Early gastric cancer with RhoGAP fusion is linked to frequent nodal metastasis and a part of microtubular-mucocellular histology.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer with fusion genes involving the Rho GTPase-activating protein domain (RhoGAP-GC) is mainly included in the genomically stable type of The Cancer Genome Atlas classification. Clinical implications and histological characteristics of RhoGAP-GC in the early phase remain unclear. METHODS: We analyzed 878 consecutive pT1b GCs for RhoGAP and its partner genes using fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. RESULTS: RhoGAP fusion was detected in 57 (6.5%) GCs. Univariate analysis revealed that female sex, middle-lower third tumor location, advanced macroscopic type, tumor diameter > 2 cm, pT1b2, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, negative EBER-ISH, and RhoGAP fusion were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM). Multivariate analysis presented RhoGAP fusion, lymphatic invasion, tumor diameter > 2 cm, advanced macroscopic type, venous invasion, and middle-lower third tumor location as independent risk factors for LNM. Notably, RhoGAP fusion had the highest odds ratio (3.92) for LNM among analyzed parameters (95% CI 2.12-7.27; p < 0.001). Compared to non-RhoGAP-GCs, RhoGAP-GCs were significantly frequent in younger females and showed the highest incidence of lymphatic invasion (56.2%) and LNM (49.1%) (p < 0.001). Histologically, microtubular architecture with pseudo-trabecular interconnection and small aggregations of tumor cells with a varied amount of cytoplasmic mucin, named "microtubular-mucocellular (MTMC) histology," was found in 93.0% (53 of 57) of RhoGAP-GCs in the intramucosal area. MTMC histology showed high sensitivity and negative predictive value (93.0% and 99.4%, respectively) for RhoGAP fusion, albeit positive predictive value is low (34.9%). CONCLUSION: RhoGAP-GC is linked to a characteristic MTMC histology and a high incidence of LNM.

Review of TFEB-amplified renal cell carcinoma with focus on clinical and pathobiological aspects.

The disease entity of TFEB-amplified renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been recently established. In this article, we review such cases. Clinically, the age of patients ranged from 28 to 83 years with a mean age of 62.8 years. The size of the tumor ranged from 1.9 to 19.5 cm with a mean size of 8.7 cm. The tumor demonstrated a variety of architectural patterns such as solid, alveolar, papillary, pseudopapillary, nested or tubular. The International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade usually corresponds to grade 3 or 4. Cytomorphology shows eosinophilic, clear, amphophilic or even oncocytic cytoplasm. Necrosis can be frequently observed. Neoplastic cells with TFEB-amplified RCC show diffuse or patchy positivity for TFEB. Fluorescence in situ hybridization frequently show the amplification of more than 10 or 20 copies of the TFEB gene. Most TFEB-amplified RCCs behave in an aggressive fashion. Metastasis frequently occurs. In conclusion, this tumor seems to be characterized by occurrence in older patients, frequent necrosis, papillary/pseudopapillary growth pattern, high-grade nuclear grade, TFEB gene amplification, and aggressive clinical behavior. In order to clarify whether this tumor is a distinct entity from previously described renal tumors or not, a further examination in a large scale study will be required in the future.

ALK rearranged renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC): a multi-institutional study of twelve cases with identification of novel partner genes CLIP1, KIF5B and KIAA1217.

