A case of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with peculiar dental findings.

BACKGROUND: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS, OMIM 130650) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by overgrowth, tumor predisposition and congenital malformations. Few systemic manifestations and oral features have been reported so far. CASE REPORT: We report on a case of BWS, describing all features expanding the knowledge on oro-dento-facial phenotypes, along with a review of the literature.

hERG1 channels drive tumour malignancy and may serve as prognostic factor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: hERG1 channels are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. The expression, functional role and clinical significance of hERG1 channels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is lacking. METHODS: hERG1 expression was tested in PDAC primary samples assembled as tissue microarray by immunohistochemistry using an anti-hERG1 monoclonal antibody (α-hERG1-MoAb). The functional role of hERG1 was studied in PDAC cell lines and primary cultures. ERG1 expression during PDAC progression was studied in Pdx-1-Cre,LSL-Kras(G12D/+),LSL-Trp53(R175H/+) transgenic (KPC) mice. ERG1 expression in vivo was determined by optical imaging using Alexa-680-labelled α-hERG1-MoAb. RESULTS: (i) hERG1 was expressed at high levels in 59% of primary PDAC; (ii) hERG1 blockade decreased PDAC cell growth and migration; (iii) hERG1 was physically and functionally linked to the Epidermal Growth Factor-Receptor pathway; (iv) in transgenic mice, ERG1 was expressed in PanIN lesions, reaching high expression levels in PDAC; (v) PDAC patients whose primary tumour showed high hERG1 expression had a worse prognosis; (vi) the α-hERG1-MoAb could detect PDAC in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: hERG1 regulates PDAC malignancy and its expression, once validated in a larger cohort also comprising of late-stage, non-surgically resected cases, may be exploited for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in PDAC either ex vivo or in vivo.

Association of PD-L1 expression on tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells and overall survival in patients with urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) pathway negatively regulates T-cell-mediated responses. The prognostic impact of PD-L1 expression needs to be defined in urothelial carcinoma (UC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 160 patients with UC were retrieved. PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal anti-PD-L1 antibody (405.9A11). PD-L1 positivity on tumor cell membrane was defined as ≥5% of tumor cell membrane staining. The extent of tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMCs) as well as PD-L1 expression on TIMCs was scored from 0 to 4. A score of 2, 3, or 4 was considered PD-L1-positive. Clinico-pathological variables were documented. The Cox regression model was used to assess the association of PD-L1 expression with overall survival (OS) in patients who developed metastases. RESULTS: TIMCs were present in 143 of the 160 patient samples. Out of 160 samples, 32 (20%) had positive PD-L1 expression in tumor cell membrane. Out of 143 samples with TIMCs, 58 (40%) had positive PD-L1 expression in TIMCs. Smoking history, prior BCG use and chromosome 9 loss did not correlate with PD-L1 expression in either tumor cell membrane or TIMCs. PD-L1 positivity was not different between non-invasive or invasive UC. In patients who developed metastases (M1) and were treated with systemic therapy (n = 100), PD-L1 positivity on tumor cell membrane was seen in 14% of patients and did not correlate with OS (P = 0.45). Out of 89 M1 patients who had evaluable PD-L1 on TIMCs, PD-L1 expression was seen in 33% of patients and was significantly associated with longer OS on multivariate analysis (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: PD-L1 is widely expressed in tumor cell membrane and TIMCs in UC. PD-L1 in tumor cells was not predictive of OS. However, positive PD-L1 expression in TIMCs was significantly associated with longer survival in those patients who developed metastases.

Phenotypic heterogeneity and mutational spectrum in a cohort of 45 Italian males subjects with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia.

Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a group of genetic disorders characterized by the abnormal development of the ectodermal-derived structures. X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, resulting from mutations in ED1 gene, is the most common form. The main purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotype spectrum in 45 males harboring ED1 mutations. The study showed that in addition to the involvement of the major ectodermal tissues, the majority of patients also have alterations of several minor ectodermal-derived structures. Characterizing the clinical spectrum resulting from ED1 gene mutations improves diagnosis and can direct clinical care.

