Genomic profiling of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma reveals a genomic signature distinct from that of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) is a rare and highly aggressive sarcoma, occurring mostly in the deep soft tissues of middle-aged adults and showing a variable degree of skeletal muscle differentiation. The diagnosis is challenging as pathologic features overlap with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), malignant Triton tumor, and other pleomorphic sarcomas. As recurrent genetic alterations underlying PRMS have not been described to date, ancillary molecular diagnostic testing is not useful in subclassification. Herein, we perform genomic profiling of a well-characterized cohort of 14 PRMS, compared to a control group of 23 ERMS and other pleomorphic sarcomas (undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and pleomorphic liposarcoma) using clinically validated DNA-targeted Next generation sequencing (NGS) panels (MSK-IMPACT). The PRMS cohort included eight males and six females, with a median age of 53 years (range 31-76 years). Despite similar tumor mutation burdens, the genomic landscape of PRMS, with a high frequency of TP53 (79%) and RB1 (43%) alterations, stood in stark contrast to ERMS, with 4% and 0%, respectively. CDKN2A deletions were more common in PRMS (43%), compared to ERMS (13%). In contrast, ERMS harbored somatic driver mutations in the RAS pathway and loss of function mutations in BCOR, which were absent in PRMS. Copy number variations in PRMS showed multiple chromosomal arm-level changes, most commonly gains of chr17p and chr22q and loss of chr6q. Notably, gain of chr8, commonly seen in ERMS (61%) was conspicuously absent in PRMS. The genomic profiles of other pleomorphic sarcomas were overall analogous to PRMS, showing shared alterations in TP53, RB1, and CDKN2A. Overall survival and progression-free survival of PRMS were significantly worse (p < 0.0005) than that of ERMS. Our findings revealed that the molecular landscape of PRMS aligns with other adult pleomorphic sarcomas and is distinct from that of ERMS. Thus, NGS assays may be applied in select challenging cases toward a refined classification. Finally, our data corroborate the inclusion of PRMS in the therapeutic bracket of pleomorphic sarcomas, given that their clinical outcomes are comparable.

A 16-Year-Old Girl with Sinonasal Cutaneous Fistula Following Excision and Radiotherapy for Rhabdomyosarcoma Requiring Reconstructive Surgery Using an Expanded Forehead Flap.

BACKGROUND Sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy in children and adolescents. It is aggressive and locally invasive, and can require local postoperative radiotherapy. This report presents the case of a 16-year-old girl with a sinonasal-cutaneous fistula following excision and radiotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma, which required reconstructive surgery using an expanded forehead flap. CASE REPORT We report the case of a16-year-old girl who was referred to our clinic with sinonasal-cutaneous fistula. Prior to presentation at our department, she presented with bilateral intermittent nasal congestion 3 years ago. At a local hospital, orbital computed tomography and nasal endoscopic biopsy revealed an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). One month later, skull base tumor resection, nasal cavity and sinus tumor resection, and low-temperature plasma ablation were performed at a local hospital. Two weeks after the operation, the patient received intensity-modulated radiation therapy for a total of 50 Gy. Chemotherapy started 15 days after radiotherapy, using a vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) regimen. Approximately 1 month later, an ulcer appeared at the nasal root and the lesion gradually expanded. The patient was referred to our hospital due to the defect. Firstly, a tissue expander was implanted at the forehead for 7 months. Then, the skin around the defect was trimmed and forehead flap was separated to repair the lining and external skin. The flap survived well 1-year after the operation. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the challenges of post-radiation reconstructive surgery and describes how an expanded forehead flap can achieve an acceptable cosmetic outcome in a patient with a sinonasal-cutaneous fistula.

FGFR1 fusions as a novel molecular driver in rhabdomyosarcoma.

