Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type 1 Immunohistochemical Expression in Carcinomas of Gynecologic Origin.

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) is a new reportedly sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for carcinomas of breast origin, including triple-negative (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2) tumors. In our practice, we have observed a subset of cases of nonmammary carcinomas that are positive for TRPS1, with higher frequency in cytology effusion samples with metastatic gynecologic malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of TRPS1 in a large tissue cohort of Müllerian carcinomas. We retrospectively retrieved 105 cases of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gynecologic tumors from our surgical pathology archives. Cases corresponded to tumors of tubo-ovarian (17 high-grade serous carcinomas, 3 low-grade serous carcinomas, 2 clear cell carcinomas, and 8 endometrioid adenocarcinomas), endometrial (25 endometrioid adenocarcinomas, 8 serous carcinomas, 6 clear cell carcinomas, 12 carcinosarcomas, 1 dedifferentiated carcinoma, and 1 mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma), cervical (6 human papillomavirus [HPV]-associated squamous cell carcinomas [SCCs], 11 HPV-associated endocervical adenocarcinomas, and 2 HPV-independent gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinomas), and vulvar (2 HPV-independent SCCs and 1 HPV-associated SCC) origins. Immunohistochemistry for TRPS1 was performed in whole tissue sections and assessed for positivity (≥5% of nuclear labeling), distribution (focal: 5% to 49%, diffuse: 50% to 100%), and intensity (1+, 2+, 3+) in tumor cells. Positive TRPS1 staining was observed in 51.4% (54/105) of cases. Most tumors (64.8%) demonstrated diffuse labeling, while focal in 35.2%. Among positive cases, the intensity was predominantly 1+ (57.4%), followed by 2+ (33.3%) and 3+ (9.2%). Tumors with a high percentage of positivity overall consisted of tubo-ovarian (70%) and endometrial carcinomas (58.4%). TRPS1 immunostain is often expressed in gynecologic carcinomas. Awareness of this phenomenon is crucial when evaluating challenging cases in which the differential diagnosis includes a malignancy of breast origin, to avoid misclassification of the primary site.

Don't SUMP it! Utility of PLAG1 immunocytochemistry in basaloid SUMP subcategory.

BACKGROUND: Basaloid salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (B-SUMP) is an indeterminate diagnostic subcategory, with pleomorphic adenoma (PA) representing the most common benign neoplasm. Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) staining is frequently seen in PAs and could aid in distinguishing them from other basaloid neoplasms. The authors evaluated the utility of PLAG1 immunocytochemistry (ICC) in differentiating PAs from other basaloid neoplasms in smears and liquid-based cytology (LBC) specimens. METHODS: In total, 45 B-SUMP cytology aspirates and corresponding surgical excision specimens were identified. PLAG1 immunostaining was performed in all aspirates and surgical excision specimens and was scored as positive (strong/diffuse), equivocal (focal/weak), or negative. RESULTS: PLAG1 ICC was performed directly on 38 smears and seven LBC specimens. PLAG1 was positive in 29 of 45 cases (64%), whereas six of 45 (13%) were equivocal, and 10 of 45 (22%) were negative. PLAG1-positive aspirates included 26 (90%) PAs, two (7%) basal cell adenomas (BCAs), and one (3%) carcinoma ex-PA. PLAG1-equivocal aspirates included four (67%) PAs and two (33%) BCAs, whereas negative aspirates included five (50%) BCAs, four (40%) adenoid cystic carcinomas, and one (10%) metastatic adenosquamous carcinoma. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were 87%, 86%, 93%, and 75%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was 87%. CONCLUSIONS: PLAG1 ICC is useful when positive (strong/diffuse) and can be reliably performed on smears and LBC specimens. PLAG1 was positive in most PAs and in a small subset of BCAs. Therefore, in the absence of atypical cytologic features, PLAG1-positive tumors could be diagnosed as benign, with a note favoring PA versus BCA. In contrast, PLAG1-negative/equivocal tumors should remain in the B-SUMP category.

