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Tirrò E, Martorana F, Micale G, Inzerilli N, Carciotto R, Romano C, Longhitano C, Motta G, Lanzafame K, Stella S, Massimino M, Vitale SR, Salvatorelli L, Magro G, Manzella L, Vigneri P. Next generation sequencing in a cohort of patients with rare sarcoma histotypes: A single institution experience. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 232:153820. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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2
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Smith RS, Odintsov I, Liu Z, Lui AJW, Hayashi T, Vojnic M, Suehara Y, Delasos L, Mattar MS, Hmeljak J, Ramirez HA, Shaw M, Bui G, Hartono AB, Gladstone E, Kunte S, Magnan H, Khodos I, De Stanchina E, La Quaglia MP, Yao J, Laé M, Lee SB, Spraggon L, Pratilas CA, Ladanyi M, Somwar R. Novel patient-derived models of DSRCT enable validation of ERBB signaling as a potential therapeutic vulnerability. Dis Model Mech 2021; 15:273569. [PMID: 34841430 PMCID: PMC8807576 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is characterized by the t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation, which fuses the transcriptional regulatory domain of EWSR1 with the DNA-binding domain of WT1, resulting in the oncogenic EWSR1-WT1 fusion protein. The paucity of DSRCT disease models has hampered preclinical therapeutic studies on this aggressive cancer. Here, we developed preclinical disease models and mined DSRCT expression profiles to identify genetic vulnerabilities that could be leveraged for new therapies. We describe four DSRCT cell lines and one patient-derived xenograft model. Transcriptomic, proteomic and biochemical profiling showed evidence of activation of the ERBB pathway. Ectopic expression of EWSR1-WT1 resulted in upregulation of ERRB family ligands. Treatment of DSRCT cell lines with ERBB ligands resulted in activation of EGFR, ERBB2, ERK1/2 and AKT, and stimulation of cell growth. Antagonizing EGFR function with shRNAs, small-molecule inhibitors (afatinib, neratinib) or an anti-EGFR antibody (cetuximab) inhibited proliferation of DSRCT cells. Finally, treatment of mice bearing DSRCT xenografts with a combination of cetuximab and afatinib significantly reduced tumor growth. These data provide a rationale for evaluating EGFR antagonists in patients with DSRCT. This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper. Summary: Novel models of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) reveal a role for the ERBB pathway in regulating growth of this sarcoma and provide a rationale for evaluating EGFR antagonists in patients with DSRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger S Smith
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Igor Odintsov
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zebing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allan Jo-Weng Lui
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takuo Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morana Vojnic
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoshiyuki Suehara
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lukas Delasos
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marissa S Mattar
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hillary A Ramirez
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Shaw
- Gerstner School of Graduate Studies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle Bui
- Gerstner School of Graduate Studies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Eric Gladstone
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Siddharth Kunte
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather Magnan
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Inna Khodos
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa De Stanchina
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael P La Quaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jinjuan Yao
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marick Laé
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean B Lee
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lee Spraggon
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romel Somwar
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Angione SDA, Akalu AY, Gartrell J, Fletcher EP, Burckart GJ, Reaman GH, Leong R, Stewart CF. Fusion Oncoproteins in Childhood Cancers: Potential Role in Targeted Therapy. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2021; 26:541-555. [PMID: 34421403 PMCID: PMC8372856 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.6.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease in children. Historically, in contrast to their adult counterparts, the causes of pediatric malignancies have remained largely unknown, with most pediatric cancers displaying low mutational burdens. Research related to molecular genetics in pediatric cancers is advancing our understanding of potential drivers of tumorigenesis and opening new opportunities for targeted therapies. One such area is fusion oncoproteins, which are a product of chromosomal rearrangements resulting in the fusion of different genes. They have been identified as oncogenic drivers in several sarcomas and leukemias. Continued advancement in the understanding of the biology of fusion oncoproteins will contribute to the discovery and development of new therapies for childhood cancers. Here we review the current scientific knowledge on fusion oncoproteins, focusing on pediatric sarcomas and hematologic cancers, and highlight the challenges and current efforts in developing drugs to target fusion oncoproteins.
