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Mori JO, Keegan J, Flynn RL, Heaphy CM. Alternative lengthening of telomeres: mechanism and the pathogenesis of cancer. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:82-86. [PMID: 37890990 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209005] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance and elongation allows cells to gain replicative immortality and evade cellular senescence during cancer development. While most cancers use telomerase to maintain telomere lengths, a subset of cancers engage the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway for telomere maintenance. ALT is present in 5%-10% of all cancers, although the prevalence is dramatically higher in certain cancer types, including complex karyotype sarcomas, isocitrate dehydrogenase-mutant astrocytoma (WHO grade II-IV), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, neuroblastoma and chromophobe hepatocellular carcinomas. ALT is maintained through a homology-directed DNA repair mechanism. Resembling break-induced replication, this aberrant process results in dramatic cell-to-cell telomere length heterogeneity, widespread chromosomal instability and chronic replication stress. Additionally, ALT-positive cancers frequently harbour inactivating mutations in either chromatin remodelling proteins (ATRX, DAXX and H3F3A) or DNA damage repair factors (SMARCAL1 and SLX4IP). ALT can readily be detected in tissue by assessing the presence of unique molecular characteristics, such as large ultrabright nuclear telomeric foci or partially single-stranded telomeric DNA circles (C-circles). Importantly, ALT has been validated as a robust diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for certain cancer types and may even be exploited as a therapeutic target via small molecular inhibitors and/or synthetic lethality approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakin O Mori
- Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua Keegan
- Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel L Flynn
- Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Larson BK, Dhall D, Guindi M. Arginase-1 is More Specific Than Hepatocyte Paraffin 1 for Differentiating Hepatocellular Carcinomas With Cytoplasmic Clearing from Nonhepatocellular Clear Cell Tumors in Liver Biopsies. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2024; 32:37-43. [PMID: 37859468 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Arginase-1 (Arg1) and hepatocyte paraffin antigen 1 (HepPar1) are specific and sensitive markers of hepatocellular differentiation. HepPar1 is a granular cytoplasmic immunostain that may be negative in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cytoplasmic clearing. Arg1 shows uniform cytoplasmic positivity and frequent nuclear positivity. This study was undertaken to determine the staining pattern of Arg1 in HCC with cytoplasmic clearing and compare its use to HepPar1. Fifteen resected HCCs with cytoplasmic clearing and 31 biopsies of clear cell liver tumors (14 HCCs and 17 nonhepatocellular tumors) were identified. Resections were stained with Arg1 to characterize the pattern, intensity, and extent of Arg1 positivity. Biopsies were stained with Arg1 (n=31) and HepPar1 (n=28). In all, 13/15 resected and 11/14 biopsied HCCs with cytoplasmic clearing showed nuclear positivity for Arg1. Both Arg1 and HepPar1 stained significantly more HCCs than nonhepatocellular tumors (13/14 and 11/12, respectively, with P <0.0001 and P =0.0018, respectively). However, HepPar1 stained significantly more nonhepatocellular tumors (5/12) than Arg1 (0/17, P =0.0445). Arg1 frequently displayed nuclear positivity, and interobserver agreement was better for Arg1 ( K =0.93 vs. 0.79). Overall, Arg1 is more specific than HepPar1 for differentiating HCC with cytoplasmic clearing from nonhepatocellular clear cell tumors in the liver. Its staining characteristics, including nuclear positivity, make it easier to interpret in combination with morphology, improving interobserver variability, and it stains significantly fewer mimics than HepPar1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent K Larson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Deepti Dhall
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Maha Guindi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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Auer TA, Halskov S, Fehrenbach U, Nevermann NF, Pelzer U, Mohr R, Hamm B, Schöning W, Horst D, Ihlow J, Geisel D. Gd-EOB MRI for HCC subtype differentiation in a western population according to the 5 th edition of the World Health Organization classification. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:6902-6915. [PMID: 37115216 PMCID: PMC10511376 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the value of gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for noninvasive subtype differentiation of HCCs according to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors in a western population. METHODS This retrospective study included 262 resected lesions in 240 patients with preoperative Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI. Subtypes were assigned by two pathologists. Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI datasets were assessed by two radiologists for qualitative and quantitative imaging features, including imaging features defined in LI-RADS v2018 and area of hepatobiliary phase (HBP) iso- to hyperintensity. RESULTS The combination of non-rim arterial phase hyperenhancement with non-peripheral portal venous washout was more common in "not otherwise specified" (nos-ST) (88/168, 52%) than other subtypes, in particular macrotrabecular massive (mt-ST) (3/15, 20%), chromophobe (ch-ST) (1/8, 13%), and scirrhous subtypes (sc-ST) (2/9, 22%) (p = 0.035). Macrovascular invasion was associated with mt-ST (5/16, p = 0.033) and intralesional steatosis with steatohepatitic subtype (sh-ST) (28/32, p < 0.001). Predominant iso- to hyperintensity in the HBP was only present in nos-ST (16/174), sh-ST (3/33), and clear cell subtypes (cc-ST) (3/13) (p = 0.031). Associations were found for the following non-imaging parameters: age and sex, as patients with fibrolamellar subtype (fib-ST) were younger (median 44 years (19-66), p < 0.001) and female (4/5, p = 0.023); logarithm of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated in the mt-ST (median 397 µg/l (74-5370), p < 0.001); type II diabetes mellitus was more frequent in the sh-ST (20/33, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Gd-EOB-MRI reproduces findings reported in the literature for extracellular contrast-enhanced MRI and CT and may be a valuable tool for noninvasive HCC subtype differentiation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Better characterization of the heterogeneous phenotypes of HCC according to the revised WHO classification potentially improves both diagnostic accuracy and the precision of therapeutic stratification for HCC. KEY POINTS • Previously reported imaging features of common subtypes in CT and MRI enhanced with extracellular contrast agents are reproducible with Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI. • While uncommon, predominant iso- to hyperintensity in the HBP was observed only in NOS, clear cell, and steatohepatitic subtypes. • Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI offers imaging features that are of value for HCC subtype differentiation according to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo A Auer
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Halskov
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uli Fehrenbach
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora F Nevermann
- Department of Surgery - CVK/CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pelzer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raphael Mohr
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Schöning
- Department of Surgery - CVK/CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Ihlow
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Geisel
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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Choi JH, Thung SN. Advances in Histological and Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2582. [PMID: 37761023 PMCID: PMC10526317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092582] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by hepatocellular differentiation. HCC is molecularly heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of histopathology. The prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, especially in those with advanced stages. HCC remains a diagnostic challenge for pathologists because of its morphological and phenotypic diversity. However, recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of HCC. Accurate diagnosis of HCC is important for patient management and prognosis. This review provides an update on HCC pathology, focusing on molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyuk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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Spârchez Z, Crăciun R, Nenu I, Mocan LP, Spârchez M, Mocan T. Refining Liver Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An In-Depth Exploration of Shifting Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2324. [PMID: 37626820 PMCID: PMC10452389 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082324] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has faced significant change on multiple levels in the past few years. The increasing emphasis on the various HCC phenotypes and the emergence of novel, specific therapies have slowly paved the way for a personalized approach to primary liver cancer. In this light, the role of percutaneous liver biopsy of focal lesions has shifted from a purely confirmatory method to a technique capable of providing an in-depth characterization of any nodule. Cancer subtype, gene expression, the mutational profile, and tissue biomarkers might soon become widely available through biopsy. However, indications, expectations, and techniques might suffer changes as the aim of the biopsy evolves from providing minimal proof of the disease to high-quality specimens for extensive analysis. Consequently, a revamped position of tissue biopsy is expected in HCC, following the reign of non-invasive imaging-only diagnosis. Moreover, given the advances in techniques that have recently reached the spotlight, such as liquid biopsy, concomitant use of all the available methods might gather just enough data to improve therapy selection and, ultimately, outcomes. The current review aims to discuss the changing role of liver biopsy and provide an evidence-based rationale for its use in the era of precision medicine in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeno Spârchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Prof. Dr. O. Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (I.N.); (T.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rareș Crăciun
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Prof. Dr. O. Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (I.N.); (T.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Prof. Dr. O. Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (I.N.); (T.M.)
- Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lavinia Patricia Mocan
- Department of Histology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Spârchez
- 2nd Pediatric Department, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Tudor Mocan
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Prof. Dr. O. Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (I.N.); (T.M.)
- UBBMed Department, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Heaphy CM, Singhi AD. Reprint of: The Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Incorporating DAXX, ATRX, and Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) to the Evaluation of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs). Hum Pathol 2023; 132:1-11. [PMID: 36702689 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence and an ill-defined pathobiology. Although many PanNETs are indolent and remain stable for years, a subset may behave aggressively and metastasize widely. Thus, the increasing and frequent detection of PanNETs presents a treatment dilemma. Current prognostic systems are susceptible to interpretation errors, sampling issues, and do not accurately reflect the clinical behavior of these neoplasms. Hence, additional biomarkers are needed to improve the prognostic stratification of patients diagnosed with a PanNET. Recent studies have identified alterations in death domain-associated protein 6 (DAXX) and alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX), as well as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), as promising prognostic biomarkers. This review summarizes the identification, clinical utility, and specific nuances in testing for DAXX/ATRX by immunohistochemistry and ALT by telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization in PanNETs. Furthermore, a discussion on diagnostic indications for DAXX, ATRX, and ALT status is provided to include the distinction between PanNETs and pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PanNECs), and determining pancreatic origin for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors in the setting of an unknown primary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Campani C, Zucman-Rossi J, Nault JC. Genetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Tumor to Circulating DNA. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030817. [PMID: 36765775 PMCID: PMC9913369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of primary hepatic malignancies and is one of the major causes of cancer-related death. Over the last 15 years, the molecular landscape of HCC has been deciphered, with the identification of the main driver genes of liver carcinogenesis that belong to six major biological pathways, such as telomere maintenance, Wnt/b-catenin, P53/cell cycle regulation, oxidative stress, epigenetic modifiers, AKT/mTOR and MAP kinase. The combination of genetic and transcriptomic data composed various HCC subclasses strongly related to risk factors, pathological features and prognosis. However, translation into clinical practice is not achieved, mainly because the most frequently mutated genes are undruggable. Moreover, the results derived from the analysis of a single tissue sample may not adequately catch the intra- and intertumor heterogeneity. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is broadly developed in other types of cancer for early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring under systemic treatment in order to identify primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance. The aim of this review is to describe recent data about the HCC molecular landscape and to discuss how ctDNA could be used in the future for HCC detection and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Campani
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, Team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», 75006 Paris, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, 75006 Paris, France
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, Team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», 75006 Paris, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, 75006 Paris, France
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, Team «Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors», 75006 Paris, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, 75006 Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 93000 Bobigny, France
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris Nord, 93000 Bobigny, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-6-1067-9461
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8
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Yasir S, Thompson S, Chen ZE, Knudson R, Knutson D, Kloft-Nelson S, Graham RP, Jain D, Simon SM, Wu TT, Torbenson M. Alternative lengthening of telomeres in primary hepatic neoplasms. Hum Pathol 2023; 131:79-86. [PMID: 36370823 PMCID: PMC10756352 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype is characterized by ultra-bright telomeres on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and is a marker of a unique mechanism of telomere maintenance in tumors. ALT does not occur in normal tissues. ALT has been described in hepatocellular carcinoma (5-10%) and in primary hepatic angiosarcomas (75%). To study the frequency of ALT in other primary hepatic tumors, a wide range of primary hepatic neoplasms were retrieved. The tumors included the following: intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinomas (N = 110), hepatic adenomas (N = 35), hepatocellular carcinomas (N = 30), fibrolamellar carcinomas (n = 11), combined cholangiocarcinoma-hepatocellular carcinomas (N = 8), carcinosarcoma (N = 10), hepatoblastomas (N = 5), hemangiomas (N = 4), angiosarcomas (N = 8), epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas (N = 10), calcified nested stromal epithelial tumor (N = 2), embryonal sarcoma (N = 2), rhabdoid tumor (N = 1), bile duct adenoma (N = 1), and angiomyolipoma (N = 1). For epithelial tumors, ALT-FISH was positive in one carcinosarcoma (10% of cases), one cholangiocarcinoma (1% of cases), and one combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (13% of cases). In the hepatocellular carcinoma component of both the carcinosarcoma and the combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma, the tumor cells showed patchy marked nuclear pleomorphism akin to that described previously for chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma, which are typically ALT FISH positive. The ALT-positive cholangiocarcinoma also showed patchy, striking nuclear pleomorphism. For soft tissue tumors, ALT was positive in two angiosarcomas (N = 2; 25% of cases). In summary, this study shows that ALT-FISH is positive in rare carcinosarcomas, cholangiocarcinomas, and combined cholangiocarcinoma-hepatocellular carcinoma. ALT is not a significant mechanism of telomere maintenance in hepatocellular adenomas or fibrolamellar carcinomas and was negative in all other tested primary hepatic neoplasms. ALT-FISH is also positive in a subset of primary hepatic angiosarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Yasir
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Scott Thompson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zongming Eric Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ryan Knudson
- Medical Genome Facility, Cytogenetics Core Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Darlene Knutson
- Medical Genome Facility, Cytogenetics Core Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Sara Kloft-Nelson
- Medical Genome Facility, Cytogenetics Core Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Rondell P Graham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Sanford M Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, NY, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Tsung-Teh Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Michael Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Renzulli M, Braccischi L, D'Errico A, Pecorelli A, Brandi N, Golfieri R, Albertini E, Vasuri F. State-of-the-art review on the correlations between pathological and magnetic resonance features of cirrhotic nodules. Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:1151-1165. [PMID: 35770721 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the second greatest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and the newest advancements in liver imaging have improved the diagnosis of both overt malignancies and premalignant lesions, such as cirrhotic or dysplastic nodules, which is crucial to improve overall patient survival rate and to choose the best treatment options. The role of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has grown in the last 20 years. In particular, the introduction of hepatospecific contrast agents has strongly increased the definition of precursor nodules and detection of high-grade dysplastic nodules and early HCCs. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of liver tumours in cirrhotic patients sometimes remains challenging for radiologists, thus, in doubtful cases, biopsy and histological analysis become critical in clinical practice. This current review briefly summarizes the history of imaging and histology for HCC, covering the newest techniques and their limits. Then, the article discusses the links between radiological and pathological characteristics of liver lesions in cirrhotic patients, by describing the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Explaining the evolution of pathologic change from cirrhotic nodules to malignancy, the list of analyzed lesions provides regenerative nodules, low-grade and high-grade dysplastic nodules, small HCC and progressed HCC, including common subtypes (steatohepatitic HCC, scirrhous HCC, macrotrabecular massive HCC) and more rare forms (clear cell HCC, chromophobe HCC, neutrophil-rich HCC, lymphocyte-rich HCC, fibrolamellar HCC). The last chapter covers the importance of the new integrated morphological-molecular classification and its association with radiological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Lorenzo Braccischi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Antonietta D'Errico
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Pecorelli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Nicolò Brandi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Elisa Albertini
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Vasuri