TRPS1 immunohistochemical expression in salivary gland tumors: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: TRPS1 is a new, sensitive marker for breast carcinoma (BC). Salivary glands and breasts are both exocrine glands; thus, their tumors may share similar morphology and immunophenotype. Among salivary gland-type BC, TRPS1 is reported to be positive in secretory carcinomas (SCs) but negative in acinic cell carcinomas (AciCCs) and most adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs). A subset of salivary duct carcinomas (SDCs) is positive for TRPS1. Herein, we investigate TRPS1 immunohistochemical expression in salivary gland tumors (SGTs). METHODS: A retrospective search yielded 110 SGTs (97 primary and 13 metastatic). TRPS1 immunohistochemistry was scored as negative, low positive, intermediate positive, or strongly positive. RESULTS: TRPS1 was expressed in 78% (14/18) of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) cases but negative/low positive in all Warthin tumors (6/6 [100%]). In basal cell adenoma (BCA), TRPS1 expression was intermediate to strong (13/14 [92%]) in the stromal cells, whereas ductal or basal cells showed low expression. TRPS1 expression varied in malignant SGTs, with intermediate to strong staining in 100% (15/15) of AdCCs, 100% (5/5) of basal cell adenocarcinoma, 100% (3/3) of intraductal carcinoma, 89% (8/9) of polymorphous adenocarcinoma, and 89% (7/8) of SDCs; negative/low positive expression was observed in 100% (3/3) of SCs, 89% (8/9) of AciCCs, and 50% (3/3) of mucoepidermoid carcinomas. In addition, strong and intermediate TRPS1 expression was observed in metastatic SGT to the lungs, lymph nodes, and soft tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, TRPS1 is strongly expressed in PA as well as malignant and metastatic SGT. In addition, TRPS1 is positive in stromal cells of BCA but negative or low positive in ductal and basal cells.

Probability of malignancy and molecular alterations as determined by ThyroSeq v3 genomic classifier in Bethesda Category IV.

BACKGROUND: ThyroSeq molecular testing assesses the probability of malignancy (POM) in thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with indeterminate cytology. The aim was to investigate whether Bethesda category IV (BIV) subcategories are associated with specific molecular alterations, molecular-derived risk of malignancy (MDROM), and risk of malignancy (ROM). METHODS: FNAC slides, associated ThyroSeq, version 3, Genomic Classifier results, and surgical follow-up were retrieved for BIV nodules. Nodules were subcategorized as follicular neoplasm (FN) with or without cytologic atypia or oncocytic follicular neoplasm (OFN). The MDROM, ROM, and frequency of molecular alterations in FN and OFN were analyzed. p < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 92 FNAC were identified and subcategorized into 46 FN (15 with and 31 without cytologic atypia) and 46 OFN. The benign call rate and the positive call rate were 49% and 51%, respectively. The MDROM in BIV was 34.3%, trending lower in OFN than in FN. RAS mutations were significantly more frequent in FN when compared to OFN (p = .02). Chromosomal copy number alterations were more often present in OFN than in FN (p < .01). On histologic follow-up, ROM in OFN was trending lower than in FN (p = .1). The most common diagnosis in OFN was oncocytic adenoma, whereas follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma was most common in FN. CONCLUSIONS: The MDROM and ROM were trending lower in OFN compared with FN, and the molecular alterations differed between OFN and FN subcategories.

