Decoding BCOR-ITD Sarcomas: Case Report of a Rare Pediatric Tumor With Challenges in Diagnosis.

Sarcomas characterized by BCOR gene alterations, are a distinct clinico-pathological group of high-grade tumors, that represent 5% of small round cell tumors without EWSR or FUS fusion. Diverse genetic alterations characterize this group, including BCOR-CCNB3 gene fusion being the most common alteration and less frequently internal tandem duplications (ITDs). We present a compelling case of a 3-year-old girl diagnosed with a high-grade nasoethmoidal sarcoma exhibiting BCOR-ITD. The diagnostic process illustrates the histological and immunophenotypic spectrum, requiring an extensive immunohistochemical panel and diverse molecular tests for accurate classification. Additionally, this case highlights the challenges in detecting BCOR-ITDs using different NGS panels, advocating for alternative molecular approaches. Our patient after 10 months since diagnosis is alive with progressive disease. This emphasizes the urgency for ongoing research to refine diagnostic methods and develop effective therapeutic strategies for these rare and aggressive tumors.

The Combined Immunohistochemical Expression of GLI1 and BCOR in Synovial Sarcomas for the Identification of Three Risk Groups and Their Prognostic Outcomes: A Study of 52 Patients.

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare soft-tissue tumor characterized by a monomorphic blue spindle cell histology and variable epithelial differentiation. Morphologically, SSs may be confused with other sarcomas. Systemic treatment is more effective for patients with high-risk SSs, patients with advanced disease, and younger patients. However, further studies are required to find new prognostic biomarkers. Herein, we describe the morphological, molecular, and clinical findings, using a wide immunohistochemical panel, of a series of SS cases. We studied 52 cases confirmed as SSs by morphological diagnosis and/or molecular studies. Clinical data (gender, age, tumor size, tumor location, resection margins, adjuvant treatment, recurrences, metastasis, and survival) were also retrieved for each patient. All the available H&E slides were examined by four pathologists. Three tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed for each of the tumors, and a wide immunohistochemical panel was performed. For time-to-event variables, survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank testing, or Cox regression. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The mean age of our patients was 40.33, and the median was 40.5 years. We found a predominance of males versus females (1.7:1). The most frequent morphological subtype was monophasic. TRPS1, SS18-SSX, and SSX-C-terminus were positive in 96% of cases. GLI1 expression was strong in six and focal (cytoplasmic) in twenty patients. Moreover, BCOR was expressed in more than half of SSs. Positive expression of both proteins, BCOR and GLI1, was correlated with a worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis was also performed, but only BCOR expression appeared to be significant. The combination of GLI1 and BCOR antibodies can be used to group SSs into three risk groups (low, intermediate, and high risk). We hypothesize that these findings could identify which patients would benefit from receiving adjuvant treatment and which would not. Moreover, these markers could represent therapeutic targets in advanced stages. However, further, larger series of SSs and molecular studies are necessary to corroborate our present findings.

Vitronectin Levels in the Plasma of Neuroblastoma Patients and Culture Media of 3D Models: A Prognostic Circulating Biomarker?

Vitronectin is a glycoprotein present in plasma and the extracellular matrix that is implicated in cell migration. The high amount of vitronectin found in neuroblastoma biopsies has been associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, increased vitronectin levels have been described in the plasma of patients with different cancers. Our aim was to assess vitronectin as a potential circulating biomarker of neuroblastoma prognosis. Vitronectin concentration was quantified using ELISA in culture media of four neuroblastoma cell lines grown in a monolayer and in 3D models, and in the plasma of 114 neuroblastoma patients. Three of the neuroblastoma cell lines secreted vitronectin to culture media when cultured in a monolayer and 3D models. Vitronectin release was higher by neuroblastoma cells cultured in 3D models than in the monolayer and was still elevated when cells were grown in 3D scaffolds with cross-linked vitronectin. Vitronectin secretion occurred independently of cell numbers in cultures. Its concentration in the plasma of neuroblastoma patients ranged between 52.4 and 870 µg/mL (median, 218 µg/mL). A ROC curve was used to establish a cutoff of 361 µg/mL, above which patients over 18 months old had worse prognosis (p = 0.0018). Vitronectin could be considered a new plasma prognostic biomarker in neuroblastoma and warrants confirmation in collaborative studies. Drugs inhibiting vitronectin interactions with cells and/or the extracellular matrix could represent a significant improvement in survival for neuroblastoma patients.

