ABSTRACT
CIC-rearranged sarcoma (CRS) is a group of high-grade undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas examined as a separate entity in the current WHO classification; since it shows more aggressive clinical behavior and distinct morphological and molecular features compared to Ewing sarcoma (ES). As CCNE1 expression is associated with tumor growth in CIC::DUX4 sarcomas, we aimed to demonstrate the value of cyclin E1 expression in CRS. Cyclin E1 immunohistochemistry and break-apart FISH for EWSR1 and CIC gene rearrangements were performed on 3-mm tissue microarrays composed of 40 small round cell tumors. Five cases were classified as CRS, whereas 22 were ES and 13 were unclassified (EWSR1-/CIC-). Among all three diagnostic groups, we found cyclin E1 expression level to be higher in CRS (80 %) and unclassified groups (61.5 %) compared to ES (4.5 %, p < 0.001). In addition, high cyclin E1 expression levels were associated with higher mean age at diagnosis, presence of atypical histology and myxoid stroma, low CD99 expression, and presence of metastasis at diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of high cyclin E1 expression in detecting non-ES cases were 95.5 % and 66.7 %, respectively. However, the correlation between cyclin E1 expression level and survival was not statistically significant. This is the first study that shows cyclin E1 immunohistochemical expression in EWSR1-negative undifferentiated small cell sarcomas, particularly CRS.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Cyclin E , Gene Rearrangement , Oncogene Proteins , Repressor Proteins , Humans , Male , Oncogene Proteins/metabolism , Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Female , Adult , Cyclin E/metabolism , Cyclin E/genetics , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Young Adult , Child , Repressor Proteins/metabolism , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Immunohistochemistry/methods , Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism , Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma/pathology , Sarcoma/metabolism , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/diagnosis , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/methods , Aged , Child, Preschool , RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics , RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism , Sarcoma, Small Cell/metabolism , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosisABSTRACT
Undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas (USRS) of bone and soft tissue are a group of tumors with heterogenic genomic alterations sharing similar morphology. In the present study, we performed a comparative large-scale proteomic analysis of USRS (n = 42) with diverse genomic translocations including classic Ewing sarcomas with EWSR1::FLI1 fusions (n = 24) or EWSR1::ERG fusions (n = 4), sarcomas with an EWSR1 rearrangement (n = 2), CIC::DUX4 fusion (n = 8), as well as tumors classified as USRS with no genetic data available (n = 4). Proteins extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pretherapeutic biopsies were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using shotgun mass spectrometry (MS). More than 8000 protein groups could be quantified using data-independent acquisition. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis based on proteomic data allowed stratification of the 42 cases into distinct groups reflecting the different molecular genotypes. Protein signatures that significantly correlated with the respective genomic translocations were identified and used to generate a heatmap of all 42 sarcomas with assignment of cases with unknown molecular genetic data to either the EWSR1- or CIC-rearranged groups. MS-based prediction of sarcoma subtypes was molecularly confirmed in 2 cases where next-generation sequencing was technically feasible. MS also detected proteins routinely used in the immunohistochemical approach for the differential diagnosis of USRS. BCL11B highly expressed in Ewing sarcomas, and BACH2 as well as ETS-1 highly expressed in CIC::DUX4-associated sarcomas, were among proteins identified by the present proteomic study, and were chosen for immunohistochemical confirmation of MS data in our study cohort. Differential expressions of these 3 markers in the 2 genetic groups were further validated in an independent cohort of n = 34 USRS. Finally, our proteomic results point toward diverging signaling pathways in the different USRS subgroups.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Proteomics , RNA-Binding Protein EWS , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Translocation, Genetic , Humans , RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Female , Male , Adult , Adolescent , Young Adult , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Bone Neoplasms/genetics , Bone Neoplasms/pathology , Bone Neoplasms/diagnosis , Child , Calmodulin-Binding Proteins/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