Utility of TRPS1 in Malignant Effusion Cytology.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying metastatic breast carcinoma (mBC) in malignant effusion cytology (MEC) specimens is critical, as this will determine the patient's prognosis and therapeutic management. Overlapping cytomorphologic features of breast carcinoma (BC) with other neoplastic entities makes the use of sensitive and specific markers highly desirable. Recent studies have reported trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) as a sensitive and specific marker for primary BC and mBC. We aimed to investigate TRPS1 expression in MEC of mBC and its most common diagnostic mimickers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective search from the pathology archives identified 82 MEC. TRPS1 expression in mBC was analyzed, and the results were compared to those in metastatic carcinoma of Müllerian origin (mMC) and metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma (mPAC). TRPS1 immunoperoxidase was performed on cytospin or cell block preparations, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Nuclear expression for TRPS1 was evaluated and scored as positive (≥1% of tumor cells) or negative. Nuclear TRPS1 expression was seen in 100% (30/30) mBC, 72% (18/25) mMC, and 7% (2/27) mPAC. This resulted in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of 100%, 61%, 60%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TRPS1 is a sensitive marker for mBC and can be reliably performed on cytology specimens. TRPS1 expression was also identified in a significant proportion of mMC, creating a potential diagnostic pitfall. Therefore, caution should be exercised when evaluating MEC of mBC with TRPS1. Consequently, a combination of immunoperoxidase panels should be employed in this setting.

Utility of high-risk HPV RNA chromogenic in situ hybridization in cytology smears and liquid-based preparations from metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) status is critical for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Patients often present with enlarged cervical nodes, and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is frequently the initial diagnostic procedure. Although p16 is the most widely used surrogate marker, problems with interpretation can limit its utility in FNAC. HR-HPV RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) has emerged as a specific way to assess HPV status on cell block preparations of cervical nodes. The authors evaluated the utility of HR-HPV ISH in conventional smears and liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparations of metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: Thirty-one aspirates of proven, HPV-related SCC (confirmed by p16 and/or HR-HPV ISH in corresponding surgical specimens) were selected. Ten aspirates of HPV-negative SCC were also retrieved. HR-HPV ISH was performed on 27 smears and 14 LBC preparations. All results were scored as positive, equivocal, or negative. RESULTS: Eighty-four percent of metastatic, HPV-related SCCs were positive for HR-HPV RNA ISH, with high number of signals (n = 19) and low number of signals (n = 7), whereas five HPV-related SCCs were equivocal. All metastatic, HPV-negative SCCs were negative for HR-HPV ISH. CONCLUSIONS: HR-HPV ISH can be reliably performed on smears or LBC preparations, particularly when cell blocks are unavailable or paucicellular. Results were easy to interpret when high numbers of signals were present but were challenging in aspirates with low or rare number of signals. The current study suggests that HR-HPV ISH could be used as the initial testing modality for determining HPV status in FNAC specimens of metastatic SCC.

Axillary lymph node "bubbly" calcifications and body tattoo: A case series and proposed algorithm to minimize lymph node biopsies.

The presence of mammographically evident hyperdense foci within axillary lymph nodes elicits concern for calcium deposits, which in turn have a wide differential diagnosis including both benign and malignant entities. Tissue sampling, most commonly by way of image-guided core needle biopsy, is needed in many cases when a definite etiology cannot be clinically established. In this case series we present history, imaging findings, and pathology results (or long term follow-up stability as biopsy surrogate) of several women with body tattoos who at mammography were noted to have a characteristic pattern of "bubbly" pseudo-calcifications within axillary lymph nodes, and absence of other mammographic, sonographic and clinical abnormalities.

