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Baldini E, Cardarelli S, Campese AF, Lori E, Fallahi P, Virili C, Forte F, Pironi D, Di Matteo FM, Palumbo P, Costanzo ML, D’Andrea V, Centanni M, Sorrenti S, Antonelli A, Ulisse S. Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Harmine on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1121. [PMID: 38256193 PMCID: PMC10816100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021121] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an extremely difficult disease to tackle, with an overall patient survival of only a few months. The currently used therapeutic drugs, such as kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors, can prolong patient survival but fail to eradicate the tumor. In addition, the onset of drug resistance and adverse side-effects over time drastically reduce the chances of treatment. We recently showed that Twist1, a transcription factor involved in the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), was strongly upregulated in ATC, and we wondered whether it might represent a therapeutic target in ATC patients. To investigate this hypothesis, the effects of harmine, a β-carboline alkaloid shown to induce degradation of the Twist1 protein and to possess antitumoral activity in different cancer types, were evaluated on two ATC-derived cell lines, BHT-101 and CAL-62. The results obtained demonstrated that, in both cell lines, harmine reduced the level of Twist1 protein and reverted the EMT, as suggested by the augmentation of E-cadherin and decrease in fibronectin expression. The drug also inhibited cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced the anchorage-independent growth of both ATC cell lines. Harmine was also capable of inducing apoptosis in BHT-101 cells, but not in CAL-62 ones. Finally, the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling, but not that of the MAPK, was drastically reduced in treated cells. Overall, these in vitro data suggest that harmine could represent a new therapeutic option for ATC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Cardarelli
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | | | - Eleonora Lori
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Camilla Virili
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (C.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Flavio Forte
- Department of Urology, M.G. Vannini Hospital, 00177 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniele Pironi
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Filippo Maria Di Matteo
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Piergaspare Palumbo
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Maria Ludovica Costanzo
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Vito D’Andrea
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Marco Centanni
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (C.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Salvatore Sorrenti
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgery, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (D.P.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (M.L.C.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
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Rammal R, Wasserman JK, Singhi AD, Griffith CC, Seethala RR. Glomangiosarcoma-like Anaplastic Transformation in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Novel Form of Heterologous Differentiation and a Systematic Review of Heterologous Element Prevalence. Endocr Pathol 2023; 34:471-483. [PMID: 37792156 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) demonstrates a wide variety of morphologies and is characteristically associated with a differentiated thyroid carcinoma component. Heterologous differentiation is a rare, potentially challenging phenomenon in ATC, mostly observed as osteosarcomatous or chondrosarcomatous differentiation. We now describe a novel 'glomangiosarcoma-like' differentiation, review our archival experience from two institutions (UPMC, CC), and perform a systematic review for the prevalence of heterologous elements in ATC. The patient is a 57-year-old female who presented with 4.5 cm left thyroid, and 3.4 cm neck masses. Histologically, the thyroid demonstrated a differentiated high grade papillary thyroid carcinoma, tall cell and hobnail/micropapillary subtypes transitioning into an anaplastic component with spindled to ovoid cells with hemangiopericytoma-like vasculature showing CD34 positivity, variable muscle marker expression and pericellular lace-like type IV collagen deposition. The neck mass consisted solely of the latter morphology. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed on high grade DTC and adjacent ATC from the thyroid as well as ATC from the neck metastasis. All three components shared BRAFV600E, TERT promoter, and PIK3CA mutations confirming a clonal origin. Archival (UPMC: n = 150, CC: n = 74) and literature review showed no prior examples. Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence showed a baseline pooled prevalence (generalized linear mixed model) of heterologous elements of any type to be 1.6% (95% confidence interval: 1.0-2.6%) for studies where this was specifically addressed. ATC with glomangiosarcoma-like heterologous differentiation is a rarity among an already rare morphologic category with unique diagnostic pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Rammal
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jason K Wasserman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Raja R Seethala
