1
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Chong AL, Thorner P, Ellis M, Swensen J, Benlimame N, Fiset PO, Gatalica Z, Evans MG, Foulkes WD. Fetal Type Morphologies Suggest the Presence of DICER1 Hotspot Mutations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Am J Surg Pathol 2024; 48:221-229. [PMID: 38050371 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Germline and somatic pathogenic variants (PVs) in DICER1 , encoding a miRNA biogenesis protein, are associated with a wide variety of highly specific pathologic entities. The lung tumors pleuropulmonary blastoma, pulmonary blastoma (PB), and well-differentiated fetal lung adenocarcinoma (WDFLAC) are all known to harbor DICER1 biallelic variants (loss of function and/or somatic hotspot missense mutations), and all share pathologic features reminiscent of the immature lung. However, the role of DICER1 PVs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is relatively unknown. Here, we aimed to establish the spectrum of lung pathologies associated with DICER1 hotspot PVs and to compare the mutational landscape of DICER1 -mutated NSCLC with and without hotspots. We queried DNA sequencing data from 12,146 NSCLCs featuring somatic DICER1 variants. 235 (1.9%) cases harboring ≥ 1 DICER1 PV were found and 9/235 (3.8%) were DICER1 hotspot-positive cases. Histologic review of DICER1 hotspot-positive cases showed that all but one tumor were classified as within the histologic spectrum of PB/WDFLAC, whereas all the DICER1 non-hotspot double variants were classified as lung adenocarcinomas, not otherwise specified. Comparison between the mutational landscape of DICER1 hotspot-positive and hotspot-negative cases revealed a higher frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in the hotspot-positive cases (5/9 vs. 2/225; P <0.00001). We conclude that DICER1 somatic hotspots are not implicated in the most common forms of NSCLC but rather select for morphologic features of lung tumor types such as PB and WDFLAC. As a corollary, cases showing this tumor morphology should undergo testing for DICER1 variants, and if positive, genetic counseling should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Chong
- Department of Human Genetics
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
| | - Paul Thorner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | | | | | - Naciba Benlimame
- Research Pathology Facility, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal
| | | | - Zoran Gatalica
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
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2
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Chan-Pak-Choon F, Roca C, Chong AS, Nogué C, Dahlum S, Austin R, Mar Fan H, van Spaendonck-Zwarts KY, Lambie NK, Robertson T, Siebert R, Rivera B, Foulkes WD. SMARCA4-associated schwannomatosis. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:505-507. [PMID: 36786840 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Chan-Pak-Choon
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carla Roca
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anne-Sophie Chong
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Nogué
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonja Dahlum
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rachel Austin
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen Mar Fan
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Karin Y van Spaendonck-Zwarts
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil K Lambie
- Anatomical Pathology, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Robertson
- Pathology Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Barbara Rivera
- Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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3
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Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Sinonasal Teratocarcinosarcoma Highlights Recurrent SMARCA4 Inactivation and CTNNB1 Mutations. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:224-233. [PMID: 36206446 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS) is a rare tumor defined by intermixed neuroepithelial, mesenchymal, and epithelial elements. While its etiology was historically ambiguous, we recently reported frequent SMARCA4 loss by immunohistochemistry, suggesting that TCS might be related to SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas. However, other molecular alterations including CTNNB1 mutation have been reported in TCS, and its full genetic underpinnings are unclear. Here, we performed the first comprehensive molecular analysis of sinonasal TCS to better understand its pathogenesis and classification. We collected 30 TCS including 22 cases from our initial study. Immunohistochemical loss of SMARCA4 was seen in 22 cases (73%), with total loss in 18 cases (60%). β-catenin showed nuclear localization in 14 cases (64%) of the subset tested. We selected 17 TCS for next-generation sequencing with enrichment for partial or intact SMARCA4 immunoexpression. We identified inactivating SMARCA4 mutations in 11 cases (65%) and activating CTNNB1 mutations in 6 cases (35%), including 5 cases with both. Of 5 cases that lacked SMARCA4 or CTNNB1 mutation, 2 harbored other SWI/SNF complex and Wnt pathway alterations, including 1 with SMARCB1 inactivation and 1 with concomitant APC and ARID1A mutations, and 3 had other findings, including DICER1 hotspot mutation. These findings confirm that SMARCA4 inactivation is the dominant genetic event in sinonasal TCS with frequent simultaneous CTNNB1 mutations. They further underscore a possible relationship between TCS and sinonasal carcinomas with neuroendocrine/neuroectodermal differentiation. However, while SMARCA4 and β-catenin immunohistochemistry may help confirm a challenging diagnosis, TCS should not be regarded as a molecularly defined entity.
