Stathmin is an Independent Prognostic Marker of Poor Outcome in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of cancer-associated proteins in uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). p53, DAXX, ATRX, HMGA2, IMP3, Stathmin, and phospho-Stathmin (p-Stathmin) protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in tissue microarrays from 244 uLMS. Expression was assessed for association with clinicopathologic parameters in 173 patients with available data. Tissue microarrays were informative in 230 cases. p53 was aberrant in 44% of tumors. DAXX, ATRX, HMGA2, IMP3, and Stathmin were expressed in 90%, 55%, 40%, 33%, and 97% uLMS, respectively. Cytoplasmic and nuclear p-Stathmin staining was seen in 77% and 68% of tumors, respectively. Stathmin expression was significantly related to higher mitotic count (P < 0.001), a higher degree of atypia (P = 0.006), and vascular invasion (P = 0.016), whereas p-Stathmin expression was significantly related to advanced stage (P < 0.001), higher mitotic count (P < 0.001), and vascular invasion (P = 0.001). In univariate survival analysis for 165 patients with informative tissue microarrays, aberrant p53 (P = 0.026) and higher IMP3 (P = 0.024), Stathmin (P < 0.001), cytoplasmic p-Stathmin (P < 0.001), and nuclear p-Stathmin (P < 0.001) expression was associated with poor disease-specific survival. Clinicopathologic parameters significantly related to poor disease-specific survival were older age (P = 0.006), extrauterine disease at diagnosis (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage ≥2; P < 0.001), high mitotic count (P = 0.02), and grade 2 to 3 atypia (P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, age (P = 0.002), FIGO stage (P < 0.001), and Stathmin expression (P < 0.001) were independent prognosticators. Stathmin was the only prognosticator in a multivariate analysis limited to patients with FIGO stage I disease (P = 0.013). In conclusion, Stathmin expression is strongly associated with poor survival in uLMS and may be a new prognostic marker in this malignancy.

Molecular characteristics of tubo-ovarian carcinosarcoma at different anatomic locations.

Carcinosarcoma (CS) is an uncommon and clinically aggressive malignancy. The objective of the present study was to characterize the molecular features of CS at various anatomic locations, including serous effusions. Specimens (n = 32) consisted of 25 biopsies/surgical resection specimens and 7 serous effusions (6 peritoneal, 1 pleural) from 25 patients. Fresh-frozen cell pellets and surgical specimens underwent targeted next-generation sequencing covering 50 unique genes. A total of 31 mutations were found in 25 of the 32 tumors studied, of which 1 had 3 mutations, 4 had 2 different mutations, and 20 had a single mutation. The most common mutations were in TP53 (n = 25 in 24 tumors; 1 tumor with 2 different mutations), with less common mutations found in RB1 (n = 2), MET (n = 1), KRAS (n = 1), PTEN (n = 1), and KIT (n = 1). Patient-matched specimens harbored the same TP53 mutation. Tumors with no detected mutations were more common in serous effusion specimens (3/7; 43%) compared with surgical specimens (4/25; 16%). In conclusion, the molecular landscape of CS is dominated by TP53 mutations, reinforcing the observation that the majority of these tumors develop from high-grade serous carcinoma. Whether CS cells in serous effusions differ from their counterparts in solid lesions remains uncertain.

Different Frequency and Clinical Role for MTAP Loss in Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) in mesothelioma. MTAP protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 113 mesotheliomas (60 pleural and 53 peritoneal), consisting of 36 effusions and 77 surgical specimens. MTAP expression was fully lost in 38 tumors and partially lost in 8 tumors. Loss of expression was significantly more common in effusions compared with biopsies/surgical resection specimens (20/36 vs. 26/77; P =0.017), and in pleural compared with peritoneal mesotheliomas (35/60 vs. 11/53; P <0.001). MTAP performed less robustly than BAP1 in comparative analysis of 57 tumors previously analyzed for expression of the latter protein (46 vs. 25 cases with loss of expression). In survival analysis for 69 patients with partial clinical data, male gender was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS; P =0.042), whereas loss of MTAP was associated with a trend for shorter OS ( P =0.058), with no prognostic role for patient age ( P =0.379) or anatomic site ( P =0.381). The association between loss of MTAP and poor OS became significant when survival analysis was limited to patients with pleural mesothelioma ( P =0.018). In conclusion, loss of MTAP expression is more frequent in pleural compared with peritoneal mesothelioma and has limited diagnostic relevance at the latter anatomic site. More frequent loss in effusion specimens suggests a role for this marker in effusion cytology. MTAP loss in pleural mesothelioma is associated with poor survival.