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Chung A, Nasralla D, Quaglia A. Understanding the Immunoenvironment of Primary Liver Cancer: A Histopathology Perspective. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1149-1169. [PMID: 36349146 PMCID: PMC9637345 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s382310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most common cancers worldwide, primary liver cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma represent the majority of primary liver cancer cases. Despite advances in the development of novel anti-cancer therapies that exploit targets within the immune system, survival rates from liver cancer remain poor. Furthermore, responses to immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have revealed limited and variable responses amongst patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, although combination immunotherapies have shown recent breakthroughs in clinical trials. This has shifted the focus towards improving our understanding of the underlying immune and molecular characteristics of liver tumours that may influence their response to immune-modulating treatments. In this review, we outline the complex interactions that occur in the tumour microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, respectively, from a histopathological perspective. We explore the potential role of a classification system based on immune-specific characteristics within each cancer type, the importance of understanding inter- and intra-tumoural heterogeneity and consider the future role of histopathology and novel technologies within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Chung
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK,Correspondence: Annabelle Chung, Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK, Tel +44 20 7794 0500 ext. 35641, Email
| | - David Nasralla
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alberto Quaglia
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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11
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Heaphy CM, Singhi AD. The diagnostic and prognostic utility of incorporating DAXX, ATRX, and alternative lengthening of telomeres to the evaluation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Hum Pathol 2022; 129:11-20. [PMID: 35872157 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence and an ill-defined pathobiology. Although many PanNETs are indolent and remain stable for years, a subset may behave aggressively and metastasize widely. Thus, the increasing and frequent detection of PanNETs presents a treatment dilemma. Current prognostic systems are susceptible to interpretation errors, sampling issues, and do not accurately reflect the clinical behavior of these neoplasms. Hence, additional biomarkers are needed to improve the prognostic stratification of patients diagnosed with a PanNET. Recent studies have identified alterations in death domain-associated protein 6 (DAXX) and alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX), as well as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), as promising prognostic biomarkers. This review summarizes the identification, clinical utility, and specific nuances in testing for DAXX/ATRX by immunohistochemistry and ALT by telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization in PanNETs. Furthermore, a discussion on diagnostic indications for DAXX, ATRX, and ALT status is provided to include the distinction between PanNETs and pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PanNECs), and determining pancreatic origin for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors in the setting of an unknown primary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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12
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Sweed D, Sweed E, Moaz I, Mosbeh A, Fayed Y, Elhamed SMA, Sweed E, Macshut M, Abdelsattar S, Kilany S, Saied SA, Badr R, Abdallah MS, Ehsan N. The clinicopathological and prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma: a 10-year tertiary center experience in Egypt. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:298. [PMID: 36117166 PMCID: PMC9484175 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major health problem despite the emergence of several preventive and therapeutic modalities. HCC has heterogeneous and wide morpho-molecular patterns, resulting in unique clinical and prognostic criteria. Therefore, we aimed to study the clinical and pathological criteria of HCC to update the morpho-molecular classifications and provide a guide to the diagnosis of this disease. METHODS Five hundred thirty pathologically analyzed HCC cases were included in this study. The clinical and survival data of these cases were collected. RESULTS Hepatitis C virus is still the dominant cause of HCC in Egypt. Post-direct-acting antiviral agent HCC showed an aggressive course compared to interferon-related HCC. Old age, male gender, elevated alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor size, and background liver were important prognostic parameters. Special HCC variants have characteristic clinical, laboratory, radiological, prognostic, and survival data. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes rather than neutrophil-rich HCC have an excellent prognosis. CONCLUSIONS HCC is a heterogenous tumor with diverse clinical, pathological, and prognostic parameters. Incorporating the clinicopathological profile per specific subtype is essential in the treatment decision of patients with HCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION This was a retrospective study that included 530 HCC cases eligible for analysis. The cases were obtained from the archives of the Pathology Department, during the period between January 2010 and December 2019. Clinical and survival data were collected from the patients' medical records after approval by the institutional review board (IRB No. 246/2021) of Liver National Institute, Menoufia University. The research followed the guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05047146).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Sweed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Enas Sweed
- grid.411660.40000 0004 0621 2741Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Inas Moaz
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Epidemiology, and Preventive Medicine Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Asmaa Mosbeh
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Yahya Fayed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Sara Mohamed Abd Elhamed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Eman Sweed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Macshut
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abdelsattar
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Shimaa Kilany
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Sara A. Saied
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Reda Badr
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S. Abdallah
- grid.449877.10000 0004 4652 351XClinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Nermine Ehsan
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
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13
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Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Practical Implications of Hepatocellular Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153670. [PMID: 35954333 PMCID: PMC9367411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153670] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major global contributor of cancer death, usually arises in a background of chronic liver disease, as a result of molecular changes that deregulate important signal transduction pathways. Recent studies have shown that certain molecular changes of hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with clinicopathologic features and prognosis, suggesting that subclassification of HCC is practically useful. On the other hand, subclassification of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), a heterogenous group of neoplasms, has been well established on the basis of genotype–phenotype correlations. Histologic examination, aided by immunohistochemistry, is the gold standard for the diagnosis and subclassification of HCA and HCC, while clinicopathologic correlation is essential for best patient management. Advances in clinico-radio-pathologic correlation have introduced a new approach for the diagnostic assessment of lesions arising in advanced chronic liver disease by imaging (LI-RADS). The rapid expansion of knowledge concerning the molecular pathogenesis of HCC is now starting to produce new therapeutic approaches through precision oncology. This review summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of HCA and HCC, provides practical information for their histologic diagnosis (including an algorithmic approach), and addresses a variety of frequently asked questions regarding the diagnosis and practical implications of these neoplasms.
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14
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Variant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtypes According to the 2019 WHO Classification: An Imaging-Focused Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2022; 219:212-223. [PMID: 35170359 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.21.26982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors estimates that up to 35% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) can be classified as one of eight subtypes defined by molecular characteristics: steatohepatitic, clear cell, macrotrabecular massive, scirrhous, chromophobe, fibrolamellar, neutrophil-rich, and lymphocyte-rich HCC. Due to their distinct cellular and architectural characteristics, these subtypes may not display the classic MRI features of HCC of arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout appearance, creating challenges in noninvasively diagnosing such lesions as HCC. Moreover, certain subtypes with atypical imaging features have a worse prognosis than other HCCs. A range of distinguishing imaging features may help raise suspicion that a liver lesion represents one of these HCC subtypes. In this review, we describe the MRI features that have been reported in association with various HCC subtypes according to the 2019 WHO classification, with attention to current understanding of these subtypes' pathologic and molecular bases and relevance to clinical practice. Imaging findings that differentiate the subtypes from benign liver lesions and non-HCC malignancies are highlighted. Familiarity with these subtypes and their imaging features may allow the radiologist to suggest their presence, though histologic analysis remains needed to establish the diagnosis.