Allgrove syndrome: a report of a unique case characterised by peculiar dental findings resembling those of ectodermal dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Triple A or Allgrove Syndrome (OMIM#231550) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder in which patients typically suffer from chronic adrenal insufficiency due to resistance to ACTH (Addison's disease), esophageal achalasia, and defective tear formation (alacrima). The syndrome is caused by mutations in the AAAS gene on chromosome 12q13 encoding a 546 aminoacid protein named alacrimia-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency neurologic disorder (ALADIN), a constituent of eukaryotic nuclear pore complexes. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of Allgrove Syndrome presenting with anhidrosis and peculiar dental features resembling those of Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED). CONCLUSION: Given the clinical findings in this case we suggest the hypothesis that the pathogenetic mechanism in Allgrove syndrome is related to the ED.

PD-L1 expression in nonclear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in nonclear-cell RCC (non-ccRCC) and its association with clinical outcomes are unknown. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens were obtained from 101 patients with non-ccRCC. PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in both tumor cell membrane and tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMC). PD-L1 tumor positivity was defined as ≥5% tumor cell membrane staining. For PD-L1 expression in TIMC, a combined score based on the extent of infiltrate and percentage of positive cells was used. Baseline clinico-pathological characteristics and outcome data [time to recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS)] were correlated with PD-L1 staining. RESULTS: Among 101 patients, 11 (10.9%) were considered PD-L1+ in tumor cells: 2/36 (5.6%) of chromophobe RCC, 5/50 (10%) of papillary RCC, 3/10 (30%) of Xp11.2 translocation RCC and 1/5 (20%) of collecting duct carcinoma. PD-L1 positivity (PD-L1+) in tumor cells was significantly associated with higher stage (P = 0.01) and grade (P = 0.03), as well as shorter OS (P < 0.001). On the other hand, PD-L1 positivity by TIMC was observed in 57 (56.4%) patients: 13/36 (36.1%) of chromophobe RCC, 30/50 (60%) of papillary RCC, 9/10 (90%) of Xp11.2 translocation RCC and 5/5 (100%) of collecting duct carcinoma. A trend toward shorter OS was observed in patients with PD-L1+ in TIMC (P = 0.08). PD-L1+ in both tumor cell membrane and TIMC cells were associated with shorter TTR (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: In non-ccRCC, patients with PD-L1+ tumors appear to have worse clinical outcomes, although only PD-L1 positivity in tumor cells is associated with higher tumor stage and grade.

[Mutation c.3037G>A in the FBN1 gene associated with neonatal Marfan syndrome variant]. / Mutación c.3037G>A en el gen FBN1 asociado a síndrome de Marfan variante neonatal.

Marfan syndrome ([MS], OMIM 154700) is a connective tissue disorder that exhibits an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, whose clinical characteristics can affect multiple systems or organs in a variable way. It is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene (OMIM 134797) located at 15q21.1. Neonatal MS is an uncommon variety of the entity associated with missense mutation between exons 23-33 and truncating mutations, exhibits a more severe phenotype and high percentage of mortality in the first years of life. The case of male adolescent with neonatal MS and missense mutation (c.3037G> A; p.Gly225Arg) in exon 24 of the FBN1 gene is presented. Given these findings, interfamilial phenotype variation, the early interdisciplinary medical evaluation necessary for the management of possible complications, as well as the appropriate family genetic counseling were studied.