Occludin is overexpressed in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma compared to mesothelioma and is a marker of tumor progression and chemoresistance.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of the tight junction protein occludin in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Occludin protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 602 HGSC (417 effusions, 185 surgical specimens). Expression in mesothelioma (n = 87; 45 effusions, 42 surgical specimens) was studied for comparative purposes. Occludin protein expression was found in 587/602 (98%) HGSC vs. 40/87 (46%) mesotheliomas and was predominantly limited to < 5% of cells in the latter (p < 0.001). Occludin was additionally overexpressed in HGSC effusions compared to surgical specimens (p < 0.001) and was overexpressed in post-chemotherapy effusions compared to chemo-naive effusions tapped at diagnosis (p = 0.015). Occludin expression in HGSC surgical specimens was associated with poor chemoresponse (p < 0.001) and primary resistance (p = 0.001). Expression in effusions and surgical specimens was unrelated to survival (p > 0.05). In conclusion, occludin expression is higher in HGSC compared to mesothelioma, and this protein is overexpressed in HGSC effusions, possibly reflecting changes in adhesion related to anchorage-independent growth in this microenvironment. Overexpression in post-chemotherapy compared to chemo-naïve effusions suggest a role in disease progression. Occludin expression in surgical specimens may be related to chemoresistance.

Lymphovascular invasion and p16 expression are independent prognostic factors in stage I vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to identify clinicopathologic parameters associated with disease outcome in FIGO stage I vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSqCC). The cohort consisted of 126 patients diagnosed with vSqCC in the period 2006-2016 who underwent primary vulvar surgery and evaluation of groin lymph node status. Tumors were reviewed by an experienced gynecologic pathologist. p16 and p53 protein expression by immunohistochemistry and HPV status were analyzed in 116 tumors. Clinicopathologic parameters, protein expression and HPV status were analyzed for association with progression-free and overall survival (PFS, OS). p16 expression and aberrant p53 were found in 49 (42%) and 61 (53%) tumors, respectively. Sixty-six tumors were HPV-associated (57%). Relapse was diagnosed in 35/126 (28%) of patients, and 23 (18%) died of disease. Tumor diameter > 4 cm (p = 0.013), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI; p < 0.001), the presence of lichen sclerosus (p = 0.019), p16 expression (p = 0.007), p53 expression (p = 0.012), HPV status (p = 0.021), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) and post-operative radiotherapy (p < 0.001) were significantly related to OS in univariate analysis. Tumor diameter > 4 cm (p = 0.038), LVSI (p = 0.003), the presence of lichen sclerosus (p = 0.004), p16 expression (p = 0.004), HPV status (p = 0.039), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) and post-operative treatment (p < 0.001), were significantly related to PFS in univariate analysis. Age, BMI and surgical resection involvement were not significantly associated with OS or PFS. In multivariate Cox analysis, LVSI and p16 expression were independent prognosticators of OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) and PFS (p = 0.018, p = 0.037). In conclusion, LVSI and p16 expression are independent prognostic factors in stage I vSqCC.

Clinical significance of L1CAM expression in metastatic tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the expression and prognostic role of L1CAM in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). METHODS: L1CAM protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 644 HGSC (413 effusions, 231 surgical specimens). Expression was analyzed for association with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. RESULTS: L1CAM protein expression was found in 401/413 (97%) effusions and 209/231 (90%) surgical specimens, with significantly higher staining extent in effusions (p < 0.001). L1CAM protein expression in effusions was unrelated to clinicopathologic parameters (p > 0.05). In surgical specimens, higher L1CAM expression was significantly related to primary (intrinsic) chemoresistance (p = 0.017). High (>25%) L1CAM expression in HGSC effusions (p = 0.02), older patient age (p = 0.013), FIGO stage IV disease (p < 0.001) and larger residual disease volume (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis. In Cox multivariate analysis, only FIGO stage (p = 0.001) and residual disease volume (p = 0.003) were independent prognosticators of OS. L1CAM expression in effusions was unrelated to progression-free survival (PFS). There was no association between L1CAM expression in surgical specimens and survival. CONCLUSION: L1CAM is overexpressed in HGSC effusions compared to surgical specimens. Its overexpression in effusions is significantly associated with shorter OS, but not independently of established prognostic factors such as FIGO stage and residual disease volume.

