Multiple Assays to Determine Methylguanine-Methyltransferase Status in Lung Carcinoids and Correlation with Clinical and Pathological Features.

BACKGROUND: O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) is a key enzyme for the DNA repair machinery strongly associated with response to alkylating agents in different tumors. Data on its expression and related clinical impact in neuroendocrine tumors are limited to the gastro-entero-pancreatic system, with controversial results in terms of prognostic or predictive value. In lung carcinoids, although clinical efficacy of alkylating agents has been shown in small studies, very few data to date are available on MGMT status. OBJECTIVE: To assess MGMT status in lung carcinoids using multiple assays and to compare data with major clinical and pathological features. METHODS: A retrospective series of 95 lung carcinoids and 51 control cases of high-grade neuroendocrine lung carcinomas was analyzed for MGMT promoter methylation, MGMT gene expression, and MGMT protein expression using pyrosequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: MGMT protein expression was inversely correlated with MGMT promoter methylation and positively with MGMT gene expression. MGMT promoter methylation progressively increased from carcinoids to high-grade carcinomas. In the carcinoid group, decreased MGMT gene expression was significantly associated with aggressive features (atypical histotype, grade G2, larger tumor size, higher T stage, and positive nodal status) but not with survival. MGMT promoter methylation was associated with lower stage and negative nodal status. CONCLUSIONS: Our study investigated MGMT status in a large series of lung carcinoids in the attempt to move forward a rational use of alkylating agents in these tumors. Interestingly, low MGMT gene expression defines a subgroup of lung carcinoids with aggressive features.

Spread through air spaces (STAS) is a predictor of poor outcome in atypical carcinoids of the lung.

Spread through air spaces (STAS) have been recently recognized as a prognostic factor for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) include tumors with different morphology and a heterogeneous clinical behavior. Among atypical carcinoids (ACs), new prognostic factors able to refine prognosis are needed. In the present study, a retrospective series of 91 surgically resected ACs was investigated, in parallel with 191 control cases of typical carcinoids (TCs) and of high-grade small- and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, to assess the presence and potential prognostic role of STAS. STAS was defined by the presence of neoplastic nests or single cells in air spaces beyond the tumor edge. Clinicopathological parameters and survival were correlated by univariate and multivariate analyses. STAS was identified in 48% of ACs (44/91) compared to 20.5% of TCs and 71-88% of high-grade large- and small-cell carcinomas in the control group. In the carcinoid group, presence of STAS was significantly correlated with unfavorable parameters, such as high tumor stage, positive nodal status, high Ki-67 index, presence of angioinvasion, and with adverse disease outcome, shorter overall survival, and time to progression. In conclusion, the presence of STAS is an additional relevant adverse prognostic factor in pulmonary AC that currently has the most unpredictable outcome and the most controversial treatment strategy.

Ki-67 Evaluation for Clinical Decision in Metastatic Lung Carcinoids: A Proof of Concept.

Accrual of metastatic pulmonary carcinoid patients for therapy is usually relied on clinical and histologic characterization, with no role for the proliferation activity as defined by Ki-67 labelling index (LI). A total of 14 carcinoid patients with tumour primaries (TP) and 19 corresponding tumour metastases (TM) were blindly reviewed by 2 different pathologists for necrosis, mitotic count, and Ki-67 LI. Ki-67 LI outperformed histologic subtyping, mitotic count, and necrosis with good to almost excellent (0.40-0.75) inter-observer agreement. About 10% cut-off Ki-67 LI predicted survival better than histology for TP and TM for both observers. The TM patients survived differently according to diverse treatments (somatostatin analogues [SSAs], analogues plus additional treatments except for platinum; platinum-based chemotherapy) in close correlation with <10%, 10% to 20%, and >20% cut-off thresholds of Ki-67 LI, respectively. There was also a trend for an increase in Ki-67 LI in TM as compared with TP. This is the first proof of concept in which a clinical potential is preliminarily suggested for Ki-67 LI to better stratify pulmonary metastatic carcinoid patients for treatment according to a criterion of histology-independent biological aggressiveness.

High miR-100 expression is associated with aggressive features and modulates TORC1 complex activation in lung carcinoids.