Intimal Sarcoma with MDM2/CDK4 Amplification and p16 Overexpression: A Review of Histological Features in Primary Tumor and Xenograft, with Immunophenotype and Molecular Profiling.

Intimal sarcomas (IS) are rare malignant mesenchymal tumors arising in large blood vessels of the systemic and pulmonary circulation and also in the heart. They are morphologically similar to other spindle cell, poorly differentiated sarcomas. The prognosis is poor and depends mainly on surgical options. Three cases of IS were collected from two institutions. Clinical data were retrieved and histological study was performed. A wide immunohistochemical panel was analyzed. FISH of MDM2 gene was performed, and a molecular study with NGS was implemented in all cases. The mean age of our cases was 54 years. Histologically, the tumors presented a diffuse growth pattern with heterogeneous atypical epithelioid or spindle cells and extensive thrombosed areas. All cases presented intense immunoexpression for MDM2, CDK4, CD117, c-myc, PDGFRA, and p16. PDGFRA, HTERT, and pan-TRK gained expression, while p16 lost intensity, being weaker in both the local recurrences and xenografts. The three cases showed amplification of MDM2 by FISH. NGS analysis revealed amplifications in the CDK4, PDGFRA, and KIT genes, together with BRAF mutation and KRAS amplification. P16 was expressed in all cases, losing intensity in local recurrence and xenografts. Two new alterations, a BRAF mutation and a KRAS amplification, were detected by NGS in different tumors, opening up new therapeutic options for these patients.

Evaluation of Alternative Risk Stratification Systems in a Large Series of Solitary Fibrous Tumors with Molecular Findings and Ki-67 Index Data: Do They Improve Risk Assessment?

The clinical evolution of solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) is often uncertain and several risk stratification systems (RSS) have been proposed. The Demicco et al. RSS is the most frequently implemented. In this study we aim to validate two alternative RSS (Sugita et al. and G-Score) using results for the Demicco RSS from a previous study of 97 SFTs. In addition, we aim to determine whether reclassified cases had any distinctive molecular features. As the Sugita et al. system substitutes mitotic count with Ki-67 index we also investigated whether Ki-67 results for tissue microarrays are comparable to those obtained using whole tissue sections. In the present study we detected that many cases classified by Demicco RSS as low-risk were reclassified as intermediate risk using the new system (G-score RSS). Kaplan-Meier survival plots for G-Score RSS showed that the low-risk and intermediate-risk SFTs had a similar evolution that contrasted with the more aggressive high-risk group. Moreover, the similar evolution in both low and intermediate-risk groups occurred despite the G-score system being stricter in classifying low-risk tumors. We observed that Sugita RSS does not provide any better risk stratification in comparison with the Demicco RSS, and testing both RSS in our series produced similar Kaplan-Meier survival data. We found some discordant results when comparing whole sections and the corresponding tissue microarrays samples, finding the hotspot areas easier to locate in whole sections. Forty-one SFTs with initial low-risk assigned by the Demicco RSS were reclassified as intermediate-risk by G-score finding both TP53 and HTER mutations in four cases, only HTER mutation in 11 cases, and only TP53 mutation in 2 cases. All six cases of SFT classified as high-risk by both the Demicco and G-score RSS suffered recurrence/metastasis, and half showed both TP53 and HTER mutations. Five SFTs were categorized as low-risk by both Demicco and G-score, of which 4 cases revealed HTER mutation. Regarding the outcome of these 5 patients, two were lost to follow-up, and one of the remaining three patients suffered recurrence. We believe that although the presence of both TP53 and HTER mutations may confer or be related to poor evolution, the isolated presence of HTER mutation alone would not necessarily be related to poor outcome. The G-score RSS more accurately identified low-risk patients than the other two risk models evaluated in the present series. Late recurrence/metastasis may occasionally be observed even in low-risk SFTs categorized by stricter classification systems such as the G-score RSS. These findings support the possibility that additional, as yet unknown factors may influence the clinical evolution of SFTs. In conclusion, given the possibility of late recurrence, long-term follow-up is recommended for all SFT patients, even in cases classified as low risk by the stricter G-score system. An integration of clinical, radiological, pathological, and molecular findings may improve SFT risk stratification and better predict patient outcome.