Claudin-10 is a new candidate prognostic marker in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of the tight junction protein claudin-10 in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Claudin-10 protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 588 HGSC (414 effusions, 174 surgical specimens). Expression in mesotheliomas (n = 97; 47 effusions, 50 surgical specimens) was studied for comparative purposes. CLDN10 mRNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was analyzed in 40 HGSC effusions. Claudin-10 protein expression was found in 360/588 (61%) HGSC vs. 19/97 (20%) mesotheliomas (p < 0.001), and was higher in HGSC surgical specimens compared to effusions (p < 0.001). qRT-PCR confirmed the presence of CLDN10 mRNA in HGSC effusions. High (> 25%) claudin-10 expression in HGSC effusions was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS; p = 0.036) and progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.045) in univariate analysis, and was an independent prognosticator of OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.045). In conclusion, claudin-10 protein expression is higher in HGSC compared to mesothelioma, although the diagnostic power of this marker appear to be lesser than other claudin family members. Claudin-10 expression in HGSC effusions is marker of more aggressive disease.

The phosphatase PTPN1/PTP1B is a candidate marker of better chemotherapy response in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the expression and clinical role of the phosphatase PTPN1 (PTP1B) in serous effusions. METHODS: PTPN1 mRNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR was analysed in 83 high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and 15 malignant mesothelioma (MM) effusions. PTP1B and phospho-PTP1B (pPTP1B) protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analysed in 62 HGSC and 44 MM effusions. RESULTS: PTPN1 mRNA (P = .048), PTP1B protein (P = .047) and pPTP1B protein (P < .001) were overexpressed in HGSC compared to MM effusions. PTPN1 mRNA was additionally overexpressed in post-chemotherapy HGSC effusions compared to chemo-naïve effusions (P = .005). However, pPTP1B protein expression was higher in effusions from patients with FIGO stage III compared to stage IV (P = .006), and higher expressions of both PTPN1 mRNA (P = .041) and PTP1B protein (P = .035) in HGSC effusions were associated with better (complete) chemotherapy response at diagnosis. PTPN1 RNA and protein expression was unrelated to survival in HGSC, whereas a trend for shorter overall survival (P = .06) was found for MM patients whose tumours expressed pPTP1B protein. CONCLUSION: PTPN1 is overexpressed in HGSC compared to MM effusions, and may be a marker of better chemotherapy response in the former. Whether PTPN1 activation is informative of adverse outcome in MM merits further investigation.

Expression of palladin is associated with disease progression in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the expression and clinical role of the actin-associated molecule palladin in serous effusions. METHODS: PALLD mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 83 high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) effusions. Fifteen malignant mesothelioma (MM) effusions and 18 surgical HGSC specimens from the ovary were studied for comparative purposes. Palladin protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analysed in another series consisting of 261 HGSC effusions. RESULTS: PALLD mRNA was significantly overexpressed in HGSC compared to MM effusions (P < .001). Palladin expression by immunohistochemistry was found in HGSC cells in 106/261 (41%) effusions, most commonly focally (<5% of cells). PALLD expression was additionally higher in ovarian HGSC specimens compared to HGSC effusions (P < .001). However, immunohistochemistry showed only stromal expression of this protein in surgical specimens. PALLD mRNA expression in HGSC effusions was unrelated to clinicopathological parameters, chemotherapy response or survival. Palladin protein expression was higher in post-chemotherapy, mainly disease recurrence, specimens compared to chemo-naïve effusions tapped at diagnosis (P = .018), although it was unrelated to other clinicopathological parameters or survival. CONCLUSION: PALLD mRNA is overexpressed in HGSC compared to MM effusions, and its protein product is overexpressed in post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy HGSC effusions, suggesting upregulation along tumour progression. The presence of this molecule in HGSC effusions, at the mRNA or the protein level, is unrelated to disease outcome.