ALK rearranged renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC) has recently been included in 2016 WHO classification as a provisional entity. In this study, we describe 12 ALK-RCCs from 8 institutions, with detailed clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next generation sequencing (NGS) analyses. Patients' age ranged from 25 to 68 years (mean, 46.3 years). Seven patients were females and five were males (M:F = 1:1.4). Tumor size ranged from 17 to 70 mm (mean 31.5, median 25 mm). The pTNM stage included: pT1a (n = 7), pT1b (n = 1), and pT3a (n = 4). Follow-up was available for 9/12 patients (range: 2 to 153 months; mean 37.6 months); 8 patients were alive without disease and one was alive with distant metastases. The tumors demonstrated heterogeneous, 'difficult to classify' morphology in 10/12 cases, typically showing diverse architectural and cellular morphologies, including papillary, tubular, tubulocystic, solid, sarcomatoid (spindle cell), rhabdoid, signet-ring cell, and intracytoplasmic vacuoles, often set in a mucinous background. Of the remaining two tumors, one showed morphology resembling mucinous tubular and spindle cell renal cell carcinoma (MTSC RCC-like) and one was indistinguishable from metanephric adenoma. One additional case also showed a focal metanephric adenoma-like area, in an otherwise heterogeneous tumor. By IHC, all tumors were diffusely positive for ALK and PAX8. In both cases with metanephric adenoma-like features, WT1 and ALK were coexpressed. ALK rearrangement was identified in 9/11 tumors by FISH. ALK fusion partners were identified by NGS in all 12 cases, including the previously reported: STRN (n = 3), TPM3 (n = 3), EML4 (n = 2), and PLEKHA7 (n = 1), and also three novel fusion partners: CLIP1 (n = 1), KIF5B (n = 1), and KIAA1217 (n = 1). ALK-RCC represents a genetically distinct entity showing a heterogeneous histomorphology, expanded herein to include unreported metanephric adenoma-like and MTSC RCC-like variants. We advocate a routine ALK IHC screening for "unclassifiable RCCs" with heterogeneous features.

Comprehensive genetic analysis of cholangiolocellular carcinoma with a coexistent hepatocellular carcinoma-like area and metachronous hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: The genetic profile of cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CLC) and its origin in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. To elucidate the genetic profile of CLC, a comprehensive analysis of genetic mutations was carried out in a case of CLC with an HCC-like focal area and metachronous HCC. METHOD: Liver tissue was obtained from CLC, a co-existent HCC-like area, and metachronously developed HCC by laser capture microdissection of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens obtained by hepatectomy. Gene mutational profiles were analyzed comprehensively by next-generation sequencing and digital PCR. Relationships among gene profiles, immunohistochemistry, and clinicopathological findings were investigated. RESULTS: Mutations in EGFR, PTEN, RB1, TP53, and ERBB2 were found in CLC, whereas mutations in KIT, BRAF, PTEN, TP53, and SMAD4 were found in the coexistent HCC-like area. Only the mutation in PTEN has a common Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer ID in the CLC and coexistent HCC-like area, and is related to the kinase-RAS module. In contrast, no cancer-related mutations were found in the metachronous HCC. No TERT mutations were found in any of the regions by digital PCR. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 was negative in CLC, although ≤10% positive in the coexistent HCC-like area. Immunostaining of C-kit, HER2, PTEN, and SMAD4 were negative. CONCLUSION: The genomic features of CLC and the focal area of an HCC-like region differ, but are related to the kinase-RAS module. The development of carcinogenesis in the CLC and HCC-like areas in this case might differ, following a common PTEN mutation, although alteration of the kinase-RAS module is the most common molecular event in CLC.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma with Paneth-like cells: Clinicopathologic, morphologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular analysis of 13 cases.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) is well known for its intratumoral heterogeneity. Paneth-like cells (PLC) have been reported in variable organs (i.e., hepatobiliary, genitourinary, and female genital tract). In genitourinary system, it is possible to find PLCs in epididymis, urinary bladder and prostate. The objective of this study was to assess PLC in CRCCs 13 CRCCs with prominent PLC (CRCCPLC) were selected out of 1378 CRCCs in our registry. The tumors were analyzed using morphologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular genetic methods. CRCCPLCs were mostly of low histologic grade (12/13). Immunohistochemical profile was compatible with classic CRCC. PLC constituted 10 to-70% of the tumor volume (mean 17.7%, median 10%). PLCs did not express neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin, synaptophysin, CD56, INSM-1). Ultrastructurally, PLCs were filled by membrane bounded vesicles of various sizes and were compatible with secretory type of cells. VHL mutation was found in 9/9 cases, and LOH3p was found in 6/8 analyzable cases. Conclusions: PLC morphology can variably be present in "classic" CRCC, even in a substantial proportion. Ultrastructurally, PLCs have all attributes of secretory cells. Preliminary follow up data showed that these tumors may not be associated with aggressive clinical behavior.

