Investigation of EGFR/pi3k/Akt signaling pathway in seminomas.

Activation of the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGFR) in some testicular tumors activates several signaling pathways. Some components of these pathways are phosphorylated or mutated in testicular germ tumors (TCGT), including EGFR, Kirstein ras oncogen (KRAS) and cell surface protein of the germ cell (KIT). The latter two activate RAF /MEK/ERK and PI3 K/AKT, and interconnect with the EGFR/pI3 k/Akt pathway. We investigated the expression of EGFR/pI3 k/Akt pathway proteins in seminomas and in their precursor lesion, germinal cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) and related genetic mutations. We used immunohistochemistry for pEGFR, pI3 k and pAkt expression with a scoring system for 46 seminoma surgical specimens: 36 classical and 10 GCNIS. In 17 samples, the mutations of EGFR (exons 19 - 21), KIT (exons 11, 17) and KRAS (exons 2, 3) were investigated using qPCR and sequencing. Of the 36 seminomas studied, 22 (61%) expressed pEGFR. Ten samples exhibited high scores for pEGFR, pI3 k and pAkt. In 5 of 17 cases (33%) some mutation was exhibited in the exons studied: 21 of EGFR (2), 17 of EGFR (1), 3 of KRAS (1) and 11 of KIT (1). Six cases exhibited nuclear translocation of EGFR; of these, four exhibited mutations of EGFR, KRAS and KIT. Eight of ten of the GCNIS expressed a high pEGFR score (80%). In 2 of 6 cases (33%), mutation was detected in exon 21 of EGFR and one smear showed EGFR translocation to the nucleus. The translocation represents a subpopulation with worse prognosis for TCGT. The EGFR/pI3 k/Akt signaling pathway is linked to TDRG1, which regulates chemosensitivity to cisplatin; this is a mechanism of resistance to treatment. TDRG1 and the EGFR/pI3 k/pAkt pathway could be therapeutic targets for seminomas resistant to cisplatin.

Carcinomas renales recientemente reconocidos / Recently recognized renal carcinomas

The classification working group of the International Society of Urological Pathology consensus conference on renal neoplasia was in charge of making recommendations regarding additions and changes to the current World Health Organization Classification of Renal Tumors (2004). Members of the group performed an exhaustive literature review, assessed the results of the preconference survey and participated in the consensus conference discussion and polling activities. On the basis of the above inputs, there was consensus that 5 entities should be recognized as new distinct epithelial tumors within the classification system:tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), acquired cystic disease–associated RCC, clear cell (tubulo)papillary RCC, the MiT family translocation RCCs (in particular t(6;11) RCC), and hereditary leiomyomatosis RCC syndrome–associated RCC.The new classification is to be referred to as the International Society of Urological Pathology Vancouver Classification of Renal Neoplasia.

[Isolated neurofibroma of the common bile duct]. / Neurofibroma intraparietal aislado del colédoco.

The neurogenic tumors in the biliary tract are rare and usually are amputation neuroma that occur after cholecystectomy. We describe a case of isolated neurofibroma of the common bile duct in a young man not cholecystectomized. The patient suffered recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss without clinical signs of Von Recklinghausen's disease or jaundice. The hepatogram was normal. The echography indicated a solid formation with obstruction of the proximal common bile duct. In the ERCP the stenosis was found. Surgical excision of the tumor and anastomosis of bilateral hepatic ducts and jejunum were carried out. At microscopic examination intraparietal neurofibroma of the common bile duct was found. As isolated entity, we know of only one reported case.

Neurofibroma intraparietal aislado del colédoco. / [Isolated neurofibroma of the common bile duct]

The neurogenic tumors in the biliary tract are rare and usually are amputation neuroma that occur after cholecystectomy. We describe a case of isolated neurofibroma of the common bile duct in a young man not cholecystectomized. The patient suffered recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss without clinical signs of Von Recklinghausens disease or jaundice. The hepatogram was normal. The echography indicated a solid formation with obstruction of the proximal common bile duct. In the ERCP the stenosis was found. Surgical excision of the tumor and anastomosis of bilateral hepatic ducts and jejunum were carried out. At microscopic examination intraparietal neurofibroma of the common bile duct was found. As isolated entity, we know of only one reported case.