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Flucke U, van Noesel MM, Siozopoulou V, Creytens D, Tops BBJ, van Gorp JM, Hiemcke-Jiwa LS. EWSR1-The Most Common Rearranged Gene in Soft Tissue Lesions, Which Also Occurs in Different Bone Lesions: An Updated Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11061093. [PMID: 34203801 PMCID: PMC8232650 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11061093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
EWSR1 belongs to the FET family of RNA-binding proteins including also Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), and TATA-box binding protein Associated Factor 15 (TAF15). As consequence of the multifunctional role of EWSR1 leading to a high frequency of transcription of the chromosomal region where the gene is located, EWSR1 is exposed to aberrations such as rearrangements. Consecutive binding to other genes leads to chimeric proteins inducing oncogenesis. The other TET family members are homologous. With the advent of widely used modern molecular techniques during the last decades, it has become obvious that EWSR1 is involved in the development of diverse benign and malignant tumors with mesenchymal, neuroectodermal, and epithelial/myoepithelial features. As oncogenic transformation mediated by EWSR1-fusion proteins leads to such diverse tumor types, there must be a selection on the multipotent stem cell level. In this review, we will focus on the wide variety of soft tissue and bone entities, including benign and malignant lesions, harboring EWSR1 rearrangement. Fusion gene analysis is the diagnostic gold standard in most of these tumors. We present clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features and discuss differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta Flucke
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.M.v.N.); (B.B.J.T.); (L.S.H.-J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-24-36-14387; Fax: +31-24-36-68750
| | - Max M. van Noesel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.M.v.N.); (B.B.J.T.); (L.S.H.-J.)
- Division Cancer & Imaging, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - David Creytens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Bastiaan B. J. Tops
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.M.v.N.); (B.B.J.T.); (L.S.H.-J.)
| | - Joost M. van Gorp
- Department of Pathology, St Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands;
| | - Laura S. Hiemcke-Jiwa
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.M.v.N.); (B.B.J.T.); (L.S.H.-J.)
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5
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Sydow S, Versleijen-Jonkers YMH, Hansson M, van Erp AEM, Hillebrandt-Roeffen MHS, van der Graaf WTA, Piccinelli P, Rissler P, Flucke UE, Mertens F. Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of desmoplastic small round cell tumors. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 60:595-603. [PMID: 33928700 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a highly aggressive soft tissue tumor primarily affecting children and young adults. Most cases display a pathognomonic EWSR1-WT1 gene fusion, presumably constituting the primary driver event. Little is, however, known about secondary genetic changes that may affect tumor progression. We here studied 25 samples from 19 DSRCT patients using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and found that all samples had copy number alterations. The most common imbalances were gain of chromosomes/chromosome arms 1/1q and 5/5p and loss of 6/6q and 16/16q, all occurring in at least eight of the patients. Five cases showed homozygous deletions, affecting a variety of known tumor suppressor genes, for example, CDKN2A and NF1. As almost all patients died of their disease, the impact of individual imbalances on survival could not be evaluated. Global gene expression analysis using mRNA sequencing on fresh-frozen samples from seven patients revealed a distinct transcriptomic profile, with enrichment of genes involved in neural differentiation. Two genes - GJB2 and GAL - that showed higher expression in DSRCT compared to control tumors could be further investigated for their potential as diagnostic markers at the protein level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Sydow
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Magnus Hansson
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anke E M van Erp
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Paul Piccinelli
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology, University and Regional Laboratories, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pehr Rissler
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology, University and Regional Laboratories, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Uta E Flucke
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fredrik Mertens
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology, University and Regional Laboratories, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
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6
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Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is dependent on the EWS-WT1 transcription factor. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:41. [PMID: 32345977 PMCID: PMC7188842 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-0224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive soft-tissue malignancy with a poor overall survival and no effective therapeutic options. The tumor is believed to be dependent on the continued activity of the oncogenic EWS-WT1 transcription factor. However, the dependence of the tumor on EWS-WT1 has not been well established. In addition, there are no studies exploring the downstream transcriptional program across multiple cell lines. In this study, we have developed a novel approach to selectively silence EWS-WT1 without impacting either wild-type EWSR1 or WT1. We show a clear dependence of the tumor on EWS-WT1 in two different cell lines, BER and JN-DSCRT-1. In addition, we identify and validate important downstream target pathways commonly dysregulated in other translocation-positive sarcomas, including PRC2, mTOR, and TGFB. Surprisingly, there is striking overlap between the EWS-WT1 and EWS-FLI1 gene signatures, despite the fact that the DNA-binding domain of the fusion proteins, WT1 and FLI1, is structurally unique and classified as different types of transcription factors. This study provides important insight into the biology of this disease relative to other translocation-positive sarcomas, and the basis for the therapeutic targeting of EWS-WT1 for this disease that has limited therapeutic options.