A review of ALK-rearranged renal cell carcinomas with a focus on clinical and pathobiological aspects.

ALK-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC) has been recently proposed and incorporated into the recent World Health Organisation Classification of renal tumours as a provisional entity. In this article, we review ALK-RCC with a focus on clinical and pathobiological aspects. Seventeen cases have been described to date. ALK-RCC accounts for less than 1% of all renal tumours. The age of patients ranges from 6 to 61 years with a mean age of 29.6 years. Grossly, the tumour forms were ill-demarcated or well demarcated solid mass in the renal medulla. Histologically, RCC with VCL-ALK translocation resembles renal medullary carcinoma and mucinous cribriform pattern, signet-ring cell pattern and solid rhabdoid pattern are often observed in RCC with non-VCL-ALK fusion. Immunohistochemically, ALK protein diffusely expresses and TFE3 is often expressed. ALK gene can fuse to VCL, TPM3, EML4, HOOK1 or STRN gene. A break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridisation study is clinically available for the practice of definite diagnosis. ALK inhibitor therapy will provide great benefit for patients with advanced stage of ALK-RCC in the near future.

RAS Family Gene Mutations, Clinicopathological Features, and Spread Patterns of Inverted Urothelial Papilloma of the Bladder.

Inverted urothelial papilloma (IUP) is a benign neoplasm characterized by a downgrowth of the urothelium beneath the surface of morphologically normal urothelial cells; however, the molecular features of IUP and their association with clinicopathological characteristics are unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mutational landscape, clinicopathological features, genotype-phenotype associations, and spread patterns of IUP. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing of 39 consecutive IUP cases, the largest series investigated to date, and identified oncogenic driver mutations in RAS family genes in 34 cases (87%). HRAS mutations were the most prevalent (28 cases), which included Q61R (15 cases), followed by KRAS (5 cases) and NRAS (1 case) mutations. Characteristic mutations observed in urothelial carcinoma, including those in FGFR3 , TP53 , or the TERT promoter, were absent. HRAS -mutated IUPs were associated with a history of smoking ( P = 0.017) and streaming morphology ( P < 0.001), corresponding to the trabecular subtype. In contrast, all KRAS -mutated IUPs occurred in never-smoking patients ( P = 0.001) and showed cystic changes in morphology ( P = 0.005), corresponding to the glandular subtype. RAS Q61R immunohistochemistry visually revealed the neoplastic nature of the overlying cells and distinct spread patterns of IUP cells within the surface, including pseudoinfiltrative spread. No recurrence or carcinoma development was observed in any of the IUP cases during the follow-up period. Thus, we confirmed the importance of RAS pathway activation in IUP pathogenesis, an association between RAS family gene mutations and IUP subtypes, and the spread patterns of IUP cells within the surface.

