EPAS1-mutated paragangliomas associated with haemoglobin disorders.

We report a large series of 40 patients presenting EPAS1-mutated paraganglioma (PGL) in whom we investigated a cause underlying chronic hypoxia. Four patients suffered from hypoxaemic heart disease. In patients with available haemoglobin electrophoresis results, 59% presented with a haemoglobin disorder, including six with sickle cell disease, five with sickle cell trait and two with heterozygous haemoglobin C disease. Histological and transcriptomic characterization of EPAS1 tumours revealed increased angiogenesis and high similarities with pseudohypoxic PGLs caused by VHL gene mutations. Sickle haemoglobinopathy carriers could thus be at increased risk for developing EPAS1-PGLs, which should be taken into account in their management and surveillance.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor After Kidney Transplantation: A French Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus linked to nine different human tumors and lymphoproliferative disorders. Immunosuppression promotes EBV-driven malignancies. The most frequent EBV-induced malignancies are lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. By promoting smooth muscle proliferation, EBV can induce EBV-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMT). EBV-SMT is a rare oncological entity for which no current guideline for diagnosis or management exists. Data on posttransplant EBV-SMT (PT-SMT) are scarce in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We conducted a national multicentric retrospective study and collected cases among transplantation centers in France. Kidney transplant recipients experiencing histologically proven PT-SMT were included. We collected data on demographic characteristics of patient, history of kidney transplantation, history of PT-SMT, evolution of graft function, and patient survival. RESULTS: Eight patients were included. The median age at PT-SMT diagnosis was 31 years (range 6.5-40). PT-SMT occurred after a median delay of 37.8 months after transplantation (range 6-175). PT-SMT management consisted in immunosuppressive regimen minimization in all patients. Introduction of mTOR inhibitors was performed in two patients. Four patients (50%) needed chemotherapy. Surgical resection was performed in four patients. At last follow-up after PT-SMT diagnosis (median 33 months (range 17-132)), five patients were considered in complete remission, and two patients had died. Two patients experienced graft rejection; two resumed dialysis (25%). All patients with available data presented with impaired graft function at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: PT-SMT is a subacute and progressive disease during kidney transplantation. Even if the risk of developing PT-SMT is low in kidney transplant recipients (0.07% in our cohort), PT-SMT is associated with significant graft loss, possibly due to reduced immunosuppression. Developing guidelines could help transplantation teams better manage these patients.

Systemic complement activation influences outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: A prospective French multicenter trial.

Complement activation has shown a role in murine models of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and in endothelial complications after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, its impact on post-transplant outcomes has not been so far fully elucidated. Here, we conducted a prospective multicentric trial (NCT01520623) performing serial measurements of complement proteins, regulators, and CH50 activity for 12 weeks after allo-HSCT in 85 patients receiving a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimen for various hematological malignancies. Twenty-six out of 85 patients showed an "activated" complement profile through the classical/lectin pathway, defined as a post-transplant decline of C3/C4 and CH50 activity. Time-dependent Cox regression models demonstrated that complement activation within the first weeks after allo-HSCT was associated with increased non-relapse mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.69, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.55-8.78, p = .003) and poorer overall survival (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.37-5.39, p = .004) due to increased incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD and in particular gastrointestinal (GI) GVHD (HR: 36.8, 95% CI: 12.4-109.1, p < .001), higher incidences of thrombotic microangiopathy (HR: 8.58, 95% CI: 2.16-34.08, p = .0022), capillary leak syndrome (HR: 7.36, 95% CI: 2.51-21.66, p = .00028), post-engraftment bacterial infections (HR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.22-4.63, p = .0108), and EBV reactivation (HR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.31-8.45, p = .0112). Through specific immune staining, we showed the correlation of deposition of C1q, C3d, C4d, and of C5b9 components on endothelial cells in GI GVHD lesions with the histological grade of GVHD. Altogether these findings define the epidemiology and the clinical impact of complement classical/lectin pathway activation after MAC regimens and provide a rational for the use of complement inhibitory therapeutics in a post-allo-HSCT setting.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor in a kidney transplant recipient: A case-report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus linked to pre-malignant lymphoproliferative diseases and up to nine distinct human tumors. The most frequent EBV-associated malignancies are lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. By promoting smooth muscle proliferation, EBV can induce EBV-associated smooth muscle tumors (SMT) which remain a very rare oncological entity. This study reports one case report of SMT and aims to offer the largest review of literature on post-transplantation-SMT (PT-SMT) in kidney transplant recipients, with a focus on therapeutic management and evolution of graft function. METHODS: Case reports and case series of PT-SMT in kidney transplant recipients were collected from 1996 to 2019. RESULTS: A total of 59 PT-SMT were evaluated. The median time at diagnosis was 74.6 months after kidney transplantation. The most frequent localizations were liver and lung. EBV seroconversion was notified in all six patients with previously negative status. Preferred therapeutic option was surgery (65.9%), associated with a reduction in immunosuppression (77.2%), which includes switch to mTOR inhibitors (29.5%), and discontinuation of MMF (32%). In our review, 13% of patients experienced rejection, 8.7% lost their graft and went back on hemodialysis; 8.8% of patients died of PT-SMT. CONCLUSION: PT-SMT is a rare but serious condition in kidney transplant recipients. EBV seroconversion following transplantation appears as a risk factor in developing PT-SMT in solid-organ recipients. In the absence of guidelines, therapeutic management for PT-SMT is challenging and exposes the patient to high risk of graft loss.

