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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39083067

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion negatively regulates PSMA expression in prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) cell lines. Therefore, immunohistochemical (IHC) ERG expression, a surrogate for an underlying ERG rearrangement, and PSMA expression patterns in radical prostatectomy (RPE) specimens of primary PCa, including corresponding PSMA-PET scans were investigated. METHODS: Two cohorts of RPE samples (total n=148): In cohort #1 (n=62 patients) with available RPE and preoperative [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET, WHO/ISUP grade groups, IHC-ERG (positive vs. negative) and IHC-PSMA expression (% PSMA-negative tumour area, PSMA%neg) were correlated with the corresponding SUVmax. In the second cohort #2 (n=86 patients) including RPE only, same histopathological parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Cohort #1: PCa with IHC-ERG expression (35.5%) showed significantly lower IHC-PSMA expression and lower SUVmax values on the corresponding PET scans. Eight of 9 PCa with negative PSMA-PET scans had IHC-ERG positivity, and confirmed TMPRSS2::ERG rearrangement. In IHC-PSMA positive PCa, IHC-ERG positivity was significantly associated with lower SUVmax values. In cohort #2, findings of higher IHC-PSMA%neg and IHC-ERG expression was confirmed with only 0-10% PSMA%neg tumour areas in IHC-ERG-negative PCa. CONCLUSION: IHC-ERG expression is significantly associated with more heterogeneous and lower IHC-PSMA tissue expression in two independent RPE cohorts. There is a strong association of ERG positivity in RPE tissue with lower [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 uptake on corresponding PET scans. Results may serve as a base for future biomarker development to enable tumour-tailored, individualized imaging approaches.

2.
Histopathology ; 2024 Jun 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38923026

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Low-grade non-intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (LGSNAC) is a rare heterogeneous and poorly characterised group of tumours, distinct from intestinal- and salivary-type neoplasms. Therefore, further characterisation is needed for clearer biological understanding and classification. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical, histological and molecular characterisation of four cases of biphasic, low-grade adenocarcinomas of the sinonasal tract was performed. All patients were male, aged between 48 and 78 years, who presented with polypoid masses in the nasal cavity. Microscopically, virtually all tumours were dominated by tubulo-glandular biphasic patterns, microcystic, focal (micro)papillary, oncocytic or basaloid features. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed biphasic differentiation with an outer layer of myoepithelial cells. Molecular profiling revealed HRAS (p.G13R, p.Q61R) mutations, and concomitant AKT1 (p.E17K, p.Q79R) mutations in two cases. Two cases showed potential in-situ/precursor lesions adjacent to the tumour. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 30 months, with one case relapsing locally after 12 and > 20 years. CONCLUSION: This study further corroborates a distinct biphasic low-grade neoplasm of the sinonasal tract with seromucinous differentiation. Although morphological and molecular features overlap with salivary gland epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, several arguments favour categorising these tumours within the spectrum of LGSNAC.

3.
Cancer Cytopathol ; 132(7): 435-446, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38563876

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms is challenging, especially on cytological specimens acquired by fine-needle aspiration. The recently implemented standardized Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology provides an estimated risk of malignancy (ROM); yet, for two of the categories, the diagnosis of the lesion remains unclear. However, a precise diagnosis is desirable for optimal patient management, including planning of surgery and imaging procedures. METHODS: Cytological specimens (n = 106) were subjected to molecular analysis using the SalvGlandDx panel. The risk of malignancy was calculated for each detected alteration based on the diagnosis of the resection specimen. By taking into account the molecular alterations, their associated ROM, the clinical and cytological features, and the current literature, the Milan category was evaluated. RESULTS: Of n = 63 technically valid cases, 76% revealed a molecular alteration. A total of 94% of these molecularly altered cases could be assigned to a different Milan category when additionally taking molecular results into account. In only 2% of the salivary gland neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential, in which a molecular alteration was detected, the classification remained salivary gland neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential. CONCLUSION: Molecular analysis of cytological specimens provides a benefit in classifying salivary gland neoplasms on fine-needle aspiration. It can improve the ROM estimation and thus help to assign cases of formerly unknown malignant potential to clearly benign or malignant categories.