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15
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Longerich T, Schirmacher P. [Pathology of hepatocellular carcinoma]. DER PATHOLOGE 2022; 43:67-78. [PMID: 34982210 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-021-01038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and has a well-defined etiology. It develops in a stepwise process with morphologically defined precursor lesions. Typing of highly differentiated hepatocellular tumors is supported by immunohistological marker panel and the so-called matrix diagnosis. The recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification defined morpho-molecular HCC subtypes showing typical clinical and prognostic characteristics. If HCC subtyping is considered in future clinical studies of advanced HCC, this could help to introduce personalized HCC therapy. Currently, precision oncology is not available for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Longerich
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
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16
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Nahm JH, Park YN. [Up-to-date Knowledge on the Pathological Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2021; 78:268-283. [PMID: 34824185 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2021.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has heterogeneous molecular and pathological features and biological behavior. Large-scale genetic studies of HCC were accumulated, and a pathological-molecular classification of HCC was proposed. Approximately 35% of HCCs can be classified into distinct histopathological subtypes according to their molecular characteristics. Among recently identified subtypes, macrotrabecular massive HCC, neutrophil-rich HCC, vessels encapsulating tumor clusters HCC, and progenitor phenotype HCC (HCC with CK19 expression) are associated with a poor prognosis, whereas the lymphocyte-rich HCC subtype is related to a better prognosis. This review provides up-to-date knowledge on the pathological diagnosis of HCC according to the updated World Health Organization Classification of Digestive System Tumors 5th ed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hae Nahm
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Kang HJ, Oh JH, Kim YW, Kim W, An J, Sung CO, Kim J, Shim JH, Hwang S, Yu E, Heaphy CM, Hong SM. Clinicopathological and molecular characterization of chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2021; 41:2499-2510. [PMID: 34036718 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chromophobe hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a newly included subtype of HCC in the 5th edition of the WHO classification with distinctive histological features (chromophobic cytoplasm with anaplastic nuclei and pseudocyst formation) and is strongly associated with the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype. However, the clinicopathologic characterization and molecular features of chromophobe HCC are unknown. METHODS To comprehensively characterize chromophobe HCC, whole exome sequencing, copy number variation, and transcriptomic analyses were performed in 224 surgically resected HCC cases. Additionally, telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to assess ALT. These genomic profiles and ALT status were compared with clinicopathological features among subtypes of HCC, particularly chromophobe HCC and conventional HCC. RESULTS Chromophobe HCC was observed in 10.3% (23/224) cases and, compared to conventional HCC, was more frequent in females (P = .023). The overall and recurrence-free survival outcomes were similar between patients with chromophobe HCC and conventional HCC. However, chromophobe HCC displayed significantly more upregulated genes involving cell cycle progression and DNA repair. Additionally, ALT was significantly enriched in chromophobe HCC (87%; 20/23) compared to conventional HCC (2.2%, 4/178; P < .001). Somatic mutations in ALT-associated genes, including ATRX, SMARCAL1, FANCG, FANCM, SP100, TSPYL5, and RAD52 were more frequent in chromophobe HCC (30.4%, 7/23 cases) compared to conventional HCC (11.8%, 21/178 cases; P = .024). CONCLUSIONS Chromophobe HCC is a unique subtype of HCC with a prevalence of ~10%. Compared to conventional HCC, chromophobe HCC is associated with female predominance and ALT, although overall and recurrence-free outcomes are similar to conventional HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Oh
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Wook Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hanyang University of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Hwang
- Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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18
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Gonzalez RS, Raza A, Propst R, Adeyi O, Bateman J, Sopha SC, Shaw J, Auerbach A. Recent Advances in Digestive Tract Tumors: Updates From the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization "Blue Book". Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:607-626. [PMID: 32886739 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0047-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours: Digestive System Tumors, 5th edition, was published in 2019 and shows several impactful changes as compared with the 4th edition published in 2010. Changes include a revised nomenclature of serrated lesions and revamping the classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms. Appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma is heavily revised, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is split into 2 subtypes. New subtypes of colorectal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma are described. Precursor lesions are emphasized with their own entries, and both dysplastic and invasive lesions are generally recommended to be graded using a 2-tier system. Hematolymphoid tumors, mesenchymal tumors, and genetic tumor syndromes each have their own sections in the 5th edition. New hematolymphoid lesions include monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma; duodenal-type follicular lymphoma; intestinal T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified; and indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. This paper will provide an in-depth look at the changes in the 5th edition as compared with the 4th edition. OBJECTIVE.— To provide a comprehensive, in-depth update on the World Health Organization classification of digestive tumors, including changes to nomenclature, updated diagnostic criteria, and newly described entities. DATA SOURCES.— The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours: Digestive System Tumours, as well as the 4th edition. CONCLUSIONS.— The World Health Organization has made many key changes in its newest update on tumors of the digestive system. Pathologists should be aware of these changes and incorporate them into their practice as able or necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul S Gonzalez
- The Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (Gonzalez)
| | - Anwar Raza
- The Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California (Raza, Propst)
| | - Robert Propst
- The Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California (Raza, Propst)
| | - Oyedele Adeyi
- The Department of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Adeyi, Bateman)
| | - Justin Bateman
- The Department of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Adeyi, Bateman)
| | - Sabrina C Sopha
- The Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie (Sopha)
| | - Janet Shaw
- The Joint Pathology Center, Silver Spring, Maryland (Shaw, Auerbach)
| | - Aaron Auerbach
- The Joint Pathology Center, Silver Spring, Maryland (Shaw, Auerbach)
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19
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Ningarhari M, Caruso S, Hirsch TZ, Bayard Q, Franconi A, Védie AL, Noblet B, Blanc JF, Amaddeo G, Ganne N, Ziol M, Paradis V, Guettier C, Calderaro J, Morcrette G, Kim Y, MacLeod AR, Nault JC, Rebouissou S, Zucman-Rossi J. Telomere length is key to hepatocellular carcinoma diversity and telomerase addiction is an actionable therapeutic target. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1155-1166. [PMID: 33338512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Telomerase activation is the earliest event in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the role of telomere length maintenance during liver carcinogenesis. METHODS Telomere length was measured in the tumor and non-tumor liver tissues of 1,502 patients (978 with HCC) and integrated with TERT alterations and expression, as well as clinical and molecular (analyzed by genome, exome, targeted and/or RNA-sequencing) features of HCC. The preclinical efficacy of anti-TERT antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) was assessed in vitro in 26 cell lines and in vivo in a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Aging, liver fibrosis, male sex and excessive alcohol consumption were independent determinants of liver telomere attrition. HCC that developed in livers with long telomeres frequently had wild-type TERT with progenitor features and BAP1 mutations. In contrast, HCC that developed on livers with short telomeres were enriched in the non-proliferative HCC class and frequently had somatic TERT promoter mutations. In HCCs, telomere length is stabilized in a narrow biological range around 5.7 kb, similar to non-tumor livers, by various mechanisms that activate TERT expression. Long telomeres are characteristic of very aggressive HCCs, associated with the G3 transcriptomic subclass, TP53 alterations and poor prognosis. In HCC cell lines, TERT silencing with ASO was efficient in highly proliferative and poorly differentiated cells. Treatment for 3 to 16 weeks induced cell proliferation arrest in 12 cell lines through telomere shortening, DNA damage and activation of apoptosis. The therapeutic effect was also obtained in a xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Telomere maintenance in HCC carcinogenesis is diverse, and is associated with tumor progression and aggressiveness. The efficacy of anti-TERT ASO treatment in cell lines revealed the oncogenic addiction to TERT in HCC, providing a preclinical rationale for anti-TERT ASO treatment in HCC clinical trials. LAY SUMMARY Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences that protect chromosomes and naturally shorten in most adult cells because of the inactivation of the TERT gene, coding for the telomerase enzyme. Here we show that telomere attrition in the liver, modulated by aging, sex, fibrosis and alcohol, associates with specific clinical and molecular features of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent primary liver cancer. We also show that liver cancer is dependent on TERT reactivation and telomere maintenance, which could be targeted through a novel therapeutic approach called antisense oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massih Ningarhari
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Théo Z Hirsch
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Bayard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Franconi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Laure Védie
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Bénédicte Noblet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- Service Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, F-33000, Bordeaux, France; Service de Pathologie, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, F-33076, Bordeaux, France; Université Bordeaux, Inserm, Research in Translational Oncology, BaRITOn, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giuliana Amaddeo
- Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, APHP, Université Paris Est Créteil, Inserm U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, F-94010, Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, APHP, F-93140, Bondy, France
| | - Marianne Ziol
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, APHP, F-93140, Bondy, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Service de Pathologie, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, F-92110, Clichy, France; Université Paris Diderot, CNRS, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), Paris, F-75890, France
| | - Catherine Guettier
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, CHU Bicêtre, APHP, F-94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Service d'Anatomopathologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, APHP, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, F-94010, Créteil, France
| | - Guillaume Morcrette
- Service de Pathologie Pédiatrique, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Robert Debré, F-75019, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, APHP, F-93140, Bondy, France.
