate that PLP constitutes an intermediary step in the LM progression model.


Subject(s)
Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle , Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/diagnostic imaging , Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Diagnosis, Differential , Melanoma/pathology , Microscopy, Confocal/methods , Dermoscopy/methods
5.
J Cutan Pathol ; 51(3): 226-229, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38088454

ABSTRACT

Porocarcinomas are rare sweat gland cancers representing the malignant counterpart to benign poromas. Their diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the absence of an associated poroma or when the tumor is poorly differentiated. Since recurrent YAP1::MAML2 and YAP1::NUTM1 fusions have been identified in poroid tumors, molecular studies provide an opportunity to support the diagnosis in challenging cases. We describe a case of a female patient in her early 90s, with a polypoid mass of the hip. Histopathologically, there was a poorly differentiated malignant spindle cell tumor adjacent to a poroma. Because of the close association with a poroma and immunoreactivity for p40, a diagnosis of spindle cell porocarcinoma was rendered, which was further supported by YAP1 immunohistochemical studies. Antibodies targeting both the N-terminus and C-terminus confirmed YAP1 rearrangement in both the poroma and the spindle cell neoplasm. Subsequent targeted RNA sequencing revealed a YAP1::MAML3 gene fusion. MAML3 has previously not yet been reported as a YAP1 fusion partner in porocarcinoma. With the illustration of a rare spindle cell variant of porocarcinoma and the identification of a novel gene fusion, this case report expands the spectrum of morphologic and genomic aberrations associated with porocarcinoma.


Subject(s)
Eccrine Porocarcinoma , Poroma , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Eccrine Porocarcinoma/genetics , Eccrine Porocarcinoma/pathology , Poroma/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Trans-Activators , Transcription Factors/genetics , Aged, 80 and over
6.
Mod Pathol ; 36(8): 100165, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36990277

ABSTRACT

The distinction between undifferentiated melanoma (UM) or dedifferentiated melanoma (DM) from undifferentiated or unclassifiable sarcoma can be difficult and requires the careful correlation of clinical, pathologic, and genomic findings. In this study, we examined the utility of mutational signatures to identify patients with UM/DM with particular attention as to whether this distinction matters for treatment because the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma has dramatically improved with immunologic therapy, whereas durable responses are less frequent in sarcomas. We identified 19 cases of UM/DM that were initially reported as unclassified or undifferentiated malignant neoplasm or sarcoma and submitted for targeted next-generation sequencing analysis. These cases were confirmed as UM/DM by harboring melanoma driver mutations, UV signature, and high tumor mutation burden. One case of DM showed melanoma in situ. Meanwhile, 18 cases represented metastatic UM/DM. Eleven patients had a prior history of melanoma. Thirteen of 19 (68%) of the tumors were immunohistochemically completely negative for 4 melanocytic markers (S100, SOX10, HMB45, and MELAN-A). All cases harbored a dominant UV signature. Frequent driver mutations involved BRAF (26%), NRAS (32%), and NF1 (42%). In contrast, the control cohort of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) of deep soft tissue exhibited a dominant aging signature in 46.6% (7/15) without evidence of UV signature. The median tumor mutation burden for DM/UM vs UPS was 31.5 vs 7.0 mutations/Mb (P < .001). A favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was observed in 66.6% (12/18) of patients with UM/DM. Eight patients exhibited a complete response and were alive with no evidence of disease at the last follow-up (median 45.5 months). Our findings support the usefulness of the UV signature in discriminating DM/UM vs UPS. Furthermore, we present evidence suggesting that patients with DM/UM and UV signatures can benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.