The wide application of RNA sequencing in clinical practice has allowed the discovery of novel fusion genes, which have contributed to a refined molecular classification of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Most fusions in RMS result in aberrant transcription factors, such as PAX3/7::FOXO1 in alveolar RMS (ARMS) and fusions involving VGLL2 or NCOA2 in infantile spindle cell RMS. However, recurrent fusions driving oncogenic kinase activation have not been reported in RMS. Triggered by an index case of an unclassified RMS (overlapping features between ARMS and sclerosing RMS) with a novel FGFR1::ANK1 fusion, we reviewed our molecular files for cases harboring FGFR1-related fusions. One additional case with an FGFR1::TACC1 fusion was identified in a tumor resembling embryonal RMS (ERMS) with anaplasia, but with no pathogenic variants in TP53 or DICER1 on germline testing. Both cases occurred in males, aged 7 and 24, and in the pelvis. The 2nd case also harbored additional alterations, including somatic TP53 and TET2 mutations. Two additional RMS cases (one unclassified, one ERMS) with FGFR1 overexpression but lacking FGFR1 fusions were identified by RNA sequencing. These two cases and the FGFR1::TACC1-positive case clustered together with the ERMS group by RNAseq. This is the first report of RMS harboring recurrent FGFR1 fusions. However, it remains unclear if FGFR1 fusions define a novel subset of RMS or alternatively, whether this alteration can sporadically drive the pathogenesis of known RMS subtypes, such as ERMS. Additional larger series with integrated genomic and epigenetic datasets are needed for better subclassification, as the resulting oncogenic kinase activation underscores the potential for targeted therapy.

Spindle cell embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate in an adult patient: a case report and review of the literature.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate is a rare mesenchymal tumor that originates from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma is a variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The vast majority of these two pathological types occur in children, with only a few adult cases reported to date, and both are associated with poor clinical outcomes. We herein report a case involving a man in his early 40s with spindle cell embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate. His chief complaint was difficult urination. The diagnosis was confirmed by puncture biopsy of the prostate, and pelvic lymph node metastasis was already present at the time of diagnosis. The patient underwent three courses of chemotherapy. However, his response to the treatment was very poor, and he died of the disease 4 months after diagnosis.

Primary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the brain: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary brain rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare primary brain malignancy with few case reports. The vast majority of cases of primary brain rhabdomyosarcoma occur in pediatric patients, and immunohistochemistry can distinguish it from embryonal subtypes; however, few cases of primary brain rhabdomyosarcoma in adults have been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 26-year-old White male patient who was found to have primary brain alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma after developing headaches for several months. A brain MRI revealed a mixed cystic and solid tumor along the vermis of the cerebellum. The patient underwent a gross total surgical resection, which confirmed the diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Further staging workup for another primary focus or disseminated disease yielded negative results, confirming the diagnosis of primary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the brain. CONCLUSION: The standard of care for managing this rare type of brain tumor involves surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Further studies should be conducted for a better diagnostic and therapeutic understanding.

Adolescents and young adults with rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children's Oncology Group.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of established prognostic factors on survival outcomes for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have not been well described in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) RMS patient population. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed RMS enrolled between 1997 and 2016 on seven previously reported Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials. Demographics, clinical features, treatment details, and outcome data were collected. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated for patients diagnosed at age 15-39 years and those diagnosed under age 15 years using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to compare prognostic factors for EFS and OS. Factors significant in the univariable analysis were included in a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Nonsignificant covariates were removed from the multiple regression model. RESULTS: Total 2151 patients including 402 AYAs were analyzed. AYAs were more likely to present with primary tumors ≥5 cm in size, metastatic disease, alveolar histology, and have FOXO1 fusions compared to children. Five-year EFS for the AYA cohort was 44.2% versus 67% for children (p < .001), and 5-year OS was 52% for the AYA cohort versus 78% for children (p < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed tumor site, size and invasiveness, clinical group, and histology were prognostic in AYAs. CONCLUSION: AYAs with RMS have a poorer prognosis compared to younger children due to multiple factors. Further research focused on AYAs to better understand RMS biology and improve treatments is critical to improve survival.

Oral rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare malignant tumor mimicking an endodontic-periodontal lesion in an adult patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: According to previous research, 2.8% of lesions clinically identified as endodontic pathosis were ultimately diagnosed as non-endodontic periapical lesions via histopathology, and 3.7% of these non-endodontic periapical lesions were malignant neoplasms. Rhabdomyosarcoma, a malignant tumor most commonly observed in children, is uncommon in the oral cavity. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a report of a rare case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a 41-year-old female, in which the lesion was in the maxillary gingiva. The biopsy reports confirmed the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The wide excision of the tumor, free flap reconstruction, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were performed. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological and management aspects of the neoplasm were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: This case report aimed to create awareness that rhabdomyosarcoma is one of the differential diagnoses of periapical lesions.