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Carsote M, Turturea IF, Turturea MR, Valea A, Nistor C, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA. Pathogenic Insights into DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) Genes-Proteins and Microsatellite Instability: Focus on Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Beyond. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111867. [PMID: 37296718 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111867] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage repair pathways, including mismatch repair (MMR) genes, are prone to carcinoma development in certain patients. The assessment of the MMR system is widely recognized as part of strategies concerning solid tumors (defective MMR cancers), especially MMR proteins (through immunohistochemistry), and molecular assays for microsatellite instability (MSI). We aim to highlight the status of MMR genes-proteins (including MSI) in the relationship with ACC (adrenocortical carcinoma) according to current knowledge. This is a narrative review. We included PubMed-accessed, full-length English papers published between January 2012 and March 2023. We searched studies on ACC patients for whom MMR status was assessed, respectively subjects harboring MMR germline mutations, namely Lynch syndrome (LS), who were diagnosed with ACC. MMR system assessments in ACCs involve a low level of statistical evidence. Generally, there are two main types of endocrine insights: 1. the role of MMR status as a prognostic marker in different endocrine malignancies (including ACC)-which is the topic of the present work, and 2. establishing the indication of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) in selective, mostly highly aggressive, non-responsive to standard care forms upon MMR evaluation (which belongs to the larger chapter of immunotherapy in ACCs). Our one-decade, sample-case study (which, to our knowledge, it is the most comprehensive of its kind) identified 11 original articles (from 1 patient to 634 subjects per study diagnosed with either ACC or LS). We identified four studies published in 2013 and 2020 and two in 2021, three cohorts and two retrospective studies (the publication from 2013 includes a retrospective and a cohort distinct section). Among these four studies, patients already confirmed to have LS (N = 643, respective 135) were found to be associated with ACC (N = 3, respective 2), resulting in a prevalence of 0.0046%, with a respective of 1.4% being confirmed (despite not having a large amount of similar data outside these two studies). Studies on ACC patients (N = 364, respective 36 pediatric individuals, and 94 subjects with ACC) showed that 13.7% had different MMR gene anomalies, with a respective of 8.57% (non-germline mutations), while 3.2% had MMR germline mutations (N = 3/94 cases). Two case series included one family, with a respective four persons with LS, and each article introduced one case with LS-ACC. Another five case reports (between 2018 and 2021) revealed an additional five subjects (one case per paper) diagnosed with LS and ACC (female to male ratio of 4 to 1; aged between 44 and 68). Interesting genetic testing involved children with TP53-positive ACC and further MMR anomalies or an MSH2 gene-positive subject with LS with a concurrent germline RET mutation. The first report of LS-ACC referred for PD-1 blockade was published in 2018. Nevertheless, the use of ICPI in ACCs (as similarly seen in metastatic pheochromocytoma) is still limited. Pan-cancer and multi-omics analysis in adults with ACC, in order to classify the candidates for immunotherapy, had heterogeneous results, and integrating an MMR system in this larger and challenging picture is still an open issue. Whether individuals diagnosed with LS should undergo surveillance for ACC has not yet been proven. An assessment of tumor-related MMR/MSI status in ACC might be helpful. Further algorithms for diagnostics and therapy, also taking into consideration innovative biomarkers as MMR-MSI, are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Florin Turturea
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Cluj Emergency County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Ana Valea
- Department of Endocrinology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4-Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Thoracic Surgery Department, Dr. Carol Davila Central Emergency University Military Hospital, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta-Augustina Gheorghisan-Galateanu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Chu YH. This is Your Thyroid on Drugs: Targetable Mutations and Fusions in Thyroid Carcinoma. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:57-73. [PMID: 36739167 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis thyroid carcinomas, emphasizing genetic alterations that are therapeutically actionable. The main pathways in thyroid carcinogenesis are the MAPK and PI3K pathways. Point mutations and gene rearrangements affecting the pathway effectors and receptor tyrosine kinases are well-known drivers of thyroid cancer. Research over the past few decades has successfully introduced highly effective treatments for unresectable thyroid cancer, evolving from multi-kinase inhibitors to structurally selective agents, with constantly improving toxicity profiles and coverage of resistance mechanisms. The pros and cons of major laboratory techniques for therapeutic target identification are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsia Chu
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, No. 5, Fuxing Street, Guishan District, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan.
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Microsatellite Instability: From the Implementation of the Detection to a Prognostic and Predictive Role in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158726. [PMID: 35955855 PMCID: PMC9369169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been identified in several tumors arising from either germline or somatic aberration. The presence of MSI in cancer predicts the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors. To date, the predictive role of MSI is currently used in the selection of colorectal cancer patients for immunotherapy; moreover, the expansion of clinical trials into other cancer types may elucidate the predictive value of MSI for non-colorectal tumors. In clinical practice, several assays are used for MSI testing, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). In this review, we provide an overview of MSI in various cancer types, highlighting its potential predictive/prognostic role and the clinical trials performed. Finally, we focus on the comparison data between the different assays used to detect MSI in clinical practice.