Utility of NR4A3 on FNA cytology smears and liquid-based preparations of salivary gland.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is generally the initial sampling method for salivary gland neoplasms. The cytomorphologic features of acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of salivary gland can overlap with other neoplastic and nonneoplastic entities. AciCCs harbor a recurrent t(4;9) rearrangement with upregulation of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3). NR4A3 protein overexpression has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of AciCC in histologic specimens and cell block preparations. However, data on NR4A3 immunocytochemistry (ICC) on conventional smears or liquid-based cytology are limited. METHODS: The authors identified 18 FNAC of histologically proven AciCC cases between 2013 and 2019. FNAC samples of diagnostic mimickers were likewise retrieved and included in the study cohort for comparison. The NOR1/NR4A3 mouse monoclonal antibody was applied directly to FNAC slides using a standard ICC technique. RESULTS: The cohort included ethanol-fixed Papanicolaou-stained cytologic smears and liquid-based preparations from 18 AciCC, one secretory carcinoma, four mucoepidermoid carcinomas, four salivary duct carcinomas, five pleomorphic adenomas (PA), five Warthin tumors, five oncocytomas, one oncocytic hyperplasia, and five nonneoplastic salivary gland cases. Strong nuclear staining for NR4A3 was present in all AciCC, weak nuclear staining was present in one PA, and all other non-AciCC were negative (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 97%). CONCLUSIONS: NR4A3 ICC can be used directly on FNAC conventional smears and liquid-based cytology to reliably distinguish AciCC from its mimickers. This marker may be useful in cases where a cell block preparation is unavailable or inadequate.

Probability of malignancy as determined by ThyroSeq v3 genomic classifier varies according to the subtype of atypia.

BACKGROUND: ThyroSeq assesses the probability of malignancy (POM) in thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS). The authors investigated whether defined AUS subcategories are associated with specific molecular alterations, the molecular-derived risk of malignancy (MDROM), and the risk of malignancy (ROM). METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration cytology reports of AUS and corresponding results from the ThyroSeq version 3 genomic classifier results were retrieved and subcategorized as follicular cells with either cytologic atypia (FC-C), architectural atypia (FC-A), both cytologic and architectural atypia (FC-CA), or a predominance of Hurthle cells (PHC). The MDROM, ROM, and frequency of molecular alterations by subcategory were computed and analyzed, and p < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The final analysis included 541 cases subdivided into 233 with FC-A, 104 with FC-C, 116 with FC-CA, and 88 with PHC. The benign call rate and positive call rate for the AUS category were 72% and 28%, respectively, which varied between AUS subcategories. The MDROM by subcategory was 15.9% FC-A, 20.5% FC-C, 33.8% FC-CA, and 14.4% PHC. Histologic follow-up was available for 155 (28%) AUS cases with a follow-up period ≥12 months. The 95% confidence intervals of the MDROMs overlapped with the ROMs. The highest MDROM and ROM were in the FC-CA subcategory. RAS mutations were present in all subcategories. BRAF V600E mutations and papillary thyroid carcinoma were most frequent in the FC-CA subcategory. Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features was significantly more frequent in the FC-C subcategory. CONCLUSIONS: The current results demonstrated that AUS subcategories are associated with specific genetic alterations, the MDROM, and the ROM. Molecular results and an awareness of various cancer probabilities within AUS subcategories can allow for a more tailored management.

Application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology: A Single Institutional Experience of 354 Cases with Cytologic-Histologic Correlation.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of salivary gland lesions is routinely done preoperatively by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC), with diagnostic categories I-VI, has been recommended to standardize the reporting of salivary gland lesions by FNAC. We aimed to reclassify archival salivary gland FNAC samples using MSRSGC, correlate the samples with surgical resections, and calculate the risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category. METHODS: A total of 354 salivary gland FNAC samples (2013-2018) were reviewed. All FNAC results were retrospectively classified according to the MSRSGC. All cases had surgical follow-up. Histology was used to calculate the ROM, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: The 354 aspirates were classified as: nondiagnostic (ND) 17.0% (60), non-neoplastic (NN) 1.4% (5), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) 11.0% (39), benign neoplasm (BN) 49.4% (175), salivary gland neoplasms of unknown malignant potential (SUMP) 10.7% (38), suspicious for malignancy (SM) 3.4% (12), and malignant (M) 7.1% (25). The ROM was as follows: ND 22%, NN 20%, AUS 15%, BN 2%, SUMP 53%, SM 75%, and M 96%. The diagnostic accuracy for separating benign versus malignant neoplasms was 96%. Cytologic-histologic correlation yielded a false-negative rate of 2.7%, false-positive rate of 10.5%, PPV of 89%, NPV of 97%, sensitivity of 87%, and specificity of 98%. CONCLUSION: MSRSGC helps standardize cytology reports, provides useful information for appropriate clinical management, and ensures the best care of patients with salivary gland lesions.