Death domain-associated protein (DAXX) expression is associated with poor survival in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical role of mitosis regulators α-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) and death-domain-associated protein (DAXX) in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). ATRX and DAXX protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 400 HGSC effusions. DAXX expression was additionally studied in 15 cancer cell lines, including 4 ovarian carcinoma lines, and in 81 of the 400 HGSC effusions using Western blotting. ATRX and DAXX were expressed in HGSC cells in 386/400 (96%) and 348/400 (87%) effusions, respectively. Western blotting showed DAXX expression in all 15 cell lines and in 70/81 (86%) HGSC effusions. DAXX expression by immunohistochemistry was higher in pleural compared to peritoneal effusions (p = 0.006) and in post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy effusions (p = 0.004), and its expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival in univariate of the entire cohort (p = 0.014), as well as analysis limited to chemo-naïve effusions tapped at diagnosis (p = 0.038). The former association retained its prognostic role in Cox multivariate survival analysis (p = 0.011). ATRX expression was unrelated to clinicopathologic parameters or survival. In conclusion, DAXX is associated with disease progression and could be a prognostic marker in metastatic HGSC. Silencing this molecule may have therapeutic relevance in this cancer.

Expression of the cancer stem cell marker SSEA1 is associated with poor survival in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

The objective of the present study was to perform a quantitative analysis of cancer stem cell (CSC) marker expression in ovarian carcinoma effusions. The clinical role of SSEA1 in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) was additionally analyzed. CD133, Nanog, SOX2, Oct3/4, SSEA1, and SSEA4 protein expressions were quantitatively analyzed using flow cytometry (FCM) in 24 effusions. SSEA1 expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 384 HGSC effusions. Highly variable expression of CSC markers by FCM was observed, ranging from 0 to 78% of Ber-EP4-positive cells in the case of CD133, with the largest number of negative specimens seen for SSEA4. SSEA1 expression by immunohistochemistry was found in HGSC cells in 336/384 (89%) effusions, most commonly focally (< 5% of cells). SSEA1 was overexpressed in post-chemotherapy disease recurrence specimens compared with chemo-naïve HGSC effusions tapped at diagnosis (p = 0.029). In univariate survival analysis, higher SSEA1 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.047) and progression-free survival (p = 0.018), though it failed to retain its prognostic role in Cox multivariate survival analysis in which it was analyzed with clinical parameters (p = 0.059 and p = 0.111 for overall and progression-free survival, respectively). In conclusion, CSC markers are variably expressed in ovarian carcinoma effusions. SSEA1 expression is associated with disease progression and poor survival in metastatic HGSC. Silencing this molecule may have therapeutic relevance in this cancer.

Chromosome Translocation t(14;21)(q11;q22) Activates Both OLIG1 and OLIG2 in Pediatric T-cell Lymphoblastic Malignancies and May Signify Adverse Prognosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The chromosome translocation t(14;21)(q11;q22) was reported in four pediatric T-cell lymphoblastic leukemias and was shown to activate the OLIG2 gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pediatric T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma was investigated using G-banding chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The malignant cells carried a t(14;21)(q11;q22) aberration. The translocation moves the enhancer elements of TRA/TRD from band 14q11 to 21q22, a few thousands kbp downstream of OLIG1 and OLIG2, resulting in the production of both OLIG1 and OLIG2 proteins. CONCLUSION: The translocation t(14;21)(q11;q22) occurs in some pediatric T-cell lymphoblastic malignancies. Activation of both OLIG1 and OLIG2 by t(14;21)(q11;q22) in T-lymphoblasts and the ensuing deregulation of thousands of genes could explain the highly malignant disease and resistance to treatment that has characterized this small group of patients.

Results of multigene panel testing in familial cancer cases without genetic cause demonstrated by single gene testing.

We have surveyed 191 prospectively sampled familial cancer patients with no previously detected pathogenic variant in the BRCA1/2, PTEN, TP53 or DNA mismatch repair genes. In all, 138 breast cancer (BC) cases, 34 colorectal cancer (CRC) and 19 multiple early-onset cancers were included. A panel of 44 cancer-predisposing genes identified 5% (9/191) pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and 87 variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified mostly in familial BC individuals (7/9) and were located in 5 genes: ATM (3), BRCA2 (1), CHEK2 (1), MSH6 (1) and MUTYH (1), followed by multiple early-onset (2/9) individuals, affecting the CHEK2 and ATM genes. Eleven of the 87 VUS were tested, and 4/11 were found to have an impact on splicing by using a minigene splicing assay. We here report for the first time the splicing anomalies using this assay for the variants ATM c.3806A > G and BUB1 c.677C > T, whereas CHEK1 c.61G > A did not result in any detectable splicing anomaly. Our study confirms the presence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in genes that are not routinely tested in the context of the above-mentioned clinical phenotypes. Interestingly, more than half of the pathogenic germline variants were found in the moderately penetrant ATM and CHEK2 genes, where only truncating variants from these genes are recommended to be reported in clinical genetic testing practice.