What if the cold days return? Epigenetic mechanisms in plants to cold tolerance.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The epigenetic could be an important, but seldom assessed, mechanisms in plants inhabiting cold ecosystems. Thus, this review could help to fill a gap in the current literature. Low temperatures are one of the most critical environmental conditions that negatively affect the growth, development, and geographic distribution of plants. Exposure to low temperatures results in a suit of physiological, biochemical and molecular modifications through the reprogramming of the expression of genes and transcription factors. Scientific evidence shows that the average annual temperature has increased in recent years worldwide, with cold ecosystems (polar and high mountain) being among the most sensitive to these changes. However, scientific evidence also indicates that there would be specific events of low temperatures, due it is highly relevant to know the capacity for adaptation, regulation and epigenetic memory in the face of these events, by plants. Epigenetic regulation has been described to play an important role in the face of environmental stimuli, especially in response to abiotic stress. Several studies on epigenetic mechanisms have focused on responses to stress as drought and/or salinity; however, there is a gap in the current literature considering those related to low temperatures. In this review, we focus on systematizing the information published to date, related to the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA-dependent silencing mechanisms, in the face of plant´s stress due to low temperatures. Finally, we present a schematic model about the potential responses by plants taking in count their epigenetic memory; considering a global warming scenario and with the presence or absence of extreme specific events of low temperatures.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor: Integration of Clinical, Morphologic, Immunohistochemical and Molecular Findings in Risk Stratification and Classification May Better Predict Patient outcome.

Although solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) have an unpredictable evolution, some specific clinicopathologic factors have been associated with the final outcome. We retrieved clinical, pathological and molecular data of 97 patients with a histological diagnosis of SFT and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) positivity. We retrospectively studied the pathological factors predictive of recurrence/metastasis and compared them with the clinical outcome. A wide immunohistochemical study and molecular analysis to detect NAB2/STAT6 gene fusion, tumor protein-53 (TP53) and/or (telomerase reverse transcriptase) TERT promotor mutation were performed. The risk of metastasis was calculated using the Demicco risk stratification system (RSS). The results were combined and examined to assess the accuracy of risk stratification and classification. The most common location was in non-extremities; 66% were located in soft tissue or subcutaneous areas and 92.8% in deep locations. On microscopic analysis, 38.1% of tumors revealed hypercellularity with a predominant patternless and/or hemangiopericytic growth pattern; 13.4% had ≥4 mitoses/10HPF; 16.5% showed necrosis, and almost half the tumors showed at least focal myxoid areas. Dedifferentiation was observed in three tumors. Immunomarker expression in SFTs was as follows: CD34 92.9%, CD99 57.1%, Bcl2 67.9%, neuroendocrine markers (at least 1) 25.7%, Desmin 14.3%, CK(AE1/AE3) 3%, Apoptotic Protease Activating Factor (APAF-1) 87% and finally Ki-67 ≥ 10% in 14.4%. The NAB2/STAT6 gene fusion was detected in 50 tumors. After a median follow-up of 90 months, 9.3% recurred, 11.3% metastasized, 10.3% died of disease and 76.2% were free of disease. TERT mutations were detected in 40.6% of the SFTs; the TP53 mutation was detected in 17%, and only 9.3% showed both mutations. According to the Demicco RSS, 6.1%, 11.3% and 82.4% of the tumors were classified as high, intermediate or low-risk of metastasis, respectively. All high-risk tumors had ≥4 mitoses/10HPF, necrosis, Ki-67 ≥ 10, HTER and/or TP53 mutation and poor evolution. The intermediate risk SFTs with worse evolution displayed the HTER mutation. Almost all low-risk tumors had a favorable evolution, although four showed at least one adverse factor (Ki-67 ≥ 10, ≥4 mitoses/10HPF or high tumor size) and had a worse evolution. An integration of clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular findings may improve risk stratification and classification and better predict patient outcome. The unfavorable course seems to be more frequent in high-risk SFTs, although it is not exceptional in low-risk SFTs either; hence, a long-term follow-up is required independently of the assigned risk stratification score. The inclusion of molecular findings in risk stratification systems could improve the precision in the classification of SFTs, especially those of intermediate risk. Future studies will be required to determine the most effective way to incorporate molecular analyses into RSS on SFTs. The coexistence of several adverse factors such as ≥4 mitoses/10HPF, necrosis, Ki-67 ≥ 10%, mutations in HTER and/or p53 may suggest a closer clinical follow-up regardless of the histological appearance of the tumor.