Carbonic anhydrase 9 immunohistochemistry as a tool to predict or validate germline and somatic VHL mutations in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma-a retrospective and prospective study.

The development of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas is strongly linked to the presence of germline mutations in more than 15 predisposing genes. Among them, germline and somatic VHL mutations account for ~10% of all cases. In contrast with SDHA and SDHB immunohistochemistries that are routinely used to validate SDHx gene mutations, there is no such tool available for VHL mutations. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CA9 immunostaining could be used as a tool to predict the presence or validate the pathogenicity of VHL gene mutations in paraganglioma. Immunohistochemistry for CA9 was performed on 207 tumors. A retrospective series of 100 paragangliomas with known mutation status for paraganglioma susceptibility genes was first investigated. Then, a prospective series of 107 paragangliomas was investigated for CA9 immunostaining followed by germline and/or somatic genetic testing of all paraganglioma susceptibility genes by next-generation sequencing. Cytosolic CA9 protein expression was heterogeneous in the different samples. However, we observed that a membranous CA9 staining was almost exclusively observed in VHL-related cases. Forty two of 48 (88%) VHL-mutated samples showed a CA9 membranous immunostaining. Positive cells were either isolated, varying from 1 or 2 cells (5% of cases) to 10-20 cells per tumor block (35% of cases), grouped in areas of focal positivity representing between 1 and 20% of the tissue section (35% of cases), or widely distributed on 80-100% of the tumor sections (25% of samples). In contrast, 142/159 (91%) of non-VHL-mutated tumors presented no membrane CA9 localization. Our results demonstrate that VHL gene mutations can be predicted or validated reliably by an easy-to-perform and low-cost immunohistochemical procedure. CA9 immunohistochemistry on paragangliomas will improve the diagnosis of VHL-related disease, which is important for the surveillance and therapeutic management of paraganglioma patients, and in case of germline mutation, their family members.

Succinate detection using in vivo 1H-MR spectroscopy identifies germline and somatic SDHx mutations in paragangliomas.