Abnormal RNA structures (RNA foci) containing a penta-nucleotide repeat (UGGAA)n in the Purkinje cell nucleus is associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 pathogenesis.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31) is an autosomal-dominant cerebellar ataxia showing a Purkinje cell (PC)-predominant neurodegeneration in humans. The mutation is a complex penta-nucleotide repeat containing (TGGAA)n , (TAGAA)n , (TAAAA)n and (TAGAATAAAA)n inserted in an intron shared by two different genes BEAN1 and TK2 located in the long arm of the human chromosome 16. Previous studies have shown that (TGGAA)n is the critical component of SCA31 pathogenesis while the three other repeats, also present in normal Japanese, are not essential. Importantly, it has been shown that BEAN1 and TK2 are transcribed in mutually opposite directions in the human brain. Furthermore, abnormal RNA structures called "RNA foci" are observed by a probe against (UAGAAUAAAA)n in SCA31 patients' PC nuclei, indicating that the BEAN1-direction mutant transcript appears instrumental for the pathogenesis. However, it is not known whether the critical repeat (TGGAA)n contributes to the formation of RNA foci, neither do we understand how the RNA foci formation is relevant to the pathogenesis. To address these issues, we investigated two SCA31 cerebella by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a probe against (UGGAA)n . We also asked whether the mutant BEAN1-transcript containing (UGGAA)n exerts toxicity compared to the other three repeats in cultured cells. Histopathologically, we confirm that the PC is the main target of SCA31 pathogenesis. We find that the RNA foci containing (UGGAA)n are indeed observed in PC nuclei of both SCA31 patients, whereas similar foci were not observed in control individuals. In both transiently and stably expressed cultured cell models, we also find that the mutation transcribed in the BEAN1-direction yields more toxicity than control transcripts and forms RNA foci detected with probes against (UGGAA)n and (UAGAAUAAAA)n . Taking these findings together, we conclude that the RNA foci containing BEAN1-direction transcript (UGGAA)n are associated with PC degeneration in SCA31.

CDX2- and PAX8-Expressing Subtypes in Female Urethral Adenocarcinoma: Pathogenesis Insights through Immunohistochemical and Morphological Analyses.

Female urethral adenocarcinoma has attracted attention as a rare tumor type based on its differential pathogenesis from its male counterpart. However, to date, our knowledge concerning its immunohistochemical and morphological characteristics remains limited due to the small number of cases studied. In this study, nine consecutive cases of female urethral adenocarcinoma were used for immunohistochemical and morphological characterization of the tumor based on semi-comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis and detailed morphological evaluations. Our immunohistochemical assay revealed two subtypes of female urethral adenocarcinoma with distinctive staining patterns: the CDX2- and PAX8-expressing subtypes. The former stained positive for other intestinal markers (e.g., HNF4α and TFF1) as well (7 of 7 cases); the latter stained negative for these intestinal markers (0 of 2 cases) but stained positive for clear cell carcinoma markers (e.g., Napsin A and HNF1ß) (2 of 2 cases). Regarding cytokeratins, the former displayed a CK7- and CK20-positive immunoprofile (7 of 7 cases); the latter exhibited a CK7-positive and CK20-negative immunoprofile (2 of 2 cases). Morphologically, CDX2- and PAX8-expressing subtypes resembled intestinal-type adenocarcinoma and clear cell carcinoma (occurring in gynecological organs), respectively. The semi-comprehensive immunoprofiling data presented in this study can potentially contribute to the correct diagnosis of this rare tumor type. Finally, our study represents an important basis for future investigations aiming to further elucidate the details and origin of female urethral adenocarcinoma, and it can potentially contribute to developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treating this malignancy.

Mucinous tumors arising from ovarian teratomas as another source of pseudomyxoma peritoneii: MR findings comparison with ovarian metastases from appendiceal mucinous tumors.

