HPV-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma: Four Cases that Expand the Morpho-Molecular Spectrum and Include Occupational Data

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Multiphenotypic Carcinoma: First Description of a Vulval Case

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma is a rare and recently described epithelial neoplasm exhibiting myoepithelial differentiation and morphological overlap with salivary gland neoplasms, especially adenoid cystic carcinoma; it is commonly associated with HPV, especially type 33. It has mainly been reported in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with a single case reported in the breast. Herein, we report the first vulval example in a 47-year-old patient who presented with a large craggy mass in the region of the Bartholin gland. The histologic features were of a high-grade carcinoma composed of basaloid cells arranged in sheets and nests, with occasional ductal formations, surrounded by densely hyalinised basement membrane-type material. There was diffuse block-type immunoreactivity with p16 and HPV genotyping revealed high-risk HPV type 16. In reporting this case, we highlight the propensity for "salivary gland-type" neoplasms to arise in the vulva, especially in the Bartholin gland, and stress that pathologists should consider salivary-type neoplasms when faced with a morphologically unusual vulval tumor.

Update on Sinonasal Tract Malignancies: Advances in Diagnostic Modalities

CONTEXT.—

Sinonasal tract malignancies are rare cancers with frequent morphologic overlap. Given the similar histologic profiles seen in many of these entities, they often present a diagnostic challenge to the practicing pathologist.

OBJECTIVE.—

To provide a streamlined algorithm using histologic clues, immunohistochemical profiles, and molecular assays to aid in diagnosis of these lesions.

DATA SOURCES.—

Sources were the World Health Organization Tumor Classification, literature review, and institutional experience.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Although many sinonasal tract malignancies show similar histology, distinct immunohistochemical and molecular profiles can help parse out differences, thereby facilitating diagnosis for the pathologist.

Whole exome sequencing of human papillomavirus-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma: a case report

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma (HMSC) is a rare tumor with features of both atypical squamous cell and adenoid cystic carcinoma, making diagnosis challenging. Approximately 80% of HMSC cases carries HPV type 33 followed by type 35. We present a patient with HMSC. Pathological classification was aided by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The presence of HPV-DNA was tested using PCR and HPV E6/E7 expression by RNA in situ hybridization (RNA ISH). Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify somatic gene mutations and copy number alterations. A 55-year-old male presented with an HMSC in the right nostril. Histological examination showed a solid basaloid subtype with mucinous spaces and ductal structures. IHC showed positive staining for SOX-10, SMA, p40, p63, PanCK, CK8 and MYB. Diffuse positive staining for p16 was observed and PCR and RNA ISH indicated the presence of HPV type 35. The patient was treated with endoscopic surgery and radiotherapy and is currently alive and recurrence-free after 16 months of follow-up. WES revealed 38 somatic sequence variants and several chromosomal regions with copy number alterations, including a copy number gain at 6q23 where MYB is located. EP300, ZNF22, ZNF609 and LRIG3 are some of the genes whose mutations were indicated as probably pathogenic. We did not find mutations predictive for drug response according to the ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets database. This is the first report of WES analysis of an HMSC, in this case associated with HPV type 35. The detected mutation in EP300 and the overexpression of MYB may serve as molecular targets for personalized therapy.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma With Intracranial Extension and Rapid Recurrence: A Case Report

HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a rare malignancy of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses that often presents with indolent behavior despite aggressive histologic appearance. Herein, we present an unusual case of a patient with HMSC presenting with rapid local recurrence, highlighting the histopathology and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies surrounding HMSC.

Outcome-oriented clinicopathological reappraisal of sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma with broad morphological spectrum and high MYB::NFIB prevalence

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is a salivary gland neoplasm that infrequently appears in the sinonasal region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and clinicopathological parameters of sinonasal AdCC. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all cases of AdCC affecting the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses between 2000 and 2018 at the University Hospital Zurich. Tumor material was examined for morphological features and analyzed for molecular alterations. A total of 14 patients were included. Mean age at presentation was 57.7 years. Sequencing revealed MYB::NFIB gene fusion in 11/12 analyzable cases. Poor prognostic factors were solid variant (p < 0.001), histopathological high-grade transformation (p < 0.001), and tumor involvement of the sphenoid sinus (p = 0.02). The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS were 5.2 years and 11.3 years. The RFS rates at 1-, 5-, and 10-year were 100%, 53.8%, and 23.1%. The OS rates at 1-, 5-, and 10- years were 100%, 91.7%, and 62.9%, respectively. In Conclusion, the solid variant (solid portion > 30%), high-grade transformation, and sphenoid sinus involvement are negative prognostic factors for sinonasal AdCC. A high prevalence of MYB::NFIB gene fusion may help to correctly classify diagnostically challenging (e.g. metatypical) cases.