PURPOSE: Germline mutations in genes encoding succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are frequent in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). They lead to SDH inactivation, mediating a massive accumulation of succinate, which constitutes a highly specific biomarker of SDHx-mutated tumors when measured in vitro. In a recent pilot study, we showed that magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) optimized for succinate detection (SUCCES) could detect succinate in vivo in both allografted mouse models and PPGL patients. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the diagnostic performances of 1H-MRS SUCCES sequence for the identification of SDH deficiency in PPGL patients. METHODS: Forty-nine patients presenting with 50 PPGLs were prospectively enrolled in our referral center for 1H-MRS SUCCES. Two observers blinded to the clinical characteristics and genetic status analyzed the presence of a succinate peak and confronted the results to a composite gold standard combining PPGL genetic testing and/or in vitro protein analyses in the tumor. RESULTS: A succinate peak was observed in 20 tumors, all of which had proven SDH deficiency using the gold standard (17 patients with germline SDHx mutations, 2 with a somatic SDHD mutation, and 1 with negative SDHB IHC and SDH loss of function). A false negative result was observed in 3 tumors. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 1H-MRS SUCCES were respectively 87%, 100%, 100%, 90%, and 94%. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of succinate using 1H-MRS is a highly specific and sensitive hallmark of SDH-deficiency in PPGLs.

[Pathologist contribution in the diagnosis of hereditary predisposition to paranganglioma and pheochromocytoma]. / Apport du pathologiste dans les prédispositions héréditaires aux paragangliomes et phéochromocytomes.

Hereditary predispositions are responsible for more than 30% of or paraganglioma. Their identification is essential to optimize medical care and to offer an appropriate screening to relatives. To date, there are more than 15 known paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma predisposing genes. The most frequently involved are those encoding the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx), accounting for half of cases and the VHL gene, causing the Von Hippel Lindau syndrome and representing approximately 20% of genetically determined cases. Patients with SDHB genes mutations have a higher risk of metastatic disease. An oncogenetic counseling is recommended to all patients developing one or several paragangliomas, isolated or associated with other tumors. Apart from the clinical presentation and in particular the syndromic forms characterized by specific tumor spectra, there is no validated morphological criterion allowing to suspect a hereditary form. On the other hand, pathologists have now access to several immunohistochemical tools allowing the identification of some hereditary forms, in particular those linked to the SDHx, VHL and FH genes. Thus, the loss of expression in immunohistochemistry of the SDHB or FH proteins orientates respectively, towards SDHx and FH genes, while the membrane expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) is a sensitive and specific tool pointing towards a VHL anomaly. Other immunohistochemical markers are under evaluation. A systematic SDHB immunohistochemical staining is recommended on all paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas in order to allow an early detection of the most common hereditary forms and to contribute to the interpretation of the genetic results in these patients seen in oncogenetics consultation.

Can we classify ampullary tumours better? Clinical, pathological and molecular features. Results of an AGEO study.

BACKGROUND: Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA) originates from either intestinal (INT) or pancreaticobiliary (PB) epithelium. Different prognostic factors of recurrence have been identified in previous studies. METHODS: In 91 AA patients of the AGEO retrospective multicentre cohort, we evaluated the centrally reviewed morphological classification, panel markers of Ang et al. including CK7, CK20, MUC1, MUC2 and CDX2, the 50-gene panel mutational analysis, and the clinicopathological AGEO prognostic score. RESULTS: Forty-three (47%) of the 91 tumours were Ang-INT, 29 (32%) were Ang-PB, 18 (20%) were ambiguous (Ang-AMB) and one could not be classified. Among these 90 tumours, 68.7% of INT tumours were Ang-INT and 78.2% of PB tumours were Ang-PB. MUC5AC expression was detected in 32.5% of the 86 evaluable cases. Among 71 tumours, KRAS, TP53, APC and PIK3CA were the most frequently mutated genes. The KRAS mutation was significantly more frequent in the PB subtype. In multivariate analysis, only AGEO prognostic score and tumour subtype were associated with relapse-free survival. Only AGEO prognostic score was associated with overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Mutational analysis and MUC5AC expression provide no additional value in the prognostic evaluation of AA patients. Ang et al. classification and the AGEO prognostic score were confirmed as a strong prognosticator for disease recurrence.

