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Dongre HN, Elnour R, Tornaas S, Fromreide S, Thomsen LCV, Kolseth IBM, Nginamau ES, Johannessen AC, Vintermyr OK, Costea DE, Bjørge L. TP53 mutation and human papilloma virus status as independent prognostic factors in a Norwegian cohort of vulva squamous cell carcinoma. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:165-175. [PMID: 37840151 PMCID: PMC10755123 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vulva squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) develops through two separate molecular pathways-one involving high-risk human papilloma virus infection (HPV-associated), and the other without HPV infection (HPV-independent) often involving TP53 mutation. HPV-associated VSCC generally has a better progression-free survival than HPV-independent VSCC. The aim of this study was to determine TP53 mutation status using immunohistochemistry, compare different methods of HPV detection and correlate both with survival in a retrospective cohort of 123 patients with VSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry for p53, Ki67 and p16INK4A (a surrogate marker for HPV infection) was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from a cohort of surgically treated VSCC patients to identify molecular subtypes of VSCC. Presence of HPV infection was detected by HPV DNA PCR and HPV mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH). The Pearson chi-square test and multivariable Cox regression model were used to investigate the association of different parameters with progression-free survival and disease-specific survival (DSS), and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to show the association of different parameters with survival. RESULTS The results of p53 and p16INK4A immunohistochemistry confirmed three VSCC subtypes associated with different prognosis. The TP53 mutation status was identified as an independent prognostic factor of worse progression-free survival (p = 0.024) after adjustment for FIGO stage. p16INK4A immunohistochemistry, mRNA ISH, and DNA PCR had excellent concordance in terms of HPV detection. According to the multivariable Cox regression model, the presence of hrHPV mRNA correlated significantly with increased progression-free survival (p = 0.040) and DSS (p = 0.045), after adjustment for other confounders. CONCLUSIONS p53 and p16INK4A immunohistochemistry stratify VSCC cohort into three subtypes with TP53mutated patients having the worst prognosis. The detection of hrHPV mRNA by ISH was an independent predictor of increased survival. Thus, the combined detection of p53 and HPV mRNA might improve risk stratification in VSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Nitin Dongre
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Rammah Elnour
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Stian Tornaas
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Siren Fromreide
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Liv Cecilie Vestrheim Thomsen
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | | | | | - Anne Christine Johannessen
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory ClinicHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Olav Karsten Vintermyr
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory ClinicHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Daniela Elena Costea
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory ClinicHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Line Bjørge
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
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Hakuno SK, Janson SGT, Trietsch MD, de Graaf M, de Jonge-Muller E, Crobach S, Harryvan TJ, Boonstra JJ, Dinjens WNM, Slingerland M, Hawinkels LJAC. Endoglin and squamous cell carcinomas. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1112573. [PMID: 37396898 PMCID: PMC10313935 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1112573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that the role of endoglin on endothelial cells has been extensively described, its expression and biological role on (epithelial) cancer cells is still debatable. Especially its function on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated SCC endoglin expression and function in three types of SCCs; head and neck (HNSCC), esophageal (ESCC) and vulvar (VSCC) cancers. Endoglin expression was evaluated in tumor specimens and 14 patient-derived cell lines. Next to being expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells, endoglin is selectively expressed by individual SCC cells in tumor nests. Patient derived HNSCC, ESCC and VSCC cell lines express varying levels of endoglin with high interpatient variation. To assess the function of endoglin in signaling of TGF-β ligands, endoglin was overexpressed or knocked out or the signaling was blocked using TRC105, an endoglin neutralizing antibody. The endoglin ligand BMP-9 induced strong phosphorylation of SMAD1 independent of expression of the type-I receptor ALK1. Interestingly, we observed that endoglin overexpression leads to strongly increased soluble endoglin levels, which in turn decreases BMP-9 signaling. On the functional level, endoglin, both in a ligand dependent and independent manner, did not influence proliferation or migration of the SCC cells. In conclusion, these data show endoglin expression on individual cells in the tumor nests in SCCs and a role for (soluble) endoglin in paracrine signaling, without directly affecting proliferation or migration in an autocrine manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Hakuno
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stefanus G. T. Janson
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn D. Trietsch
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Manon de Graaf
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eveline de Jonge-Muller
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stijn Crobach
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tom J. Harryvan
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J. Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Winand N. M. Dinjens