Small blue round cell sarcomas (SBRCSs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with overlapping morphologic features but markedly varying prognosis. They are characterized by distinct chromosomal alterations, particularly rearrangements leading to gene fusions, whose detection currently represents the most reliable diagnostic marker. Ewing sarcomas are the most common SBRCSs, defined by gene fusions involving EWSR1 and transcription factors of the ETS family, and the most frequent non-EWSR1-rearranged SBRCSs harbor a CIC rearrangement. Unfortunately, currently the identification of CIC::DUX4 translocation events, the most common CIC rearrangement, is challenging. Here, we present a machine-learning approach to support SBRCS diagnosis that relies on gene expression profiles measured via targeted sequencing. The analyses on a curated cohort of 69 soft-tissue tumors showed markedly distinct expression patterns for SBRCS subgroups. A random forest classifier trained on Ewing sarcoma and CIC-rearranged cases predicted probabilities of being CIC-rearranged >0.9 for CIC-rearranged-like sarcomas and <0.6 for other SBRCSs. Testing on a retrospective cohort of 1335 routine diagnostic cases identified 15 candidate CIC-rearranged tumors with a probability >0.75, all of which were supported by expert histopathologic reassessment. Furthermore, the multigene random forest classifier appeared advantageous over using high ETV4 expression alone, previously proposed as a surrogate to identify CIC rearrangement. Taken together, the expression-based classifier can offer valuable support for SBRCS pathologic diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Sarcoma/genetics , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics , Sequence Analysis, RNA , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysisABSTRACT
CIC-rearranged sarcoma is a rare type of small round cell sarcoma. The tumors often affect the deep soft tissues of patients in a wide age range. They are highly aggressive, respond poorly to chemotherapy, and have a worse outcome than Ewing sarcoma. CIC-rearranged sarcoma has characteristic and recognizable histology, including lobulated growth, focal myxoid changes, round to epithelioid cells, and minimal variation of nuclear size and shape. Nuclear ETV4 and WT1 expression are useful immunohistochemical findings. CIC fusion can be demonstrated using various methods; however, even next-generation sequencing suffers from imperfect sensitivity, especially for CIC::DUX4.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Humans , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma/diagnosis , Sarcoma/genetics , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: CIC-rearranged sarcomas (CRS) are a group of heterogeneous tumors which mostly occur in the soft tissues of limbs and trunk, and are highly invasive with poor prognosis. Here, we describe a rare case of CRS that occurred in the left kidney with a CIC-LEUTX rearrangement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old male was admitted to hospital with a dry cough for more than two months without obvious cause. Physical examination and laboratory tests revealed no notable abnormality. The CT scan demonstrated a mass in the left kidney and multiple nodules in both lungs. The percutaneous core needle biopsy showed similar histomorphology and immunophenotype of small round cell malignant tumors. Genetic test revealed a CIC-LEUTX gene fusion. CONCLUSIONS: We present a rare primary renal CRS with multiple pulmonary metastases, and LEUTX is confirmed as the fusion partner of CIC gene for the first time in a renal case.
Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Male , Humans , Middle Aged , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Sarcoma/complications , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/complications , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney/pathology , Lung , Homeodomain Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
Small round cell neoplasms are diagnostically challenging owing to their clinical and pathologic overlap, necessitating use of large immunopanels and molecular analysis. Ewing sarcomas (ES) are the most common, but EWSR1 is translocated in several diverse neoplasms, some with round cell morphology. Molecular advances enable classification of many tumors previously termed 'atypical ES'. The current WHO Classification includes two new undifferentiated round cell sarcomas (with CIC or BCOR alterations), and a group of sarcomas in which EWSR1 partners with non-Ewing family transcription factor genes. This article reviews the spectrum of small round cell sarcomas within the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Humans , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Abdomen/pathology , Gastrointestinal Tract/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The group of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas, according to the World Health Organization Classification, in addition to Ewing's sarcoma (ES), includes round cell sarcoma with rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene with partners not from the ETS gene family, sarcoma with BCOR gene alterations, CIC -rearranged sarcoma. Despite the fact