Objective: The origin of pseudomyxoma peritoneii (PMP) has been established as low-grade appendiceal mucinous tumors (AMT). However, intestinal-type ovarian mucinous tumors are known as another source of PMP. Recently, it is advocated that ovarian mucinous tumors causing PMP originates from teratomas. However, AMTs are often too small to detect on imaging; then, differentiating metastatic ovarian tumors of AMT from ovarian teratoma-associated mucinous tumors (OTAMT) is important. Therefore, this study investigates the MR characteristics of OTAMT compared to the ovarian metastasis of AMT. Methods: MR findings of six pathologically confirmed OTAMT were retrospectively analyzed compared to ovarian metastases of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN). We studied the existence of PMP, uni- or bilateral disease, the maximum diameter of ovarian masses, the number of loculi, a variety of sizes and signal intensity of each content, the existence of the solid part, fat, calcification within the mass, and appendiceal diameters. All the findings were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Four of the six OTAMT showed PMP. OTAMT showed unilateral disease, had a larger diameter, more frequent intratumoral fat, smaller appendiceal diameter than those in AMT, and they were statistically significant (p < .05). On the other hand, the number, variety of size, signal intensity of loculi, and the solid part, calcification within the mass did not differ from each other. Conclusion: Both OTAMT and ovarian metastasis of AMT appeared as multilocular cystic masses with relatively uniform signal and size of loculi. However, a larger unilateral disease with intratumoral fat and smaller size of the appendix may suggest OTAMT. Advances in knowledge: OTAMT can be another source of PMP, as AMT. MR characteristics of OTAMT were very similar to ovarian metastases of AMT; however, in cases with PMP combined with fat-containing multilocular cystic ovarian mass, we can diagnose them as OTAMT, not PMP caused by AMT.

Identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusions in renal cancer: large-scale immunohistochemical screening by the intercalated antibody-enhanced polymer method.

BACKGROUND: Several promising molecular-targeted drugs are used for advanced renal cancers. However, complete remission is rarely achieved, because none of the drugs targets a key molecule that is specific to the cancer, or is associated with "oncogene addiction" (dependence on one or a few oncogenes for cell survival) of renal cancer. Recently, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion, vinculin-ALK, has been reported in pediatric renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases who have a history of sickle cell trait. In this context, ALK inhibitor therapy would constitute a therapeutic advance, as has previously been demonstrated with lung cancer, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, and anaplastic large cell lymphomas. METHODS: Anti-ALK immunohistochemistry was used to screen 355 tumor tissues, using the intercalated antibody-enhanced polymer (iAEP) method. The cohort consisted of 255 clear cell RCCs, 32 papillary RCCs, 34 chromophobe RCCs, 6 collecting duct carcinomas, 10 unclassified RCCs, 6 sarcomatoid RCCs, and 12 other tumors. RESULTS: Two patients (36- and 53-year-old females) were positive for ALK as determined by iAEP immunohistochemistry. Using 5'- rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends, we detected TPM3-ALK and EML4-ALK in these tumors. The results of this study were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. The 2 ALK-positive RCCs were unclassified (mixed features of papillary, mucinous cribriform, and solid patterns with rhabdoid cells) and papillary subtype. They comprised 2.3% of non-clear cell RCCs (2 of 88) and 3.7% of non-clear cell and nonchromophobe RCCs (2 of 54). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that ALK fusions also exist in adult RCC cases without uncommon backgrounds. These findings confirm the potential of ALK inhibitor therapy for selected cases of RCC.

Tumor B7-H3 expression in diagnostic biopsy specimens and survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer spans a broad spectrum from indolent to deadly disease. In the management of prostate cancer, diagnostic biopsy specimens are important sources of data that inform the selection of treatment. B7-H3 (CD276), an immune checkpoint molecule, has emerged as a promising immunotherapy target. B7-H3 expression is related to adverse clinical outcomes in various types of cancer; however, little is known concerning the association between tumor B7-H3 expression in diagnostic biopsy specimens and clinical outcome in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: We evaluated tumor B7-H3 expression levels in diagnostic biopsy specimens from 135 patients with metastatic prostate cancer and 113 patients with localized prostate cancer. RESULTS: High B7-H3 expression was more frequently observed in patients with metastatic cancer than in those with localized cancer (31 vs. 12%; p = 0.0003). In patients with localized cancer, the B7-H3 expression status was not associated with biochemical recurrence-free survival. However, among patients with metastatic cancer, high B7-H3 expression was independently associated with high disease-specific mortality (multivariable hazard ratio [HR] = 2.72; p = 0.047) and overall mortality rates (multivariable HR = 2.04; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor B7-H3 expression in diagnostic biopsy specimens may be a useful biomarker for identifying highly aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. Given the potential utility of anti-B7-H3 immunotherapy, this information may aid in stratifying prostate cancer based on its responsiveness to B7-H3-targeted treatment.