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4
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Thorner PS, Chong AS, Nadaf J, Benlimame N, Marrano P, Chami R, Fu L, Foulkes WD. PRAME protein expression in DICER1-related tumours. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2022; 8:294-304. [PMID: 35297207 PMCID: PMC8977278 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DICER1 syndrome is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome usually affecting persons under 30 years of age. Many of the associated benign and malignant lesions occur almost exclusively in DICER1 syndrome. One such tumour, pituitary blastoma (pitB), overexpresses PRAME 500x above control levels. PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) is expressed in malignancies that are not DICER1-related (e.g. melanoma). To address whether PRAME expression is part of the DICER1 phenotype, or simply a feature of pitB, a series of 75 DICER1-mutated specimens and 33 non-mutated specimens was surveyed using immunohistochemistry for PRAME, together with EZH2, which complexes with PRAME. In DICER1-mutated specimens, positive staining for PRAME was only seen in malignant tumours; 7 of 11 histological types and 34/62 individual tumours were positive, while non-tumourous lesions were always negative. Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) showed a continuum in staining, with type I lesions being PRAME negative (n = 7) but all type II and type III lesions PRAME positive (n = 7). Similarly, cystic nephroma (CN) was negative (n = 8), with anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney being positive (n = 2). However, one atypical CN with mesenchymal cell proliferation was PRAME-positive. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with DICER1 pathogenic variants (PVs) was positive for PRAME (5/6), but the same tumour type without DICER1 PVs was also positive (9/15). Staining for EZH2 corresponded to that seen with PRAME, validating the latter. This study leads us to conclude that (1) PRAME expression occurs in two-thirds of DICER1-related malignancies; (2) PRAME may be a marker for the progression that certain DICER1-related lesions are thought to undergo, such as PPB and CN; and (3) PRAME expression in some tumours, such as RMS, appears to be an intrinsic feature of the tumour, rather than specifically related to DICER1 PVs. Therapy directed against PRAME may offer novel treatment options in patients with the DICER1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Thorner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Chong
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Javad Nadaf
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Naciba Benlimame
- Research Pathology Facility, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Paula Marrano
- Division of Pathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rose Chami
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Pathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lili Fu
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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5
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Tessier Cloutier B, Kleinman CL, Foulkes WD. SWI/SNF-deficient undifferentiated malignancies: where to draw the line †. J Pathol 2021; 256:139-142. [PMID: 34767264 DOI: 10.1002/path.5836] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in chromatin remodelling genes are increasingly recognised as drivers of undifferentiated malignancies. In atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRT) and extracranial rhabdoid tumours (ECRT), inactivation of SMARCB1 underlies >95% of cases. In the remainder, the culprit is another SWI-SNF family member, SMARCA4. By contrast, in small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT), SMARCA4 deficiency is by far the most common driver mechanism, while SMARCB1 alterations are rarely seen. It is unclear why alterations are so heavily weighted towards one or another subunit based on site alone, but both have become essential markers for the diagnosis and management of these undifferentiated lesions. Core SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated malignancies share an aggressive clinical course and show an overlapping morphologic phenotype. In their study, Andrianteranagna and colleagues used DNA methylation and gene expression profiling to compare two subsets of SMARCA4-deficient malignancies diagnosed as SCCOHT and ECRT. Their work gives further insight into the subtle molecular spectrum of SMARCA4-deficient tumours, and their distinction from ATRT and ECRT with SMARCB1 inactivation. The characterisation of these molecular features is likely to play an important role in the future as we try to establish a clinically meaningful framework for the diagnosis and management of these lesions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia L Kleinman
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Nakano Y, Satomi K, Okada K, Gotoh M, Ushiama M, Sakamoto H, Yoshida T, Kunihiro N, Hira K, Fukushima H, Inoue T, Hirato J, Ichimura K, Hara J. Malignant brain tumor in an infant showing histopathological features of yolk sac tumor but genetic and epigenetic features of AT/RT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29192. [PMID: 34185381 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SMARCA4 pathogenic variants are rarely detected in pediatric brain tumors other than atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) without INI1 deficiency or in some cases of medulloblastoma. Here, we report an atypical intracranial immature teratoma that recurred as a yolk sac tumor with metastatic spinal and lung lesions. Sequencing of the tumor revealed two SMARCA4 variants, including a splice-site variant and a non-synonymous variant of uncertain significance. Additionally, the methylation signature of the tumor was close to that of AT/RTs. Our case might be a yet-unrecognized subtype of pediatric tumors in which inactivation of SMARCA4 contributes to the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Nakano
