Translocations and Gene Fusions in Sinonasal Malignancies.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW During the past few years there has been an expansion in our understanding of gene fusions and translocations involved in cancer of the sinonasal tract. Here we review the downstream biologic effects, clinical characteristics, and pathologic features of these tumors. The molecular consequences and neo-antigens resulting from these chromosomal aberrations are considered and targets for current and future clinical trials discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Several new, clinically relevant, chromosomal aberrations have been discovered and evaluated to varying degrees in sinonasal tumors including DEKAFF2, BRD4NUT, ADCK4NUMBL, and ETV6NTRK3. Sinonasal malignancies demonstrate a diverse genetic landscape and varying clinical courses. Recent studies illustrate that gene fusions and translocations may play a role in carcinogenesis in certain sinonasal tumor subtypes and may be used to develop new biomarker-driven and patient-centered treatments.