Redefining Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Perineural invasion (PNI) negatively affects disease-specific survival in patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC). We aim to analyze the prognostic implications of PNI-related features. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with HNcSCC between January 2011 and October 2019 who underwent resection, parotidectomy, and neck dissection with more than 1 year of follow-up. PNI was classified as incidental (identified on histopathology alone) or clinical (present on radiography and/or physical exam). Primary outcome measures were overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS). Kaplan-Meier analysis, logistic regression, and Cox regression were performed. RESULTS: The overall 5-year DFS was 57.9%. Sixty-one patients had PNI. On histopathology, 28 lesions showed complete nerve encirclement, 10 involved >5 nerves, and 12 involved named nerves. Patients with facial weakness (P = .026) and positive margins (P = .0029) had a higher likelihood of histopathologic PNI, and positive margins retained significance on multivariable analysis (P = .0079). Worse DFS was seen in patients with PNI (P = .004), advanced tumor stage (P = .049), positive margins (P = .014), and >5 nerves involved (P = .0061). Furthermore, histopathologic PNI was a predictor of DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.07; 95% CI, 0.33-1.38; P = .0061) overall and in the clinical PNI cohort (HR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.65-7.10; P = .00091). CONCLUSION: DFS was significantly worse in patients with PNI, facial nerve weakness, advanced T stage, positive margins, and multiple nerve involvement. Further characterization of PNI features may help improve prognostic predictions and identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatment.

Mesenchymal Neoplasms of Salivary Glands: A Clinicopathologic Study of 68 Cases.

Salivary gland neoplasms are uncommon, and most exhibit epithelial differentiation. Mesenchymal neoplasms of the salivary gland are rare, and the incidence ranges from 1.9% to 5%. The aim of this study is to identify the types and clinical-pathological features of mesenchymal salivary neoplasm and review their differential diagnosis. A retrospective search for mesenchymal neoplasms of salivary glands from our institution's pathology archives from the 2004-2021 period and consultation files of one of the authors (AER) was performed. The clinical data were obtained from available medical records, and the histological slides and ancillary studies were retrieved and reviewed. We identified a total of 68 cases that form the study cohort. Thirty-five patients were male, and thirty-three patients were female, with a mean age of 48 years (range, 7 months-79 years), and the male to female ratio was 1:.94. Sixty-three (92.6%) of sixty-eight tumors were benign and included: 38 (56%) lipomas, 9 (13%) hemangiomas, 7 (10.3%) schwannomas, 3 (4.4%) neurofibromas, 3 (4.4%) lymphangioma, 2 (3%) solitary fibrous tumors, 1 (1.5%) myofibroma. Five of sixty-eight (7.4%) were malignant and included: 3 (4.4%) Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcomas, 1 (1.5%) malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), and 1 (1.5%) malignant solitary fibrous tumor. The involved sites included: parotid (55), submandibular gland (5), parapharyngeal space (5), buccal mucosa minor salivary gland (2), and sublingual gland (1). Sixty-seven patients underwent surgical resection. One patient with lymphangioma manifested a recurrence/persistence a week post-surgery. One patient with a parotid hemangioma developed post-operative numbness, and another patient developed chronic postauricular pain after surgery. Two patients with MPNST and one patient with adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and were disease-free after treatment. The remaining 37 patients with available follow-up ranging from 7 days to 96 months (mean, 18 months) had a favorable outcome and were disease-free after treatment. Mesenchymal neoplasms of salivary gland are rare; most are benign and demonstrate adipocytic, endothelial, and schwannian differentiation; awareness of their development is important for adequate diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision, with the extent determined by tumor type. Adjuvant therapy is reserved for high-grade sarcomas and may be given in a neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting.