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaishi Satomi
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Okada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Gotoh
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mineko Ushiama
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sakamoto
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Yoshida
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Services, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noritsugu Kunihiro
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kouta Hira
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroko Fukushima
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junko Hirato
- Department of Human Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Public Tomioka General Hospital, Tomioka, Japan
| | - Koichi Ichimura
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Hara
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Nambirajan A, Jain D. Recent updates in thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:83-89. [PMID: 34147303 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Germline inactivating mutations in SMARCA4 (SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4) gene encoding for BRG1 (Brahma related gene-1) are the molecular drivers in small cell carcinoma of ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) and in malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT) that occur in the context of rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome-type 2. Somatic SMARCA4 mutations and/or loss of BRG1 have been identified in a variety of adult-onset epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Among thoracic tumors, these include subsets of smoking-related non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and a relatively rare, newly recognised tumor entity: thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT). Less than 100 cases of SMARCA4-UT have been reported to date. They present as large compressive and infiltrative mediastinal, lung and/or pleural masses in middle-aged male smokers. They are undifferentiated tumors composed of sheets of small/epithelioid and/or rhabdoid tumor cells variably expressing epithelial markers and consistently showing loss of BRG1 and the closely related protein, Brahma (BRM). Frequent expression of stem cell markers (SOX2, CD34, SALL4) is noted. Despite gene expression profiles similar to MRTs and SCCOHT, they show striking genomic overlap with SMARCA4-mutant NSCLC with frequent TP53, STK11, KEAP1, and KRAS mutations, high tumor mutation burden (TMB), and presence of smoking related molecular signatures in tumor cells. SMARCA4-UT show uniformly poor survival and are irresponsive to conventional therapies. Immunotherapy responses are variable but promising, although PDL1 expression appears to be of poor predictive value. Drugs exploiting genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of SMARCA4 antagonism hold promise for future targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Nambirajan
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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8
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Chatzopoulos K, Boland JM. Update on genetically defined lung neoplasms: NUT carcinoma and thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors. Virchows Arch 2021; 478:21-30. [PMID: 33409598 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-03011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma, also known as NUT midline carcinoma, is an aggressive malignancy mainly affecting the midline structures of younger patients and almost invariably leading to death within a few months of the diagnosis. Morphologically, NUT carcinoma consists of sheets of monomorphous small or medium size cells with scant cytoplasm, commonly featuring areas of abrupt squamous differentiation with keratinization. Immunohistochemistry for NUT protein is sensitive and specific, typically showing a speckled nuclear reactivity, assisting in diagnosis. The molecular background of NUT carcinoma includes the reciprocal translocation t(15;19) leading to expression of the BRD4-NUT fusion transcript with oncogenic properties. Other less common genes may occasionally be fused with NUT not only in NUT carcinoma but also in other soft tissue tumors, highlighting the fact that NUT-rearranged tumors may represent a larger and more diverse family of neoplasms. Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors are aggressive malignancies diagnosed more often in young male smokers, which often lead to death within a few months. SMARCA4-deficient tumors show undifferentiated morphology with occasional hepatoid and rhabdoid features. Immunohistochemically, the hallmark of diagnosis is loss of expression of SMARCA4 (BRG1). Concurrent loss of SMARCA2 expression, as well as expression of one or more stem cell markers SOX2, CD34, or SALL4 is common. Truncating mutations in SMARCA4, a catalytic subunit of the mammalian BAF (SWI/SNF) complex, are the dominant oncogenic molecular event underlying the pathogenesis of these tumors. SMARCA4 deficiency can also be seen as a passenger somatic event in multiple solid neoplasms manifesting as focal dedifferentiation and rhabdoid morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Chatzopoulos
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jennifer M Boland
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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9
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Abstract