Subject(s)
Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous , Melanoma , Neoplasms, Second Primary , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Humans , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/pathology , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/therapy , Sarcoma/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Immunotherapy , Mutation , Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
7.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 88(2): 371-379, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31812621

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (LM/LMM) can present with subclinical extension that may be difficult to define preoperatively and lead to incomplete excision and potential recurrence. Preliminarily studies have used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to assess LM/LMM margins. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of LM/LMM subclinical extension defined by RCM compared with the gold standard histopathology. METHODS: Prospective study of LM/LMM patients referred for dermatologic surgery. RCM was performed at the clinically defined initial surgical margin followed by margin-controlled staged excision with paraffin-embedded tissue, and histopathology was correlated with RCM results. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included. Mean age was 66.8 years (standard deviation, 11.1; range, 38-89); 69.4% were men. Seventy of 72 lesions (97.2%) were located on the head and neck with mean largest clinical diameter of 1.3 cm (range, 0.3-5). Diagnostic accuracy for detection of residual melanoma in the tumor debulk (after biopsy) had a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 66.7% when compared with histopathology. RCM margin assessment revealed an overall agreement with final histopathology of 85.9% (κ = 0.71; P < .001). LIMITATIONS: No RCM imaging beyond initial planned margins was performed. CONCLUSION: RCM showed moderate to excellent overall agreement between RCM imaging of LM/LMM and histopathology of staged excision margins.


Subject(s)
Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle , Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Aged , Female , Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/diagnostic imaging , Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/surgery , Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/pathology , Prospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Melanoma/diagnostic imaging , Melanoma/surgery , Melanoma/pathology , Margins of Excision , Microscopy, Confocal/methods
8.
Dermatol Surg ; 49(8): 747-754, 2023 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37235869

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the ear is associated with poor outcomes. No studies have evaluated current staging system performance in this specific location. OBJECTIVE: Describe clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of ear cSCC and evaluate the performance of current staging systems. METHODS: Retrospective study including cases diagnosed and treated at a cancer center from January 2000 to December 2014. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic data were collected from clinical records. Biopsy slides were rereviewed and patients were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) seventh, eighth, and Brigham Women's Hospital (BWH) staging. RESULTS: Of 125 patients, the mean age at diagnosis was 71.9 years (SD 12.5), with most men (89.6%, n = 112). Median follow-up was 22.3 months. Local recurrence and survival risk factors were similar to cSCC outside the ear. The Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) estimates showed that the BWH system better predicted outcomes than the AJCC seventh, and the AJCC eighth, with AIC values of 189.9, 270.5, and 274.1, respectively. Limitations of the study include retrospective design, single center study, and no control group. CONCLUSION: Current staging systems perform well at stratifying risk in ear cSCC.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Ear Neoplasms , Skin Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Female , Aged , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Risk Factors , Ear Neoplasms/pathology , Prognosis
9.
Am J Dermatopathol ; 45(11): 733-747, 2023 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37856737

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a tumor-associated antigen first identified in a melanoma patient and found to be expressed in most melanomas as well as in variable levels in other malignant neoplasms of epithelial, mesenchymal, or hematolymphoid lineage. Detection of PRAME expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue is possible by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with commercially available monoclonal antibodies. In situ and invasive melanoma frequently show a diffuse pattern of nuclear PRAME immunoreactivity which contrasts with the infrequent and typically nondiffuse staining seen in nevi. In many challenging melanocytic tumors, results of PRAME IHC and other ancillary tests correlate well, but not always: The tests are not interchangeable. Most metastatic melanomas are positive for PRAME, whereas nodal nevi are not. Numerous studies on PRAME IHC have become available in the past few years with results supporting the value of PRAME IHC as an ancillary tool in the evaluation of melanocytic lesions and providing insights into limitations in sensitivity and specificity as well as possible pitfalls that need to be kept in mind by practicing pathologists.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Nevus , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Antigens, Neoplasm , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/metabolism , Melanoma/pathology , Nevus/diagnosis , Nevus/genetics , Nevus/metabolism , Skin Neoplasms/metabolism , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Transcription Factors , Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
10.
Am J Dermatopathol ; 45(7): 437-447, 2023 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37338065