Risk of malignancy associated with the diagnostic categories proposed by the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology for pancreaticobiliary specimens: An institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: The guidelines published by the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) intend to unify the reporting language in pancreaticobiliary specimens and improve communication between cytopathologists and clinicians. The six categories in the system will determine the best management for patients. However, there is limited evidence regarding the risk of malignancy (ROM) associated with each category. METHODS: A retrospective search was performed for pancreaticobiliary fine-needle aspiration (FNA) reports with corresponding surgical follow-up. Cases were reclassified according to the PSC. The ROM, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for each category. RESULTS: A total of 297 cases were identified and reclassified as: 30 nondiagnostic (category I), 45 negative for malignancy (II), 20 atypical (III), 42 neoplastic: other (IVB), 19 suspicious for malignancy (V), and 141 malignant (VI). The absolute ROM was 10% for category I, 8.9% for category II, 60% for category III, 4.8% for category IV when the neoplasms were not characterized as malignant, and 100% when categorized as malignant; 100% for category V, and 95.7% for category VI. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for neoplasia and malignancy, including categories IV to VI, were 96.6%, 88.4%, 97.5%, and 84.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The categories developed by the PSC stratify the ROM. Aspirates designated as categories V and VI had the highest ROM. Our rate of atypical category complies with the recommended rate of <10%. This scheme provides valuable information to clinicians treating patients with pancreatic lesions.

Primary Sarcomas of the Larynx: A Clinicopathologic Study of 27 Cases.

Primary sarcomas of the larynx are rare and are associated with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Studies of these tumors are limited, and most examples have been reported as small series. To further increase our understanding of laryngeal sarcomas, we reviewed our experience of an adult cohort. A retrospective search for laryngeal sarcomas from our pathology archives and consultation files of one of the authors was performed. We studied 27 primary laryngeal sarcomas that included 25 males, and 2 females, with a mean age of 60 years (range 33-85). The cases included conventional chondrosarcoma (16), well-differentiated liposarcoma (2), clear cell chondrosarcoma (1), leiomyosarcoma (2), high grade myxofibrosarcoma (2), high grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (1), low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (1), malignant granular cell tumor (1), and Kaposi sarcoma (1). Data on treatment and follow-up was available in 17 and 16 cases, respectively. 12 patients underwent partial laryngeal resection; five had total laryngectomy, and the patient with Kaposi sarcoma received combined highly active antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy. Three patients developed local recurrence, and two patients developed metastases. The remaining patients with follow up had a favorable outcome and were disease-free after treatment. The important differential diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma is sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma, and their distinction often requires extensive sampling of the mucosal surface and immunohistochemical analysis. The mainstay of treatment for laryngeal sarcomas is surgical removal, with the extent dictated by tumor type and grade. Adjuvant therapy is reserved for high-grade sarcomas and may be given in a neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting.

Green Salad Intake Is Associated with Improved Oral Cancer Survival and Lower Soluble CD44 Levels.

Deficiencies in fruit and vegetable intake have been associated with oral cancer (oral cavity and oropharyngeal). Salivary rinses contain measurable biomarkers including soluble CD44 (solCD44) and total protein, which are known markers of oral cancer risk. This study investigates the effect of nutritional factors on solCD44 and protein levels to evaluate oral cancer risk and survival. We evaluated solCD44 and protein levels from 150 patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 150 frequency-matched controls. We subsequently characterized the effect of food group consumption and these biomarkers on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients reported eating fewer servings of salad (p = 0.015), while controls reported eating fewer servings of potatoes (p < 0.001). Oral cancer patients who consumed at least one serving per week of green salad were found to have significantly lower CD44 levels than those who ate salad less frequently (mean of log2[solCD44]1.73 versus 2.25, p = 0.014). Patients who consumed at least one serving per week of "salad or other vegetables" had significantly longer PFS (median 43.5 versus 9.1 months, p = 0.003, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.39 p = 0.014) and OS (median 83.6 versus 10 months, p = 0.008, adjusted HR = 0.04 p = 0.029). These findings suggest that dietary factors, namely greater green salad and vegetable intake, may be associated with lower CD44 levels and better prognosis in oral cancer patients.