HPV-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma: A Clinicoradiological Series of 3 Cases With Full Endoscopic Surgical Outcome

Context: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC), formerly known as HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic like features, is a rare tumor subtype with unusual correlation between radiological, histopathological, and surgical findings. The shared histological characteristics with other sinonasal tumors make the diagnosis challenging. Optimal surgical and oncological treatments for this rare condition remains to be clearly defined. Methods: The objective of the study was to describe the unique characteristics and endoscopic surgical treatment of this rare tumor. In this retrospective case series, all patients with an HMSC diagnosis treated in our tertiary center were selected. Results: Three HMSC cases were identified, including 2 male and 1 female patients. All cases originated from the posterior nasal cavity. One case presented with a tumor of 8.9 cm × 6.4 cm × 8.7 cm, which is the largest tumor volume described to date. All patients received exclusively endoscopic surgical treatment, followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. No patient showed clinical or radiological sign of disease recurrence, or regional or distant metastasis, with a follow-up ranging from 9 months to 4 years. In 2 cases, initial diagnoses incorrectly suggested adenoid cystic or basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. HPV-DNA testing confirmed the presence of HPV in all cases, with identification of strains 16 and 18. Conclusion and Relevance: HMSC represents a newly identified diagnosis that constitutes a significant challenge for both clinicians and pathologists. It is crucial to acknowledge its indolent clinical course and the apparent contradiction between aggressive radiological features and the noninvasive nature of surgical findings. Skull base surgeons should be aware that, despite these complexities, endoscopic treatment is achievable in the majority of cases. This understanding is essential for the effective management of HMSC.

Evaluation of Some Prognostic Biomarkers in Human Papillomavirus-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multi phenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a recently described tumor subtype with an unknown prognosis, often misdiagnosed with other sinonasal carcinomas, and associated with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV). The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), ProExTMC, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and assess their association with survival and clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2022, 40 HMSC patients underwent surgical resection at the School of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals (Zagazig, Egypt). Tissue samples were examined for the presence of HR-HPV; absence of myeloblastosis (MYB), MYB proto-oncogene like 1 (MYBL1), and nuclear factor I/B (NFIB) fusions and the presence of myoepithelial proteins (calponin, S100, SMA), squamous differentiation markers (p63, p40, calponin), VEGF, BAX, ProExTMC, and hTERT by immunohistochemistry. All patients were followed up for about 54 months until death or the last known survival data. Data were analyzed using the Chi square test and Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The expression of VEGF, hTERT, and ProExTMC was significantly associated with age, advanced tumor stages, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, mortality, relapse, poor disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) (P<0.001). BAX expression was significantly associated with tumor size, age, poor DFS, and relapse (P=0.01, P<0.001, P=0.035, and P=0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

HMSC is strongly associated with HR-HPV. The expression of VEGF, EGFR, BAX, hTERT, and ProExTMC is associated with aggressive malignant behavior, poor survival, and poor prognosis, making them novel prognostic biomarkers for targeted therapeutics in HMSC.

Human Papillomavirus-Related Recurrent Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma With HPV Genotype 56 Detected by HPV Direct Flow CHIP

Human Papillomavirus-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma is a rare, and recently described neoplasm, defined by its association with high-risk Human Papillomavirus, which exclusively affects the sinonasal tract and simulates salivary gland tumors. Due to the infrequency of this neoplasm and the lack of knowledge of its pathological characteristics, it is susceptible to diagnostic error. We describe the clinical-radiological findings of a 54-year-old man with multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma related to Human Papillomavirus genotype 56. The diagnosis of multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma was suspected by light microscopy and was corroborated by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The patient was subsequently treated with 63.6 gray radiotherapies. He is currently alive after a follow-up of 20 months, with a recurrence of the disease. In conclusion, multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma is an unusual neoplasm, which is not well recognized and can be confused with adenoid cystic carcinoma. However, multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis as we encounter sinonasal tumors, which by histology present tubular, cribriform, and solid growth patterns, accompanied by dysplasia or carcinoma in situ in the superficial mucosa. In this case, it is necessary to perform immunohistochemistry for p16INK4A or PCR to confirm the presence of high-risk Human Papilloma Virus, which would confirm the diagnosis.

Human Papillomavirus-Related Carcinomas of the Sinonasal Tract

Purpose of review

The sinonasal tract is home to a uniquely heterogenous collection of malignant tumors. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected in a number of these, but the virus' role as an oncogenic driver or coincidental finding remains unclear. We aim to highlight five sinonasal tumor types and synthesize the prevalence, etiologic role, and known clinicopathologic relevance of HPV in each.