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Qiao PP, Tian KS, Han LT, Ma B, Shen CK, Zhao RY, Zhang Y, Wei WJ, Chen XP. Correlation of mismatch repair deficiency with clinicopathological features and programmed death-ligand 1 expression in thyroid carcinoma. Endocrine 2022; 76:660-670. [PMID: 35366156 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03031-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes associated with thyroid carcinoma (TC) have rarely been reported, especially in East Asian populations. METHODS We examined tumor tissue from a cohort of 241 patients diagnosed with TC between 2008 and 2020. MMR proteins were detected using tissue microarray-based immunohistochemistry in order to identify MMR-protein-deficient (MMR-D) and MMR-protein-intact (MMR-I) tumors. We retrospectively summarized the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with MMR-D TC, measured the expression of PD-L1, and recorded overall survival (OS) and other clinical outcomes. RESULTS In our cohort, there were 18 (7.5%) MMR-D (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) patients, including 12 with papillary TC (PTC) (6.7%), 2 with poorly differentiated TC (PDTC) (4.7%), and 4 with anaplastic TC (ATC) (22.2%). Half of them (9/18) showed a specific deletion in MSH6, and 6 of them also carried variants in the MSH6 and PMS2 gene. Survival was significantly better in patients with MMR-D ATC than in those with MMR-I tumors (p = 0.033). Four of the 18 MMR-D patients (22%) were found to be PD-L1 positive. Their OS was much shorter than that of PD-L1-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS MMR-D and PD-L1 positivity appear to be associated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in TC. The results indicate that MMR status may have important prognostic significance in TC. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may be a treatment option for TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Pei Qiao
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kai-Sai Tian
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li-Tao Han
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cen-Kai Shen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Run-Yu Zhao
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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Wyvekens N, Tsai HK, Sholl LM, Tucci J, Giannico GA, Gordetsky JB, Hirsch MS, Barletta JA, Acosta AM. Histopathologic and Genetic Features of Mismatch Repair-Deficient High-Grade Prostate Cancer. Histopathology 2022; 80:1050-1060. [PMID: 35395112 DOI: 10.1111/his.14645] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is commonly caused by functional inactivation of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 or MSH6. The morphologic and molecular correlates of MMR deficiency have been extensively characterized in certain tumor types such as colorectal and endometrial adenocarcinoma. In contrast, the histologic and molecular features of MMR-deficient prostate cancer remain incompletely described. In this study, we evaluated 19 MMR-deficient prostate cancers, including 11 cases without prior systemic treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS All treatment-naïve cases (11/11, 100%) were Grade Group 4-5 and had predominant cribriform and/or solid growth patterns. Solid components (any amount) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were seen in 7/11 (64%) of these cases each. In 68 MMR-proficient Grade Group 5 prostate cancers, predominant cribriform or solid growth patterns, solid components (any amount) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were seen at significantly lower frequencies (31/68, 46%; 9/68, 13% and 6/62, 9%, respectively; p<0.001 for all comparisons). Molecular evaluation of 19 cases demonstrated that MMR-deficiency was secondary to functional loss of MSH2/MSH6 and MLH1/PMS2 in 15 cases (79%) and 4 cases (21%), respectively. Definite or likely germline mutations were present in 4 cases (4/19, 21%). TMPRSS2::ERG rearrangements were identified in 2 cases (2/19, 11%). Recurrent cancer-relevant somatic mutations included (but were not limited to) ATM, TP53, FOXA1, RB1, BRCA2 and PTEN. CONCLUSIONS MMR deficiency was most commonly secondary to inactivation of MSH2/MSH6 in this study. Importantly, MMR-deficient high-grade prostatic adenocarcinomas had morphologic features that might be useful to identify selected cases for MMR IHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Wyvekens
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harrison K Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynette M Sholl
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Tucci
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Giovanna A Giannico
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer B Gordetsky
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle S Hirsch
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andres M Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Baloch ZW, Asa SL, Barletta JA, Ghossein RA, Juhlin CC, Jung CK, LiVolsi VA, Papotti MG, Sobrinho-Simões M, Tallini G, Mete O. Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:27-63. [PMID: 35288841 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 156.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the changes in the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors that relate to the thyroid gland. The new classification has divided thyroid tumors into several new categories that allow for a clearer understanding of the cell of origin, pathologic features (cytopathology and histopathology), molecular classification, and biological behavior. Follicular cell-derived tumors constitute the majority of thyroid neoplasms. In this new classification, they are divided into benign, low-risk, and malignant neoplasms. Benign tumors include not only follicular adenoma but also variants of adenoma that are of diagnostic and clinical significance, including the ones with papillary architecture, which are often hyperfunctional and oncocytic adenomas. For the first time, there is a detailed account of the multifocal hyperplastic/neoplastic lesions that commonly occur in the clinical setting of multinodular goiter; the term thyroid follicular nodular disease (FND) achieved consensus as the best to describe this enigmatic entity. Low-risk follicular cell-derived neoplasms include non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), thyroid tumors of uncertain malignant potential, and hyalinizing trabecular tumor. Malignant follicular cell-derived neoplasms are stratified based on molecular profiles and aggressiveness. Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), with many morphological subtypes, represent the BRAF-like malignancies, whereas invasive encapsulated follicular variant PTC and follicular thyroid carcinoma represent the RAS-like malignancies. This new classification requires detailed subtyping of papillary microcarcinomas similar to their counterparts that exceed 1.0 cm and recommends not designating them as a subtype of PTC. The criteria of the tall cell subtype of PTC have been revisited. Cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma is no longer classified as a subtype of PTC. The term "Hürthle cell" is discouraged, since it is a misnomer. Oncocytic carcinoma is discussed as a distinct entity with the clear recognition that it refers to oncocytic follicular cell-derived neoplasms (composed of > 75% oncocytic cells) that lack characteristic nuclear features of PTC (those would be oncocytic PTCs) and high-grade features (necrosis and ≥ 5 mitoses per 2 mm2). High-grade follicular cell-derived malignancies now include both the traditional poorly differentiated carcinoma as well as high-grade differentiated thyroid carcinomas, since both are characterized by increased mitotic activity and tumor necrosis without anaplastic histology and clinically behave in a similar manner. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma remains the most undifferentiated form; squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid is now considered as a subtype of anaplastic carcinoma. Medullary thyroid carcinomas derived from thyroid C cells retain their distinct section, and there is a separate section for mixed tumors composed of both C cells and any follicular cell-derived malignancy. A grading system for medullary thyroid carcinomas is also introduced based on mitotic count, tumor necrosis, and Ki67 labeling index. A number of unusual neoplasms that occur in the thyroid have been placed into new sections based on their cytogenesis. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland type are now included in one section classified as "salivary gland-type carcinomas of the thyroid." Thymomas, thymic carcinomas and spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like elements are classified as "thymic tumors within the thyroid." There remain several tumors whose cell lineage is unclear, and they are listed as such; these include sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia and cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma. Another important addition is thyroblastoma, an unusual embryonal tumor associated with DICER1 mutations. As in all the WHO books in the 5th edition, mesenchymal and stromal tumors, hematolymphoid neoplasms, germ cell tumors, and metastatic malignancies are discussed separately. The current classification also emphasizes the value of biomarkers that may aid diagnosis and provide prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair W Baloch
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronald A Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Virginia A LiVolsi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Jannin A, Escande A, Al Ghuzlan A, Blanchard P, Hartl D, Chevalier B, Deschamps F, Lamartina L, Lacroix L, Dupuy C, Baudin E, Do Cao C, Hadoux J. Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: An Update. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041061. [PMID: 35205809 PMCID: PMC8869821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and undifferentiated form of thyroid cancer. Its prognosis is poor: the median overall survival (OS) of patients varies from 4 to 10 months after diagnosis. However, a doubling of the OS time may be possible owing to a more systematic use of molecular tests for targeted therapies and integration of fast-track dedicated care pathways for these patients in tertiary centers. The diagnostic confirmation, if needed, requires an urgent biopsy reread by an expert pathologist with additional immunohistochemical and molecular analyses. Therapeutic management, defined in multidisciplinary meetings, respecting the patient's choice, must start within days following diagnosis. For localized disease diagnosed after primary surgical treatment, adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy is recommended. In the event of locally advanced or metastatic disease, the prognosis is very poor. Treatment should then involve chemotherapy or targeted therapy and decompressive cervical radiotherapy. Here we will review current knowledge on ATC and provide perspectives to improve the management of this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Jannin
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (A.J.); (B.C.); (C.D.C.)
- H. Warembourg School of Medicine, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Alexandre Escande
- H. Warembourg School of Medicine, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- Academic Radiation Oncology Department, Oscar Lambret Center, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Abir Al Ghuzlan
- Cancer Medical Pathology and Biology Department, Institute Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Pierre Blanchard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Dana Hartl
- Département d’Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel (DACI), Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Benjamin Chevalier
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (A.J.); (B.C.); (C.D.C.)