PURPOSE: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a promising therapeutic target in advanced lung carcinoid patients. However, the mechanisms of mTOR modulation and of responsiveness to mTOR inhibitors are largely unclear. Our aim was to analyze the expression and functional role of specific miRNAs in lung carcinoids as an alternative mechanism targeting mTOR pathway. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Seven miRNAs, selected by bioinformatic tools and literature search, were analyzed in 142 lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (92 carcinoids and a control group of 50 high grade neuroendocrine carcinomas), and compared with mTOR mRNA expression and clinical/pathological parameters. Tissue results were validated in vitro in two lung carcinoid cell lines by specific RNA interference and biological/pharmacological tests. RESULTS: Tissutal expression of five miRNAs (miR-99b, miR-100, miR-155, miR-193a-3p, miR-193a-5p) was inversely correlated with mTOR mRNA expression, supporting their role in the negative regulation of mTOR transcription. High expression of miR-100, miR-193a-3p and miR-193a-5p was associated with aggressive features and, for the former two, with shorter time to progression. In H727 and UMC11 lung carcinoid cells, miR-100 modulated mTOR RNA and TORC1 complex protein expression, positively promoted cell migration and negatively influenced cell proliferation. Moreover, miR-100 directly influenced responsiveness of H727 and UMC11 cells to rapamycin. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-100 actively participates to the regulation of mTOR expression in lung carcinoids and represents a novel candidate prognostic biomarker for this tumor type; moreover, inhibition of its expression is associated to increased responsiveness to mTOR inhibitors and might represent a novel strategy to sensitize lung carcinoids to these target agents.

Lung neuroendocrine tumors: pathological characteristics.

Lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous family of neoplasms comprising four histologic types, namely typical and atypical carcinoid (TC and AC), large-cell neuroendocrine and small cell carcinoma (SCC). Classification criteria include the number of mitoses per 2 mm2, the occurrence and extent of necrosis, cytological and histological features and immunohistochemistry for neuroendocrine markers. The classification system and the diagnostic workflow of lung NETs are apparently easy to apply and well established. However, several unresolved issues still exist in classification and pathological characterization of these tumors, probably because inter-observer diagnostic reproducibility remains disappointing, likely due to inconsistency in recognizing necrosis, mitoses and cytological details, especially in small biopsy or cytological materials. Furthermore, the lack of strong prognostic and grading criteria leads to the incomplete interpretation of some rare intermediate entities that stand in between AC and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) categories.

Cytology of Primary Salivary Gland-Type Tumors of the Lower Respiratory Tract: Report of 15 Cases and Review of the Literature.

Primary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumors are rare neoplasms arising from the seromucinous submucosal glands of the lower respiratory tract (LRT), the most common of which are mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma. They are morphologically indistinguishable from their salivary gland counterpart and recognizing them is a challenge, especially on cytological specimens. We analyzed 15 cases of histologically proven primary salivary gland tumors of the LRT to identify cytomorphological features and define potential diagnostic clues that might assist cytopathologists in the preoperative diagnosis of these neoplasias. Three out of the four cases of adenoid cystic carcinomas showed the characteristic tridimensional cell clusters and hyaline globules, whereas the last one did not show malignant cells; only two cases of MEC presented the three characteristic cell types (i.e., squamous, intermediate, and mucin secreting) on cytology. Since these neoplasms are rare and do not have a completely specific set of cytological features, it is important for practicing cytopathologists to be aware of the possibility of encountering them, in specimens from patients with LRT masses, in order to render the correct diagnosis.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)-from morphology to molecular testing.

In recent years, endobronchial ultrasound-guided TBNA (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as an innovative technique for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and has been successfully introduced into daily clinical practice with several advantages including minimally invasive approach, safe, cost-effective, real time image guidance, broad sampling capability, and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Both cytological and histological approach could be useful to have material for diagnosis, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses which may be very important for targeted therapy with successful rate ranging from 89% to 98%. The utility of ROSE during EBUS-TBNA has been matter of debate. Indeed, although some evidence concluded that ROSE does not increase the diagnostic efficacy of EBUS-TBNA, other demonstrated that it improves the diagnostic yield of the procedure up to 30%, allows to avoid repetition of additional diagnostic procedures and reduces risk of complications. Furthermore the sample preparation by cytopathologist is optimized with the aid of direct macroscopic inspection, optimal smearing techniques, and triage of the sample permitting to obtain adequate tissue for diagnosis, ancillary techniques and molecular testing, when needed. Some pathological issues on EBUS-TBNA are reviewed and discussed with particular focus on ROSE and molecular testing.