| | - Sandra Rebouissou
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France.
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France; Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory, Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, F-75015, Paris, France.
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20
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Vij M, Calderaro J. Pathologic and molecular features of hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:393-410. [PMID: 33959223 PMCID: PMC8080551 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i4.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphological diversity and several new distinct pathologic subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are now well-recognized. Recent advances in tumor genomics and transcriptomics have identified several recurrent somatic/genetic alterations that are closely related with histomorphological subtypes and have therefore, greatly improved our understanding of HCC pathogenesis. Pathologic subtyping allows for a diagnosis which is clinically helpful and can have important implication in patient prognostication as some of these subtypes are extremely aggressive with vascular invasion, early recurrence, and worst outcomes. Several targeted treatments are now being considered in HCC, and the reporting of subtypes may be quite useful for personalized therapeutic purpose. This manuscript reviews the recently identified histomorphological subtypes and molecular alterations in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Vij
- Department ofPathology, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Department of Pathology, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Creteil F-94010, France
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21
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Wong M, Waters KM, Guindi M, Larson BK. New Names for Old Tumors. Am J Clin Pathol 2021; 155:698-710. [PMID: 33258899 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies described "clear cell" hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although definitions have varied. New clear cell subtypes of HCC have been proposed, including chromophobe (C-HCC), steatohepatitic (SH-HCC), and steatotic (S-HCC), and this study assessed the utility and clinical-pathologic profile of these subtypes. METHODS Current histologic definitions, including 3 separate proposed definitions for SH-HCC, were applied to tumors previously characterized as clear cell HCC. Histologic and clinical variables were analyzed. RESULTS Of 66 HCCs, 51 (77%) were classified using modern definitions, including 34 SH-HCCs, 15 S-HCCs, and 2 C-HCCs. Compared with the most permissive SH-HCC definition, the other 2 definitions designated 30 and 25 SH-HCCs (-12% and -26% cases, respectively). Unsurprisingly, S-HCC and SH-HCC were associated with steatotic clear cells (P < .0001). S-HCC was also more typically early type and low grade (P = .0017). The remaining unclassified clear cell HCCs were associated with flocculent (rather than steatotic or optically clear) cytoplasm (P < .0001) but otherwise demonstrated no discrete clinical-pathologic profile. CONCLUSIONS Current definitions could be used to reclassify the majority of "clear cell" HCCs. The subtypes are significantly correlated with a few variables, suggesting valid differences of the subtypes, although additional study is warranted, particularly to standardize the definition of SH-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Wong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kevin M Waters
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Maha Guindi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Brent K Larson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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22
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Bello HR, Mahdi ZK, Lui SK, Nandwana SB, Harri PA, Davarpanah AH. Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Atypical Imaging Features: Review of the Morphologic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtypes With Radiology-Pathology Correlation. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 55:681-697. [PMID: 33682266 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest growing cause of cancer death in the United States with the incidence rate more than doubling in 20 years. HCC is unique since a noninvasive diagnosis can be achieved with imaging alone when specific clinical criteria and imaging characteristics are met, obviating the need for tissue sampling. However, HCC is a highly heterogeneous neoplasm. Atypical HCC subtypes vary significantly in their morphology, which can be attributed to specific histologic and molecular features, and can cause deviations from the classic imaging characteristics. The different morphologic subtypes of HCC frequently present a diagnostic challenge for radiologists and pathologists since their imaging and pathologic features can overlap with those of non-HCC malignancies. Identifying an atypical subtype can have important clinical implications. Liver transplant, albeit a scarce and limited resource, is the optimal treatment for conventional HCC, potentially curing both the tumor and the underlying pre-malignant condition. Some HCC subtypes as well as mimickers are associated with unacceptably high recurrence and poor outcome after transplant, and there remains limited data on the role and prognosis of liver transplantation for treatment of rare HCC subtypes. Other subtypes tend to recur later than classic HCC, potentially requiring a different follow-up scheme. This review will discuss the appearance of different HCC subtypes in relation to their histopathologic features. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernan R Bello
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zaid K Mahdi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shu K Lui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sadhna B Nandwana
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Peter A Harri
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amir H Davarpanah
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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23
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Vyas M, Jain D. An update on subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma: From morphology to molecular. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2021; 64:S112-S120. [PMID: 34135152 DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_751_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphologic spectrum of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is quite broad. While in about one-third of cases, the neoplasms can be categorized into meaningful subtypes based on morphology, a vast majority of these neoplasms are morphologically heterogeneous. With extensive tumor profiling, data has begun to emerge which can correlate specific morphologic features with underlying molecular signatures. A true morphologic subtype not only has reproducible H & E features, further supported by specific immunohistochemical or molecular signatures, but also has specific clinical implications and prognostic associations. Eight such morphologic subtypes are recognized by the 2019 WHO classification of tumors with a few more additional subtypes described in the literature. The goal of this review is to familiarize the reader with the morphologic subtypes and elaborate on the clinical and molecular associations of these neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Vyas
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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24
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Torbenson MS. Hepatocellular carcinoma: making sense of morphological heterogeneity, growth patterns, and subtypes. Hum Pathol 2020; 112:86-101. [PMID: 33387587 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinomas are not a homogenous group of tumors but have multiple layers of heterogeneity. This heterogeneity has been studied for many years with the goal to individualize care for patients and has led to the identification of numerous hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes, defined by morphology and or molecular methods. This article reviews both gross and histological levels of heterogeneity within hepatocellular carcinoma, with a focus on histological findings, reviewing how different levels of histological heterogeneity are used as building blocks to construct morphological hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes. The current best practice for defining a morphological subtype is outlined. Then, the definition for thirteen distinct hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes is reviewed. For each of these subtypes, unresolved issues regarding their definitions are highlighted, including recommendations for these problematic areas. Finally, three methods for improving the research on hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes are proposed: (1) Use a systemic, rigorous approach for defining hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes (four-point model); (2) Once definitions for a subtype are established, it should be followed in research studies, as this common denominator enhances the ability to compare results between studies; and (3) Studies of subtypes will be more effective when morphological and molecular results are used in synergistic and iterative study designs where the results of one approach are used to refine and sharpen the results of the other. These and related efforts to better understand heterogeneity within hepatocellular carcinoma are the most promising avenue for improving patient care by individualizing patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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25