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Proliferative nodules (PNs) are benign melanocytic proliferations that typically develop within congenital melanocytic nevi. These tumors have overlapping histological features with melanoma. Ancillary immunohistochemistry and genomic sequencing are often used in diagnostically challenging cases. To assess the utility of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunoreactivity and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation analysis in distinguishing PNs from melanoma arising in congenital nevi cases. Twenty-one PNs and 2 melanomas arising in congenital nevi were immunohistochemically stained with PRAME. Cases with adequate tissue were also assessed for TERT promoter mutations through sequencing studies. The positivity rates in the PN cases were compared with those of the melanomas. Two of 21 PN cases were diffusely positive for PRAME (≥75% of the tumor cells positive). Two of 2 melanomas arising in congenital nevus cases were also diffusely PRAME positive. The difference was statistically significant using a Fisher exact test. None of the tumors harbored TERT promoter mutations. PRAME immunohistochemical marker may have diagnostic value in distinguishing diagnostically challenging PNs from melanoma, but diffuse expression is not specific for melanoma.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell , Nevus, Pigmented , Skin Neoplasms , Telomerase , Humans , Nevus, Pigmented/diagnosis , Nevus, Pigmented/genetics , Nevus, Pigmented/congenital , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Telomerase/genetics , Antigens, Neoplasm/analysis
11.
Mod Pathol ; 35(10): 1405-1410, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35538210

ABSTRACT

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPAC) is a rare tumor of sweat gland origin that preferentially affects the digits and has the potential to metastasize. Its tumor diagnosis can be difficult. Well-differentiated variants of DPAC can be confused with a benign sweat gland tumor, in particular nodular hidradenoma. With the recent detection of HPV42 DNA in DPAC by next-generation sequence analysis, we reasoned that this association could be used for diagnostic purposes. To this end, we performed in situ hybridization for HPV42 on 10 tumors diagnosed as DPAC as well as 30 sweat gland tumors of various histology types, including 8 acral hidradenomas. All DPAC were positive for HPV42. Positive hybridization signals for HPV42 were seen in both primary and metastatic DPACs. All other tumors and normal tissues were negative. This study confirms the association of HPV42 with the tumor cells of DPAC through in situ hybridization. The positive test result in all lesions of DPAC and lack of detection of HPV42 in any of the acral hidradenomas or other sweat gland tumors examined in this series is encouraging for the potential diagnostic utility of the assay. As documented by two scrotal tumors of DPAC, the in situ hybridization test for HPV42 can also help support the rare occurrence of this tumor at a non-acral site.


Subject(s)
Acrospiroma , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell , Adenocarcinoma, Papillary , Adenoma, Sweat Gland , Bone Neoplasms , Breast Neoplasms , Neoplasms, Connective Tissue , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Acrospiroma/diagnosis , Acrospiroma/genetics , Acrospiroma/pathology , Adenocarcinoma, Papillary/pathology , Adenoma, Sweat Gland/diagnosis , Adenoma, Sweat Gland/pathology , Female , Humans , In Situ Hybridization , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology
12.
Histopathology ; 80(1): 122-134, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34958498

ABSTRACT

Spitz tumours comprise a spectrum of melanocytic proliferations that share a set of distinct cytological features and molecular pathways. They include benign naevi, intermediate or indeterminate tumours and rare melanomas. Spitz tumours are notorious for the difficulty of distinguishing benign neoplasms with atypical features from melanomas and the related diagnostic uncertainty. Advances in the knowledge of the molecular pathways and genomic aberrations associated with these neoplasms have permitted opportunities for a reduction in the number of uncertain diagnoses and a more objective distinction between Spitz tumours from Spitz-like neoplasms. The presence of a Spitz molecular pathway, such as Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (HRAS) aberrations or kinase fusions, distinguishes a bona fide Spitz neoplasm from Spitz-like naevi or melanomas with conventional driver mutations. Spitz neoplasms with benign histopathological features and, if such testing is performed, benign cytogenetic and molecular findings, are termed Spitz naevi. Spitz neoplasms with frankly malignant histopathological findings or ambiguous microscopic findings associated with genetic or genomic aberrations most in keeping with melanoma are designated as Spitz melanoma. Tumours with microscopic features and genetic/genomic aberrations in between naevi and melanomas are classified as Spitz melanocytoma.