Distinctive pathological and clinical features of lung carcinoids with high proliferation index.

Typical (TCs) and atypical carcinoids (ACs) are defined based on morphological criteria, and no grading system is currently accepted to further stratify these entities. The 2015 WHO classification restricts the Ki-67 role to biopsy or cytology samples, rather than for prognostic prediction. We aimed to investigate whether values and patterns of Ki-67 alone would allow for a clinically meaningful stratification of lung carcinoids, regardless of histological typing. Ki-67 proliferation index and pattern (homogeneous versus heterogeneous expression) were assessed in a cohort of 171 TCs and 68 ACs. Cases were subdivided into three Ki-67 ranges (<4/4-9/≥10%). Correlations with clinicopathological data, univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. The majority of cases (61.5%) belonged to the <4% Ki-67 range; 25.1 and 13.4% had a proliferation index of 4-9% and ≥10%, respectively. The <4% Ki-67 subgroup was significantly enriched for TCs (83%, p < 0.0001); ACs were more frequent in the subgroup showing Ki-67 ≥ 10% (75%, p < 0.0001). A heterogeneous Ki-67 pattern was preferentially seen in carcinoids with a Ki-67 ≥10% (38%, p < 0.02). Mean Ki-67 values ≥4 and ≥10% identified categories of poor prognosis both in terms of disease-free and overall survival (p = 0.003 and <0.0001). At multivariate analysis, the two thresholds did not retain statistical significance; however, a Ki-67 ≥ 10% identified a subgroup of dismal prognosis even within ACs (p = 0.03) at univariate analysis. Here, we describe a subgroup of lung carcinoids showing brisk proliferation activity within the necrosis and/or mitotic count-based categories. These patients were associated with specific clinicopathological characteristics, to some extent regardless of histological subtyping.

YAP-Dependent AXL Overexpression Mediates Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in NSCLC.

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional co-activator upregulating genes that promote cell growth and inhibit apoptosis. The main dysregulation of the Hippo pathway in tumors is due to YAP overexpression, promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell transformation, and increased metastatic ability. Moreover, it has recently been shown that YAP plays a role in sustaining resistance to targeted therapies as well. In our work, we evaluated the role of YAP in acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer. In EGFR-addicted lung cancer cell lines (HCC4006 and HCC827) rendered resistant to several EGFR inhibitors, we observed that resistance was associated to YAP activation. Indeed, YAP silencing impaired the maintenance of resistance, while YAP overexpression decreased the responsiveness to EGFR inhibitors in sensitive parental cells. In our models, we identified the AXL tyrosine kinase receptor as the main YAP downstream effector responsible for sustaining YAP-driven resistance: in fact, AXL expression was YAP dependent, and pharmacological or genetic AXL inhibition restored the sensitivity of resistant cells to the anti-EGFR drugs. Notably, YAP overactivation and AXL overexpression were identified in a lung cancer patient upon acquisition of resistance to EGFR TKIs, highlighting the clinical relevance of our in vitro results. The reported data demonstrate that YAP and its downstream target AXL play a crucial role in resistance to EGFR TKIs and suggest that a combined inhibition of EGFR and the YAP/AXL axis could be a good therapeutic option in selected NSCLC patients.

Classification of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors: new insights.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung (Lu-NETs) embrace a heterogeneous family of neoplasms classified into four histological variants, namely typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid (AC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Defining criteria on resection specimens include mitotic count in 2 mm2 and the presence or absence of necrosis, alongside a constellation of cytological and histological traits including cell size and shape, nuclear features and overall architecture. Clinically, TC are low-grade malignant tumors, AC intermediate-grade malignant tumors and SCLC/LCNEC high-grade malignant full-blown carcinomas with no significant differences in survival between them. Homologous tumors arise in the thymus that occasionally have some difficulties in differentiating from the lung counterparts when presented with large unresectable or metastatic lesions. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) helps refine NE diagnosis at various anatomical sites, particularly on small-sized tissue material, in which only TC and small cell carcinoma categories can be recognized easily on hematoxylin & eosin stain, while AC and LCNEC can only be suggested on such material. The Ki-67 labeling index effectively separates carcinoids from small cell carcinoma and may prove useful for the clinical management of a metastatic disease to help the therapeutic decision-making process. Although carcinoids and high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas in the lung and elsewhere make up separate tumor categories on molecular grounds, emerging data supports the concept of secondary high-grade NETs arising in the preexisting carcinoids, whose clinical and biological relevance will have to be placed into the proper context for the optimal management of these patients. In this review, we will discuss the selected, recent literature with a focus on current issues regarding Lu-NET nosology, i.e., classification, derivation and tumor evolution.