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marije Slingerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lukas J. A. C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Jamaluddin MFB, Day T, Tanwar PS, Marzol A, Scurry J. Mass Spectrometry Proteomic Analysis of Four p53 Patterns in Differentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:146-151. [PMID: 36622249 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000720] [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: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The histopathologic diagnostic criteria of differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN), the precursor of human papillomavirus-independent squamous cell carcinoma, are basal atypia, a negative or non-block-positive p16, and a supportive p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Several different patterns of supportive p53 IHC have been described. This study aims to determine the relationship between p53 IHC patterns and mass spectrometry analysis of cellular proteins in dVIN. METHODS Four patterns of p53 IHC were studied: overexpression, cytoplasmic, wild type, and intermediate expression between wild type and overexpression. For each pattern, tissue samples of 4 examples were subjected to mass spectrometry. RESULTS The protein profile within each p53 IHC pattern shared common features. Each of the 4 p53 patterns had a distinguishable protein profile when compared with the other 3 patterns. CONCLUSIONS The distinguishable protein profiles in different p53 IHC patterns suggest diverse mechanisms of TP53 dysfunction. Subtyping dVIN by p53 IHC is worthy of further study because varied protein expression profiles may translate into different clinical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fairuz B Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Pradeep S Tanwar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Marzol
- New South Wales Health, Pathology North, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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Precursors, pathways of carcinogenesis and molecular markers of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Literature review. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2023. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2023-8.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The review analyzes and summarizes the results of the studies on the pathogenesis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and its diagnostic features, reviews precursors and molecular subtypes of carcinomas. Despite the relatively low incidence of this tumor, over the past few decades, there has been an upward trend in its incidence, including the incidence among young women. According to the latest World Health Organization classification of lower genital tumors from 2020, vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is divided into human papillomavirus (HPV) associated and HPV-independent. While these carcinomas are often morphologically similar, their mechanisms of carcinogenesis, precursors, and clinical outcomes are different. Just the detection of virus DNA in a tumor is not enough to establish HPV status. Meanwhile immunohistochemical detection of the expression of p16 and p53 proteins allows not only to separate two pathogenetic pathways of carcinogenesis, but also to identify its molecular subtypes. The data on the possible use of p16 and p53 expression as the disease prognosis molecular markers have been obtained. Currently, the tactics of treatment and monitoring patients does not depend on the HPV status of carcinoma; however, the results of recent studies suggest that women with HPV positive vulvar cancer have significantly higher survival rates and a lower risk of recurrence. Understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and improving its diagnosis will advance the assessment of the individual risk of the progression of precancerous lesions, as well as the outcome and the occurrence of tumor recurrence.
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Clinical Characteristics of Basal Cell Carcinomas of the Vulva: An Institutional Retrospective Review. Dermatol Surg 2023; 49:13-16. [DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000003648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Molecular Features of Preinvasive and Invasive Vulvar Neoplasms. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:40-46. [PMID: 36083687 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neoplasms arising from the vulva are uncommon and comprise various subtypes. Given the recent advancements in the molecular aspects of oncologic pathology and how they have impacted cancer treatment, an understanding of recent innovations in the molecular features of vulvar lesions is important. MATERIALS AND METHODS Systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for molecular and genetic characteristics of vulvar neoplasms. Peer-reviewed literature published in English is included. RESULTS Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursors are the predominant neoplasm at this site. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of some of these lesions. Human papillomavirus-associated SCC follows the carcinogenic pathway driven by viral proteins E6 and E7 while HPV-independent SCC shows a high incidence of mutation of TP53 and CDKN2A genes. Mutations in the genes involving the PI3K-Akt pathway play an important role in the pathogenesis of both types of SCC. Among other vulvar malignancies, melanoma, and vulvar Paget disease (VPD) pose a significant clinical challenge and have unique molecular characteristics. Compared with dermal cutaneous melanoma, vulvar melanoma shows a higher rate of mutation of cKIT and NRAS genes and a lower rate of mutations in BRAF . Less than 20% of VPD shows amplification of ERBB2 and seldom shows mutation in genes involving the PI3K-Akt pathway. CONCLUSIONS Several potentially targetable molecular pathways have emerged as they have been shown to be involved in the tumorigenesis of SCC, melanoma, and VPD.