Subject(s)
Melanoma/pathology , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/genetics , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/diagnosis , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/genetics
13.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 86(5): 1072-1079, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33515627

ABSTRACT

Endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma is a low-grade eyelid tumor. Small biopsies and insensitive immunohistochemistry predispose to misdiagnosis. We aimed to identify clarifying immunohistochemical markers, molecular markers, or both. Clinicopathologic data (22 cases) were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry (insulinoma-associated protein 1, BCL-2, mucin 2 [MUC2], mucin 4, androgen receptor, ß-catenin, and Merkel cell polyomavirus) and next-generation sequencing (Memorial Sloan Kettering integrated mutation profiling of actionable cancer targets, 468 genes) were performed (3 cases). Female patients (n = 15) and male patients (n = 7) (mean age 71.8 years; range 53-88 years) had eyelid or periorbital tumors (>90%) with mucin-containing solid or cystic neuroendocrine pathology. Immunohistochemistry (insulinoma-associated protein 1, BCL2, androgen receptor, retinoblastoma-associated protein 1, and ß-catenin) was diffusely positive (5/5), MUC2 partial, mucin 4 focal, and Merkel cell polyomavirus negative. Memorial Sloan Kettering integrated mutation profiling of actionable cancer targets identified 12 single-nucleotide variants and 1 in-frame deletion in 3 cases, each with DNA damage response or repair (BRD4, PPP4R2, and RTEL1) and tumor-suppressor pathway (BRD4, TP53, TSC1, and LATS2) mutations. Microsatellite instability, copy number alterations, and structural alterations were absent. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 and MUC2 are positive in endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma. MUC2 positivity suggests conjunctival origin. Multistep pathogenesis involving DNA damage repair and tumor-suppressor pathways may be implicated.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Skin Appendage , Insulinoma , Merkel cell polyomavirus , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Skin Neoplasms , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins , Female , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mucin-2/genetics , Mucin-2/metabolism , Mucin-4/genetics , Mucins/metabolism , Mutation , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Receptors, Androgen/genetics , Repressor Proteins , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Sweat Glands/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins , beta Catenin/genetics
14.
Am J Dermatopathol ; 44(8): 575-580, 2022 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35503885

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms are a diagnostically challenging class of lesions in dermatopathology. Recently, molecular assays and immunohistochemical markers have been explored as ancillary methods to assist in the diagnostic workup. Specifically, preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry is a nuclear stain commonly positive in melanomas, but not in nevi. This study investigates PRAME immunoreactivity (≥75% positive nuclear staining in tumor cells) in a set of 59 spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms with known clinical outcomes. We compared PRAME status with (1) the clinical outcomes, (2) the morphologic diagnoses, and (3) the status of TERT promoter mutation. Regarding clinical outcomes, 3 cases developed metastatic disease, of which 2 expressed diffusely positive PRAME staining. Of the 56 cases that did not show evidence of metastasis, 6 expressed diffusely positive PRAME staining. Morphologically, diffusely positive PRAME staining was seen in 7 of 21 cases (33.3%) diagnosed as melanoma and only 1 benign tumor 1 of 38 (2.6%). There were 4 of 8 cases with a TERT promoter mutation which were diffusely PRAME-positive compared with 4 of 51 cases without TERT promoter mutation ( P = 0.001). Our results show a statistically significant correlation between PRAME expression and the diagnosis, outcome, and TERT promoter mutation status of atypical spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms, suggesting immunohistochemistry for PRAME can help support a suspected diagnosis. However, because of occasional false-positive and negative test results, correlation with the clinical and histologic findings as well as results from other tests is needed for the interpretation of diagnostically challenging spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell , Nevus , Skin Neoplasms , Antigens, Neoplasm , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Diagnosis, Differential , Genomics , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/pathology , Nevus/diagnosis , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/diagnosis , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/pathology
15.
Mod Pathol ; 34(4): 735-747, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32968185