Differential expression of Toll-like receptors in follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Although Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mammals are well-known to play important roles in innate immunity, newer roles for the TLRs have suggested that cells with aberrant TLR expression may have a survival advantage over normal cells. Lymphocytes are one of a small number of cell types that express many of the TLRs, suggesting that abnormal TLR levels/signaling may potentially influence the progression of malignant lymphomas. Thus, frozen samples of 51 lymph nodes from patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) were analyzed for the expression of TLR1 to 9 using quantitative real-time PCR, and compared to those in reactive lymphadenopathy (RL) samples. TLR2 was over-expressed in both DLBCL and PTCL but not in FL when compared to RL. TLR1 and TLR4 expression was up-regulated in PTCL, while TLR8 was highly expressed in DLBCL. Although TLR5 showed lower expression in FL, expression of TLR3, TLR6, TLR7 and TLR9 did not vary significantly between different lymphoma subtypes. Double immunostaining revealed an increase in the number of TLR2 and/or TLR8 expressing lymphoma cells in DLBCL. In PTCL, TLR2 and TLR4 expression was localized to neoplastic T cells. TLR expression is highly variable among lymphoma subtypes. However, despite this some significant differences exist that may prove useful in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Impact of Immunohistochemistry-Based Subtypes in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer on Response to Chemoradiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: A bladder-sparing strategy is a useful option for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), in which the response to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is primarily important in achieving favorable oncologic outcomes. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based subtyping in MIBC on prediction of CRT response. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Treatment protocol consisted of induction CRT followed by partial or radical cystectomy as consolidative surgery; 118 eligible patients with nonmetastatic MIBC were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 92 eventually underwent partial or radical cystectomy after CRT. We applied the IHC-based subtyping model developed by Lund University, which classifies patients into urobasal (Uro), genomically unstable (GU), and squamous cell cancer-like (SCCL) subtypes. GU and SCCL cancers are supposed to be highly aggressive and to have worse prognoses than Uro. Correlations of subtypes with CRT response were analyzed clinically in all patients and pathologically in 92 cystectomized patients. The impact of each subtype on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) was also analyzed. RESULTS: Of all patients, 26 (22%), 61 (52%), and 31 (26%) were classified into Uro, GU, and SCCL subtypes, respectively. Clinical complete response (CR) was achieved in 42% of patients overall after CRT, with a significantly higher proportion in GU patients (52%) and SCCL patients (45%) than in Uro patients (15%; P < .001 and P = .01, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the GU/SCCL subtype was a significant predictor of clinical CR, as was absence of hydronephrosis or concomitant carcinoma in situ. Analyses for pathologic CR in the cystectomized patients revealed analogous findings. Five-year CSM of Uro, GU, and SCCL patients was 16%, 23%, and 28% overall, respectively, and 19%, 22%, and 23% in cystectomized patients, respectively, with no significant difference among the subtypes. CR status after CRT was significantly and independently correlated with low CSM in both clinical and pathologic evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: GU and SCCL cancers showed significantly more favorable CRT response than did Uro cancers. IHC-based subtyping may improve clinical decisions about the indication of CRT for MIBC patients.

High Ki-67 Expression Predicts Favorable Survival in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Treated With Chemoradiation-Based Bladder-Sparing Protocol.