Molecular analysis has reshaped the landscape of high grade sinonasal tumors by defining novel entities and identifying recurrent mutations in established tumor types. However, sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS), a rare and aggressive tumor with intermixed teratomatous, carcinomatous, and sarcomatous elements, remains poorly understood. The multiphenotypic differentiation of TCS has engendered persistent controversy about its histogenesis and leads to diagnostic overlap with several other malignancies. In this study, we evaluated the molecular underpinnings of TCS to clarify its pathogenesis and diagnosis. We performed SMARCA4 immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 22 TCS and 153 other sinonasal tumors. We identified loss of SMARCA4 expression in 18 TCS (82%), including 15 (68%) with complete loss and 3 (14%) with partial loss. Although we also identified partial SMARCA4 loss in 1 of 8 SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinomas (13%), SMARCA4 was intact in all other sinonasal carcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors. We then selected 3 TCS with complete SMARCA4 loss by IHC for a targeted next-generation sequencing panel that included 1425 cancer-related genes. We confirmed biallelic somatic inactivation of SMARCA4 without other known oncogenic mutations in these 3 cases. Overall, these findings suggest that SMARCA4 inactivation may be the dominant genetic event in TCS, expanding understanding of this gene's role in sinonasal tumorigenesis. They also raise the possibility that TCS is on a diagnostic spectrum with the newly described SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinoma, blurring the lines between established and emerging sinonasal entities. In addition, SMARCA4 IHC may provide a useful adjunct for confirming a diagnosis of TCS in limited material.
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10
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Agaimy A, Witkowski L, Stoehr R, Cuenca JCC, González-Muller CA, Brütting A, Bährle M, Mantsopoulos K, Amin RMS, Hartmann A, Metzler M, Amr SS, Foulkes WD, Sobrinho-Simões M, Eloy C. Malignant teratoid tumor of the thyroid gland: an aggressive primitive multiphenotypic malignancy showing organotypical elements and frequent DICER1 alterations-is the term "thyroblastoma" more appropriate? Virchows Arch 2020; 477:787-798. [PMID: 32507920 PMCID: PMC7683491 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary thyroid teratomas are exceedingly rare. Mature and immature variants recapitulate their gonadal counterparts (predilection for infants/children, triphasic germ layer differentiation, and favorable outcome). On the other hand, the so-called malignant teratomas affect predominantly adults and elderly, are highly aggressive, and, according to a few published cases, harbor DICER1 mutations. We describe three highly aggressive sporadic malignant teratoid thyroid tumors in 2 females (17 and 45 years) and one male (17 years). Histology showed triphasic neoplasms composed of solid nests of small primitive monomorphic cells embedded in a cellular stroma with primitive immature rhabdomyosarcoma-like (2) or pleomorphic sarcoma-like (1) phenotype. The third component was represented by TTF1+/PAX8+ primitive teratoid epithelial tubules reminiscent of primitive thyroid follicles and/or Wilms tumor, admixed with scattered respiratory- or enteric-type tubules, neuroepithelial rosettes, and fetal-type squamoid nests. Foci of cartilage were seen in two cases, but none contained mature organoid adult-type tissue or skin adnexa. SALL4 was expressed in the small cell (2) and stromal (1) component. Other germ cell markers were negative. Molecular testing revealed a known “hotspot” pathogenic DICER1 mutation in two cases. In addition, case 1 had a missense TP53 variant. This type of thyroid malignancy is distinct from genuine teratomas. The immunoprofile suggests primitive thyroid- or branchial cleft-like differentiation. Given that “blastoma” is a well-accepted terminology in the spectrum of DICER1-associated malignancies, the term “thyroblastoma” might be more convenient for these malignant teratoid tumors of the thyroid gland. Relationship of thyroblastoma to the DICER1 syndrome remains to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Leora Witkowski
- Departments of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Stoehr
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Alfred Brütting
- Department of Surgery, Malteser Waldkrankenhaus, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Bährle
- Department of Surgery, Malteser Waldkrankenhaus, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Mantsopoulos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Randa M S Amin
- Department of Pathology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Metzler
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Samir S Amr
- Department of Pathology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - William D Foulkes
- Departments of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eloy
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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11