- H. Warembourg School of Medicine, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Frédéric Deschamps
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Paris, France;
| | - Livia Lamartina
- Cancer Medicine Department, Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (L.L.); (E.B.)
| | - Ludovic Lacroix
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | | | - Eric Baudin
- Cancer Medicine Department, Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (L.L.); (E.B.)
| | - Christine Do Cao
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Lille University Hospital, 59000 Lille, France; (A.J.); (B.C.); (C.D.C.)
| | - Julien Hadoux
- Cancer Medicine Department, Institute Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (L.L.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-142116361
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10
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Emerging Biomarkers in Thyroid Practice and Research. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010204. [PMID: 35008368 PMCID: PMC8744846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor biomarkers are molecules at genetic or protein level, or certain evaluable characteristics. These help in perfecting patient management. Over the past decade, advanced and more sensitive techniques have led to the identification of many new biomarkers in the field of oncology. A knowledge of the recent developments is essential for their application to clinical practice, and furthering research. This review provides a comprehensive account of such various markers identified in thyroid carcinoma, the most common endocrine malignancy. While some of these have been brought into use in routine patient management, others are novel and need more research before clinical application. Abstract Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Recent developments in molecular biological techniques have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical behavior of thyroid neoplasms. This has culminated in the updating of thyroid tumor classification, including the re-categorization of existing and introduction of new entities. In this review, we discuss various molecular biomarkers possessing diagnostic, prognostic, predictive and therapeutic roles in thyroid cancer. A comprehensive account of epigenetic dysregulation, including DNA methylation, the function of various microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, germline mutations determining familial occurrence of medullary and non-medullary thyroid carcinoma, and single nucleotide polymorphisms predisposed to thyroid tumorigenesis has been provided. In addition to novel immunohistochemical markers, including those for neuroendocrine differentiation, and next-generation immunohistochemistry (BRAF V600E, RAS, TRK, and ALK), the relevance of well-established markers, such as Ki-67, in current clinical practice has also been discussed. A tumor microenvironment (PD-L1, CD markers) and its influence in predicting responses to immunotherapy in thyroid cancer and the expanding arena of techniques, including liquid biopsy based on circulating nucleic acids and plasma-derived exosomes as a non-invasive technique for patient management, are also summarized.
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Stenman A, Yang M, Paulsson JO, Zedenius J, Paulsson K, Juhlin CC. Pan-Genomic Sequencing Reveals Actionable CDKN2A/2B Deletions and Kataegis in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6340. [PMID: 34944959 PMCID: PMC8699293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a lethal malignancy characterized by poor response to conventional therapies. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses of this tumor type are limited, and we therefore interrogated eight ATCs using WGS and RNA sequencing. Five out of eight cases (63%) displayed cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) abnormalities, either copy number loss (n = 4) or truncating mutations (n = 1). All four cases with loss of the CDKN2A locus (encoding p16 and p14arf) also exhibited loss of the neighboring CDKN2B gene (encoding p15ink4b), and displayed reduced CDKN2A/2B mRNA levels. Mutations in established ATC-related genes were observed, including TP53, BRAF, ARID1A, and RB1, and overrepresentation of mutations were also noted in 13 additional cancer genes. One of the more predominant mutational signatures was intimately coupled to the activity of Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, the catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family of cytidine deaminases implied in kataegis, a focal hypermutation phenotype, which was observed in 4/8 (50%) cases. We corroborate the roles of CDKN2A/2B in ATC development and identify kataegis as a recurrent phenomenon. Our findings pinpoint clinically relevant alterations, which may indicate response to CDK inhibitors, and focal hypermutational phenotypes that may be coupled to improved responses using immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stenman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minjun Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden; (M.Y.); (K.P.)
| | - Johan O. Paulsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Paulsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden; (M.Y.); (K.P.)