Subject(s)
Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Biopsy, Fine-Needle , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Young Adult , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Salivary Glands/pathology , Cytodiagnosis/methods , Risk Assessment/methods , Cytology
4.
Cytopathology ; 35(3): 330-343, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38308401

ABSTRACT

Recently, significant advances in the molecular characterization of salivary gland neoplasms have facilitated the classification and diagnosis of specific diagnostic entities. In the highly challenging diagnostic scenario of salivary malignancies, molecular testing is increasingly being adopted in routine practice to refine the cytological diagnosis of salivary lesions. Here, we reviewed the most recent evidence in the field of salivary glands molecular cytopathology.


Subject(s)
Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Salivary Glands , Humans , Biopsy, Fine-Needle , Salivary Glands/pathology , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques , Retrospective Studies
5.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 18847, 2023 11 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37914764

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate response of sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SMM) patients to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), using hybrid PET imaging. Fifteen SMM patients underwent hybrid PET imaging before and three months after initiation of ICI. The disease-specific survival (DSS) was calculated. Quantitative PET parameters of the primary tumor and their association with DSS and therapy response were investigated. Nine of the fifteen (60%) patients responded to ICI therapy. Patients with therapy response depicted on hybrid PET imaging had better DSS than those without (p = 0.0058). Quantitative PET parameters of the initial PET harbored no association with DSS or therapy response. However, these findings lack of sufficient statistical power and must be interpreted with caution. The first restaging PET-imaging after ICI initiation can help stratify patients with regard to DSS.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms , Humans , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Retrospective Studies , Melanoma/diagnostic imaging , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/pathology , Positron-Emission Tomography , Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms/pathology , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
6.
Head Neck Pathol ; 17(4): 1052-1057, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37847488

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary glands (LECSG) is a rare disease in the Western hemisphere that is typically associated with an EBV infection. The molecular mechanisms of LECSG tumorigenesis are poorly understood. RESULTS: Here we report a case of EBV-associated LECSG with an unusual immunophenotype. The tumor exhibited bi-morphic histological features with a mutually exclusive expression of HER2 and p16. The p16-positive domain of the tumor immunohistochemically co-expressed late membrane protein 1 (LMP-1), while the HER2 positive domain did not. Both tumor regions expressed SSTR2. METHODS: In situ hybridization confirmed the EBV origin of the tumor while extensive immunohistochemical characterization and the recently established RNA-based next generation sequencing panel ("SalvGlandDx" panel) did not reveal evidence for another salivary gland neoplasm. No HPV co-infection was detected by in situ hybridization or PCR-based screenings and no ERBB2 gene amplification was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest tumor heterogeneity and lack of genomic aberrations in EBV-associated LECSGs. The heterogenous and unusual immunohistochemical features explain the diagnostic difficulties and simultaneously extend the immunophenotype spectrum of this tumor entity.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Papillomavirus Infections , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Salivary Glands/pathology , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Papillomavirus Infections/complications
7.
Cancers (Basel) ; 15(15)2023 Jul 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37568633

ABSTRACT

Novel treatment modalities comprising immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies have revolutionized treatment of metastatic melanoma. Still, some patients suffer from rapid progression and decease within months after a diagnosis of stage IV melanoma. We aimed to assess whether genomic alterations may predict survival after the development of stage IV disease, irrespective of received therapy. We analyzed tumor samples of 79 patients with stage IV melanoma using a custom next-generation gene-sequencing panel, MelArray, designed to detect alterations in 190 melanoma-relevant genes. We classified the patients: first, as short survivors (survival ≤6 months after stage IV disease, n = 22) and long survivors (survival >6 months, n = 57); second, by using a cut-off of one year; and third, by comparing the longest surviving 20 patients to the shortest surviving 20. Among analyzed genes, no individual gene alterations, or combinations of alterations, could be dichotomously associated with survival. However, the cohort's mutational profiles closely matched three known mutational signatures curated by the Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC): UV signature COSMIC_7 (cosine-similarity 0.932), clock-like signature COSMIC_5 (cosine-similarity 0.829), and COSMIC_30 (cosine-similarity 0.726). Patients with UV signature had longer survival compared to patients with clock-like and COSMIC 30 (p < 0.0001). Subgroup dichotomization at 6 months showed that 75% of patients with UV signature survived longer than 6 months, and about 75% of patients with clock-like signature survived less than 6 months after development of stage IV disease. In our cohort, clock-like COSMIC_5 mutational signature predicted poor survival while a UV signature COSMIC_7 predicted longer survival. The prognostic value of mutational signatures should be evaluated in prospective studies.