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Saunders J, Ingley K, Wang XQ, Harvey M, Armstrong L, Ng T, Dunham C, Bush J. Loss of BRG1 ( SMARCA4) Immunoexpression in a Pediatric Non-Central Nervous System Tumor Cohort. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2020; 23:132-138. [PMID: 31403913 DOI: 10.1177/1093526619869154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Malignant rhabdoid tumors and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors of the central nervous system are primitive malignancies associated with a poor prognosis. These tumors have previously been characterized by inactivation of the switch/sucrose nonfermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex protein integrase interactor 1 (INI1), encoded by the SMARCB1 gene. In the last decade, sporadic publications have shown that a different SWI/SNF protein, brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), encoded by the SMARCA4 gene, is associated with a similar rhabdoid phenotype and possible germline mutation termed rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome type 2. We sought to determine the presence of BRG1 expression in pediatric embryonal tumors. Using a local tissue microarray consisting of 28 tumors diagnosed as having an undifferentiated, polyphenotypic, or rhabdoid morphology, expression of BRG1 by immunohistochemistry was performed. Four cases showed loss of INI1, while 3 of the remaining 24 cases demonstrated loss of BRG1. Two cases were diagnosed as soft tissue sarcomas, and 1 case was diagnosed as a small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. Survival ranged from less than 6 months after diagnosis to more than 5 years at the time of last follow-up. In conclusion, we demonstrate that BRG1 immunohistochemistry is a useful second-line immunostain for the workup of undifferentiated, polyphenotypic or rhabdoid pediatric tumors that demonstrate retained expression of INI1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Saunders
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, British Columbia Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital and Health Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katrina Ingley
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, British Columbia Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital and Health Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiu Qing Wang
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa Harvey
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, British Columbia Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital and Health Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Linlea Armstrong
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital and Health Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tony Ng
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher Dunham
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, British Columbia Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital and Health Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jonathan Bush
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, British Columbia Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital and Health Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Innocuous clinical presentation of a SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma arising in a patient with chronic empyema thoracis. Pathology 2019; 51:657-659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Guillerman RP, Foulkes WD, Priest JR. Imaging of DICER1 syndrome. Pediatr Radiol 2019; 49:1488-1505. [PMID: 31620849 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-019-04429-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DICER1 syndrome is a highly pleiotropic tumor predisposition syndrome that has been increasingly recognized in the last 10 years. Diseases in the syndrome result from mutations in both copies of the gene DICER1, a highly conserved gene that is critically implicated in micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) biogenesis and hence modulation of messenger RNAs. In general, susceptible individuals carry an inherited germline mutation that disables one copy of DICER1; within tumors, a very characteristic second mutation alters function of the other gene copy. About 20 hamartomatous, hyperplastic or neoplastic conditions comprise DICER1 syndrome. Most are not life-threatening, but some are aggressive malignancies. There are many unaffected carriers because penetrance is generally low; however, clinically occult thyroid nodules and lung cysts are frequent. Rare diseases of early childhood were the first recognized conditions in DICER1 syndrome, while other conditions affect adolescents and adults. The hallmarks of DICER1 syndrome are certain rare tumors including pleuropulmonary blastoma; cystic nephroma; ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor; sarcomas of the cervix, kidneys and cerebrum; pituitary blastoma; ciliary body medulloepithelioma; and nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma. Radiologists are often the first practitioners to observe these diverse manifestations and play a primary role in recognizing DICER1 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Paul Guillerman
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin St., Suite 470, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre,, Jewish General Hospital,, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ovarian small cell carcinoma in one of a pair of monozygous twins. Fam Cancer 2018; 18:161-163. [PMID: 30284660 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-018-0108-0] [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: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
One of a pair of monozygous twins was diagnosed and died of small cell carcinoma of the ovary of hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) at the age of 30 years. Her sister remained unaffected and was very concerned about her risk for developing SCCOHT. By performing comprehensive molecular analysis using whole exome sequencing (WES) approach, we showed that the deceased twin's tumour has bi-allelic somatic genetic defects (a pathogenic frameshift deletion in SMARCA4 and LOH on chr19p). Results of WES of constitutional DNA from her unaffected sister were confirmatory. Based on our findings, we concluded that the living twin is not at risk for SCCOHT and does not need to consider preventive oophorectomy.
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