| | - C. Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Rocha ML, Schmid KW, Czapiewski P. The prevalence of DNA microsatellite instability in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma - systematic review and discussion of current therapeutic options. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2021; 25:213-223. [PMID: 34729042 PMCID: PMC8547184 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2021.110052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare, rapidly progressing, highly aggressive thyroid malignancy. Responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high tumours of other locations have shown promising results, and with the extended approval of the PD-1 receptor inhibitor pembrolizumab by the Food and Drug Administration, also anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) requires analysis for microsatellite instability (MSI) status. MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic research for relevant literature was conducted in different databases. Prevalence, detection methods, and the potential prognostic/predictive value of MSI in view of the available targeted therapies were of special focus. RESULTS Selected citations revealed the prevalence of MSI in 7.4%, with mutations in the MSH2 gene (33%) being the most frequent, followed by MSH6 (25%) and MLH1 (16.7%) occurring in the following combinations: MLH1-MSH2 (8.3%), MSH2-MSH6 (8.3%), and MLH3-MSH5 (8.3%). No mutations in the PMS2 gene were reported. Sixty-six co-mutations in 9 cases were found, with TP53 (88.9%), NF1 (44.4 %), ATM (33.3%), and RB1 (33.3%) being the most frequent. No RAS mutations were noted. Survival ranged between 2.8 and 48 months, and patient age varied between 49 and 84 years. There are insufficient and heterogenous data concerning the predictive or prognostic value of mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability status. CONCLUSIONS Tumour molecular profiling is fundamental in ATC for predictive, prognostic, as well as therapeutic reasons, and analysis of MSI status is strongly suggested because a small subgroup show the MSI signature and might profit from recently approved targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Linda Rocha
- Institute of Pathology Königs Wusterhausen, Königs Wusterhausen, Germany
| | - Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Piotr Czapiewski
- Institute of Pathology, Dessau Medical Centre, Dessau, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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13
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Aswath K, Welch J, Gubbi S, Veeraraghavan P, Avadhanula S, Gara SK, Dikoglu E, Merino M, Raffeld M, Xi L, Kebebew E, Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J. Co-Occurrence of Familial Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer (FNMTC) and Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) Associated Tumors-A Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:653401. [PMID: 34326811 PMCID: PMC8315151 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.653401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is a form of endocrine malignancy exhibiting an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with largely unknown germline molecular mechanism. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC) is another hereditary autosomal dominant cancer syndrome which, if proven to be caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair genes (MMR)-MLHL, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM-is called Lynch syndrome (LS). LS results in hereditary predisposition to a number of cancers, especially colorectal and endometrial cancers. Tumors in LS are characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI) and/or loss of MMR protein expression in immunohistochemistry (IHC). MSI is a rare event in thyroid cancer (TC), although it is known to occur in up to 2.5% of sporadic follicular TC cases. There are limited data on the role of germline MMR variants FNMTC. The goal of this study was to analyze the potential clinical and molecular association between HNPCC and FNMTC. We performed a cohort study analyzing the demographic, clinical, and pathologic data of 43 kindreds encompassing 383 participants (104 affected, 279 unaffected), aged 43.5 [7-99] years with FNMTC, and performed high-throughput whole-exome sequencing (WES) of peripheral blood DNA samples of selected 168 participants (54 affected by FNMTC and 114 unaffected). Total affected by thyroid cancer members per family ranged between 2 and 9 patients. FNMTC was more prevalent in women (68.3%) and characterized by a median tumor size of 1.0 [0.2-5.0] cm, multifocal growth in 44%, and gross extrathyroidal extension in 11.3%. Central neck lymph node metastases were found in 40.3% of patients at presentation, 12.9% presented with lateral neck lymph node metastases, and none had distant metastases. Family history screening revealed one Caucasian family meeting the clinical criteria for FNMTC and HNPCC, with five members affected by FNMTC and at least eight individuals reportedly unaffected by HNPCC-associated tumors. In addition, two family members were affected by melanoma. Genome Analysis Tool Kit (GATK) pipeline was used in variant analysis. Among 168 sequenced participants, a heterozygous missense variant in the MSH2 gene (rs373226409; c.2120G>A; p.Cys707Tyr) was detected exclusively in FNMTC- HNPCC- kindred. In this family, the sequencing was performed in one member affected by FNMTC, HPNCC-associated tumors and melanoma, one member affected solely by HNPCC-associated tumor, and one member with FNMTC only, as well as seven unaffected family members. The variant was present in all three affected adults, and in two unaffected children of the affected member, under the age of 18 years, and was absent in non-affected adults. This variant is predicted to be damaging/pathogenic in 17/20 in-silico models. However, immunostaining performed on the thyroid tumor tissue of two affected by FNMTC family members revealed intact nuclear expression of MSH2, and microsatellite stable status in both tumors that were tested. Although the MSH2 p.Cys707Tyr variant is rare with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of 0.00006 in Caucasians; it is more common in the South Asian population at 0.003 MAF. Therefore, the MSH2 variant observed in this family is unlikely to be an etiologic factor of thyroid cancer and a common genetic association between FNMTC and HNPCC has not yet been identified. This is the first report known to us on the co-occurrence of FNMTC and HNPCC. The co-occurrence of FNMTC and HNPCC-associated tumors is a rare event and although presented in a single family in our large FNMTC cohort, a common genetic background between the two comorbidities could not be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshama Aswath