Helical-Tip Needle for Transthoracic Percutaneous Image-Guided Biopsy of Lung Tumors: Results of a Pilot Prospective Comparative Study with a Standard Tru-Cut Needle.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate feasibility and diagnostic performance of the 14-gauge helical-tip (Spirotome™, Cook® Medical, Bloomington, USA) needle in transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) of lung lesions, compared to a conventional 18-gauge Tru-Cut needle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was institutional review board approved, with informed consent obtained. Data from synchronous Spirotome and Tru-Cut image-guided TTNB of 20 consecutive patients with malignant peripheral lung tumors larger than 3 cm were enrolled for pathologic characterization and mutational analysis. Samples obtained with Spirotome and Tru-Cut needle were compared for fragmentation, length, weight, morphologic and immunohistochemistry typifying, tumor cellularity (TC) and DNA concentration. RESULTS: The technical success rate for TTNB with Spirotome was 100%, and no major complications occurred. Less fragmentation (mean 2 vs. 3 fragments, P = .418), greater weight (mean 13 vs. 8.5 mg, P = .027) and lower length (mean 10.2 vs. 12.6 mm, P = .174) were observed with Spirotome compared to Tru-Cut needle. Accuracy of Spirotome and Tru-Cut needle in defining cancer histotype was similar (90%). Absolute and relative TC (mean 42 vs. 38, 124 vs. 108/10HPF), and DNA concentration (mean 49.6 vs. 39.0 ng/µl) were higher with Spirotome compared to Tru-Cut needle, with no statistical significance (P = .787 and P = .140, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous 14-gauge Spirotome TTNB of selected lesions is feasible and accurate. It provides adequate samples for diagnosis, comparable to 18-gauge Tru-Cut needle, with a higher amount of tumor tissue (weight, TC, DNA concentration) even in shorter samples.

Ki-67 labeling index of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung has a high level of correspondence between biopsy samples and surgical specimens when strict counting guidelines are applied.

Optimal histopathological analysis of biopsies from metastases of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the lung requires more than morphology only. Additional parameters such as Ki-67 labeling index are required for adequate diagnosis, but few studies have compared reproducibility of different counting protocols and modalities of reporting on biopsies of lung NET. We compared the results of four different manual counting techniques to establish Ki-67 LI. On 47 paired biopsies and surgical specimens from 22 typical carcinoids (TCs), 14 atypical carcinoids (ACs), six large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs), and five small cell carcinomas (SCCs) immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67 antigen was performed. We counted, in regions of highest nuclear staining (HSR), a full ×40-high-power field (diameter = 0.55 mm), 500 or 2000 cells, or 2 mm2 surface area, including the HSR or the entire biopsy fragment(s). Mitoses and necrosis were evaluated in an area of 2 mm2 or the entire biopsy fragment(s). Between the four counting methods, no differences in Ki-67 LI were observed. However, a Ki-67 LI higher than 5% was found in only four cases when in an HSR, 500 cells were counted (18%), five (23%) when in an HSR 2000 cells were counted, four (18%) when 2 mm2 were counted, and one (5%) TC case when the entire biopsy was counted. A 20% cutoff distinguished TC and AC from LCNEC and SCC with 100% specificity and sensitivity, while mitoses and necrosis failed to a large extent. Ki-67 LI in biopsy samples was concordant with that in resection specimens when 2000 cells, 2 mm2, or the entire biopsy fragment(s) were counted. Our results are important for clinical management of patients with metastases of a lung NET.

Classification of lung neuroendocrine tumors: lights and shadows.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung are classified into low-grade typical and intermediate-grade atypical carcinoids, and high-grade poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas of the large and small cell types. This scheme is strongly predictive of patients' prognosis but relies on few and scarcely reproducible pathological parameters (namely mitotic count and assessment of the presence of necrosis), which have been demonstrated to affect the inter-observer agreement of the classification. Moreover, tumor and nodal staging schemes are not specific for lung carcinoids, at variance with neuroendocrine tumors of the gastro-entero-pancreatic system, despite these tumors have specific features that strongly differ from conventional lung cancer. Finally, there is no grading for lung neuroendocrine neoplasms and prognostication, as well as the definition of treatment modalities and clinical strategies, which are based on tumor histotypes, only. However, literature data indicate that the evaluation of Ki-67 proliferation index may be a reliable and useful tool to determine the biological and clinical behavior of neuroendocrine tumors, with special reference to carcinoids, both in pre-operative and surgical samples.