ABSTRACT

A subset of Spitz tumors harbor fusions of NTRK3 with ETV6, MYO5A, and MYH9. We evaluated a series of 22 melanocytic tumors in which an NTRK3 fusion was identified as part of the diagnostic workup. Tumors in which NTRK3 was fused to ETV6 occurred in younger patients were predominantly composed of epithelioid melanocytes and were classified by their histopathologic features as Spitz tumors. In contrast, those in which NTRK3 was fused to MYO5A were predominantly composed of spindled melanocytes arrayed in fascicles with neuroid features such as pseudo-Verocay bodies. To further investigate the effects of the fusion kinases ETV6-NTRK3 and MYO5A-NTRK3 in melanocytes, we expressed them in immortalized melanocytes and determined their subcellular localization by immunofluorescence. ETV6-NTRK3 was localized to the nucleus and diffusely within the cytoplasm and caused melanocytes to adopt an epithelioid cytomorphology. In contrast, MYO5A-NTRK3, appeared excluded from the nucleus of melanocytes, was localized to dendrites, and resulted in a highly dendritic cytomorphology. Our findings indicate that ETV6-NTRK3 and MYO5A-NTRK3 have distinct subcellular localizations and effects on cellular morphology.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Gene Fusion , Melanocytes/pathology , Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics , Myosin Type V/genetics , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Receptor, trkC/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cell Line , Cell Shape , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/enzymology , Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell/pathology , Phenotype , Skin Neoplasms/enzymology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Young Adult
16.
J Cutan Pathol ; 48(12): 1508-1513, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34296453

ABSTRACT

NUT carcinomas are genetically defined epithelial neoplasms. Most tumors harbor fusions of NUTM1 with BRD4 or BRD3. Their histopathologic features have been predominantly reported as undifferentiated or poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and clinically they tend to be aggressive cancers. However, recent studies have revealed a broader spectrum of NUTM1-rearranged neoplasms with several new fusion partners and associated variable histopathologic phenotypes and clinical behaviors, including benign and malignant cutaneous poroid tumors. We report herein a primary invasive carcinoma of skin adnexal origin with a previously undescribed fusion between BRD3 and NUTM2B. The tumor occurred on the shoulder of a 7-year-old girl and was excised with negative margins. A sentinel lymph node was positive. After follow-up of 23 months, and without systemic treatment, the child remains free of tumor. This case expands the spectrum of NUT carcinomas by including a skin adnexal variant with follicular infundibular differentiation, a novel genomic aberration, and preliminary evidence of a less aggressive clinical course.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Skin Appendage/genetics , Carcinoma, Skin Appendage/pathology , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Child , Female , Humans , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
17.
J Cutan Pathol ; 48(7): 915-924, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33586183

ABSTRACT

"Cutaneous melanocytic tumor with CRTC1-TRIM11 fusion" (CMTCT) is a newly described, potentially novel entity that typically presents as a dermal nodule on the head and neck, extremities, and trunk of adults. Histopathologically, it is reported as a nodular or multinodular tumor composed of epithelioid and spindle cells that are variably immunoreactive for S100-protein, SOX10, and MITF along with more specific melanocytic markers such as MelanA and HMB45. With only 11 cases reported in the English literature so far, the neoplasm appears to behave in a relatively indolent fashion. Nevertheless, in one case, local recurrence and synchronous distant metastasis were evident after 13 years. Additional cases with longer follow-up are essential to determine the neoplasm's biologic behavior with more accuracy. Herein, two cases of CMTCT, one arising on the lower back of a 65-year-old female and the other on the arm of a 33-year-old female in addition to a comprehensive literature review are reported.


Subject(s)
Dermis/pathology , Melanocytes/metabolism , Melanoma/pathology , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Tripartite Motif Proteins/metabolism , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry/methods , MART-1 Antigen/metabolism , Melanocytes/pathology , Melanoma/surgery , Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor/metabolism , Middle Aged , S100 Proteins/metabolism , SOXE Transcription Factors/metabolism , Treatment Outcome , gp100 Melanoma Antigen/metabolism
18.
Nature ; 526(7573): 453-7, 2015 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26444240