Isolated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the anterior petrous bone in a young child: Focusing on the intra-operative diagnosis and differentials.

OBJECTIVE: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a common soft tissue tumor, but isolated involvement of anterior portion of petrous bone is exceedingly rare. Here, we present a case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma involving the anterior petrous without involvement of the mastoid and middle ear. PATIENT: A 6-year-old boy presented with a progressive right side lower motor neuron facial paresis for 1-month duration along with headache and recurrent vomiting episodes. Radiology showed a contrast-enhancing lesion involving the right petrous apex. He underwent craniotomy and excision of the lesion. Based on the frozen section, a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma was rendered, and gross total resection could be achieved. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Isolated petrous bone involvement of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare presentation. Intra-operative frozen section plays a key role in decision making regarding the extent of excision. Hence, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential in managing these cases.

The RRAS2 pathogenic variant (c.67G>T; p. Gly23Cys) produces Noonan syndrome with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Noonan syndrome (NS) due to the RRAS2 gene, the pathogenic variant is an extremely rare RASopathies. Our objective was to identify the potential site of RRAS2, combined with the literature review, to find the correlation between clinical phenotype and genotype. De novo missense mutations affect different aspects of the RRAS2 function, leading to hyperactivation of the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade. METHODS: Conventional G-banding was used to analyze the chromosome karyotype of the patient. Copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) was used to detect the chromosomal gene microstructure of the patient and her parents. The exomes of the patient and her parents were sequenced using trio-based whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) technology. The candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the variant was predicted with a variety of bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: Chromosome analysis of the proband revealed 46, XX, and no abnormality was found by CNV-seq. After sequencing and bioinformatics filtering, the variant of RRAS2(c.67G>T; p. Gly23Cys) was found in the proband, while the mutation was absent in her parents. To the best of our knowledge, our patient was with the typical Noonan syndrome, such as short stature, facial dysmorphism, and developmental delay. Furthermore, our study is the first case of NS with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) caused by the RRAS2 gene mutation reported in China. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigations suggested that the heterozygous missense of RRAS2 may be a potential causal variant in a rare cause of Noonan syndrome, expanding our understanding of the causally relevant mutations for this disorder.

Diagnostic Utility of GATA3 and ISL1 in Differentiating Neuroblastoma From Other Pediatric Malignant Small Round Blue Cell Tumors.

Accurate diagnosis of neuroblastoma may be challenging, especially with limited or inadequate specimen and at the metastatic sites due to overlapping imaging, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical (immunohistochemistry [IHC]; infidelity among various lineage-associated transcription factors eg FLI1, transducin-like enhancer 1, etc) features. GATA3 and ISL1 have recently been described as markers of neuroblastic differentiation. This study aims at determining the diagnostic utility of GATA3 and ISL1 in differentiating neuroblastoma from other pediatric malignant small round blue cell tumors.We evaluated GATA3 and ISL1 expression in 74 pediatric small round blue cell tumors that included 23 NMYC-amplified neuroblastomas, 11 EWSR1-rearranged round cell sarcomas, 7 SYT::SSX1-rearranged synovial sarcomas, 5 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, 10 Wilms tumors (nephroblastomas), 7 lymphoblastic lymphoma, 7 medulloblastoma, and 4 desmoplastic small round cell tumor.All 23 neuroblastomas (moderate to strong staining in >50% of the tumor cells), 5 T-lymphoblastic lymphomas (moderate to strong staining in 40%-90% of the tumor cells), and 2 desmoplastic small round cell tumors (weak to moderate staining in 20%-30% of the tumor cells) expressed GATA3, while other tumors were negative. ISL1 immunoreactivity was observed in 22 (96%) neuroblastomas (strong staining in in >50% of the tumor cells, n = 17; moderate to strong staining in 26%-50% of the tumor cells, n = 5), 3 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (moderate to strong staining in 30%-85% of the tumor cells), 1 synovial sarcoma (weak staining in 20% of the tumor cells), and 7 medulloblastoma (strong staining in 60%-90% of the tumor cells). Other tumors were negative. Overall, GATA3 showed 86% specificity, 100% sensitivity, and 90% accuracy for neuroblastoma, with a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 77% and 100%, respectively. ISLI showed 72% specificity, 96% sensitivity, and 81% accuracy for neuroblastoma, with a PPV and NPV of 67% and 97%, respectively. After the exclusion of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumors, GATA3 had 100% specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and PPV and NPV for neuroblastoma. Similarly, in pediatric small round blue cell tumors, ISL1 had 100% specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV for neuroblastoma, after embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and medulloblastoma were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: GATA3 and ISL1 may be valuable in the diagnostic work-up of neuroblastoma and may reliably be used to support the neuroblastic lineage of pediatric small round blue cell tumors. Furthermore, dual positivity helps in challenging scenarios, when there is equivocal imaging, overlapping IHC features, limited specimen, and the lack of facility for a molecular work up.