8.
Nat Commun ; 14(1): 5154, 2023 08 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37620318

ABSTRACT

Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment has the potential to prolong survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, some of the patients develop resistance following initial response. Here, we analyze the immune phenotype of matching tumor samples from a cohort of NSCLC patients showing good initial response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, followed by acquired resistance at later time points. By using imaging mass cytometry and whole exome and RNA sequencing, we detect two patterns of resistance¨: One group of patients is characterized by reduced numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and reduced expression of PD-L1 after development of resistance, whereas the other group shows high CD8+ T cell infiltration and high expression of PD-L1 in addition to markedly elevated expression of other immune-inhibitory molecules. In two cases, we detect downregulation of type I and II IFN pathways following progression to resistance, which could lead to an impaired anti-tumor immune response. This study thus captures the development of immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance as it progresses and deepens our mechanistic understanding of immunotherapy response in NSCLC.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , B7-H1 Antigen/genetics , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Immunosuppressive Agents , Phenotype
9.
Am J Surg Pathol ; 47(4): 497-503, 2023 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36920022

ABSTRACT

The classification of salivary gland tumors is ever-evolving with new variants of tumors being described every year. Next-generation sequencing panels have helped to prove and disprove prior assumptions about tumors' relationships to one another, and have helped refine this classification. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is one of the most common salivary gland malignancies and occurs at all major and minor salivary gland and seromucous gland sites. Most AdCC are predominantly myoepithelial and basaloid with variable cribriform, tubular, and solid growth. The luminal tubular elements are often less conspicuous. AdCC has largely been characterized by canonical MYB fusions, with MYB::NFIB and rarer MYBL1::NFIB. Anecdotal cases of AdCC, mostly in nonmajor salivary gland sites, have been noted to have unusual patterns, including squamous differentiation and macrocystic growth. Recently, this has led to the recognition of a subtype termed "metatypical adenoid cystic carcinoma." Another unusual histology that we have seen with a wide range of architecture, is striking tubular hypereosinophilia. The hypereosinophilia and luminal cell prominence is in stark contrast to the vast majority of AdCC that are basaloid and myoepithelial predominant. A total of 16 cases with tubular hypereosinophilia were collected, forming morular, solid, micropapillary, and glomeruloid growth, and occasionally having rhabdoid or Paneth-like cells. They were subjected to molecular profiling demonstrating canonical MYB::NFIB (5 cases) and MYBL1::NFIB (2 cases), as well as noncanonical EWSR1::MYB (2 cases) and FUS::MYB (1 case). The remaining 6 cases had either no fusion (3 cases) or failed sequencing (3 cases). All cases were present in nonmajor salivary gland sites, with seromucous glands being the most common. These include sinonasal tract (7 cases), laryngotracheal (2 cases), external auditory canal (2 cases), nasopharynx (1 case), base of tongue (2 cases), palate (1 case), and floor of mouth (1 case). A tissue microarray of 102 conventional AdCC, including many in major salivary gland sites was examined for EWSR1 and FUS by fluorescence in situ hybridization and showed that these novel fusions were isolated to this histology and nonmajor salivary gland location. In summary, complex and striking tubular hypereosinophilia and diverse architectures are present within the spectrum of AdCC, particularly in seromucous gland sites, and may show variant EWSR1/FUS::MYB fusions.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic , Eosinophilia , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/genetics , Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/pathology , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics , RNA-Binding Protein FUS
10.
Pathologie (Heidelb) ; 44(1): 70-77, 2023 Feb.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36622399