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7
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Yamamoto Y, Nishijima-Matsunobu A, Hiroshima Y, Enomoto K, Inoue M, Muto O, Suzuki M, Nanjo H, Shibata H, Omori Y. Two autopsy cases of desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Pathol Int 2020; 70:171-178. [PMID: 31944485 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare aggressive malignant tumor. It is a refractory tumor and the median overall survival is very short. We report two autopsy cases of DSRCT, both of which were already advanced and metastasized at the first medical examination. Both cases showed typical DSRCT findings in terms of localization of the lesions, histopathology and genetics, but the rate of disease progression was quite different. Survival after initial symptoms in Case 1 was only 12 months. On the other hand, survival after primary hospitalization in Case 2 was 42 months. The Case 2 patient initially received chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic carcinoma, because a nodule of the pancreatic tail was found on computed tomography (CT) scan. After chemotherapy, tumor regression was observed on CT scan. It is thus implied that adoption of the regimen for pancreatic carcinoma might have been one of reasons of the long survival in Case 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Tumor Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Aki Nishijima-Matsunobu
- Department of Molecular and Tumor Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yuko Hiroshima
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Masahiro Inoue
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Osamu Muto
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Maya Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Tumor Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nanjo
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shibata
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Omori
- Department of Molecular and Tumor Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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8
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Evaluating gene fusions in solid tumors – Clinical experience using an RNA based 53 gene next-generation sequencing panel. Cancer Genet 2019; 233-234:32-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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9
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Dupain C, Harttrampf AC, Urbinati G, Geoerger B, Massaad-Massade L. Relevance of Fusion Genes in Pediatric Cancers: Toward Precision Medicine. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 6:315-326. [PMID: 28325298 PMCID: PMC5363511 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric cancers differ from adult tumors, especially by their very low mutational rate. Therefore, their etiology could be explained in part by other oncogenic mechanisms such as chromosomal rearrangements, supporting the possible implication of fusion genes in the development of pediatric cancers. Fusion genes result from chromosomal rearrangements leading to the juxtaposition of two genes. Consequently, an abnormal activation of one or both genes is observed. The detection of fusion genes has generated great interest in basic cancer research and in the clinical setting, since these genes can lead to better comprehension of the biological mechanisms of tumorigenesis and they can also be used as therapeutic targets and diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of fusion genes and their particularities in pediatric cancers, as well as their relevance in murine models and in the clinical setting. We also point out the difficulties encountered in the discovery of fusion genes. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and priorities for finding new innovative therapies in childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Dupain
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203 CNRS, University Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Catherine Harttrampf
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203 CNRS, University Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Giorgia Urbinati
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203 CNRS, University Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203 CNRS, University Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Liliane Massaad-Massade
- Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203 CNRS, University Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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10
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Thway K, Noujaim J, Zaidi S, Miah AB, Benson C, Messiou C, Jones RL, Fisher C. Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Int J Surg Pathol 2016; 24:672-684. [DOI: 10.1177/1066896916668637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an aggressive small round cell neoplasm which predominantly occurs intra-abdominally in adolescents and young adults with a male predominance, and which is characterized by a recurrent t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation leading to formation of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion gene, which generates a chimeric protein with transcriptional regulatory activity. Histologically, DSRCT has a characteristic morphology, of islands of monotonous small cells within prominent sparsely cellular fibroblastic stroma, and immunohistochemically it shows polyphenotypic multidirectional differentiation, with expression of epithelial, muscle, and neural markers. However, DSRCT can arise more rarely in other sites and exhibit a spectrum of both histologic features and immunoprofile, which may confuse diagnosis with other small round cell neoplasms. Correct diagnosis is important to ensure correct treatment and prognostication; DSRCT are almost universally fatal neoplasms with patients usually succumbing to disease within the first 2 years of diagnosis. While combination treatment strategies can confer a survival benefit, the overall prognosis remains poor. Further insight into the tumorigenic molecular changes generated by the fusion oncogene may lead to the generation of specific targeted therapies. We review DSRCT, discussing morphology and immunohistochemistry, molecular genetic findings, potential targeted treatments, and the differential diagnosis.