[Diagnosis of uterine sarcomas and rare uterine mesenchymal tumours with malignant potential. Guidelines of the French Sarcoma Group and Rare Gynaecological Tumours]. / Diagnostic des sarcomes utérins et tumeurs mésenchymateuses utérines rares à potentiel de malignité. Référentiels du Groupe Sarcome Français et des Tumeurs Rares Gynécologiques.

The landscape of uterine sarcomas is becoming more complex with the description of new entities associated with recurrent driver molecular alterations. Uterine sarcomas, in analogy with soft tissue sarcomas, are distinguished into complex genomic and simple genomic sarcomas. Leiomyosarcomas and undifferentiated uterine sarcomas belong to complex genomic sarcomas group. Low-grade and high-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas, other rare tumors associated with fusion transcripts (such as NTRK, PDGFB, ALK, RET ROS1) and SMARCA4-deficient uterine sarcoma are considered simple genomic sarcomas. The most common uterine sarcoma are first leiomyosarcoma and secondly endometrial stromal sarcomas. Three different histological subtypes of leiomyosarcoma (fusiform, myxoid, epithelioid) are identified, myxoid and epithelioid leiomyosarcoma being more aggressive than fusiform leiomyosarcoma. The distinction between low-grade and high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma is primarily morphological and immunohistochemical and the detection of fusion transcripts can help the diagnosis. Uterine PEComa is a rare tumor, which is distinguished into borderline and malignant, according to a risk assessment algorithm. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix is more common in children but can also occur in adult women. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix is almost always DICER1 mutated, unlike that of the vagina which is wild-type DICER1, and adenosarcoma which can be DICER1 mutated but with less frequency. Among the emerging entities, sarcomas associated with fusion transcripts involving the NTRK, ALK, PDGFB genes benefit from targeted therapy. The integration of molecular data with histology and clinical data allows better identification of uterine sarcomas in order to better treat them.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix.

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Staufen1 controls mitochondrial metabolism via HIF2α in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and promotes tumorigenesis.

Elevated mitochondrial metabolism promotes tumorigenesis of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS). Accordingly, targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) could represent a therapeutic strategy for ERMS. We previously demonstrated that genetic reduction of Staufen1 (STAU1) levels results in the inhibition of ERMS tumorigenicity. Here, we examined STAU1-mediated mechanisms in ERMS and focused on its potential involvement in regulating OXPHOS. We report the novel and differential role of STAU1 in mitochondrial metabolism in cancerous versus non-malignant skeletal muscle cells (NMSkMCs). Specifically, our data show that STAU1 depletion reduces OXPHOS and inhibits proliferation of ERMS cells. Our findings further reveal the binding of STAU1 to several OXPHOS mRNAs which affects their stability. Indeed, STAU1 depletion reduced the stability of OXPHOS mRNAs, causing inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism. In parallel, STAU1 depletion impacted negatively the HIF2α pathway which further modulates mitochondrial metabolism. Exogenous expression of HIF2α in STAU1-depleted cells reversed the mitochondrial inhibition and induced cell proliferation. However, opposite effects were observed in NMSkMCs. Altogether, these findings revealed the impact of STAU1 in the regulation of mitochondrial OXPHOS in cancer cells as well as its differential role in NMSkMCs. Overall, our results highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting STAU1 as a novel approach for inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism in ERMS.