PURPOSE: To evaluate associations of Ki-67 expression with oncologic outcomes in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-based bladder-sparing protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1998 and 2011, 190 consecutive MIBC patients were treated with CRT-based bladder-sparing protocol. After transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, the patients underwent induction CRT (40 Gy with concurrent cisplatin) followed by partial cystectomy for bladder preservation or radical cystectomy (RC). Included in this study were 94 patients who were histologically diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma and whose tumor tissues before CRT were available for immunohistochemical evaluation of Ki-67 expression status. RESULTS: After induction CRT, 16 (17%) and 53 (56%) patients underwent partial cystectomy and RC, respectively, while the remaining 25 (27%) did not undergo cystectomy. Successful bladder preservation was achieved in 34 patients (36%). Higher Ki-67 labeling index (LI) independently predicted CRT response clinically and pathologically. Among the clinicopathologic variables available before CRT and cystectomy, high Ki-67 LI (≥ 20%) was independently associated with better cancer-specific survival (CSS) (5-year CSS rate, 78% vs. 46% for low Ki-67 LI; P = .019). The difference in CSS according to Ki-67 expression status was more remarkable in patients with cT3 disease (5-year CSS rate, 72% vs. 29%; P = .0098). CONCLUSION: High Ki-67 expression predicts favorable CSS in MIBC patients treated with CRT-based bladder-sparing protocol. MIBC patients with high Ki-67 expression status might benefit from CRT-based multimodal approaches in terms of prognosis and quality of life as a result of bladder preservation.

Prognostic significance of HOXB4 in de novo acute myeloid leukemia.

As research into hematopoiesis advances, new factors associated with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity have been discovered, and the contribution of HSC factors to hematopoiesis is now actively being investigated. Since the involvement of stem cells is considered to be important in hematological malignancies as well as normal hematopoiesis, we examined the expression of newly defined HSC factors including HOXB4, TCFEC, HMGB-1, FOS, and SPI-1 in the bone marrow (BM) from de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Expression levels of mRNA extracted from frozen specimens of AML patients and normal controls were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the HSC factors, HOXB4 exhibited significantly higher expression in the BM of AML as compared with normal controls. Immunostaining for HOXB4 revealed that the HOXB4-positive cell ratios correlated well with the expression levels of mRNA for HOXB4 in AML BM. Based on the HOXB4-positive cell ratio, AML patients were divided into two groups (cases with higher ratios and lower ratios). The group with higher HOXB4-positive cell ratios had better prognoses as compared with the group with lower ratios. Multivariate analysis confirmed the HOXB4-positivity as an independent predictor of overall survival of AML patients. Lastly, mRNA expression levels for HOXB4 were inversely correlated with the expression levels of at least two genes, including ABCB1, which is known to be a multidrug-resistance gene. Our study distinguishes a subgroup of AML with higher HOXB4 expression and better prognosis, and this might be reflected by relative drug sensitivity in leukemic cells.

KLC1-ALK: a novel fusion in lung cancer identified using a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue only.

The promising results of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors have changed the significance of ALK fusions in several types of cancer. These fusions are no longer mere research targets or diagnostic markers, but they are now directly linked to the therapeutic benefit of patients. However, most available tumor tissues in clinical settings are formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE), and this significantly limits detailed genetic studies in many clinical cases. Although recent technical improvements have allowed the analysis of some known mutations in FFPE tissues, identifying unknown fusion genes by using only FFPE tissues remains difficult. We developed a 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends-based system optimized for FFPE tissues and evaluated this system on a lung cancer tissue with ALK rearrangement and without the 2 known ALK fusions EML4-ALK and KIF5B-ALK. With this system, we successfully identified a novel ALK fusion, KLC1-ALK. The result was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Then, we synthesized the putative full-length cDNA of KLC1-ALK and demonstrated the transforming potential of the fusion kinase with assays using mouse 3T3 cells. To the best of our knowledge, KLC1-ALK is the first novel oncogenic fusion identified using only FFPE tissues. This finding will broaden the potential value of archival FFPE tissues and provide further biological and clinical insights into ALK-positive lung cancer.