The Paris System "atypical urothelial cells" category: can the current criteria be improved?

INTRODUCTION: The Paris System (TPS) for reporting urine cytology was developed for standardization of diagnosis focusing on the detection of high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). Probably the most challenging task for TPS is to provide criteria for the atypical urothelial cell (AUC) category. The TPS criteria for AUC include increased nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio (>0.5) and 1 of the 3 minor criteria including nuclear hyperchromasia (NH), coarse chromatin (CC) and irregular nuclear membrane (INM). We evaluated TPS-AUC diagnostic value and investigated whether other morphologic parameters can improve its criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples with diagnoses of AUC collected during a 6-month period were re-reviewed. Data captured included N/C ratio >0.5, NH, CC, INM, and 2 additional criteria including enlarged nuclear size (ENS) and the presence of nucleolus (N). ENS was considered when the nucleus was 2 times larger than the urothelial cell or 3 times larger than lymphocyte. RESULTS: By applying the TPS-AUC criteria, the rate of atypia diagnosis reduced in comparison to Pre-TPS (9% versus 13%, P = 0.02). Among the AUC minor criteria, NH was the best criterion with the highest interobserver agreement (IOA) and correlation with HGUC (k = 0.342, r = 0.61, P < 0.001) and strong PPV (93.6%). ENS had the highest PPV (95.8%) and, after NH, had the highest IOA and correlation with HGUC (k = 0.29, r = 0.52, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TPS improves the diagnostic value of urine cytology, particularly in cases with atypia. ENS is a strong criterion for increasing the diagnostic value of AUC and potentially can improve TPS performance as a minor criterion.

Pseudocarcinomatous Squamous Hyperplasia Involving Bone: A Diagnostic Pitfall Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pseudocarcinomatous squamous hyperplasia (PSH) within the bone is uncommon and closely mimics well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It arises from cutaneous or mucosal surfaces and grows directly into the bone. This study analyzes a large series of PSH and discusses the clinicopathologic features that facilitate its distinction from SCC. DESIGN: Cases were identified from the surgical pathology files between 1985 and 2020. RESULTS: The 31 cases included 21 males, 9 females, 1 unknown sex; who were 20 to 87 years old (average: 59 y). Sites included mandible-17, maxilla-5, toes-4, and 1 case from finger, femur, tibia, ischium, and unknown. Fourteen patients had a history of SCC, 13 treated with resection and chemoradiation and developed infected osteoradionecrosis, 4-medication-related osteonecrosis, 3-peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, 3-trauma, 3-osteomyelitis, 3-unknown, and 1-hematologic malignancy. All cases exhibited severe osteomyelitis and nests of reactive keratinizing squamous epithelium that matured towards the bone surface, lacked significant atypia, or mitotic activity but permeated the medullary cavity. Patients with previous SCC developed PSH after 2 months to 8 years (average: 4 y). Nineteen of 30 patients had follow-up (2 to 48 mo, average: 17 mo); 6 patients experienced repeated debridements over 2 months to 1 year; no patient developed SCC. CONCLUSIONS: PSH involving bone is infrequent, complicates severe osteomyelitis, and is often therapy related. The clinical findings are usually not concerning for malignancy, however, the histologic findings are an important diagnostic pitfall because they mimic SCC.

Predicting Disease Severity and Outcome in COVID-19 Patients: A Review of Multiple Biomarkers.