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11
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Ferreira EN, Barros BDF, de Souza JE, Almeida RV, Torrezan GT, Garcia S, Krepischi ACV, Mello CALD, Cunha IWD, Pinto CAL, Soares FA, Dias-Neto E, Lopes A, de Souza SJ, Carraro DM. A genomic case study of desmoplastic small round cell tumor: comprehensive analysis reveals insights into potential therapeutic targets and development of a monitoring tool for a rare and aggressive disease. Hum Genomics 2016; 10:36. [PMID: 27863505 PMCID: PMC5116179 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-016-0092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide profiling of rare tumors is crucial for improvement of diagnosis, treatment, and, consequently, achieving better outcomes. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare type of sarcoma arising from mesenchymal cells of abdominal peritoneum that usually develops in male adolescents and young adults. A specific translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12), resulting in EWS and WT1 gene fusion is the only recurrent molecular hallmark and no other genetic factor has been associated to this aggressive tumor. Here, we present a comprehensive genomic profiling of one DSRCT affecting a 26-year-old male, who achieved an excellent outcome. METHODS We investigated somatic and germline variants through whole-exome sequencing using a family based approach and, by array CGH, we explored the occurrence of genomic imbalances. Additionally, we performed mate-paired whole-genome sequencing for defining the specific breakpoint of the EWS-WT1 translocation, allowing us to develop a personalized tumor marker for monitoring the patient by liquid biopsy. RESULTS We identified genetic variants leading to protein alterations including 12 somatic and 14 germline events (11 germline compound heterozygous mutations and 3 rare homozygous polymorphisms) affecting genes predominantly involved in mesenchymal cell differentiation pathways. Regarding copy number alterations (CNA) few events were detected, mainly restricted to gains in chromosomes 5 and 18 and losses at 11p, 13q, and 22q. The deletions at 11p and 22q indicated the presence of the classic translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12). In addition, the mapping of the specific genomic breakpoint of the EWS-WT1 gene fusion allowed the design of a personalized biomarker for assessing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma during patient follow-up. This biomarker has been used in four post-treatment blood samples, 3 years after surgery, and no trace of EWS-WT1 gene fusion was detected, in accordance with imaging tests showing no evidence of disease and with the good general health status of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings revealed genes with potential to be associated with risk assessment and tumorigenesis of this rare type of sarcoma. Additionally, we established a liquid biopsy approach for monitoring patient follow-up based on genomic information that can be similarly adopted for patients diagnosed with a rare tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sheila Garcia
- International Research Center/CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Dias-Neto
- International Research Center/CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademar Lopes
- Departament of Abdominal Surgery, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Dirce Maria Carraro
- International Research Center/CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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12
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A Biphasic Pleural Tumor with Features of an Epithelioid and Small Cell Mesothelioma: Morphologic and Molecular Findings. Case Rep Pathol 2016; 2016:1532424. [PMID: 27403364 PMCID: PMC4925982 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1532424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesotheliomas are generally classified into epithelioid, sarcomatoid, desmoplastic, and biphasic types with rare reports of a small cell form. These small cell variants display some morphologic overlap with desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) which generally occur within the abdominal cavity of young males and are defined by a characteristic t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation. However, there are rare reports of DSRCTs lacking this translocation. We present a 78-year-old man with a pleura-based biphasic neoplasm with features of both epithelioid mesothelioma and a small cell blastema-like neoplasm. The epithelioid portion showed IHC reactivity for pan cytokeratin, CK5/6, D2-40, and calretinin and the small cell portion marked with CD99, pan cytokeratin, WT1, FLI1, S100, CD200, MyoD1, and CD15. Fluorescence in situ hybridization testing for the t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation disclosed loss of the EWSR1 gene in 94% of tumor cell nuclei, but there was no evidence of the classic translocation. Array based-comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) confirmed the tumor had numerous chromosome copy number losses, including 11p15.5-p11.12 and 22q12.1-q13.33, with loss of the EWSR1 and WT1 gene regions. Herein, we report novel complex CGH findings in a biphasic tumor and review the molecular genetic alterations in both mesothelioma and DSRCTs.