Recent findings

The last decade has seen an expansion of investigation into HPV's oncogenic and prognostic significance within sinonasal malignancies. The sinonasal tract poses challenges to HPV detection where p16 lacks value as an accurate surrogate. A growing body of data supports a potentially favorable clinical profile for certain sinonasal HPV-positive lesions.

Summary

HPV represents a potential biologically and clinically relevant factor for some sinonasal malignancies. Definitive conclusions regarding HPV's role as a potential oncogenic agent require routine testing using validated methodologies, genomic interrogation, and large-scale prospective studies.

Human papillomavirus-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma: A report of two patients and review of the literature

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a recently described sinonasal tract tumor that is associated with high-risk HPV subtype infection. Despite histological features that are suggestive of a high-grade malignant tumor, the prognosis of HMSC is relatively good; however, the clinical features of this tumor are poorly understood. Here, we describe two patients with HMSC. The first was initially diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right nasal cavity; the tumor was extirpated via endoscopic endonasal surgery. Seventy-four months later, the tumor recurred in the right inferior turbinate and was diagnosed as HMSC after biopsy, whereupon it was resected en block via endoscopic endonasal surgery. No adjuvant therapy was administered during either episode; moreover, no recurrences have occurred during the 44 months since the second operation. The second patient was diagnosed with HMSC based on the biopsy of the tumor occupying the left nasal cavity. The tumor was completely resected under endoscopic endonasal surgery, and no adjuvant therapy was administered. There has been no recurrence for 15 months after the operation. Herein, we also review the clinical features of this tumor type based on 69 previously reported cases as well as our patients.

Molecular Biomarkers in Sinonasal Cancers: New Frontiers in Diagnosis and Treatment

Purpose of Review

Sinonasal tumors are rare and heterogeneous diseases which pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Despite significant progress made in surgical, oncological, and radiotherapy fields, their prognosis still remains poor. Therefore, alternative strategies should be studied in order to refine diagnosis and improve patient care.

Recent Findings

In recent years, in-depth molecular studies have identified new biological markers, such as genetic abnormalities and epigenetic variations, which have allowed to refine diagnosis and predict prognosis. As a consequence, new histological entities have been described and specific subgroup stratifications within the well-known histotypes have been made possible. These discoveries have expanded indications for immunotherapy and targeted therapies in order to reduce tumor spread, thus representing a valuable implementation of standard treatments.

Summary

Recent findings in molecular biology have paved the way for better understanding and managing such rare and aggressive tumors. Although further efforts need to be made in this direction, expectations are promising.

Human Papillomavirus-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma-An Even Broader Tumor Entity?

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a recently defined tumor subtype with apparent favorable clinical outcome despite aggressive histomorphology. However, in recent years, additional numbers of cases, with more variable features and at locations outside the sinonasal region, have complicated the definition of HMSC. Here, we have performed a systematic review of all cases described so far in order to accumulate more knowledge. We identified 127 articles published between 2013 and 2021, of which 21 presented unique cases. In total, 79 unique patient cases were identified and their clinical and micromorphological nature are herein summarized. In our opinion, better clinical follow-up data and a more detailed tumor characterization are preferably needed before HMSC can finally be justified as its own tumor entity.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Carcinoma of the Oropharynx with Squamous Cell and Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma-Like Features: Report of a Case

We describe the heretofore unreported case of an HPV-related carcinoma of the palatine tonsil with distinct areas of squamous cell- and adenoid cystic carcinoma-like differentiation in a 54-year old patient. The morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular findings of the tumor are illustrated. We discuss the parallels between the tumor and HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) which is well-known to exhibit adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features. A review of the literature of high-risk HPV-associated non-squamous carcinomas of the oropharynx is presented.

Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and the Role of Human Papilloma Virus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare disease with considerable histologic diversity. Currently, there is a poor understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of SNSCC. Here, we review recent literature to summarize what is known regarding (1) the etiology of SNSCC, (2) the role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in SNSCC, and (2) the molecular underpinnings of SNSCC.

RECENT FINDINGS

1. High risk HPVappears to play a role in the pathogenesis of a subset of SNSCCs. SNSCCs with high risk HPV have improved survival compared with those without HPV and occur in patients who are younger, similar to HPV mediated oropharyngeal cancer. 2. A subset of inverted papillomas have transcriptionally active low-risk HPV and have a higher risk of transformation, while low risk HPV negative inverted papillomas frequently have EGFR mutations.

SUMMARY

SNSCC is a diverse disease with likely multiple etiologies including carcinogen, irritant exposure, and HPV. While not definitively proven, evidence supports a role for high-risk HPV in a subset of SNSCC, and low-risk HPV in a subset of inverted papillomas which transform to SNSCC. In-depth molecular and genomic studies are needed in SNSCC to better understand the genomic underpinnings and oncogenic drivers.