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da Silva GG, Morais KS, Arcanjo DS, de Oliveira DM. Clinical Relevance of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres in Cancer. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:485-497. [PMID: 31924155 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200110112854] [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: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) is a pathway responsible for cell immortalization in some kinds of tumors. Since the first description of ALT is relatively recent in the oncology field, its mechanism remains elusive, but recent works address ALT-related proteins or cellular structures as potential druggable targets for more specific and efficient antitumor therapies. Moreover, some new generation compounds for antitelomerase therapy in cancer were able to provoke acquisition of ALT phenotype in treated tumors, enhancing the importance of studies on this alternative lengthening of the telomere. However, ALT has been implicated in different - sometimes opposite - outcomes, according to the tumor type studied. Then, in order to design and develop new drugs for ALT+ cancer in an effective way, it is crucial to understand its clinical implications. In this review, we gathered works published in the last two decades to highlight the clinical relevance of ALT on oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme G da Silva
- Department of Biological Basis of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Ceilandia Campus, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Karollyne S Morais
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Arcanjo
- Department of Biological Basis of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Ceilandia Campus, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Diêgo M de Oliveira
- Department of Biological Basis of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Ceilandia Campus, Federal District, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
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26
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) belongs to the most prevalent and deadliest cancers worldwide. It can be attributed to well-defined risk factors (mainly chronic viral hepatitis and alcoholic/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) leading to liver cirrhosis, a premalignant condition for the development of preneoplastic hepatocellular lesions and finally liver cancer. By applying strict morphological criteria and a panel of immunohistological markers, early HCC can be differentiated from its precursor lesions and other highly differentiated hepatocellular lesions even in most biopsy specimens. Integrative characterization led to the association of histological features and molecular subgroups of human HCC. This potentially relevant clinical development was recognized by the recently updated WHO classification of liver cancer resulting in the introduction of several HCC subtypes. These are characterized by a distinct combination of histological and molecular features, biological behavior, and clinical characteristics, allowing for a distinction from other HCC without specified features. Whether this development sets the corner stone for precision oncology of human HCC patients must be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Longerich
- Pathologisches Institut, Uniklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
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27
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Vyas M, Zhang X. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Role of Pathology in the Era of Precision Medicine. Clin Liver Dis 2020; 24:591-610. [PMID: 33012447 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a morphologically heterogeneous tumor with variable architectural growth patterns and several distinct histologic subtypes. Large-scale attempts have been made over the past decade to identify targetable genomic alterations in HCC; however, its translation into clinical personalized care remains a challenge to precision oncology. The role of pathology is no longer limited to confirmation of diagnosis when radiologic features are atypical. Pathology is now in a position to predict the underlying molecular alteration, prognosis, and behavior of HCC. This review outlines various aspects of histopathologic diagnosis and role of pathology in cutting-edge diagnostics of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Vyas
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 303 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, PO Box 208023, New Haven, CT 06520-8023, USA.
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28
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Vinayagamurthy S, Ganguly A, Chowdhury S. Extra-telomeric impact of telomeres: Emerging molecular connections in pluripotency or stemness. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10245-10254. [PMID: 32444498 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.009710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres comprise specialized nucleic acid-protein complexes that help protect chromosome ends from DNA damage. Moreover, telomeres associate with subtelomeric regions through looping. This results in altered expression of subtelomeric genes. Recent observations further reveal telomere length-dependent gene regulation and epigenetic modifications at sites spread across the genome and distant from telomeres. This regulation is mediated through the telomere-binding protein telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2). These observations suggest a role of telomeres in extra-telomeric functions. Most notably, telomeres have a broad impact on pluripotency and differentiation. For example, cardiomyocytes differentiate with higher efficacy from induced pluripotent stem cells having long telomeres, and differentiated cells obtained from human embryonic stem cells with relatively long telomeres have a longer lifespan. Here, we first highlight reports on these two seemingly distinct research areas: the extra-telomeric role of telomere-binding factors and the role of telomeres in pluripotency/stemness. On the basis of the observations reported in these studies, we draw attention to potential molecular connections between extra-telomeric biology and pluripotency. Finally, in the context of the nonlocal influence of telomeres on pluripotency and stemness, we discuss major opportunities for progress in molecular understanding of aging-related disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soujanya Vinayagamurthy
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Akansha Ganguly
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.,G.N.R. Knowledge Centre for Genome Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
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29
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Kim H, Jang M, Park YN. Histopathological Variants of Hepatocellular Carcinomas: an Update According to the 5th Edition of the WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.17998/jlc.20.1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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30
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Torbenson M, Washington K. Pathology of liver disease: advances in the last 50 years. Hum Pathol 2019; 95:78-98. [PMID: 31493428 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease has been recognized in various forms for centuries. Incredible advances, however, have been made especially in the last 50 years, driven by improvements in histology, the development of immunostains, the development of high resolution imaging methods, improved biopsy and resection methods, and the emergence of the molecular era. With these tools, pathologists and their clinical and basic science colleagues moved from classifying liver disease using an observational, pattern-based approach to a refined classification of disease, one based on etiology for medical disease and tumor classification for neoplastic disease. Examples of liver specific diseases are used to illustrate these exciting advances. These impressive advances of the past provide the foundation for hope in the future, as liver pathology continues to play an important role in improving patient care through disease identification and classification and emerging roles in guiding therapy for cures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Torbenson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
| | - Kay Washington
- C-3321 MCN, Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21(st) Avenue S, Nashville, TN 37232.