The topology of vitronectin: A complementary feature for neuroblastoma risk classification based on computer-aided detection.

Tumors are complex networks of constantly interacting elements: tumor cells, stromal cells, immune and stem cells, blood/lympathic vessels, nerve fibers and extracellular matrix components. These elements can influence their microenvironment through mechanical and physical signals to promote tumor cell growth. To get a better understanding of tumor biology, cooperation between multidisciplinary fields is needed. Diverse mathematic computations and algorithms have been designed to find prognostic targets and enhance diagnostic assessment. In this work, we use computational digital tools to study the topology of vitronectin, a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix. Vitronectin is linked to angiogenesis and migration, two processes closely related to tumor cell spread. Here, we investigate whether the distribution of this molecule in the tumor stroma may confer mechanical properties affecting neuroblastoma aggressiveness. Combining image analysis and graph theory, we analyze different topological features that capture the organizational cues of vitronectin in histopathological images taken from human samples. We find that the Euler number and the branching of territorial vitronectin, two topological features, could allow for a more precise pretreatment risk stratification to guide treatment strategies in neuroblastoma patients. A large amount of recently synthesized VN would create migration tracks, pinpointed by both topological features, for malignant neuroblasts, so that dramatic change in the extracellular matrix would increase tumor aggressiveness and worsen patient outcomes.

Controversial issues in soft tissue solitary fibrous tumors: A pathological and molecular review.

The clinical evolution of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) remains unclear. Although various clinical, morphological and molecular criteria may indicate increased risk of malignancy, some SFT can still progress despite having a clearly benign appearance. Various risk stratification systems have been proposed, but unfortunately they are not sufficient to precisely determine the malignant potential. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on SFT, focusing on the following controversial issues: (i) the diverse morphologic spectrum: 'the great simulator;' (ii) malignant transformation or dedifferentiation; (iii) current risk stratification systems; and (iv) molecular factors associated with clinical evolution. The morphological spectrum of SFT and the list of differential diagnoses continue to expand. Both have increased considerably since the first descriptions of specific molecular alterations. A classification of malignant SFT should not be based on histology alone. The correlation of all pathological and molecular factors is recommended; its inclusion in risk stratification systems may help to improve diagnosis and prognosis.

Digital Image Analysis Applied to Tumor Cell Proliferation, Aggressiveness, and Migration-Related Protein Synthesis in Neuroblastoma 3D Models.

Patient-derived cancer 3D models are a promising tool that will revolutionize personalized cancer therapy but that require previous knowledge of optimal cell growth conditions and the most advantageous parameters to evaluate biomimetic relevance and monitor therapy efficacy. This study aims to establish general guidelines on 3D model characterization phenomena, focusing on neuroblastoma. We generated gelatin-based scaffolds with different stiffness and performed SK-N-BE(2) and SH-SY5Y aggressive neuroblastoma cell cultures, also performing co-cultures with mouse stromal Schwann cell line (SW10). Model characterization by digital image analysis at different time points revealed that cell proliferation, vitronectin production, and migration-related gene expression depend on growing conditions and are specific to the tumor cell line. Morphometric data show that 3D in vitro models can help generate optimal patient-derived cancer models, by creating, identifying, and choosing patterns of clinically relevant artificial microenvironments to predict patient tumor cell behavior and therapeutic responses.

Low miR200c expression in tumor budding of invasive front predicts worse survival in patients with localized colon cancer and is related to PD-L1 overexpression.