that all tumors have clear histological and immunological criteria, their diagnosis can be difficult, given the fact that there are overlapping variants of the morphological picture and immunophenotype both within the group and with other round cell tumors. OBJECTIVE: Present a comparative analysis of genetically verified ES, sarcoma with BCOR gene alterations and CIC-rearranged sarcoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative study of biopsy specimens of bones, soft tissues and internal organs was carried out in 118 patients with ES, 10 with BCOR gene alterations and 8 with CIC-rearranged sarcomas. All cases were genetically verified. The following research methods were used: histological, immunohistochemical, RT-PCR, RNA sequencing and FISH. RESULTS: Within our cohort, it was shown that ES predominantly affects bones, while soft tissue localization is more typical for the other two undifferentiated round cell sarcomas. Histologically, in the overwhelming majority of cases, ES is characterized by a monomorphic round-cell structure; on the contrary, heterogeneous structure is typical for sarcoma with alterations of the BCOR gene, CIC-rearranged sarcoma. High sensitivity and specificity of CD99/NKX2.2 co-expression for ES, BCOR/SATB2/TLE1 for sarcoma with BCOR gene alterations, high specificity and low sensitivity of WT1/ETV4 co-expression for CIC-rearranged sarcoma was shown. CONCLUSION: For the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated round-cell sarcomas, it is necessary to take into account the clinical, morphology when compared with the data of the IHC study, and verification by molecular genetic methods is necessary to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Humans , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Transcription Factors , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics , Algorithms , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/geneticsABSTRACT
CIC-rearranged sarcoma is a rare and extremely aggressive tumor that occurs mainly in soft tissues. Despite the fact that identification of a characteristic genetic rearrangement is necessary to verify the diagnosis, in most cases, the correct diagnosis can be made by comparing histological signs and a characteristic immunophenotype, which greatly speeds up the diagnosis. The article describes a case of CIC-rearranged sarcoma in a 14-year girl with the successful application of the CWS-2009 treatment protocol.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Gene Rearrangement , Diagnosis, Differential , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/geneticsABSTRACT
CIC-rearranged sarcomas are rare mesenchymal neoplasms belonging to the family of undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas. This report details the case of a 45-year-old man presenting with symptoms of mediastinal compression, radiological diagnosis of a mediastinal mass and rapid evolution to full-blown superior vena cava syndrome. The emergency was successfully managed with a pharmacological approach. Formulation of a pathological diagnosis of CIC-rearranged sarcoma was initially supported by fluorescence in situ hybridisation findings and later validated by next-generation sequencing, which showed CIC-DUX4 gene fusion. A chemotherapy regimen was started with immediate benefits for the patient. The spectrum of pathological entities able to cause superior vena cava syndrome is wide, and recognition of rare causes is important to tailor the therapeutic approach to the specific disease. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of CIC-rearranged sarcoma presenting with superior vena cava syndrome.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Superior Vena Cava Syndrome , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Sarcoma/complications , Sarcoma/diagnosis , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Superior Vena Cava Syndrome/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas (URCSs) represent a diagnostic challenge, and their optimal treatment is unknown. We aimed to define the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of URCS patients. METHODS: URCS patients treated from 1983 to 2019 at 21 worldwide sarcoma reference centres were retrospectively identified. Based on molecular assessment, cases were classified as follows: (1) CIC-rearranged round cell sarcomas, (2) BCOR::CCNB3-rearranged round cell sarcomas, (3) unclassified URCSs. Treatment, prognostic factors and outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 148 patients were identified [88/148 (60%) CIC-rearranged sarcoma (median age 32 years, range 7-78), 33/148 (22%) BCOR::CCNB3-rearranged (median age 17 years, range 5-91), and 27/148 (18%) unclassified URCSs (median age 37 years, range 4-70)]. One hundred-one (68.2%) cases presented with localised disease; 47 (31.8%) had metastases at diagnosis. Male prevalence, younger age, bone primary site, and a low rate of synchronous metastases were observed in BCOR::CCNB3-rearranged cases. Local treatment was surgery in 67/148 (45%) patients, and surgery + radiotherapy in 52/148 (35%). Chemotherapy was given to 122/148 (82%) patients. At a 42.7-month median follow-up, the 3-year overall survival (OS) was 92.2% (95% CI 71.5-98.0) in BCOR::CCNB3 patients, 39.6% (95% CI 27.7-51.3) in CIC-rearranged sarcomas, and 78.7% in unclassified URCSs (95% CI 56.1-90.6; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest conducted in URCS and confirms major differences in outcomes between URCS subtypes. A full molecular assessment should be undertaken when a diagnosis of URCS is suspected. Prospective studies are needed to better define the optimal treatment strategy in each URCS subtype.