Gastrointestinal tumors in transplantation: Two case reports and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. As most of them harbor a KIT mutation (75%), selective kinase inhibitors are the therapeutic option and show a sustained objective response among patients with metastatic or unresectable GISTs. A well-known higher risk of neoplasm has been described among renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Nevertheless, only few cases of GIST onset among transplant patients have been reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we describe 2 cases of gastric GIST occurring during the follow-up of RTRs. We also review the existing literature concerning GIST occurrence in transplant patients. In total and in association with our 2 cases, 16 patients have been reported. The median age was 59.5 years and 69% were male. With a median tumor size of 45 mm, no patient displayed metastatic dissemination at diagnosis. Time from transplantation to diagnosis was highly variable between 5 mo and 21 years. Histopathological data mostly revealed high risk of progression (43%). Death increased to 29% during follow-up. Surgical treatment was systematically performed when the tumor was operable (94%). The use of adjuvant therapy was uncommon (19%). CONCLUSION: GISTs represent rare but potentially severe malignant complication among transplant patients.

Colocalization of Wnt/ß-Catenin and ACTH Signaling Pathways and Paracrine Regulation in Aldosterone-producing Adenoma.

CONTEXT: Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are a common cause of primary aldosteronism (PA). Despite the discovery of somatic mutations in APA and the characterization of multiple factors regulating adrenal differentiation and function, the sequence of events leading to APA formation remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of Wnt/ß-catenin and adrenocorticotropin signaling, as well as elements of paracrine regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis in adrenals with APA and their relationship to intratumoral heterogeneity and mutational status. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of aldosterone-synthase (CYP11B2), CYP17A1, ß-catenin, melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R), phosphorlyated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB), tryptase, S100, CD34 by multiplex immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry-guided reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Eleven adrenals with APA and 1 with micronodular hyperplasia from patients with PA were analyzed. Main outcome measures included localization of CYP11B2, CYP17A1, ß-catenin, MC2R, pCREB, tryptase, S100, CD34 in APA and aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs). RESULTS: Immunofluorescence revealed abundant mast cells and a dense vascular network in APA, independent of mutational status. Within APA, mast cells were localized in areas expressing CYP11B2 and were rarely colocalized with nerve fibers, suggesting that their degranulation is not controlled by innervation. In these same areas, ß-catenin was activated, suggesting a zona glomerulosa cell identity. In heterogeneous APA with KCNJ5 mutations, MC2R and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression was higher in areas expressing CYP11B2. A similar pattern was observed in APCC, with high expression of CYP11B2, activated ß-catenin, and numerous mast cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that aldosterone-producing structures in adrenals with APA share common molecular characteristics and cellular environment, despite different mutation status, suggesting common developmental mechanisms.

Identification of risk loci for primary aldosteronism in genome-wide association studies.

Primary aldosteronism affects up to 10% of hypertensive patients and is responsible for treatment resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. Here we perform a genome-wide association study in a discovery cohort of 562 cases and 950 controls and identify three main loci on chromosomes 1, 13 and X; associations on chromosome 1 and 13 are replicated in a second cohort and confirmed by a meta-analysis involving 1162 cases and 3296 controls. The association on chromosome 13 is specific to men and stronger in bilateral adrenal hyperplasia than aldosterone producing adenoma. Candidate genes located within the two loci, CASZ1 and RXFP2, are expressed in human and mouse adrenals in different cell clusters. Their overexpression in adrenocortical cells suppresses mineralocorticoid output under basal and stimulated conditions, without affecting cortisol biosynthesis. Our study identifies the first risk loci for primary aldosteronism and highlights new mechanisms for the development of aldosterone excess.

Somatic mutations in adrenals from patients with primary aldosteronism not cured after adrenalectomy suggest common pathogenic mechanisms between unilateral and bilateral disease.