Numb chin syndrome as first symptom of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Numb chin syndrome is a rare sensory neuropathy of the mental nerve characterized by numbness, hypoesthesia, paraesthesia, and very rarely pain. Dental causes, especially iatrogenic ones, maxillofacial trauma, or malignant neoplasm are etiologic factors for this rare syndrome. Many malignant and metastatic neoplasms are causing this syndrome, like primary osteosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mandibular metastasis of primary carcinoma of breast, lung, thyroid, kidney, prostate, and nasopharynx. Haematological malignancies like acute lymphocytic leukaemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and myeloma can cause this neuropathy. The authors report a case of a 71-year-old woman in which the numb chin syndrome was the first symptom of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which caused infiltration and reabsorption of the alveolar ridge and lower mandibular cortex. A biopsy of the mass was performed on fragments of tissue collected from the mandibular periosteum, medullary and cortical mandibular bone, and inferior alveolar nerve.

Progressive midfacial bone erosion and necrosis: case report and differential diagnosis.

A 31-year-old woman presented with a large oro-nasal communication (ONC), loss of vomer and significant nasal cartilage and nose deformity. Physical examination of the patient revealed a typical midline destructive lesion (MDL) with nasal septum and hard/soft palate perforation with a friable granular surface and a large amount of necrotic tissues. Medical history was unremarkable and the patient denied previous local trauma, including surgical procedures or drug assumption. Pathological examination revealed the presence of necrosis and chronic inflammation. MDLs have numerous etiologies. Signs and symptoms of MDLs can be similar and an accurate diagnosis may be elusive. We hereby present detailed clinicopathological findings.

Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine small and large cell carcinomas: a review of controversial diagnostic and therapeutic issues.

Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EPNEC) is a heterogeneous and rare group of high-grade neoplasms occurring in different organs. They usually share a poor prognosis, but diagnostic and therapeutic options still include several controversial issues, due to the rarity of this condition and to differences in architecture and cell size, being some cases pure small cell carcinomas, other pure large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and some others combined/mixed neuroendocrine carcinomas with a conventional non-neuroendocrine carcinoma. In addition, the therapeutic strategy varies in different organs (surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy and/or targeted treatments), and clinicians and pathologists are asked to interact to reach an accurate classification of every single case, as well as the most appropriate selection of the treatment options, even considering different time points of each EPNEC natural history. This overview highlights controversial pathological and clinical issues and summarizes possible solutions to most of such EPNEC-related problems.

Tumor/stromal caveolin-1 expression patterns in pleural mesothelioma define a subgroup of the epithelial histotype with poorer prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive disease for which new prognostic biomarkers need to be identified. Caveolin-1 (CAV1), the most important member of caveolae, has been described as deregulated in MPM at the genomic level, but detailed histologic information on its distribution and prognostic role is still lacking. METHODS: A series of 131 MPMs (91 epithelial, 17 biphasic, and 23 sarcomatous histotype) were investigated for CAV1 expression with immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinical-pathologic variables and outcome. RESULTS: CAV1 was detected in neoplastic cells of 70 (77%) of 91 epithelial, 17 (100%) of 17 biphasic, and 23 (100%) of 23 sarcomatous MPMs. Furthermore, in the epithelial group, CAV1 expression in spindle-shaped stromal cells was detected in 61 (67%) of 91 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of stromal CAV1 expression was associated with a worse patient outcome. In MPM, CAV1 is differentially expressed according to low- to high-grade histotypes. Furthermore, in the MPM epithelial group, additional stromal CAV1 expression is associated with a worse prognosis.

MEN1 gene mutation and reduced expression are associated with poor prognosis in pulmonary carcinoids.