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Cyclin B , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/therapy , Sarcoma/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/therapy , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
The fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of soft tissue and bone tumors redefined Ewing sarcoma by fusions between EWSR1/FUS and ETS family of transcription factors, and recognized three tumor groups among Ewing-like sarcoma: CIC-rearranged sarcoma, sarcoma with BCOR genetic alterations, and round cell sarcoma with EWSR1::non-ETS fusions. Although this classification underscores the critical role of molecular genetics in the diagnosis of small round cell sarcoma, each entry is recognized as a specific entity not only because they have different genetics but because their phenotypes are distinct and reasonably robust to support the diagnosis. This review focuses on the morphological aspects of Ewing sarcoma and a subset of Ewing-like sarcomas (CIC-rearranged sarcoma, BCOR-associated sarcoma, and EWSR1::NFATC2 sarcoma) for which phenotypic characteristics have been well established. Classic histological findings, uncommon variations, and recurrent diagnostic pitfalls are addressed, along with the utility of recently developed immunohistochemical markers (NKX2.2, PAX7, ETV4, BCOR, CCNB3, and NKX3.1). Phenotypic expertise would significantly expedite the diagnostic process and complement (or sometimes outperform) genetic testing, even in well-resourced settings. Morphological knowledge plays an even more substantial role in facilities that do not have easy access to molecular testing.
Subject(s)
Bone Neoplasms , Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Humans , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology , Sarcoma/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Bone Neoplasms/diagnosis , Bone Neoplasms/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: CIC-rearranged sarcomas (CIC-RS) represent the most frequent subset of "Ewing-like" undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas. These tumors tend to be more aggressive than Ewing sarcomas. Moreover, treatment strategy can differ according to teams. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to describe the characteristics, treatments, and outcome for patients with CIC-RS included in the French NETSARC+ database. METHODS: Pediatric and adult patients from 13 French centers with a diagnosis of CIC-RS were registered from October 2008 to March 2021. Patients and tumors characteristics were collected from the national network NETSARC+ database (http://netsarc.sarcomabcb.org). CIC-RS diagnosis was pathologically and molecularly confirmed with a central review by expert pathologists. Two groups of patients were studied: those treated as classical Ewing sarcomas (cohort EwS) and those treated as high-grade soft tissue sarcomas (cohort STS) according to ESMO and/or EpSSG guidelines. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was used to compare survival. RESULTS: Among 79 patients, the male/female sex ratio was 0.7 and the median age at diagnosis was 27 years (range 2-87). With a median follow-up of 37 months, 39 patients died of the disease. Median overall survival from diagnosis was 18 months, with no significant difference between both cohorts (p = 0.9). Nevertheless, when focusing on patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis (N = 21), all patients from cohort STS died of disease while some patients from cohort EwS were still alive and in complete remission. CONCLUSION: FSG experience confirms the aggressive clinical course of CDS patients regardless of chemotherapy regimen.
Subject(s)
Bone Neoplasms , Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Skin Neoplasms , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Adult , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics , Sarcoma, Ewing/therapy , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Sarcoma/epidemiology , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/therapy , Bone Neoplasms/epidemiology , Bone Neoplasms/genetics , Bone Neoplasms/therapy , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/therapy , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis , Death , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion , Biomarkers, TumorABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, molecular genetic characteristics of CIC-rearranged sarcoma (CRS) with rhabdoid features. Methods: The clinical and pathologic