At the histological level, tumor budding in colon cancer is the result of cells undergoing at least partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The microRNA 200 family is an important epigenetic driver of this process, mainly by downregulating zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) expression. We retrospectively explored the expression of the miR200 family, and ZEB1 and ZEB2, and their relationship with immune resistance mediated through PD-L1 overexpression. For this purpose, we analyzed a series of 125 colon cancer cases and took samples from two different tumor sites: the area of tumor budding at the invasive front and from the tumor center. We found significant ZEB overexpression and a reduction in miR200 in budding areas, a profile compatible with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In multivariate analysis of the cases with localized disease, low miR200c expression in budding areas, but not at the tumor center, was an adverse tumor-specific survival factor (hazard ratio: 0.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.81; p = 0.02) independent of the clinical stage of the disease. PD-L1 was significantly overexpressed in the budding areas and its levels correlated with a mesenchymal transition profile. These results highlight the importance of including budding areas among the samples used for biomarker evaluation and provides relevant data on the influence of mesenchymal transition in the immune resistance mediated by PD-L1 overexpression.

Improving tumour budding evaluation in colon cancer by extending the assessment area in colectomy specimens.

AIMS: It is recommended that tumour budding in colon cancer be counted on haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections in a hotspot area of 0.785 mm2 with a ×20 microscope objective. However, tumour buds may be difficult to visualise on haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, and counting in such a limited area may result in overestimation in cases with focal budding. The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of various factors to improving tumour budding risk stratification: increasing the number of fields counted, using cytokeratin immunostaining, and recording proliferation, the apoptotic index and the emperipoletic index in tumour buds. METHODS AND RESULTS: We created an exploratory series composed of 172 cases of colon cancer in all stages, and we analysed the survival probability in a second cohort of 158 stage I-II patients. According to our results, counting of budding in 10 fields was the only factor that was significantly correlated with disease-free survival probability in stage I-II patients [hazard ratio (HR) for high versus low grade of 7.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.54-27.92, P = 0.01; HR for intermediate versus low grade of 3.02, 95% CI 1.54-26.72, P = 0.04). Emperipolesis was frequently observed in tumour buds, whereas the mitotic index and the apoptotic index were extremely low. Although cytokeratin immunostaining increased interobserver concordance, it did not improve the accuracy of tumour budding grading. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, counting in 10 fields significantly enhanced the budding grade risk stratification in colon cancer patients, and cytokeratin immunostaining could be reserved as a complementary technique for challenging cases with an inflammatory infiltrate and/or striking fibrosis.

Role of Activator Protein-1 Complex on the Phenotype of Human Osteosarcomas Generated from Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone tumor that usually arises intramedullary at the extremities of long bones. Due to the fact that the peak of incidence is in the growth spurt of adolescence, the specific anatomical location, and the heterogeneity of cells, it is believed that osteosarcomagenesis is a process associated with bone development. Different studies in murine models showed that the tumor-initiating cell in OS could be an uncommitted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) developing in a specific bone microenvironment. However, only a few studies have reported transgene-induced human MSCs transformation and mostly obtained undifferentiated sarcomas. In our study, we demonstrate that activator protein 1 family members induce osteosarcomagenesis in immortalized hMSC. c-JUN or c-JUN/c-FOS overexpression act as tumorigenic factors generating OS with fibroblastic or pleomorphic osteoblastic phenotypes, respectively. Stem Cells 2018;36:1487-1500.

Vitronectin as a molecular player of the tumor microenvironment in neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Vitronectin is a multifunctional glycoprotein known in several human tumors for its adhesive role in processes such as cell growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. In this study, we examined vitronectin expression in neuroblastoma to investigate whether this molecule takes part in cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix interactions that may confer mechanical properties to promote tumor aggressiveness. METHODS: We used immunohistochemistry and image analysis tools to characterize vitronectin expression and to test its prognostic value in 91 neuroblastoma patients. To better understand the effect of vitronectin, we studied its in vitro expression using commercial neuroblastoma cell lines and in vivo using intra-adrenal gland xenograft models by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Digital image analysis allowed us to associate vitronectin staining intensity and location discriminating between territorial vitronectin and interterritorial vitronectin expression patterns. High territorial vitronectin expression (strong staining associated with pericellular and intracellular location) was present in tumors from patients with metastatic undifferentiating neuroblastoma, that were MYCN amplified, 11q deleted or with segmental chromosomal profiles, in the high-risk stratification group and with high genetic instability. In vitro studies confirmed that vitronectin is expressed in tumor cells as small cytoplasmic dot drops. In vivo experiments revealed tumor cells with high and dense cytoplasmic vitronectin expression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the relevance of vitronectin in neuroblastoma tumor biology and suggest its potential as a future therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.