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Thompson EF, Hoang L, Höhn AK, Palicelli A, Talia KL, Tchrakian N, Senz J, Rusike R, Jordan S, Jamieson A, Huvila J, McAlpine JN, Gilks CB, Höckel M, Singh N, Horn LC. Molecular subclassification of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: reproducibility and prognostic significance of a novel surgical technique. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2022; 32:977-985. [PMID: 35764349 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-003251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is subclassified into three prognostically relevant groups: (i) human papillomavirus (HPV) associated, (ii) HPV independent p53 abnormal (mutant pattern), and (iii) HPV independent p53 wild type. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 serve as surrogates for HPV viral integration and TP53 mutational status. We assessed the reproducibility of the subclassification based on p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry and evaluated the prognostic significance of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma molecular subgroups in a patient cohort treated by vulvar field resection surgery. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, 68 cases treated by vulvar field resection were identified from the Leipzig School of Radical Pelvic Surgery. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 was performed at three different institutions and evaluated independently by seven pathologists and two trainees. Tumors were classified into one of four groups: HPV associated, HPV independent p53 wild type, HPV independent p53 abnormal, and indeterminate. Selected cases were further interrogated by (HPV RNA in situ hybridization, TP53 sequencing). RESULTS Final subclassification yielded 22 (32.4%) HPV associated, 41 (60.3%) HPV independent p53 abnormal, and 5 (7.3%) HPV independent p53 wild type tumors. Interobserver agreement (overall Fleiss' kappa statistic) for the four category classification was 0.74. No statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between HPV associated and HPV independent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma were observed. CONCLUSION Interobserver reproducibility of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma subclassification based on p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry may support routine use in clinical practice. Vulvar field resection surgery showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes when stratified based on HPV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Thompson
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn Hoang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne Kathrin Höhn
- Division of Gynecologic Pathology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Palicelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Karen L Talia
- Royal Women's Hospital and VCS Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nairi Tchrakian
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Janine Senz
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Amy Jamieson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jutta Huvila
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jessica N McAlpine
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division Gynecologic Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C Blake Gilks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Höckel
- Leipzig School of Radical Pelvis Surgery, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Naveena Singh
- Cellular Pathology, Barts Health and NHS Trust and Queen Mary University, London, UK
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Wei KX, Hoang LN. Squamous and Glandular Lesions of the Vulva and Vagina: What's New and What Remains Unanswered? Surg Pathol Clin 2022; 15:389-405. [PMID: 35715167 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.02.011] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of changes have been introduced into the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of squamous and glandular neoplasms of the vulva and vagina. This review highlights the major shifts in tumor classification, new entities that have been introduced, recommendations for p16 immunohistochemical testing, biomarker use, molecular findings and practical points for pathologists which will affect clinical care. It also touches upon several issues that still remain answered in these rare but undeniably important women's cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly X Wei
- MD Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn N Hoang
- Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Çelik ZE, Akar S, Fındık S, Aytekin E, Çelik Ç. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:2325-2330. [PMID: 35499473 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2049722] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The molecular pathways involved in the development of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cancer are not completely known. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a cytosolic enzyme associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis in a variety of cancers. Its role in vulvar cancer has not been studied, previously. Vulvar SCC, high and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and benign squamous hyperplasia were analysed immunohistochemically. The mean staining score for vulvar SCC was significantly higher than the score for vulvar squamous hyperplasia (p<.001). The mean relapse-free survival for patients with low and high NNMT expression was 41.4 months (95% CI: 25.6-57.2) and 19.8 months (95% CI: 3.0-36.6), respectively (p=.035). The mean disease-specific survival for patients with low and high NNMT expression was 75.8 months (95% CI: 57.5-94.2) and 27.8 months (95% CI 12.2-43.4), respectively (p=.015). Although quite preliminary, this study showed that NNMT expression was elevated in vulvar SCC compared to benign and premalignant lesions. Additionally, elevated NNMT expression was associated with poor survival. Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a methyltransferase, associated with tumour progression, spread and poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. Its upregulation can lead to DNA hypomethylation, which can in turn result in the activation of proto-oncogenes and deactivation of tumour suppressor genes.What do the results of this study add? Although quite preliminary, this study showed that NNMT expression was elevated in vulvar SCC compared to benign and premalignant lesions. Additionally, elevated NNMT expression was associated with poor survival.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? NNMT has been regarded as a potential target of cancer therapy and its role in vulvar cancer has not been studied, previously. This is the first study to investigate the expression of NNMT in vulvar cancer and associate NNMT elevation with poor survival. NNMT can further be investigated as a possible target of vulvar cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serra Akar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Selcuk University Hospital, Selcuk University Medical School, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sıddıka Fındık
- Department of Pathology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Emine Aytekin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Selcuk University Hospital, Selcuk University Medical School, Konya, Turkey
| | - Çetin Çelik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Selcuk University Hospital, Selcuk University Medical School, Konya, Turkey
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Salama AM, Momeni-Boroujeni A, Vanderbilt C, Ladanyi M, Soslow R. Molecular landscape of vulvovaginal squamous cell carcinoma: new insights into molecular mechanisms of HPV-associated and HPV-independent squamous cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:274-282. [PMID: 34650187 PMCID: PMC9450957 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas of the lower female genital tract may be human papillomavirus-associated or independent. We studied the HPV status, mutational repertoire, histology, and clinical data of 28 samples from 26 patients, 65% with a vulvar primary and 35% with a vaginal primary. These represented invasive vulvovaginal squamous cell carcinomas that underwent clinical tumor-normal targeted massively parallel sequencing analysis. HPV status was determined using the HPV high-risk RNA ISH assay and/or by MSK-IMPACT. Eleven patients had HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma (four vulvar and seven vaginal) and 15 patients had HPV-independent SqCC (13 vulvar and 2 vaginal). Well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas were always HPV-independent. HPV-independent moderately and poorly differentiated carcinomas frequently had alterations in the NOTCH signaling pathway (6/7), which were also associated with increased tumor budding (P: 0.002). HPV-associated vulvovaginal squamous cell carcinoma had PIK3CA activating mutations (7/11, 64%) as the most common genomic event, while TERT gene alterations, mainly TERT promoter mutations (14/15 cases, 93%) featured significantly in HPV-independent carcinomas. Other common abnormalities in HPV-independent tumors were TP53 mutations (13/15, 87%), CDKN2A alterations (10/15, 67%), and NOTCH1 and FAT1 mutations (7/15, 47% each). A subset of both HPV-associated and -independent tumors had NOTCH pathway alterations (6/11, 55% and 10/15, 67% respectively), but different genes in this pathway were altered in these tumors. In summary, TERT, TP53, CDKN2A, and NOTCH1 gene alterations strongly point away from an HPV-driven process (odds ratios: 0.01, 0.07, 0, and 0, respectively with p values < 0.02 for all four genes), while PIK3CA activating mutations without the other mutations strongly favors an HPV-driven tumor (odds ratio: 10.12, p value: 0.016). HPV-independent carcinomas are more likely to be moderately-poorly differentiated with intermediate to high tumor cell budding. Cancer cell fraction analysis of HPV-independent squamous carcinomas suggests that TERT and/or NOTCH1 alterations along with TP53 alterations can be the initiating event in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M. Salama
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Chad Vanderbilt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Soslow