data of two cases of CRS diagnosed between 2019 and 2021 at the Department of Pathology, Jiangsu Province Hospital were analyzed. Immunohistochemical study and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Both patients were female, one was 58 years old, with tumor located in left thigh; the other was 43 years old, with tumor located in left pelvic cavity. Microscopically, both tumors were composed of small to medium-sized round, oval cells, arranged in nodules or sheets. The tumor cells showed irregular nuclear outline, coarse chromatin with prominent nucleoli and brisk mitotic activity. Both cases showed rhabdoid phenotype with myxoid stromal changes. Immunohistochemically, both cases were positive for CD99 and c-myc. High WT1 reactivity was seen in classic area, with low reactivity in rhabdoid area. There was no INI1 lost in both cases. Both were negative for NKX2.2 and NKX3.1. By FISH both cases demonstrated convincing break-apart signals of CIC gene. One patient died of disease after 1 month, and the other died of disease after 3 months. Conclusions: CRS is a small round cell undifferentiated sarcoma of the bone and soft tissue defined by molecular genetic characteristics, and may show atypical morphologic and immunophenotypic characteristics such as rhabdoid features. A correct understanding of its rare morphologic and immunophenotypic characteristics, combined with molecular pathologic detection, is conducive to correct diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Female , Humans , Male , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Sarcoma/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Rhabdoid Tumor/diagnosis , Rhabdoid Tumor/genetics , Rhabdoid Tumor/pathologyABSTRACT
Undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas (SRCSs) of bone and soft tissue comprise a heterogeneous group of highly aggressive tumours associated with a poor prognosis, especially in metastatic disease. SRCS entities mainly occur in the third decade of life and can exhibit striking disparities regarding preferentially affected sex and tumour localization. SRCSs comprise new entities defined by specific genetic abnormalities, namely EWSR1-non-ETS fusions, CIC-rearrangements or BCOR genetic alterations, as well as EWSR1-ETS fusions in the prototypic SRCS Ewing sarcoma. These gene fusions mainly encode aberrant oncogenic transcription factors that massively rewire the transcriptome and epigenome of the as yet unknown cell or cells of origin. Additional mutations or copy number variants are rare at diagnosis and, depending on the tumour entity, may involve TP53, CDKN2A and others. Histologically, these lesions consist of small round cells expressing variable levels of CD99 and specific marker proteins, including cyclin B3, ETV4, WT1, NKX3-1 and aggrecan, depending on the entity. Besides locoregional treatment that should follow standard protocols for sarcoma management, (neo)adjuvant treatment is as yet ill-defined but generally follows that of Ewing sarcoma and is associated with adverse effects that might compromise quality of life. Emerging studies on the molecular mechanisms of SRCSs and the development of genetically engineered animal models hold promise for improvements in early detection, disease monitoring, treatment-related toxicity, overall survival and quality of life.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Ewing , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Aggrecans , Humans , Quality of Life , Sarcoma/diagnosis , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/therapy , Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Transcription FactorsABSTRACT
CIC-rearranged sarcomas are newly defined undifferentiated soft tissue tumors with CIC-associated fusions, and dismal prognosis. CIC fusions activate PEA3 family genes, ETV1/4/5, leading to tumorigenesis and progression. We report two high-grade CNS sarcomas of unclear histological diagnosis and one disseminated tumor of unknown origin with novel fusions and similar gene-expression/methylation patterns without CIC rearrangement. All three patients were infants with aggressive diseases, and two experienced rapid disease deterioration and death. Whole-transcriptome sequencing identified an ATXN1-NUTM2A fusion in the two CNS tumors and an ATXN1L-NUTM2A fusion in case 3. ETV1/4/5 and WT1 overexpression were observed in all three cases. Methylation analyses predicted CIC-rearranged sarcoma for all cases. Retrospective IHC staining on case 2 demonstrated ETV4 and WT1 overexpression. ATXN1 and ATXN1L interact with CIC forming a transcription repressor complex. We propose that ATXN1/ATXN1L-associated fusions disrupt their interaction with CIC and decrease the transcription repressor complex, leading to downstream PEA3 family gene overexpression. These three cases with novel ATXN1/ATXN1L-associated fusions and features of CIC-rearranged sarcomas may further expand the scope of "CIC-rearranged" sarcomas to include non-CIC rearrangements. Additional cases are needed to demonstrate if ATXN1/ATXN1L-NUTM2A fusions are associated with younger age and more aggressive diseases.