OBJECTIVE: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary and curable hypertension. Different germline and somatic mutations are found in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and familial forms of the disease, while the causes of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) remain largely unknown. Adrenalectomy is the recommended treatment for patients with APA; however, 6% of patients are not cured and show persistent PA after surgery suggesting BAH. The objective of this study was to analyze clinical data of patients with APA without biochemical success after adrenalectomy as well as the histological and genetic characteristics of their adrenal glands. DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinical data of 12 patients with partial and absent biochemical cure were compared to those from 39 PA patients with hormonal cure after surgery. Histological, morphological, and genetic characterization of the adrenals was carried out by CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 immunostaining and by CYP11B2-guided NGS. RESULTS: Patients with absent hormonal cure displayed a longer duration of arterial hypertension and lower lateralization index of aldosterone production. In ten patients, APAs expressing CYP11B2 were identified. No difference in histological and morphological characteristics was observed between patients with or without a hormonal cure. Somatic mutations in APA driver genes were identified in all CYP11B2 positive APAs; CACNA1D mutations were the most frequent genetic abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with partial and absent biochemical cure were diagnosed later and exhibited a lower lateralization index of aldosterone production, suggesting asymmetric aldosterone production in the context of BAH. Somatic mutations in adrenal glands from those patients indicate common mechanisms underlying BAH and APA.

Additional value of EGFR downstream signaling phosphoprotein expression to KRAS status for response to anti-EGFR antibodies in colorectal cancer.

KRAS mutations are a strong predictive marker of resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) but only a subset of wild-type (WT) KRAS patients are responders, suggesting the existence of additional markers of resistance to this treatment. The activation of EGFR downstream signaling pathways may be one of these ones. In a series of 42 patients with advanced CRC treated with cetuximab/panitumumab, for whom KRAS status was previously determined, we retrospectively analyzed the intratumor expression of EGFR downstream signaling phosphoproteins of the RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways (pERK1/2, pMEK1, pAKT, pP70S6K and pGSK3beta) using Bio-Plex phosphoprotein array. Association with tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed. The expression of all the phosphoproteins was higher in KRAS mutated tumors than in WT tumors. The expression of pP70S6K was lower in responders than in nonresponder patients. In univariate analysis, patients with high pMEK1 or pP70S6K expression had a shorter PFS than those with low expression. Patients with high pP70S6K expression also had a shorter OS. In multivariate analysis, PFS was shorter for patients with high pMEK1 or pP70S6K expression, independently of KRAS status, as OS for patients with high pP70S6K expression. Therefore, WT KRAS patients with high pP70S6K expression had a shorter survival than those with low expression. Our results suggest the importance of EGFR downstream signaling phosphoproteins expression in addition to KRAS status to define the subgroup of patients who will not benefit from anti-EGFR therapy.

An immunohistochemical procedure to detect patients with paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma with germline SDHB, SDHC, or SDHD gene mutations: a retrospective and prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are neuro-endocrine tumours that occur sporadically and in several hereditary tumour syndromes, including the phaeochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome. This syndrome is caused by germline mutations in succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), C (SDHC), or D (SDHD) genes. Clinically, the phaeochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome is often unrecognised, although 10-30% of apparently sporadic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas harbour germline SDH-gene mutations. Despite these figures, the screening of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas for mutations in the SDH genes to detect phaeochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome is rarely done because of time and financial constraints. We investigated whether SDHB immunohistochemistry could effectively discriminate between SDH-related and non-SDH-related phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas in large retrospective and prospective tumour series. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for SDHB was done on 220 tumours. Two retrospective series of 175 phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas with known germline mutation status for phaeochromocytoma-susceptibility or paraganglioma-susceptibility genes were investigated. Additionally, a prospective series of 45 phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas was investigated for SDHB immunostaining followed by SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD mutation testing. FINDINGS: SDHB protein expression was absent in all 102 phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas with an SDHB, SDHC, or SDHD mutation, but was present in all 65 paraganglionic tumours related to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and neurofibromatosis type 1. 47 (89%) of the 53 phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas with no syndromic germline mutation showed SDHB expression. The sensitivity and specificity of the SDHB immunohistochemistry to detect the presence of an SDH mutation in the prospective series were 100% (95% CI 87-100) and 84% (60-97), respectively. INTERPRETATION: Phaeochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome can be diagnosed reliably by an immunohistochemical procedure. SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD germline mutation testing is indicated only in patients with SDHB-negative tumours. SDHB immunohistochemistry on phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas could improve the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome. FUNDING: The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Dutch Cancer Society, Vanderes Foundation, Association pour la Recherche contre le Cancer, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, and a PHRC grant COMETE 3 for the COMETE network.