High Oct4 expression: implications in the pathogenesis of neuroblastic tumours.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastic tumours (NBTs) are paediatric solid tumours derived from embryonic neural crest cells which harbour their own cancer stem cells (CSC). There is evidence indicating that CSC may be responsible for tumour progression, chemotherapy resistance and recurrence in NBTs. Oct4 is a transcription factor which plays a key role in mammal embryonic development and stem cell fate regulation. The aim of the study is to elucidate the clinical significance of Oct4 in NBTs. METHODS: We studied Oct4 expression in 563 primary NBTs using digital image quantification. Chi-square test was applied to analyse the correlation between histopathology and the Oct4+ cell percentage. Survival analysis was carried out with Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. Additionally, a multivariate Cox regression analysis with the stepwise backwards (Wald) method was undertaken to calculate the impact of Oct4 expression level on survival. RESULTS: We found that tumours with a high proportion of cells expressing Oct4 correlated statistically with undifferentiated and poorly differentiated neuroblastoma / nodular ganglioneuroblastoma, and that Oct4 expression was not present in ganglioneuroma (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis also indicated a relationship between high Oct4 expression levels, high-risk patients according to the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group pre-treatment classification parameters, larger blood vessels and low survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the Oct4 gene may regulate NBT pathogenic differentiation pathways, and should thus be considered as a target for knockdown when developing novel therapies for high-risk NBT patients.

Structure/Activity Analysis of TASK-3 Channel Antagonists Based on a 5,6,7,8 tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine.

TASK-3 potassium (K+) channels are highly expressed in the central nervous system, regulating the membrane potential of excitable cells. TASK-3 is involved in neurotransmitter action and has been identified as an oncogenic K+ channel. For this reason, the understanding of the action mechanism of pharmacological modulators of these channels is essential to obtain new therapeutic strategies. In this study we describe the binding mode of the potent antagonist PK-THPP into the TASK-3 channel. PK-THPP blocks TASK-1, the closest relative channel of TASK-3, with almost nine-times less potency. Our results confirm that the binding is influenced by the fenestrations state of TASK-3 channels and occurs when they are open. The binding is mainly governed by hydrophobic contacts between the blocker and the residues of the binding site. These interactions occur not only for PK-THPP, but also for the antagonist series based on 5,6,7,8 tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold (THPP series). However, the marked difference in the potency of THPP series compounds such as 20b, 21, 22 and 23 (PK-THPP) respect to compounds such as 17b, inhibiting TASK-3 channels in the micromolar range is due to the presence of a hydrogen bond acceptor group that can establish interactions with the threonines of the selectivity filter.

Heterogeneous MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma: a SIOP Europe Neuroblastoma Study.

BACKGROUND: In neuroblastoma (NB), the most powerful prognostic marker, the MYCN amplification (MNA), occasionally shows intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH), i.e. coexistence of MYCN-amplified and non-MYCN-amplified tumour cell clones, called heterogeneous MNA (hetMNA). Prognostication and therapy allocation are still unsolved issues. METHODS: The SIOPEN Biology group analysed 99 hetMNA NBs focussing on the prognostic significance of MYCN ITH. RESULTS: Patients <18 months (18 m) showed a better outcome in all stages as compared to older patients (5-year OS in localised stages: <18 m: 0.95 ± 0.04, >18 m: 0.67 ± 0.14, p = 0.011; metastatic: <18 m: 0.76 ± 0.15, >18 m: 0.28 ± 0.09, p = 0.084). The genomic 'background', but not MNA clone sizes, correlated significantly with relapse frequency and OS. No relapses occurred in cases of only numerical chromosomal aberrations. Infiltrated bone marrows and relapse tumour cells mostly displayed no MNA. However, one stage 4s tumour with segmental chromosomal aberrations showed a homogeneous MNA in the relapse. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a rationale for the necessary distinction between heterogeneous and homogeneous MNA. HetMNA tumours have to be evaluated individually, taking age, stage and, most importantly, genomic background into account to avoid unnecessary upgrading of risk/overtreatment, especially in infants, as well as in order to identify tumours prone to developing homogeneous MNA.

9-ING-41, a small-molecule glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor, is active in neuroblastoma.