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31
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The role of telomeres and telomerase in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:544-558. [PMID: 31253940 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase is a key enzyme for cell survival that prevents telomere shortening and the subsequent cellular senescence that is observed after many rounds of cell division. In contrast, inactivation of telomerase is observed in most cells of the adult liver. Absence of telomerase activity and shortening of telomeres has been implicated in hepatocyte senescence and the development of cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. During hepatocarcinogenesis, telomerase reactivation is required to enable the uncontrolled cell proliferation that leads to malignant transformation and HCC development. Part of the telomerase complex, telomerase reverse transcriptase, is encoded by TERT, and several mechanisms of telomerase reactivation have been described in HCC that include somatic TERT promoter mutations, TERT amplification, TERT translocation and viral insertion into the TERT gene. An understanding of the role of telomeres and telomerase in HCC development is important to develop future targeted therapies and improve survival of this disease. In this Review, the roles of telomeres and telomerase in liver carcinogenesis are discussed, in addition to their potential translation to clinical practice as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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32
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Molecular and histological correlations in liver cancer. J Hepatol 2019; 71:616-630. [PMID: 31195064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer, both at the molecular and histological level. High-throughput sequencing and gene expression profiling have identified distinct transcriptomic subclasses and numerous recurrent genetic alterations; several HCC subtypes characterised by histological features have also been identified. HCC phenotype appears to be closely related to particular gene mutations, tumour subgroups and/or oncogenic pathways. Non-proliferative tumours display a well-differentiated phenotype. Among this molecular subgroup, CTNNB1-mutated HCCs constitute a homogeneous subtype, exhibiting cholestasis and microtrabecular and pseudoglandular architectural patterns. Another non-proliferative subtype has a gene expression pattern similar to that of mature hepatocytes (G4) and displays a steatohepatitic phenotype. In contrast, proliferative HCCs are most often poorly differentiated, and notably include tumours with progenitor features. A novel morphological variant of proliferative HCC - designated "macrotrabecular-massive" - was recently shown to be associated with angiogenesis activation and poor prognosis. Altogether, these findings may help to translate our knowledge of HCC biology into clinical practice, resulting in improved precision medicine for patients with this highly aggressive malignancy. This manuscript reviews the most recent data in this exciting field, discussing future directions and challenges.
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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34
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Dhanasekaran R, Nault JC, Roberts LR, Zucman-Rossi J. Genomic Medicine and Implications for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prevention and Therapy. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:492-509. [PMID: 30404026 PMCID: PMC6340723 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood, but recent advances in genomics have increased our understanding of the mechanisms by which hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, alcohol, fatty liver disease, and other environmental factors, such as aflatoxin, cause liver cancer. Genetic analyses of liver tissues from patients have provided important information about tumor initiation and progression. Findings from these studies can potentially be used to individualize the management of HCC. In addition to sorafenib, other multi-kinase inhibitors have been approved recently for treatment of HCC, and the preliminary success of immunotherapy has raised hopes. Continued progress in genomic medicine could improve classification of HCCs based on their molecular features and lead to new treatments for patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte De Recherche 1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Paris, France; Liver Unit, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bondy, France; Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris 13, Communauté d'Universités et Etablissements Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte De Recherche 1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Paris, France; Hôpital Europeen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
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35
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Gaspar TB, Sá A, Lopes JM, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P, Vinagre J. Telomere Maintenance Mechanisms in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E241. [PMID: 29751586 PMCID: PMC5977181 DOI: 10.3390/genes9050241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells can adopt telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) to avoid telomere shortening, an inevitable process due to successive cell divisions. In most tumour cells, telomere length (TL) is maintained by reactivation of telomerase, while a small part acquires immortality through the telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. In the last years, a great amount of data was generated, and different TMMs were reported and explained in detail, benefiting from genome-scale studies of major importance. In this review, we address seven different TMMs in tumour cells: mutations of the TERT promoter (TERTp), amplification of the genes TERT and TERC, polymorphic variants of the TERT gene and of its promoter, rearrangements of the TERT gene, epigenetic changes, ALT, and non-defined TMM (NDTMM). We gathered information from over fifty thousand patients reported in 288 papers in the last years. This wide data collection enabled us to portray, by organ/system and histotypes, the prevalence of TERTp mutations, TERT and TERC amplifications, and ALT in human tumours. Based on this information, we discuss the putative future clinical impact of the aforementioned mechanisms on the malignant transformation process in different setups, and provide insights for screening, prognosis, and patient management stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bordeira Gaspar
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Sá
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Soares
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Vinagre
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
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36
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Molecular testing for the clinical diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:141-149. [PMID: 28862261 PMCID: PMC5758901 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2017.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma has a distinctive morphology and immunophenotype, including cytokeratin 7 and CD68 co-expression. Despite the distinct findings, accurate diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma continues to be a challenge. Recently, fibrolamellar carcinomas were found to harbor a characteristic somatic gene fusion, DNAJB1-PRKACA. A break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was designed to detect this fusion event and to examine its diagnostic performance in a large, multicenter, multinational study. Cases initially classified as fibrolamellar carcinoma based on histological features were reviewed from 124 patients. Upon central review, 104 of the 124 cases were classified histologically as typical of fibrolamellar carcinoma, 12 cases as 'possible fibrolamellar carcinoma' and 8 cases as 'unlikely to be fibrolamellar carcinoma'. PRKACA FISH was positive for rearrangement in 102 of 103 (99%) typical fibrolamellar carcinomas, 9 of 12 'possible fibrolamellar carcinomas' and 0 of 8 cases 'unlikely to be fibrolamellar carcinomas'. Within the morphologically typical group of fibrolamellar carcinomas, two tumors with unusual FISH patterns were also identified. Both cases had the fusion gene DNAJB1-PRKACA, but one also had amplification of the fusion gene and one had heterozygous deletion of the normal PRKACA locus. In addition, 88 conventional hepatocellular carcinomas were evaluated with PRKACA FISH and all were negative. These findings demonstrate that FISH for the PRKACA rearrangement is a clinically useful tool to confirm the diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma, with high sensitivity and specificity. A diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma is more accurate when based on morphology plus confirmatory testing than when based on morphology alone.
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinomas can be further divided into distinct subtypes that provide important clinical information and biological insights. These subtypes are distinct from growth patterns and are on based on morphologic and molecular findings. There are 12 reasonably well-defined subtypes as well as 6 provisional subtypes, together making up 35% of all hepatocellular carcinomas. These subtypes are discussed, with an emphasis on their definitions and the key morphologic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.
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38
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Amorim JP, Santos G, Vinagre J, Soares P. The Role of ATRX in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Phenotype. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:E66. [PMID: 27657132 PMCID: PMC5042396 DOI: 10.3390/genes7090066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are responsible for protecting chromosome ends in order to prevent the loss of coding DNA. Their maintenance is required for achieving immortality by neoplastic cells and can occur by upregulation of the telomerase enzyme or through a homologous recombination-associated process, the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The precise mechanisms that govern the activation of ALT or telomerase in tumor cells are not fully understood, although cellular origin may favor one of the other mechanisms that have been found thus far in mutual exclusivity. Specific mutational events influence ALT activation and maintenance: a unifying frequent feature of tumors that acquire this phenotype are the recurrent mutations of the Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation Syndrome X-Linked (ATRX) or Death-Domain Associated Protein (DAXX) genes. This review summarizes the established criteria about this phenotype: its prevalence, theoretical molecular mechanisms and relation with ATRX, DAXX and other proteins (directly or indirectly interacting and resulting in the ALT phenotype).
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Amorim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal.
| | - Gustavo Santos
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal.
| | - João Vinagre
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal.
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal.
- Departamento de Patologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-139, Portugal.