Genetic, Cellular, and Molecular Heterogeneity in Adrenals With Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma.

Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) cause primary aldosteronism-the most frequent form of secondary hypertension. Somatic mutations in genes coding for ion channels and ATPases are found in APA and in aldosterone-producing cell clusters. We investigated the genetic, cellular, and molecular heterogeneity of different aldosterone-producing structures in adrenals with APA, to get insight into the mechanisms driving their development and to investigate their clinical and biochemical correlates. Genetic analysis of APA, aldosterone-producing cell clusters, and secondary nodules was performed in adrenal tissues from 49 patients by next-generation sequencing following CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients, steroid profiles, and histological features of the tumor and adjacent adrenal cortex. Somatic mutations were identified in 93.75% of APAs. Adenoma carrying KCNJ5 mutations had more clear cells and cells expressing CYP11B1, and fewer cells expressing CYP11B2 or activated ß-catenin, compared with other mutational groups. 18-hydroxycortisol and 18-oxocortisol were higher in patients carrying KCNJ5 mutations and correlated with histological features of adenoma; however, mutational status could not be predicted using steroid profiling. Heterogeneous CYP11B2 expression in KCNJ5-mutated adenoma was not associated with genetic heterogeneity. Different mutations were identified in secondary nodules expressing aldosterone synthase and in independent aldosterone-producing cell clusters from adrenals with adenoma; known KCNJ5 mutations were identified in 5 aldosterone-producing cell clusters. Genetic heterogeneity in different aldosterone-producing structures in the same adrenal suggests complex mechanisms underlying APA development.

Telomerase Activation and ATRX Mutations Are Independent Risk Factors for Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma.

PURPOSE: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Whereas most PPGLs are benign, up to 20% may become metastatic with SDHB- and FH-mutated tumors showing the higher risk. We aimed at determining the contribution of immortalization mechanisms to metastatic progression.Experimental Design: Immortalization mechanisms were investigated in 200 tumors. To identify telomerase (+) tumors, we analyzed genomic alterations leading to transcriptional activation of TERT comprising promoter mutations, hypermethylation and gain copy number. To identify tumors that activated the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) mechanism, we combined analyses of telomere length by slot blot, telomere heterogeneity by telomere FISH, and ATRX mutations by next-generation sequencing. Univariate/multivariate and metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) analyses were carried out for assessment of risk factors and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Only 37 of 200 (18.5%) tumors achieved immortalization. Telomerase activation occurred in 12 metastatic tumors and was prevalent in SDHB-mutated paragangliomas (P = 2.42e-09). ALT features were present in 25 tumors, mostly pheochromocytomas, regardless of metastatic status or molecular group (P = 0.169), yet ATRX mutations were found preferentially in SDHB/FH-mutated metastatic tumors (P = 0.0014). Telomerase activation and ATRX mutations were independent factors of poor prognosis: MFS (hazard ratio, 48.2 and 33.1; P = 6.50E-07 and 1.90E-07, respectively); OS (hazard ratio, 97.4 and 44.1; P = 4.30E-03 and 2.00E-03, respectively) and were associated with worse MFS and OS (log-rank tests P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of telomerase activation and ATRX mutations could be used to identify metastatic PPGLs, particularly in tumors at high risk of progression.