Fusion of the COL1A1 and FYN Genes in Epithelioid Osteoblastoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Epithelioid osteoblastoma is a rare benign tumor of the bone. Its pathogenesis is unknown and little is known regarding its genetic features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytogenetic, RNA sequencing, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), genomic PCR, and Sanger sequencing analyses were performed on an epithelioid osteoblastoma. RESULTS: G-banding analysis of short-term cultured tumor cells yielded a normal male karyotype in all examined metaphases. RNA sequencing detected a fusion of COL1A1 from 17q21 with FYN from 6q21. Both RT-PCR and genomic PCR together with Sanger sequencing verified the presence of a COL1A1-FYN fusion gene. In the COL1A1-FYN chimeric transcript, exon 43 of COL1A1 was fused to exon 2 of FYN. The genomic junction occurred in introns 43 and 1 of COL1A1 and FYN, respectively. CONCLUSION: A COL1A1-FYN fusion gene was found in an epithelioid osteoblastoma resulting in deregulation of FYN. Whether COL1A1-FYN represents a consistent genetic feature of epithelioid osteoblastomas, remains to be seen.

SOX2 and SOX9 are markers of clinically aggressive disease in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression, biological role and clinical relevance of cancer stem cell markers in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). METHODS: mRNA expression by qRT-PCR of NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, SOX4, SOX9, LIN28A and LIN28B was analyzed in 134 HGSC specimens (84 effusions, 50 surgical specimens). Nanog, OCT3/4, SOX2 and SOX9 protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 52 HGSC effusions. Nanog protein expression in exosomes from 80 HGSC effusions was studied by Western Blotting. OVCAR3 cells underwent CRISPR/Cas9 Nanog knockout (KO), and the effect of Nanog KO on migration, invasion, proliferation and proteolytic activity was analyzed in OVCAR3 and OVCAR8 cells. RESULTS: OCT4 mRNA was overexpressed in effusions compared to solid specimens (p = 0.046), whereas SOX9 was overexpressed in the ovarian tumors compared to effusions and solid metastases (p = 0.003). Higher SOX2 and SOX9 expression was associated with primary (intrinsic) chemoresistance (p = 0.009 and p = 0.02, respectively). Higher SOX9 levels were associated with shorter overall survival in univariate (p = 0.04) and multivariate (p = 0.049) analysis. OCT3/4, SOX2 and SOX9 proteins were found in HGSC cells, whereas Nanog was detected only in exosomes. Higher SOX2 protein expression was associated with shorter overall survival in univariate analysis (p = 0.049). OVCAR cells exposed to OVCAR3 NANOG KO exosomes had reduced migration, invasion and MMP9 activity. CONCLUSIONS: SOX2 and SOX9 mRNA levels in HGSC effusions may be markers of clinically aggressive disease. Nanog is secreted in HGSC exosomes in effusions and modulates tumor-promoting cellular processes in vitro.

Expression and clinical role of the dipeptidyl peptidases DPP8 and DPP9 in ovarian carcinoma.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) was recently identified as fusion gene in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical relevance of DPP8 and DPP9 in ovarian carcinoma, with focus on HGSC. mRNA expression by qRT-PCR of DPP8 and DPP9 was analyzed in 232 carcinomas, including 114 effusions and 118 surgical specimens (89 ovarian, 29 solid metastases). DPP8 and DPP9 protein expression was analyzed in 92 effusions. DPP8 and DPP9 mRNA was overexpressed in effusions compared to solid lesions in analysis of all histotypes (p < 0.001 both), as well as in analysis limited to HGSC (p < 0.001 for DPP9, p = 0.002 for DPP8). DPP9 mRNA was additionally overexpressed in HGSC compared to other histotypes (p = 0.021). DPP8 and DPP9 protein was expressed in carcinoma cells in 31/92 (37%) and 81/92 (88%) effusions, respectively. DPP8 protein expression in HGSC effusions was significantly related to better (complete) chemoresponse at diagnosis (p = 0.005). DPP8 and DPP9 mRNA and protein expression was unrelated to survival in analysis of the entire effusion cohort. However, higher DPP9 mRNA levels were significantly related to longer overall survival in pre-chemotherapy effusions (p = 0.049). In conclusion, DPP8 and DPP9 mRNA is frequently expressed in ovarian carcinoma, whereas DPP9 is more frequently expressed at the protein level. DPP8 and DPP9 may be related to less aggressive disease in advanced-stage HGSC.