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James Welch
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sriram Gubbi
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Padmasree Veeraraghavan
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shirisha Avadhanula
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sudheer Kumar Gara
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Esra Dikoglu
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Maria Merino
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mark Raffeld
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Liqiang Xi
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Electron Kebebew
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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14
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Zhang L, Ren Z, Su Z, Liu Y, Yang T, Cao M, Jiang Y, Tang Y, Chen H, Zhang W, Gong R, Wei T, Peng Y, Liu B, Zhang W, Yang L, Hu Y, Li Z, Zhu J, Xu H, Shu Y, Luo H. Novel Recurrent Altered Genes in Chinese Patients With Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:988-998. [PMID: 33428730 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare but lethal malignancy, and few systematic investigations on genomic profiles of ATC have been performed in Chinese patients. METHODS Fifty-four ATC patients in West China Hospital between 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, while 29 patients with available samples were sequenced by whole-exome sequencing (WES). The associations between genomic alterations and clinical characteristics were statistically evaluated. RESULTS The median overall survival was 3.0 months in the entire cohort, which was impacted by multiple clinical features, including age, tumor size, and different treatment strategies. In the WES cohort, totally 797 nonsilent mutations were detected; the most frequently altered genes were TP53 (48%), BRAF (24%), PIK3CA (24%), and TERT promoter (21%). Although these mutations have been well-reported in previous studies, ethnic specificity was exhibited in terms of mutation frequency. Moreover, several novel significantly mutated genes were identified including RBM15 (17%), NOTCH2NL (14%), CTNNA3 (10%), and KATNAL2 (10%). WES-based copy number alteration analysis also revealed a high frequent gain of NOTCH2NL (41%), which induced its increased expression. Gene mutations and copy number alterations were enriched in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), NOTCH, and WNT pathways. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals shared and ethnicity-specific genomic profiles of ATC in Chinese patients and suggests NOTCH2NL may act as a novel candidate driver gene for ATC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengzheng Su
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tian Yang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Minyuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haining Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weihan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rixiang Gong
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Wei
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiguo Hu
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Luo
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Laboratory of thyroid and parathyroid disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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15
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Xu B, Fuchs T, Dogan S, Landa I, Katabi N, Fagin JA, Tuttle RM, Sherman E, Gill AJ, Ghossein R. Dissecting Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Clinical, Histologic, Immunophenotypic, and Molecular Study of 360 Cases. Thyroid 2020; 30:1505-1517. [PMID: 32284020 PMCID: PMC7583343 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is nearly always fatal. Large studies on ATC are exceedingly rare. We aimed to study the clinical, genotypic, and histologic characteristics of ATC in the largest retrospective cohort of ATC to date. Methods: Three hundred sixty patients with ATC from two tertiary centers were studied. Molecular testing was performed in 126 cases including 107 using next-generation sequencing. Results: The median patients' age was 68 years. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) was present in 208 cases (58%), the most common being papillary carcinoma (n = 150). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 36%, 17%, 13%, and 11%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age, resectability, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, margin status, encapsulation, gross residual disease, gross extrathyroidal extension, percentage, and size of ATC in the primary tumor predicted OS (p < 0.05). Age, resectability, chemotherapy, and gross residual disease were independent prognostic factors in the entire cohort, while gross residual disease was the only independent predictor of OS in patients who had resection of their tumor. BRAF, RAS, TERT promoter, TP53, PIK3CA, E1F1AX, and PTEN mutations were detected in 45%, 24%, 75%, 63%, 18%, 14%, and 14% of ATC, respectively. Concomitant BRAF/RAS and TERT mutations were associated with worse outcome than mutation in only one of the genes. BRAF-mutated and RAS-mutated ATCs had similar frequency of nodal and distant metastasis. Twelve cases were pure squamous cell carcinoma, 60% of which carried BRAFV600E mutation and showed a similar OS to other ATCs. Conclusions: (i) Gross residual disease remains the most crucial indicator of outcome in ATC. (ii) Encapsulation, margin status, percentage, and size of ATC in the primary were prognostically relevant. (iii) Pure thyroid squamous cell carcinoma may be considered as ATC given a BRAFV600E genotype and similar outcome. (iv) In contrast to DTC, BRAF-mutated and RAS-mutated ATCs have similar metastatic spread. (v) Concomitant mutations of BRAF or RAS with TERT confer a worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Bin Xu, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Talia Fuchs
- Sydney NSW Australia and Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Snjezana Dogan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nora Katabi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - James A. Fagin
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - R. Michael Tuttle
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Sydney NSW Australia and Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Address correspondence to: Ronald Ghossein, MD, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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16