ABSTRACT

Activation of oncogenes by mechanisms other than genetic aberrations such as mutations, translocations, or amplifications is largely undefined. Here we report a novel isoform of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) that is expressed in ∼11% of melanomas and sporadically in other human cancer types, but not in normal tissues. The novel ALK transcript initiates from a de novo alternative transcription initiation (ATI) site in ALK intron 19, and was termed ALK(ATI). In ALK(ATI)-expressing tumours, the ATI site is enriched for H3K4me3 and RNA polymerase II, chromatin marks characteristic of active transcription initiation sites. ALK(ATI) is expressed from both ALK alleles, and no recurrent genetic aberrations are found at the ALK locus, indicating that the transcriptional activation is independent of genetic aberrations at the ALK locus. The ALK(ATI) transcript encodes three proteins with molecular weights of 61.1, 60.8 and 58.7 kilodaltons, consisting primarily of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. ALK(ATI) stimulates multiple oncogenic signalling pathways, drives growth-factor-independent cell proliferation in vitro, and promotes tumorigenesis in vivo in mouse models. ALK inhibitors can suppress the kinase activity of ALK(ATI), suggesting that patients with ALK(ATI)-expressing tumours may benefit from ALK inhibitors. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of oncogene activation in cancer through de novo alternative transcription initiation.


Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics , Neoplasms/enzymology , Neoplasms/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Transcription Initiation, Genetic , Alleles , Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Female , HEK293 Cells , Histones/chemistry , Histones/metabolism , Humans , Introns/genetics , Isoenzymes/antagonists & inhibitors , Isoenzymes/biosynthesis , Isoenzymes/chemistry , Isoenzymes/genetics , Lysine/metabolism , Methylation , Mice , Molecular Sequence Data , Molecular Weight , NIH 3T3 Cells , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Oncogenes/genetics , Protein Structure, Tertiary/genetics , RNA Polymerase II/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/analysis , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry , Signal Transduction
19.
Dermatol Surg ; 47(4): 473-479, 2021 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33625139

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) poses treatment challenges. Invasive and noninvasive treatment modalities exist with variable success reported. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is emerging as an adjuvant diagnostic tool. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment of EMPD patients and the role of RCM. METHODS: Prospective study. Demographic and tumor characteristics were recorded. Handheld-RCM was performed and correlated with histology. Treatment, clearance, pathology, and follow-up were all recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-six EMPD lesions in 33 patients were included. Mean age was 71.7 years, and 23 were men. Mean number of surgical stages needed to clear margins was 1.9 (SD, 0.9; 1.0-3.0 stages), and mean margin needed to clear was 1.8 cm. Reflectance confocal microscopy correlated well with scouting punch biopsies (kappa, 0.93; p < .001). Disruption of the dermoepidermal junction was associated with invasive EMPD versus in situ (83.3% vs 25.9%) on histology (p = .01). LIMITATIONS: Relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION: Extramammary Paget disease is challenging, and lesion demarcation is of the utmost importance. Using a staged surgical excision approach, the mean margins needed were 1.8 cm, less than previously reported. Nonsurgical modalities, including radiation therapy, imiquimod, or photodynamic therapy can be considered if surgery is not pursued. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a valuable noninvasive imaging modality for the management of EMPD.


Subject(s)
Dermatologic Surgical Procedures/methods , Margins of Excision , Microscopy, Confocal/methods , Paget Disease, Extramammary/surgery , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biopsy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Paget Disease, Extramammary/diagnosis , Prospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis
20.
Australas J Dermatol ; 62(3): 386-389, 2021 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33974277

ABSTRACT

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (B-DUMP) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome typically presenting with bilateral visual loss. B-DUMP is associated with extraocular systemic malignancies with the most common being lung cancer in males and uro-gynaecological cancer in females (mainly ovarian cancer). Cutaneous and/or mucosal involvement in patients with B-DUMP has been reported but it is not well characterised. Herein, we present a female in her 70s with diagnosis of stage IV vaginal clear-cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma of unknown primary that developed progressive bilateral loss of visual acuity compatible with 'B-DUMP'. Simultaneously, she developed multifocal bilateral bluish-greyish patches on the skin that were shown to have a proliferation of dermal melanocytes. We propose that the clinical and histopathologic cutaneous findings seen in patients with B-DUMP be termed 'diffuse integumentary melanocytic proliferation (DIMP)'.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology , Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Ocular/pathology , Uvea/pathology , Vaginal Neoplasms/pathology , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/complications , Aged , Female , Humans , Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Ocular/complications , Vaginal Neoplasms/complications
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