CONTEXT: MEN1 gene alterations have been implicated in lung carcinoids, but their effect on gene expression and disease outcome is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to analyze MEN1 gene and expression anomalies in lung neuroendocrine neoplasms and their correlations with clinicopathologic data and disease outcome. DESIGN: We examined 74 lung neuroendocrine neoplasms including 58 carcinoids and 16 high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (HGNECs) for MEN1 mutations (n = 70) and allelic losses (n = 69), promoter hypermethylation (n = 65), and mRNA (n = 74) expression. Results were correlated with disease outcome. RESULTS: MEN1 mutations were found in 7 of 55 (13%) carcinoids and in 1 HGNEC, mostly associated with loss of the second allele. MEN1 decreased expression levels correlated with the presence of mutations (P = .0060) and was also lower in HGNECs than carcinoids (P = .0024). MEN1 methylation was not associated with mRNA expression levels. Patients with carcinoids harboring MEN1 mutation and loss had shorter overall survival (P = .039 and P = .035, respectively) and low MEN1 mRNA levels correlated with distant metastasis (P = .00010) and shorter survival (P = .0071). In multivariate analysis, stage and MEN1 allelic loss were independent predictors of prognosis. CONCLUSION: Thirteen percent of pulmonary carcinoids harbor MEN1 mutation associated with reduced mRNA expression and poor prognosis. Also in mutation-negative tumors, low MEN1 gene expression correlates with an adverse disease outcome. Hypermethylation was excluded as the underlying mechanism.

Achaete-scute homolog 1 as a marker of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas of different sites: a validation study using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on 335 cases.

Neuroendocrine carcinomas show overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical features independently of their site of origin, which makes identification of the primary location problematic when they are diagnosed as metastases of unknown origin. Neuroendocrine carcinomas are easily morphologically differentiated from neuroendocrine tumors in surgical material, although this distinction can be difficult when using small biopsy specimens. The diagnostic usefulness of different transcription factors as site-specific markers or as discriminating markers between neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors has been previously studied with sometimes contradictory results. In this respect, the role of achaete-scute homolog 1 has been poorly investigated, although some recent findings demonstrate its expression in neuroendocrine carcinomas. Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we investigated the expression of achaete-scute homolog 1 in 335 neuroendocrine neoplasms (194 neuroendocrine carcinomas and 141 neuroendocrine tumors) of different sites, to check its possible utility as diagnostic marker. High concordance between immunohistochemical and molecular findings was found. Achaete-scute homolog 1 expression was identified in 82% of lung neuroendocrine carcinomas and 70% of extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas. Achaete-scute homolog 1 was not detected in any gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and was found in only a minority of lung carcinoids. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of achaete-scute homolog 1 expression were 82.4% and 89.7% in distinguishing neuroendocrine carcinomas from neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, 40.6% and 100% to differentiate extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas from neuroendocrine tumors, and 82.4% and 59.4% in distinguishing lung from extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas. Our data suggest that achaete-scute homolog 1 is not a site-specific marker. However, achaete-scute homolog 1 may be proposed as a diagnostic marker of poor differentiation and may help to differentiate neuroendocrine carcinomas from neuroendocrine tumors in difficult cases.

The reticulin algorithm for adrenocortical tumor diagnosis: a multicentric validation study on 245 unpublished cases.

The pathologic diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) still needs to be improved, because the renowned Weiss Score (WS) system has a poor reproducibility of some parameters and is difficult to apply in borderline cases and in ACC variants. The "reticulin algorithm" (RA) defines malignancy through an altered reticulin framework associated with 1 of the 3 following parameter: necrosis, high mitotic rate, and vascular invasion. This study aimed at validating the interobserver reproducibility of reticulin stain evaluation in an unpublished series of 245 adrenocortical tumors (61 adenomas and 184 carcinomas) from 5 Italian centers, classified according to the WS. Eight pathologists reviewed all reticulin-stained slides. After training, a second round of evaluation on discordant cases was performed 10 weeks later. The RA reclassified 67 cases (27%) as adenomas, including 44 with no reticulin alterations and 23 with an altered reticulin framework but lacking the subsequent parameters of the triad. The other 178 cases (73%) were carcinomas according to the above-mentioned criteria. A complete (8/8 pathologists) interobserver agreement was reached in 75% of cases (κ=0.702), irrespective of case derivation, pathologists' experience, and histologic variants, and was further improved when only those cases with high WS and clinically malignant behavior were considered. After the training, the overall agreement increased to 86%. We conclude that reticulin staining is a reliable technique and an easy-to-interpret system in adrenocortical tumors; moreover, it has a high interobserver reproducibility, which supports the notion of using such a method in the proposed 2-step RA approach for ACC diagnosis.