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Wong KS, Lorch JH, Alexander EK, Marqusee E, Cho NL, Nehs MA, Doherty GM, Barletta JA. Histopathologic Features and Clinical Outcome of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma with a Minor Anaplastic Component. Endocr Pathol 2020; 31:283-290. [PMID: 32445173 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-020-09627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although prior studies have reported that patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) with a focal anaplastic component may have a prolonged survival compared to other ATC patients, the outcome data are limited. We evaluated a cohort of ATC resected between 2003 and 2018. Tumor slides were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and to identify cases with a minor ATC component (defined as comprising < 10% of the tumor). We evaluated the clinical outcome of these patients compared to that of all other cohort patients (characterized as having conventional ATC). Our cohort was composed of 24 cases of ATC that underwent resection, including 8 (33%) with a minor ATC component. Tumors with a minor ATC component were predominantly associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma. For patients with tumors with a minor ATC component, the 1-year and 2-year survival rates and median survival for patients who died of disease were 88%, 43%, and 17 months (range 6-73 months), respectively. In comparison, for patients with conventional ATC, the 1-year and 2-year survival rates and median survival for patients who died of disease were 56%, 44%, and 7 months (range 2-26 months), respectively. There was no difference in 1- and 2-year survival or overall survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients with tumors with a minor ATC component and those with conventional ATC. In conclusion, the difference in overall survival between ATC groups in our cohort was not significant; however, this could be due to the small cohort size or due to characteristics of our group with a minor ATC component; that is, no tumors in this group were limited to the thyroid (stage IVA), resectability with negative margins was infrequent, and 38% of this group had distant metastases at diagnosis (stage IVC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jochen H Lorch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erik K Alexander
- Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy L Cho
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew A Nehs
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerard M Doherty
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Lai WA, Liu CY, Lin SY, Chen CC, Hang JF. Characterization of Driver Mutations in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Identifies RAS and PIK3CA Mutations as Negative Survival Predictors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1973. [PMID: 32698386 PMCID: PMC7409295 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is rare but highly aggressive. We investigated the association of selected driver mutations, including BRAF, RAS, PIK3CA, TERT promoter, TP53, POLE, and mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) with the clinicopathological features of ATC to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Thirty-nine retrospective cases from pathology archives were enrolled for clinicopathology analysis and immunohistochemistry, and 27 cases had sufficient specimens for further molecular testing using targeted next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry. BRAFV600E and RAS mutations were identified in 25.9% and 40.7% of ATC, respectively. BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with coexisting papillary thyroid carcinoma (p = 0.009) and RAS mutations with female gender (p = 0.012). In univariant analysis, the non-BRAF/RAS tumors were significantly associated with the presence of a sarcomatoid pattern (p = 0.045). PIK3CA, TERT promoter, and TP53 mutations were identified in 14.8%, 81.5%, and 70.4% of cases, respectively. No MMR-D or POLE mutations were detected. In survival analyses, RAS and PIK3CA mutations were significantly associated with inferior outcomes (p = 0.03 and p = 0.006, respectively). In conclusion, driver mutations in ATC are associated with distinct clinicopathological features. RAS and PIK3CA mutations were negative predictors for patient survival. Emerging therapeutic agents targeting BRAF, RAS, and PI3 kinase may benefit a substantial proportion of ATC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-An Lai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-A.L.); (S.-Y.L.)
| | - Chih-Yi Liu
- Division of Pathology, Sijhih Cathay General Hospital, New Taipei City 221, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Yao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-A.L.); (S.-Y.L.)
- Department of Pathology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 600, Taiwan;
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-A.L.); (S.-Y.L.)
- National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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18
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Yang J, Barletta JA. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 37:248-256. [PMID: 32624319 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but significant malignancy due to its high mortality rate. Rendering an accurate diagnosis is crucial given the prognostic implications and treatment ramifications. Based on the prognostic significance of the extent of invasion of the primary tumor, T staging for ATC changed in the most recent edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual. In the past 5 years there has been a rapid increase in our understanding of the molecular basis of ATC which has provided the basis for targeted therapy for some ATC patients. In this review, ATC prognostic factors, histologic and immunotypic features, staging updates, and molecular alterations, with an emphasis on those that may impact treatment, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette M Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Solomon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
This article examines more uncommon thyroid entities, including anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, rare papillary thyroid carcinoma variants, medullary thyroid carcinoma, non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and multiple adenomatous nodules in the setting of Cowden syndrome. These entities were chosen based on their clinical significance and because they can be diagnostically challenging due to their morphologic diversity and overlap with other thyroid tumors. This article addresses the diagnostic features of each entity, focusing on how to avoid potential pitfalls and mimics while also highlighting the clinical implications of each diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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