DICER1-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma of the ovary with teratoid features.

DICER1-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare, emerging entity with a predilection for the gynecologic and genitourinary tracts. We report here a case of DICER1-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma of the ovary in a 14 years old girl which displayed interspersed mature teratoid glands, neuroectodermal rosettes and immature blastematous-like tubes. Morphologically the sarcomatous component predominated, corresponding to a high grade spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with botryoid features. Islets of cartilage were present. The sarcomatous proliferation encased the teratoid glands, forming cambium layer-like arrangements. The sarcoma cells were Myogenin and MYOD1 positive, the neuroectodermal rosettes expressed SALL4 along with cytokeratins and EMA and were negative for Inhibin; immature blastematous-like tubes were negative for SALL4 and Inhibin. Whole RNA- and targeted DNA-sequencing revealed two DICER1 mutations in exon 26: c.5113G>A: p.(Glu1705Lys) and exon 12: c.1642C>T: p.(Gln548X). The sarcomatous component harbored a complex genetic profile while the teratoid component was diploid, none of the above displayed abnormality of 12p. DICER1-mutated sarcomas display pathological features similar to embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, botryoid type. They also display heterogeneous features combining cartilage foci, teratoid mature glands, immature blastematous-like tubes and/or neuroectodermal components. Molecular testing remains necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Further studies need to clarify the nosology of DICER1-mutated sarcomas and devise specific therapeutic strategies.

Which Patients With Rhabdomyosarcoma Need Radiotherapy? Analysis of the Radiotherapy Strategies of the CWS-96 and CWS-2002P Studies and SoTiSaR Registry.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the indications, doses, and application methods of radiotherapy (RT) and their influence on prognosis of patients with localized rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). METHODS: One thousand four hundred seventy patients with localized RMS 21 years and younger entered on CWS-96, CWS-2002P, and SoTiSaR were eligible for the analysis. The median follow-up was 6.5 years (IQR, 3.3-9.5). RESULTS: The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and local control survival (LCS) for 910 (62%) irradiated versus nonirradiated patients were 71% versus 69% and 78% versus 73% (P = .03), respectively. Ninety-five percent of patients in IRS I (90% embryonal RMS [eRMS]) were nonirradiated (EFS, 87%). Irradiated patients with IRS II had improved LCS (91% v 80%; P = .01) and EFS (not significant). In IRS III, EFS and LCS were significantly better for RT patients: 71% versus 56% (P = 3.1e-06) and 76% versus 61% (P = 4.1e-07). Patients with tumors in the head and neck region (orbita, parameningeal, and nonparameningeal) and in other sites had significantly better EFS and LCS and in parameningeal also overall survival (OS). The efficacy of low RT doses of 32 Gy (hyperfractionated, accelerated RT [HART]) and 36 and 41.4 Gy (conventional fractionated RT [CFRT]) in the favorable groups and higher doses of 44.8 Gy (HART) and 50.4 and 55.4 Gy (CFRT) in the unfavorable groups was comparable. Proton RT was used predominantly in head/neck-parameningeal (HN-PM) tumors, with similar EFS and LCS to photon RT. CONCLUSION: RT can be omitted in patients with IRS I eRMS. RT improves LCS and EFS in IRS II and III. RT improves OS in patients with HN-PM, with proton RT comparable with photon RT. Doses of 32 Gy (HART) or 36 and 41.4 Gy (CFRT) had comparable efficacy in patients with favorable risk profiles and 44.8 Gy (HART) or 50.4 and 55.8 Gy (CFRT) in the unfavorable groups.

In-utero Diagnosis of Prostatic Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Though rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue tumor diagnosed in children there are no reported cases of prenatally detected prostatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. This report demonstrates the first reported case of this phenomenon and its subsequent workup, diagnosis, and treatment.