Effector memory T cells, early metastasis, and survival in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The role of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the early metastatic invasion of colorectal cancer is unknown. METHODS: We studied pathological signs of early metastatic invasion (venous emboli and lymphatic and perineural invasion) in 959 specimens of resected colorectal cancer. The local immune response within the tumor was studied by flow cytometry (39 tumors), low-density-array real-time polymerase-chain-reaction assay (75 tumors), and tissue microarrays (415 tumors). RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed significant differences in disease-free and overall survival according to the presence or absence of histologic signs of early metastatic invasion (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that an early conventional pathological tumor-node-metastasis stage (P<0.001) and the absence of early metastatic invasion (P=0.04) were independently associated with increased survival. As compared with tumors with signs of early metastatic invasion, tumors without such signs had increased infiltrates of immune cells and increased levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for products of type 1 helper effector T cells (CD8, T-BET [T-box transcription factor 21], interferon regulatory factor 1, interferon-gamma, granulysin, and granzyme B) but not increased levels of inflammatory mediators or immunosuppressive molecules. The two types of tumors had significant differences in the levels of expression of 65 combinations of T-cell markers, and hierarchical clustering showed that markers of T-cell migration, activation, and differentiation were increased in tumors without signs of early metastatic invasion. The latter type of tumors also had increased numbers of CD8+ T cells, ranging from early memory (CD45RO+CCR7-CD28+CD27+) to effector memory (CD45RO+CCR7-CD28-CD27-) T cells. The presence of high levels of infiltrating memory CD45RO+ cells, evaluated immunohistochemically, correlated with the absence of signs of early metastatic invasion, a less advanced pathological stage, and increased survival. CONCLUSIONS: Signs of an immune response within colorectal cancers are associated with the absence of pathological evidence of early metastatic invasion and with prolonged survival.

Different Somatic Mutations in Multinodular Adrenals With Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma.

Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Somatic mutations in KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and CACNA1D are found in aldosterone-producing adenoma. In addition, adrenals with aldosterone-producing adenomas show cortical remodeling and frequently multiple secondary nodules. Our aim was to investigate whether different aldosterone-producing nodules from the same adrenal share the same mutational status. Aldosterone synthase expression was assessed in multinodular adrenals from 27 patients. DNA of 37 aldosterone-producing secondary nodules was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues and genotyped for KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and CACNA1D mutations. Among 17 adrenals with a somatic mutation in the principal nodule, 4 showed the same mutation in a secondary nodule, whereas 10 had no mutation in any of the known genes. In 1 adrenal harboring the KCNJ5 p.Gly151Arg mutation in the principal nodule, the same mutation was present in 2 secondary nodules, but no mutation was found in a third nodule. Finally, in 2 adrenals with a CACNA1D mutation in the principal nodule, a KCNJ5 mutation was identified in the secondary nodule. Among 10 adrenals without mutations in the principal nodule, 1 carried a KCNJ5 mutation in the secondary nodule. No mutations were detected in 7 aldosterone-producing cell clusters from 6 adrenals. No association was observed between the presence of mutations in secondary nodules and clinical parameters. In conclusion, different mutations are found in different aldosterone-producing nodules from the same adrenal, suggesting that somatic mutations are independent events triggered by mechanisms that remain to be identified.

Application of Deamidated Gliadin Antibodies in the Follow-Up of Treated Celiac Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The role of serological tests such as IgA anti-transglutaminase autoantibodies has become increasingly important in celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. However, the efficiency of these tests for patient follow-up is controversial. We investigated the correlation of 12 different serological tests, including recent deamidated gliadin and actin IgA tests, with villous atrophy (VA) in a retrospective cohort of treated celiac patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 100 treated CD patients who had intestinal biopsy in the course of their follow-up. Antibodies against transglutaminase, deamidated gliadin peptides, and native gliadin were measured, along with IgA anti-actin. The biopsy slides were all blind-reviewed and scored according to Marsh classification. RESULTS: For all deamidated gliadin and transglutaminase tests, we found that a positive result was significantly associated with persistence of intestinal VA, with a diagnostic efficacy up to 80%. Furthermore, antibodies titers directly correlated with the degree of VA, indicating a strong link between disease activity and presence of antibodies in the serum. Interestingly, the tests with the highest association with persistent VA were those for deamidated gliadin IgG. Using a test positivity pattern analysis, we were also able to identify several groups of patients with distinct antibody profiles that showed significant differences in intestinal damage and diet compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results show that deamidated gliadin antibodies are strongly correlated with VA and should be considered valuable tools in CD follow-up and that multiplex serologic analysis for treated CD represents a promising tool for personalized patient management.