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13
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A Rare Case of Metastatic Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour: Diagnosis and Management. Case Rep Oncol Med 2015; 2015:925453. [PMID: 26347069 PMCID: PMC4546747 DOI: 10.1155/2015/925453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A 26-year-old male without any significant past medical history presented to the hospital with shortness of breath, cough, pleuritic chest pain, and weight loss for the past 3 months. On chest CT, he was found to have extensive mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy and multiple pulmonary nodules. On physical examination, a right groin mass was noted which had been slowly growing for the past 2 years. Ultrasound of the groin showed complex solid mass with internal vascular channels. CT guided biopsy of the mass showed desmoplastic small round cell tumour. His hospital course was complicated by hypoxic respiratory failure requiring emergent intubation and ICU admission where he completed one cycle of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin with subsequent improvement, followed by extubation. His condition continued to improve after second cycle of chemotherapy and he was ultimately discharged in a stable condition to continue outpatient chemotherapy after a 2-month inpatient stay.
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Guerriero A, Giovenali P, La Starza R, Mecucci C, Montesi G, Pasquino S, Pierini T, Ragni T, Sidoni A. Metachronous cardiac and cerebral sarcomas: case report with focus on molecular findings and review of the literature. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:482-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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French CA, Rahman S, Walsh EM, Kühnle S, Grayson AR, Lemieux ME, Grunfeld N, Rubin BP, Antonescu CR, Zhang S, Venkatramani R, Dal Cin P, Howley PM. NSD3-NUT fusion oncoprotein in NUT midline carcinoma: implications for a novel oncogenic mechanism. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:928-41. [PMID: 24875858 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is an aggressive subtype of squamous cell carcinoma that typically harbors BRD4/3-NUT fusion oncoproteins that block differentiation and maintain tumor growth. In 20% of cases, NUT is fused to uncharacterized non-BRD gene(s). We established a new patient-derived NMC cell line (1221) and demonstrated that it harbors a novel NSD3-NUT fusion oncogene. We find that NSD3-NUT is both necessary and sufficient for the blockade of differentiation and maintenance of proliferation in NMC cells. NSD3-NUT binds to BRD4, and BRD bromodomain inhibitors induce differentiation and arrest proliferation of 1221 cells. We find further that NSD3 is required for the blockade of differentiation in BRD4-NUT-expressing NMCs. These findings identify NSD3 as a novel critical oncogenic component and potential therapeutic target in NMC. SIGNIFICANCE The existence of a family of fusion oncogenes in squamous cell carcinoma is unprecedented, and should lead to key insights into aberrant differentiation in NMC and possibly other squamous cell carcinomas. The involvement of the NSD3 methyltransferase as a component of the NUT fusion protein oncogenic complex identifies a new potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaila Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica M Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital
| | - Simone Kühnle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Noam Grunfeld
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Department of Molecular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cristina R Antonescu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Songlin Zhang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and
| | - Paola Dal Cin
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital
| | - Peter M Howley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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