Subject(s)
Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Ataxin-1/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Gene Expression , Humans , Infant , Methylation , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma/pathology , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics , Transcription Factors/geneticsABSTRACT
CIC-rearranged sarcoma is characterized by round cell undifferentiated histology, frequent expression of ETV4 and WT1, and aggressive behavior. A clinical encounter of a case with CIC-DUX4 fusion and ERG/CD31 co-expression prompted us to systematically investigate ERG and CD31 expression status in 30 archival cases of CIC-rearranged sarcoma. Half (15) of them showed moderate or strong ERG expression in <5-100% of tumor cells, among which nine showed heterogeneous membranous CD31 reactivity, including four cases each showing diffuse or strong expression. None of them showed uniformly strong and diffuse ERG/CD31 co-expression; however, three cases were initially interpreted and treated as angiosarcoma without response. Except for smaller superficial tumor enrichment, the clinicopathological characteristics of these nine cases of ERG+/CD31+ CIC-rearranged sarcoma did not differ from those of remaining 21 cases. Five showed focal hemorrhagic clefts/cysts, mimicking vascular spaces. All tumors expressed ETV4 and/or nuclear WT1, and fusion to DUX4 was confirmed in seven cases. Four tumors examined by next-generation sequencing harbored no CIC missense mutations. Using DNA methylation profiling, one CD31+ CIC-rearranged sarcoma was clustered with CD31- CIC-rearranged sarcomas, but distant from angiosarcomas. When compared with epithelioid angiosarcomas lacking CIC rearrangements, ERG+/CD31+ CIC-rearranged sarcomas were distinguished by focal myxoid change and the entire lack of vasoformative architecture. The angiosarcomas were characterized by uniform strong expression of ERG and CD31, but none of them were found positive for ETV4 or nuclear WT1. Heterogeneous ERG/CD31 co-expression in a subset of CIC-rearranged sarcoma is a clinically relevant pitfall for angiosarcoma, as these two diseases are treated differently.
Subject(s)
Hemangiosarcoma , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Gene Fusion , Gene Rearrangement , Hemangiosarcoma/genetics , Humans , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Transcriptional Regulator ERG/geneticsABSTRACT
Round cell sarcomas represent a diagnostic challenge for pathologists due to the poorly differentiated pattern of these high-grade tumors. Their diagnosis often requires large immunohistochemical panels and the use of molecular pathology. These tumors are largely dominated by Ewing sarcomas, but new families are now well characterized, including in decreasing frequency order in bone, BCOR-altered sarcomas, NFATc2-rearranged sarcomas, mesenchymal chondrosarcomas and more rarely CIC-rearranged sarcomas and myoepithelial tumors. This progress report presents microscopic, immunohistochemical and molecular features of these tumors previously named by the inappropriate term "Ewing-like" sarcomas, in order to enable any pathologist to perceive the morphological features of these sarcomas, to select the immunohistochemical panel that will lead to the diagnosis and to better guide the molecular approach needed to establish the final diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Bone Neoplasms , Sarcoma, Small Cell , Sarcoma , Soft Tissue Neoplasms , Biomarkers, Tumor , Bone Neoplasms/diagnosis , Bone Neoplasms/genetics , Bone Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Sarcoma/diagnosis , Sarcoma/genetics , Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features of small round cell sarcoma (SRCS) of the bone and soft tissue, and to compare the diagnostic value of different techniques. Methods: Seventy-two cases of SRCS of the bone and soft tissue diagnosed at People's Hospital, Peking University from January 2016 to March 2020 were recruited and retrospectively analyzed for pathological morphology, immunophenotype and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) data. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on 13 difficult cases. Results: In the study cohort, the patients ranged in age from 4-55 years, with a male predominance. The most Ewing's sarcomas and osteosarcomas occurred in the bone, while CIC-rearranged sarcomas, BCOR-rearranged sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma and FUS-NFATc2 rearranged sarcoma occurred in soft tissue. Histologically, all cases were composed predominantly of small round cells. Most cases were positive for vimentin and CD99, and showed a variable reactivity for neurogenic markers. Muscle marker and epithelial marker were negative for most cases. Combined with clinical features, histopathologic findings, immunophenotype, FISH and NGS, we diagnosed 46 Ewing sarcomas, 14 osteosarcomas, 3 CIC-rearranged sarcomas, 1 BCOR-rearranged sarcoma, 1 synovial sarcoma, 1 clear cell soft tissue sarcoma, 1 extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, 1 FUS-NFATc2 rearranged sarcoma, and 4 undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas. Conclusions: SRCS of bone and soft tissue is a group of malignant mesenchymal tumors based on morphological features. Most cases can be diagnosed with a combination of clinical characteristics, morphological features and immunohistochemical phenotype, while some cases require such further tests as FISH and NGS technologies, and NGS can be useful in diagnosing and categorizing SRCS.