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Garganese G, Inzani F, Fragomeni SM, Mantovani G, Della Corte L, Piermattei A, Santoro A, Angelico G, Giacò L, Corrado G, Fagotti A, Zannoni GF, Scambia G. The Vulvar Immunohistochemical Panel (VIP) Project: Molecular Profiles of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246373. [PMID: 34944993 PMCID: PMC8699435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study investigated the immunohistochemical expression of 14 biological markers as potential prognostic/therapeutic factors in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, comparing 53 node-negative (Group A) and 48 node-positive (Group B) patients. Our results show a significantly higher p16 expression (surrogate of HPV-related tumors) in the vulvar samples of non-metastatic patients. In Group B, PD-L1 positivity and high EGFR expression were found in the vast majority of vulvar and/or nodal specimens. VEGF showed strong/moderate-diffuse expression in almost 14% of all vulvar samples. A mutated p53 and over-expressed PD-L1 showed a significant association with nodal metastasis. Our results support a potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR drugs, especially in patients with worse prognosis (metastatic, HPV-independent). A panel including EGFR, VEGF, PDL1, p16, and p53 might be performed routinely in primary tumor and repeated in case of lymph node metastases to identify changes in marker expression. Abstract Introduction: The study’s aim was to investigate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of biological markers as potential prognostic/therapeutic factors in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Methodology: A series of 101 patients surgically treated at our center from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled: 53 node-negative (Group A) and 48 node-positive (Group B). A total of 146 samples, 101 from primary tumor (T) and 45 from nodal metastases (N), were investigated. The IHC panel included: p16, p53, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, PD-L1, CD3, HER2/neu, ER, PR, EGFR, VEGF, and CD31. The reactions were evaluated on qualitative and semi-quantitative scales. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and cluster analysis were performed in R statistical environment. A distance plot compared the IHC panel of T with the correspondent N. Results: In Group A: p16-positive expression (surrogate of HPV-dependent pathway) was significantly higher (20.8% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.04). In Group B: PD-L1 positivity and high EGFR expression were found, respectively, in 77.1% and 97.9% patients (T and/or N). Overall, p16-negative tumors showed a higher PD-L1 expression (60.9% vs. 50.0%). In both groups: tumoral immune infiltration (CD3 expression) was mainly moderate/intense (80% vs. 95%); VEGF showed strong/moderate-diffuse expression in 13.9% of T samples; CD31, related to tumoral microvessel density (MVD), showed no difference between groups; a mutated p53 and over-expressed PD-L1 showed significant association with nodal metastasis, with Odds Ratios (OR) of 4.26 (CI 95% = 1.14–15.87, p = 0.03) and 2.68 (CI 95% = 1.0–7.19, p < 0.05), respectively; since all mismatch repair proteins (MMR) showed a retained expression and ER, PR, and HER2/neu were negative, they were excluded from further analysis. The cluster analysis identified three and four sub-groups of molecular profiles, respectively, in Group A and B, with no difference in prognosis. The molecular signature of each N and corresponding T diverged significantly in 18/41 (43.9%) cases. Conclusions: Our results support a potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR drugs especially in patients with worse prognosis (metastatic, HPV-independent). A panel including EGFR, VEGF, PDL1, p16, and p53 might be performed routinely in primary tumor and repeated in case of lymph node metastases to identify changes in marker expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Garganese
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (G.S.)
- Gynecology and Breast Care Center, Mater Olbia Hospital, 07026 Olbia, Italy
| | - Frediano Inzani
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.P.); (A.S.); (G.A.); (G.F.Z.)
| | - Simona Maria Fragomeni
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.F.); (L.D.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Mantovani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecologic Oncology and Minimally-Invasive Pelvic Surgery, International School of Surgical Anatomy, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Luigi Della Corte
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.F.); (L.D.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Piermattei
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.P.); (A.S.); (G.A.); (G.F.Z.)
| | - Angela Santoro
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.P.); (A.S.); (G.A.); (G.F.Z.)
| | - Giuseppe Angelico
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.P.); (A.S.); (G.A.); (G.F.Z.)
| | - Luciano Giacò
- Bioinformatics Facility Core Research, Gemelli Science and Technology Park, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Corrado
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.F.); (L.D.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (G.S.)
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.F.); (L.D.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gian Franco Zannoni
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.P.); (A.S.); (G.A.); (G.F.Z.)
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (A.F.); (G.S.)
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.F.); (L.D.C.); (G.C.)