El síndrome de Marfan ([SM], OMIM 154700) es un trastorno del tejido conectivo que exhibe un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante, cuyas características clínicas pueden afectar de forma variable múltiples sistemas u órganos. Es causado por mutaciones en el gen FBN1 (OMIM 134797) localizado en 15q21.1. El SM neonatal es una variedad infrecuente de la entidad asociado con mutaciones en el cambio de sentido entre los exones 23-33 y mutaciones truncadas, exhibe un fenotipo más severo y alto porcentaje de mortalidad en los primeros años de vida. Se presenta el caso de adolescente masculino con SM neonatal y mutaciones en el cambio de sentido (c.3037G>A; p.Gly225Arg) en el exón 24 del gen FBN1. Ante estos hallazgos se estudió la variación fenotípica interfamiliar, la evaluación médica interdisciplinaria precoz necesaria para el manejo de las posibles complicaciones, así como el oportuno asesoramiento genético familiar.

Expanding the spectrum of Gorham Stout disease exploring a single center pediatric case series.

Gorham-Stout Disease (GSD), also named vanishing bone disease, is an ultrarare condition characterized by progressive osteolysis with intraosseous lymphatic vessel proliferation and bone cortical loss. So far, about 300 cases have been reported. It may occur at any age but more commonly affects children and young adults. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review our internal patient series and to hypothesize a diagnostic-therapeutic protocol for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Clinical datasets from our center were examined to identify all GSD patients for collection and analysis. We identified 9 pediatric cases and performed a retrospective case-series review to examine and document both diagnosis and treatment. We found that delay in diagnosis after first symptoms played a critical role in determining morbidity and that multidisciplinary care is key for proper diagnosis and treatment. Our study provides additional insight to improve the critical challenge of early diagnosis and highlights a multidisciplinary treatment approach for the most appropriate management of patients with rare GSD disease. Although GSD is an ultrarare disease, physicians should keep in mind the main clinical features since neglected cases may result in potentially fatal complications.

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) as a new frontier in cancer Immunotherapy and challenges for the Pathologist: state of the art.

The interest in better understanding the immune-microenvironment and tumor cells crosstalk, recently leads to focus on immune checkpoints role, notably on PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The current backdrop concerning cancer immunotherapy is constantly evolving and new biomarkers still need to be granted in this dynamic context. This review tries to get lights on PD-L1 complex scenario mainly focusing on troubling issues in assessing this marker in daily practice. It's still necessary to look deeper into this matter in order to make easier the pathologists-oncologist interaction.

Mutación c.3037G>A en el gen FBN1 asociado a síndrome de Marfan variante neonatal / Mutation c.3037G>A in the FBN1 gene associated with neonatal Marfan syndrome variant

Resumen: El síndrome de Marfan ([SM], OMIM 154700) es un trastorno del tejido conectivo que exhibe un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante, cuyas características clínicas pueden afectar de forma variable múltiples sistemas u órganos. Es causado por mutaciones en el gen FBN1 (OMIM 134797) localizado en 15q21.1. El SM neonatal es una variedad infrecuente de la entidad asociado con mutaciones en el cambio de sentido entre los exones 23-33 y mutaciones truncadas, exhibe un fenotipo más severo y alto porcentaje de mortalidad en los primeros años de vida. Se presenta el caso de adolescente masculino con SM neonatal y mutaciones en el cambio de sentido (c.3037G>A; p.Gly225Arg) en el exón 24 del gen FBN1. Ante estos hallazgos se estudió la variación fenotípica interfamiliar, la evaluación médica interdisciplinaria precoz necesaria para el manejo de las posibles complicaciones, así como el oportuno asesoramiento genético familiar.

Abstract: Marfan syndrome ([MS], OMIM 154700) is a connective tissue disorder that exhibits an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, whose clinical characteristics can affect multiple systems or organs in a variable way. It is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene (OMIM 134797) located at 15q21.1. Neonatal MS is an uncommon variety of the entity associated with missense mutation between exons 23-33 and truncating mutations, exhibits a more severe phenotype and high percentage of mortality in the first years of life. The case of male adolescent with neonatal MS and missense mutation (c.3037G> A; p.Gly225Arg) in exon 24 of the FBN1 gene is presented. Given these findings, interfamilial phenotype variation, the early interdisciplinary medical evaluation necessary for the management of possible complications, as well as the appropriate family genetic counseling were studied.