CONTEXT.­: An abundance of clinical reports focused on specific laboratory parameters have been reported on coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), but a systematic analysis synthesizing these findings has not been performed. OBJECTIVE.­: To review and summarize the current available literature on the predictive role of various biomarkers in COVID-19 patients. DATA SOURCES.­: A literature search was performed using databases including PubMed, medRxiv, and bioRxiv. A total of 72 papers were reviewed, including 54 peer-reviewed papers and 18 non-peer-reviewed preprints. CONCLUSIONS.­: Although the markers are considered nonspecific, acute-phase reactants, including C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, serum amyloid A (SAA), and procalcitonin, were reported as sensitive markers of acute COVID-19 disease. Significantly elevated white blood cell count; marked lymphopenia; decreased CD3, CD4, or CD8 T-lymphocyte counts; high neutrophil count; thrombocytopenia; and markedly elevated inflammatory biomarkers were associated with severe disease and the risk of developing sepsis with rapid progression. Trends observed by serial laboratory measurements during hospitalization, including progressive decrease of lymphocyte count, thrombocytopenia, elevated CRP, procalcitonin, increased liver enzymes, decreased renal function, and coagulation derangements, were more common in critically ill patient groups and associated with a high incidence of clinical complications. Elevated interleukin 6 level and markedly increased SAA were most often reported in severely and critically ill patients. Indicators of systemic inflammation, such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, or COVID-19 Severity Score, may be used to predict disease severity, outcome, and mortality. Interpretation of the data reported in the studies reviewed here is limited because of the study design (mostly retrospective), limited sample size, and a lack of defined clinical criteria.

Advances in the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer.

Breast cancers are heterogeneous with variable morphologic features, biologic behavior and response to therapy. Traditional histopathologic features such as size, grade, and lymph node status may be used to provide a general estimate of outcome, stratifying patients into broad prognostic groups with prescribed guidelines for therapy. With this approach however, up to 85% of breast cancer patients are overtreated, and at the other end of the spectrum, 20% of patients succumb to their disease despite receiving maximum therapy. The current routine testing for the Estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 growth factor receptor (HER2) represents the earliest attempts to provide a targeted approach to breast cancer therapy, based on molecular drivers of the disease. The pioneering works by Perou and Sorlie et al using global gene expression profiling introduced a molecular taxonomy of breast cancer with associated prognostic implications. The Luminal, HER2-enriched, and Basal-like intrinsic subtypes are generally characterized by the presence or absence of ER and HER2. They have been further analyzed and refined using integration of genomic and transcriptomic data made possible by advancements in high throughput molecular techniques and bioinformatics. Indeed, an increased understanding of the genomic landscape of these subtypes, and the molecular basis of breast cancer growth regulation, holds the promise of a more personalized patient selection for specific targeted therapies and improved outcomes.

Review of Current Advances in Serologic Testing for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To examine and summarize the current literature on serologic methods for the detection of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS: A literature review was performed using searches in databases including PubMed, medRxiv, and bioRxiv. Thirty-two peer-reviewed papers and 23 preprints were examined. RESULTS: The studies included lateral flow immunoassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, chemiluminescence immunoassay, and neutralizing antibody assays. The use of all major SARS-CoV-2 antigens was demonstrated to have diagnostic value. Assays measuring total antibody reactivity had the highest sensitivity. In addition, all the methods provided opportunities to characterize the humoral immune response by isotype. The combined use of IgM and IgG detection resulted in a higher sensitivity than that observed when detecting either isotype alone. Although IgA was rarely studied, it was also demonstrated to be a sensitive marker of infection, and levels correlated with disease severity and neutralizing activity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of serologic testing, in conjunction with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing, was demonstrated to significantly increase the sensitivity of detection of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. There was conflicting evidence regarding whether antibody titers correlated with clinical severity. However, preliminary investigations indicated some immunoassays may be a surrogate for the prediction of neutralizing antibody titers and the selection of recovered patients for convalescent serum donation.