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Dhanasekaran R, Bandoh S, Roberts LR. Molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and impact of therapeutic advances. F1000Res 2016; 5. [PMID: 27239288 PMCID: PMC4870992 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6946.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality and has an increasing incidence worldwide. HCC can be induced by multiple etiologies, is influenced by many risk factors, and has a complex pathogenesis. Furthermore, HCCs exhibit substantial heterogeneity, which compounds the difficulties in developing effective therapies against this highly lethal cancer. With advances in cancer biology and molecular and genetic profiling, a number of different mechanisms involved in the development and progression of HCC have been identified. Despite the advances in this area, the molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is still not completely understood. This review aims to elaborate our current understanding of the most relevant genetic alterations and molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of HCC, and anticipate the potential impact of future advances on therapeutic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salome Bandoh
- Department of Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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Tan PS, Nakagawa S, Goossens N, Venkatesh A, Huang T, Ward SC, Sun X, Song WM, Koh A, Canasto-Chibuque C, Deshmukh M, Nair V, Mahajan M, Zhang B, Fiel MI, Kobayashi M, Kumada H, Hoshida Y. Clinicopathological indices to predict hepatocellular carcinoma molecular classification. Liver Int 2016; 36:108-18. [PMID: 26058462 PMCID: PMC4674393 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most lethal cancer caused by lack of effective therapies. Although promising, HCC molecular classification, which enriches potential responders to specific therapies, has not yet been assessed in clinical trials of anti-HCC drugs. We aimed to overcome these challenges by developing clinicopathological surrogate indices of HCC molecular classification. METHODS Hepatocellular carcinoma classification defined in our previous transcriptome meta-analysis (S1, S2 and S3 subclasses) was implemented in an FDA-approved diagnostic platform (Elements assay, NanoString). Ninety-six HCC tumours (training set) were assayed to develop molecular subclass-predictive indices based on clinicopathological features, which were independently validated in 99 HCC tumours (validation set). Molecular deregulations associated with the histopathological features were determined by pathway analysis. Sample sizes for HCC clinical trials enriched with specific molecular subclasses were determined. RESULTS Hepatocellular carcinoma subclass-predictive indices were steatohepatitic (SH)-HCC variant and immune cell infiltrate for S1 subclass, macrotrabecular/compact pattern, lack of pseudoglandular pattern, and high serum alpha-foetoprotein (>400 ng/ml) for S2 subclass, and microtrabecular pattern, lack of SH-HCC and clear cell variants, and lower histological grade for S3 subclass. Macrotrabecular/compact pattern, a predictor of S2 subclass, was associated with the activation of therapeutically targetable oncogene YAP and stemness markers EPCAM/KRT19. BMP4 was associated with pseudoglandular pattern. Subclass-predictive indices-based patient enrichment reduced clinical trial sample sizes from 121, 184 and 53 to 30, 43 and 22 for S1, S2 and S3 subclass-targeting therapies respectively. CONCLUSIONS Hepatocellular carcinoma molecular subclasses can be enriched by clinicopathological indices tightly associated with deregulation of therapeutically targetable molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poh Seng Tan
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Nicolas Goossens
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Anu Venkatesh
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Tiangui Huang
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Stephen C. Ward
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Xiaochen Sun
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Won-Min Song
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Anna Koh
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Claudia Canasto-Chibuque
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Manjeet Deshmukh
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Venugopalan Nair
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Milind Mahajan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
| | - Maria Isabel Fiel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, U.S
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Graham RP, Jin L, Knutson DL, Kloft-Nelson SM, Greipp PT, Waldburger N, Roessler S, Longerich T, Roberts LR, Oliveira AM, Halling KC, Schirmacher P, Torbenson MS. DNAJB1-PRKACA is specific for fibrolamellar carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2015; 28:822-9. [PMID: 25698061 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2015.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma is a distinct subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma that predominantly affects young patients without underlying cirrhosis. A recurrent DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion has recently been reported in fibrolamellar carcinomas. To determine the specificity of this fusion and to develop routinely available clinical methods of detection, we developed an RT-PCR assay for paraffin-embedded tissues and a FISH probe for detection of the rearrangements of the PRKACA locus. We also developed an RNA in situ hybridization assay to assess expression levels of the total chimeric transcript and wild-type transcripts. A total of 106 primary liver tumors were studied by RT-PCR, including 26 fibrolamellar carcinomas (4 of which were metastases to the abdominal wall or lymph nodes), 25 conventional hepatocellular carcinomas, 25 cholangiocarcinomas, 25 hepatic adenomas, and 5 hepatoblastomas. RT-PCR was successful in 92% of tested fibrolamellar carcinoma cases (24/26) and the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion transcript was found in all fibrolamellar carcinomas but not in other tumor types. FISH was tested in 19 fibrolamellar carcinomas and in 6 scirrhous hepatocellular carcinomas, which can closely mimic fibrolamellar carcinoma. Rearrangements of the PRKACA locus was seen in all 19 fibrolamellar carcinoma specimens, but in none of the scirrhous hepatocellular carcinomas. Finally, a RNA in situ hybridization strategy was positive in 7/7 successfully hybridized cases, and showed mRNA over-expression in all of the fibrolamellar carcinomas. In addition, the stromal cells embedded in the characteristic intratumoral fibrosis of fibrolamellar carcinomas and the background liver tissues were negative for the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion by all tested methods. In conclusion, detection of DNAJB1-PRKACA is a very sensitive and specific finding in support of the diagnosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rondell P Graham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Long Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Darlene L Knutson
- Cytogenetics Research Core, Medical Genome Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sara M Kloft-Nelson
- Cytogenetics Research Core, Medical Genome Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Patricia T Greipp
- Cytogenetics Research Core, Medical Genome Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nina Waldburger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Andre M Oliveira
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kevin C Halling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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42
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Torbenson M, Schirmacher P. Liver cancer biopsy--back to the future?! Hepatology 2015; 61:431-3. [PMID: 25271144 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Torbenson
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
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43
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Graham RP, Barr Fritcher EG, Pestova E, Schulz J, Sitailo LA, Vasmatzis G, Murphy SJ, McWilliams RR, Hart SN, Halling KC, Roberts LR, Gores GJ, Couch FJ, Zhang L, Borad MJ, Kipp BR. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 translocations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hum Pathol 2014; 45:1630-8. [PMID: 24837095 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cholangiocarcinoma often present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. There is a need for effective therapeutic strategies for advanced stage cholangiocarcinoma. Recently, FGFR2 translocations have been identified as a potential target for tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies. This study evaluated 152 cholangiocarcinomas and 4 intraductal papillary biliary neoplasms of the bile duct for presence of FGFR2 translocations by fluorescence in situ hybridization and characterized the clinicopathologic features of cases with FGFR2 translocations. Thirteen (10 women, 3 men; 8%) of 156 biliary tumors harbored FGFR2 translocations, including 12 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (12/96; 13%) and 1 intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. Histologically, cholangiocarcinomas with FGFR2 translocations displayed prominent intraductal growth (62%) or anastomosing tubular glands with desmoplasia (38%). Immunohistochemically, the tumors with FGFR2 translocations frequently showed weak and patchy expression of CK19 (77%). Markers of the stem cell phenotype in cholangiocarcinoma, HepPar1 and CK20, were negative in all cases. The median cancer-specific survival for patients whose tumors harbored FGFR2 translocations was 123 months compared to 37 months for cases without FGFR2 translocations (P = .039). This study also assessed 100 cholangiocarcinomas for ERBB2 amplification and ROS1 translocations. Of the cases tested, 3% and 1% were positive for ERBB2 amplification and ROS1 translocation, respectively. These results confirm that FGFR2, ERRB2, and ROS1 alterations are potential therapeutic targets for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rondell P Graham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | | | | | - John Schulz
- Abbott Molecular Diagnostics, Des Plaines, IL 60018
| | | | - George Vasmatzis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Stephen J Murphy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | | | - Steven N Hart
- Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Kevin C Halling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Fergus J Couch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
| | - Benjamin R Kipp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
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