ABSTRACT

The second part of the article is devoted to the molecular characteristics of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, polymorphous adenocarcinoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, basal cell adenocarcinoma, and salivary duct carcinoma. In addition, the new entities mucinous adenocarcinoma, sclerosing microcystic adenocarcinoma, and microsecretory adenocarcinoma are summarized. The molecular genotype can also be very helpful in diagnosing most of these entities. In this regard, overexpression of the androgen receptor and/or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu can support diagnosis in the appropriate histopathologic context and may serve as a potential target for therapy in salivary duct carcinoma.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous , Adenocarcinoma , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis
11.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol ; 149(9): 5645-5653, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36527482

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has revolutionized cancer treatment in recent years, particularly in melanoma. While response to immunotherapy is associated with high tumor mutational burden (TMB), PD-L1 expression, and microsatellite instability in several cancers, tumors lacking these biomarkers can still respond to this treatment. Especially, mucosal melanoma, commonly exhibiting low TMB compared to cutaneous melanoma, may respond to immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate novel biomarkers in mucosal melanoma that predict response to combined ipilimumab and nivolumab. METHODS: We investigated 10 tumor samples from 10 patients (three responders, seven non-responders) before treatment and six tumor samples from five patients after progression using a targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) gene expression panel. The findings were corroborated with an independent method (i.e., immunohistochemical staining) on the same 10 tumor samples before treatment and, to increase the cohort, in addition on three tumor samples before treatment of more recent patients (one responder, two non-responders). RESULTS: With the targeted gene expression panel, we found the three tumor testis antigens CTAG1B (NY-ESO-1), MAGE-A3, and MAGE-A4 to be predominantly expressed in responding tumors. This marker panel was either not or not completely expressed in non-responders (p < 0.01). Using immunohistochemistry for all three markers, we could confirm the elevated expression in tumors responding to the ipilimumab/nivolumab combination therapy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these three biomarkers await validation in a larger patient cohort and could be easily used in future routine diagnostics to predict the outcome of ipilimumab/nivolumab combination therapy in mucosal melanoma patients.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Antigens, Neoplasm , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immunotherapy , Ipilimumab/therapeutic use , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/pathology , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Nivolumab/therapeutic use , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/genetics
12.
Am J Surg Pathol ; 47(2): 194-201, 2023 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36221318

ABSTRACT

The landscape of salivary gland carcinomas is ever-changing, with a growing list of new tumors and newly elucidated variants of well-known tumor entities. The routine use of next-generation sequencing has been instrumental in identifying novel fusions and tumor entities, which has helped bring the classification to a more objective and evidenced-based model. However, morphology remains critical in assessing the validity of these novel molecular findings, and most importantly, in assessing which of these findings will have an impact on the prognosis and treatment decisions for patients. The recognition of microsecretory adenocarcinoma (MSA) as a distinct low-grade malignancy of salivary glands, underpinned by MEF2C::SS18 , and a single possibly related case of SS18::ZBTB7A , recently expanded this growing list of distinctive tumors. It was not until now, however, that the morphology of the latter case was known to be unique and reproducible. The authors have now seen 4 of these distinctive tumors that show a combination of distinctive oncocytic cells forming compact glandular growth as well as amphophilic cells forming tubular growth, and suggest the appellation "microcribriform adenocarcinoma" (MCA). So far, these tumors appear to preferentially occur in nonoral sites (2 parotid, 1 submandibular gland, and 1 bronchial seromucous glands). By immunohistochemistry, they express S100 and SOX-10 with focal outer myoepithelial cells marked by circumferential p63, p40, and smooth muscle actin staining around some of the nests and tubules. The tumors show infiltrative growth within a hyalinized and myxoid stroma. Cytologically, they appear generally low grade, similar to MSA. The morphologic and molecular uniformity of these 4 microcribriform adenocarcinoma cases warrants their recognition, and while related to MSA, they are sufficiently different to be classified as a distinct tumor. So far, in limited follow-up, these tumors appear to be relatively indolent.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Adenocarcinoma/genetics , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Salivary Glands/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics
14.
Pathologie (Heidelb) ; 43(6): 467-474, 2022 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36227346

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the characterization of salivary gland tumors has undergone a major transformation. Morphologically defined entities could to a large extent also be characterized molecularly with an often distinct genotype. The first part of this article reviews the advances in the molecular characteristics of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, secretory carcinoma, intraductal carcinoma, and hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma. The molecular genotype can be particularly useful in classifying unusual morphologic variants. Recurrent NTRK or RET gene fusions can be used not only as a diagnostic tool but also for potential targeted therapy.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Acinar Cell , Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic , Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating , Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/genetics , Carcinoma, Acinar Cell/genetics
15.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer ; 61(2): 94-104, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34755406