Advanced stage neuroblastoma is a very aggressive pediatric cancer with limited treatment options and a high mortality rate. Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) is a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. Using immunohistochemical staining, we observed positive GSK-3ß expression in 67% of human neuroblastomas (34 of 51 cases). Chemically distinct GSK-3 inhibitors (AR-A014418, TDZD-8, and 9-ING-41) suppressed the growth of neuroblastoma cells, whereas 9-ING-41, a clinically relevant small-molecule GSK-3ß inhibitor with broad-spectrum preclinical antitumor activity, being the most potent. Inhibition of GSK-3 resulted in a decreased expression of the antiapoptotic molecule XIAP and an increase in neuroblastoma cell apoptosis. Mouse xenograft studies showed that the combination of clinically relevant doses of CPT-11 and 9-ING-41 led to greater antitumor effect than was observed with either agent alone. These data support the inclusion of patients with advanced neuroblastoma in clinical studies of 9-ING-41, especially in combination with CPT-11.

Review with novel markers facilitates precise categorization of 41 cases of diagnostically challenging, "undifferentiated small round cell tumors". A clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive immunohistochemical (IHC) and molecular studies combined with morphologic findings, a group of round/ovoid cell tumors histologically similar to Ewing sarcomas (ES) but lacking EWSR1-rearrangements may remain unclassifiable. DESIGN: We retrospectively analyzed 41 Ewing-like tumors (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) previously determined as negative or non-informative for EWSR1-rearrangements by FISH and/or RT-PCR. A new histopathology revision and additional IHC and molecular analyses were carried out in order to investigate whether additional IHC and/or molecular testing in combination with the morphological findings may help in reaching a definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: Almost all the tumors (n=40) involved soft tissue and/or bone and half the patients died of disease. In the archival cases all diagnoses were Ewing sarcoma (ES), Ewing-like sarcoma (ELS), myoepithelial tumor and undifferentiated sarcoma (US). In the new review all the tumors were re-classified as, ES (n=16), Ewing-like tumor with EWSR1 rearrangement and amplification and possible EWSR1-NFATC2 gene fusion (n=1), CIC-rearranged sarcomas or undifferentiated sarcoma, most consistent with CIC-rearranged sarcoma (n=7), sarcoma with BCOR-alteration or undifferentiated sarcoma, consistent with BCOR-associated sarcoma (n=3), neuroblastoma (n=2), unclassifiable neoplasm with neuroblastic differentiation (n=1), malignant rhabdoid tumor (n=2), lymphoblastic lymphoma (n=1), clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract (n=1), small cell carcinoma (n=1), sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (n=1), desmoplastic small round cell tumor (n=1), malignant peripheral sheath nerve tumor (n=1), poorly-differentiated synovial sarcoma (n=1), Possible gastrointestinal stromal tumor/GIST with predominant round cells (n=1) and possible SMARCA4-deficient-sarcoma (n=1). NKX2.2, ETV4 and BCOR immunoreactivity was observed in all ES, CIC-rearranged sarcomas and sarcomas with BCOR alteration, respectively. CIC-rearrangement by FISH was observed in many of the CIC-rearranged sarcomas. CONCLUSION: Our analysis of 41 Ewing-like tumors confirms that there may be a significant pathological and IHC overlap among Ewing-like tumors, with prognostic and therapeutic impacts. Additional IHC (NKX2.2, ETV4 and BCOR) and molecular studies including FUS, CIC or BCOR analysis may support the final diagnosis when FISH or RT-PCR fail to detect EWSR1-rearrangements. Any molecular findings should always be interpreted in relation to the specific clinical and pathological context.

A stiff extracellular matrix is associated with malignancy in peripheral neuroblastic tumors.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE: Improved prognosis for patients with peripheral neuroblastic tumors (PNB) depends on enhanced pretreatment risk stratification combined with research into new therapeutic targets. This study investigated the potential contribution of extracellular matrix (ECM) elements toward this endeavor. METHODS: We characterized certain elements such as reticulin fibers, collagen type I fibers, and elastic fibers by digital pathology in almost 400 untreated PNB. RESULTS: A reticular and poorly porous ECM was identified in neuroblastomas (NBs) from patients with clinical and biological features associated with poor prognosis compared with a loose and permeable matrix found in NBs of the favorable cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressiveness patterns of ECM can be accurately determined by morphometric tools and could become candidate elements for novel therapies.