Expression, activation and clinical relevance of CHK1 and CHK2 in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the expression and clinical role of CHK1 and CHK2 in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). METHODS: HGSC effusions (n = 335; 280 peritoneal, 55 pleural) were analyzed for protein expression of total CHK1 and its phosphorylated forms p-ser317 and p-ser296, as well as total CHK2 and its phosphorylated form p-thr68 using immunohistochemistry. Expression was analyzed for association with clinicopathologic parameters, including chemotherapy response, and survival. RESULTS: Carcinoma cells stained positive, predominantly at the nuclei, in the majority of cases (range 83-100% for the five antibodies), while expression in reactive mesothelial cells and tumor-associated macrophages was more variable. Total CHK1 (p = 0.037), p-CHK1ser317 (p = 0.001), p-CHK1ser296 (p = 0.002) and p-CHK2thr68 (p < 0.001) expression was significantly higher in post-chemotherapy disease recurrence compared to pre-chemotherapy effusions obtained at diagnosis. CHK1, p-CHK1ser296, p-CHK2thr68 and p-CHK1ser317 nuclear expression was positively related to expression of the checkpoint regulator WEE1, previously studied in this cohort (p = 0.003, p = 0.013, p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Higher total CHK1 (p = 0.007), p-CHK1ser317 (p = 0.004), CHK2 (p = 0.01) and p-CHK2thr68 (p = 0.048) expression was significantly related to shorter overall survival in univariate analysis, and CHK1ser317 was an independent prognostic marker in multivariate analysis (p = 0.025). Higher p-CHK1ser317 (p = 0.03) and CHK2 (p = 0.034) expression was additionally associated with poor progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: CHK1 and CHK2 and their activated forms are frequently expressed in HGSC effusions, with higher expression following exposure to chemotherapy, and their expression is related to survival.

Expression of 14-3-3 sigma and eta proteins is unrelated to survival in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical role of 14-3-3 family proteins in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Protein expression of 14-3-3 sigma (14-3-3σ) and 14-3-3 eta (14-3-3η) by immunohistochemistry was studied in 298 HGSC specimens (249 peritoneal, 49 pleural) and was analyzed for association with clinicopathologic parameters, chemoresponse and survival. The 14-3-3σ protein was diffusely (>75% of cells) expressed in 100% of carcinomas in analysis of a pilot series and was therefore not further analyzed. The 14-3-3η protein was expressed to a variable extent in 260/298 (87%) effusions. Higher 14-3-3η protein expression was significantly related to higher CA 125 levels at diagnosis (p = 0.004), but was unrelated to other clinicopathologic parameters, chemoresponse or survival. Analysis of the association between 14-3-3η and previously studied proteins regulating mitosis showed positive association with class III ß-tubulin expression (p = 0.025). The present study documents frequent expression of 14-3-3σ and 14-3-3η in HGSC effusions, but does not support a role for these proteins as prognostic markers or predictors of chemotherapy response in metastatic HGSC.

The diagnostic role of PTEN and ARID1A in serous effusions.

The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic role of PTEN and ARID1A in effusion cytology. Effusions (n = 279), consisting of 226 carcinomas (70 ovarian, 64 breast, 36 lung, and 15 uterine corpus carcinomas; 41 carcinomas of other origin) and 53 malignant mesotheliomas, were analyzed for PTEN and ARID1A expression using immunohistochemistry. PTEN was preserved in 166 (59%) tumors, partially lost in 38 (14%), and absent in 75 (27%), with lower expression in malignant mesotheliomas compared to carcinomas, though not significantly (p = 0.084). ARID1A was preserved in 243 (88%) tumors, partially lost in 18 (6%), and absent in 18 (6%). The majority of tumors with absent ARID1A were ovarian carcinomas, predominantly of clear cell or low-grade serous type. Reactive mesothelial cells in carcinoma specimens were uniformly positive for both proteins. ARID1A mutation analysis showed no mutations in eight analyzed specimens negative by immunohistochemistry. Loss of PTEN and ARID1A expression is highly specific for malignancy in effusion pathology. Loss of PTEN is not informative of organ of origin, whereas absence of ARID1A should raise suspicion of an ovarian primary.