ABSTRACT

PLAG1 rearrangements have been described as a molecular hallmark of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (PA), carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA), and myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA). Several fusion partners have been described, however, commonly no further assignment to the aforementioned entities or a morphological prediction can be made based on the knowledge of the fusion partner alone. In contrast, TGFBR3-PLAG1 fusion has been specifically described and characterized as an oncogenic driver in MECA, and less common in MECA ex PA. Here, we describe the clinicopathological features of three TGFBR3-PLAG1 fusion-positive salivary gland neoplasms, all of which arose in the deep lobe of the parotid gland. Histopathology showed high morphological similarities, encompassing encapsulation, a polylobular growth pattern, bland basaloid and oncocytoid cells with myoepithelial differentiation, and a distinct sclerotic background. All cases showed at least limited, unusual foci of minimal invasion into adjacent salivary gland tissue, including one case with ERBB2 (Her2/neu) amplified, TP53 mutated high-grade transformation, and lymph node metastases. Of note, all cases illustrated focal ductal differentiation. Classification remains difficult, as morphological overlaps between myoepithelial-rich cellular PA, myoepithelioma, and MECA were observed. However, evidence of minimal invasion advocates classification as low-grade MECA. This case series further characterizes the spectrum of uncommon cellular myoepithelial neoplasms harboring TGFBR3-PLAG1 fusion, which show recurrent minimal invasion of the adjacent salivary gland tissue, a predilection to the deep lobe of the parotid gland, and potential high-grade transformation.


Subject(s)
Adenoma, Pleomorphic , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Gene Rearrangement/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Proteoglycans/genetics , Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnosis , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnostic imaging , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/genetics , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/pathology , Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Grading , Parotid Gland/diagnostic imaging , Parotid Gland/pathology , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
16.
Exp Mol Pathol ; 123: 104705, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34637782

ABSTRACT

PARP inhibitors are used for treatment of tumors lacking function of the double-strand DNA break repair proteins BRCA1 or BRCA2 and are already approved for several cancer types. Thus, it is clinically crucial to determine germline as well as somatic BRCA1/2 mutations in those patients. The amplicon-based Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay is a test routinely used in diagnostics with FFPE specimens. The assay is validated for the detection of mutations, however, data on its performance in detecting large genomic rearrangements in FFPE tissue, is scarce. We cross-validated Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay in blood samples and/or FFPE tissue with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for exon deletions and with OncoScan and an in-house hybridization-based target capture assay (MelArray) with a customized pipeline for the detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and heterozygous versus complete gene loss. The Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay could detect both exon deletion and mono- and bi-allelic losses of the BRCA1/2 genes. We show that the therapeutically relevant large genomic rearrangements are reliably detected with the amplicon-based Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay in FFPE tumor tissue. Based on our data, we suggest tumor BRCA testing as standard diagnostic prescreening prior to germline BRCA testing.


Subject(s)
BRCA1 Protein/genetics , BRCA2 Protein/genetics , Neoplasms/genetics , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded/drug effects , DNA Repair/drug effects , Female , Gene Rearrangement/genetics , Genome, Human/genetics , Humans , Loss of Heterozygosity/genetics , Male , Mutation , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/pathology
17.
Cancers (Basel) ; 13(11)2021 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34072863

ABSTRACT

Mucosal melanoma can be driven by various driver mutations in genes such as NRAS, KIT, or KRAS. However, some cases present with only weak drivers, or lacking known oncogenic drivers, suggesting immunotherapy over targeted therapy. While resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma have been uncovered, including alterations in JAK1/2, B2M, or STK11, a switch of oncogenic drivers under immunotherapy has not yet been observed. We report three cases of metastatic sinonasal melanoma that switched oncogenic drivers from KRAS, KIT, or no driver to NRAS during or after immunotherapy, thereby showing progressive disease. One of the cases presented with three spatially separate driver mutations in the primary tumor, whereas the NRAS clone persisted under immunotherapy. In comparison, three different control cases receiving radiotherapy only did not show a change of the detectable molecular drivers in their respective recurrences or metastases. In summary, these data provide an important rationale for longitudinal molecular testing, based on evidence for an unforeseen recurrent event of molecular driver switch to NRAS in progressing sinonasal melanoma. These findings provide the basis for further studies on a potential causal relation of emerging NRAS mutant clones and immunotherapy.

18.
Genes (Basel) ; 12(5)2021 05 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34065301

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We investigated the mutational landscape of skin tumors in patients with Muir-Torre Syndrome (MTS) a hereditary autosomal dominant mismatch repair disorder of increased cancer susceptibility, and examined mutations other than in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. METHODS: This retrospective single-center case series included seven patients with the diagnosis of Muir-Torre Syndrome with precise medical history and family history. Mutational analysis of tumor samples Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of skin lesions associated with Muir-Torre Syndrome were used for further analysis. All skin tumors were analyzed with the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3 (Life Technologies), which includes 161 of the most relevant cancer driver genes. RESULTS: Eleven skin neoplasms (nine sebaceous tumors, one melanoma, one cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) were diagnosed in seven patients. In two patients, visceral malignancies preceded the diagnosis of the skin tumors and one patient was diagnosed with a visceral malignancy after a sebaceous tumor. History of familial cancer of Lynch Syndrome (LS) was reported in three patients. The most frequently detected mutation was in the MSH2 gene, followed by mutations in the NOTCH1/2 and TP53 gene. Conclusion, this study provides a molecular analysis of Muir-Torre Syndrome associated and non-associated skin tumors in patients with Muir-Torre Syndrome. Patients with sebaceous lesions should undergo microsatellite instability analysis and accurate evaluation of personal and family history to detect a possible Muir-Torre syndrome. As secondary malignancies may appear years after the first occurrence of sebaceous tumors, lifelong screening is mandatory.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics , Genetic Testing/methods , Melanoma/genetics , Muir-Torre Syndrome/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Aged , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Female , Genetic Testing/standards , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/standards , Humans , Male , Melanoma/pathology , Middle Aged , Muir-Torre Syndrome/pathology , MutS Homolog 2 Protein/genetics , Mutation , Receptor, Notch1/genetics , Receptor, Notch2/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , Sequence Analysis, DNA/standards , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
19.
Neoplasia ; 23(5): 473-487, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33878706

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms is often challenging due to their high morphological diversity and overlaps. Several recurrent molecular alterations have been described recently, which can serve as powerful diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic targets (e.g. NTRK or RET fusions). However, current sequential molecular testing can be expensive and time consuming. In order to facilitate the diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms, we designed an all-in-one RNA-based next generation sequencing panel suitable for the detection of mutations, fusions and gene expression levels (including NR4A3) of 27 genes involved in salivary gland neoplasms. Here we present the validation of the "SalvGlandDx" panel on FFPE histological specimen including fine needle aspiration (FNA) cell block material, against the standard methods currently used at our institution. In a second part we describe selected unique cases in which the SalvGlandDx panel allowed proper diagnosis and new insights into special molecular characteristics of selected salivary gland tumors. We characterize a unique salivary gland adenocarcinoma harboring a ZCCHC7-NTRK2 fusion, a highly uncommon spindle cell and pseudoangiomatoid adenoid-cystic carcinoma with MYBL1-NFIB fusion, and a purely oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma, whereas diagnosis could be made by detection of a CRTC3-MAML2 rearrangement on the cell block specimen of the FNA. Further, a rare case of a SS18-ZBTB7A rearranged low-grade adenocarcinoma previously described as potential spectrum of microsecretory adenocarcinoma, is reported. In addition, features of six cases within the spectrum of polymorphous adenocarcinoma / cribriform adenocarcinoma of salivary gland including PRKD1 p.E710D mutations and novel fusions involving PRKAR2A-PRKD1, SNX9-PRKD1 and ATL2-PRKD3, are described.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Gene Expression Profiling , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Biopsy , Cell Line, Tumor , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Humans , Immunohistochemistry/methods , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Mutation , Neoplasm Grading , Neoplasm Staging , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/drug therapy
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