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Transcriptome Analysis in Vulvar Squamous Cell Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246372. [PMID: 34944992 PMCID: PMC8699756 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The number of women, especially younger women, diagnosed with vulvar cancer, has been rising mainly due to the infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) over the last years. In contrast to other tumor entities, limited information on the underlying genetic changes is available, and thus treatment advances, especially the development of personalized treatments, are hampered. We aimed to explore the RNA expression profiles in a group of 24 vulvar cancer samples in order to detect potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in order to establish to a more profound understanding of vulvar cancer carcinogenesis. Abstract To date, therapeutic strategies in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) are lacking molecular pathological information and targeted therapy hasn’t been approved in the treatment of VSCC, yet. Two etiological pathways are widely accepted: HPV induced vs. HPV independent, associated with chronic skin disease, often harboring TP53 mutations (mut). The aim of this analysis was to analyze the RNA expression patterns for subtype stratification on VSCC samples that can be integrated into the previously performed whole exome sequencing data for the detection of prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. We performed multiplex gene expression analysis (NanoString) with 770 genes in 24 prior next generation sequenced samples. An integrative data analysis was performed. Here, 98 genes were differentially expressed in TP53mut vs. HPV+ VSCC, in the TP53mut cohort, where 56 genes were upregulated and 42 were downregulated in comparison to the HPV+ tumors. Aberrant expression was primarily observed in cell cycle regulation, especially in HPV+ disease. Within the TP53mut group, a distinct cluster was identified that was correlated to a significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.017). The RNA expression profiles showed distinct patterns with regard to the known VSCC subtypes and could potentially enable further subclassification in the TP53mut groups
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HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Are Biologically, but Not Clinically, Distinct. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1280-1290.e7. [PMID: 34756880 PMCID: PMC9038635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) pathogenesis is traditionally defined by the presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV), but the definition of these groups and their molecular characteristics remains ambiguous across studies. Here, we present a retrospective cohort analysis of 36 patients with invasive VSCC where HPV status was determined using RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical annotation, p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC), programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) IHC, HPV16 circular E7 RNA (circE7) detection, and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of the cases was performed. A combination of ISH and PCR identified 20 cases (55.6%) as HPV-positive. HPV-status did not impact overall survival (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.307 to 6.037, p=0.6857) or progression-free survival (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.388 to 3.22, p=0.8367), and no significant clinical differences were found between the groups. PD-L1 expression did not correlate with HPV status, but increased expression of PD-L1 correlated with worse overall survival. Transcriptomic analyses (n=23) revealed distinct groups, defined by HPV status, with multiple differentially expressed genes previously implicated in HPV-induced cancers. HPV-positive tumors showed higher global expression of endogenous circular RNAs (circRNAs), including several circRNAs that have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of other cancers.
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Wahid M, Dar SA, Jawed A, Mandal RK, Akhter N, Khan S, Khan F, Jogiah S, Rai AK, Rattan R. Microbes in gynecologic cancers: Causes or consequences and therapeutic potential. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:1179-1189. [PMID: 34302959 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers, starting in the reproductive organs of females, include cancer of cervix, endometrium, ovary commonly and vagina and vulva rarely. The changes in the composition of microbiome in gut and vagina affect immune and metabolic signaling of the host cells resulting in chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, cellular proliferation, genome instability, epithelial barrier breach and metabolic dysregulation that may lead to the onset or aggravated progression of gynecologic cancers. While microbiome in gynecologic cancers is just at horizon, certain significant microbiome signature associations have been found. Cervical cancer is accompanied with high loads of human papillomavirus, Fusobacteria and Sneathia species; endometrial cancer is reported to have presence of Atopobium vaginae and Porphyromonas species and significantly elevated levels of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phylum bacteria, with Chlamydia trachomatis, Lactobacillus and Mycobacterium reported in ovarian cancer. Balancing microbiome composition in gynecologic cancers has the potential to be used as a therapeutic target. For example, the Lactobacillus species may play an important role in blocking adhesions of incursive pathogens to vaginal epithelium by lowering the pH, producing bacteriocins and employing competitive exclusions. The optimum or personalized balance of the microbiota can be maintained using pre- and probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantations loaded with specific bacteria. Current evidence strongly suggest that a healthy microbiome can train and trigger the body's immune response to attack various gynecologic cancers. Furthermore, microbiome modulations can potentially contribute to improvements in immuno-oncology therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Wahid
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajad A Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Jawed
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raju Kumar Mandal
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseem Akhter
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saif Khan
- Department of Basic Dental and Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudhisa Jogiah
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Rai
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramandeep Rattan
- Division of Gynecology Oncology, Women's Health Services, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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15
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Exploring Differentially Methylated Genes in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143580. [PMID: 34298793 PMCID: PMC8306700 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is the most common form of vulvar malignancy, and its incidence has increased in recent years. For better diagnosis and prognostication, and to expand available treatment options, molecular characterization of VSCC is crucial. We sought to identify aberrations in DNA methylation in VSCC, as this has been implicated in the development of several cancers. To this end, we performed genome-wide methylation sequencing on a set of VSCC and normal vulvar tissue using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip array. We detected 199 genes to be differentially methylated in VSCC compared to normal vulvar tissue. Of these, 194 genes were hyper-methylated, which leads to a loss of function of the genes. As most of these genes are involved in transcription regulator activity, our results suggest that disruption of this process plays an important role in VSCC development. Abstract DNA methylation is the most widely studied mechanism of epigenetic modification, which can influence gene expression without alterations in DNA sequences. Aberrations in DNA methylation are known to play a role in carcinogenesis, and methylation profiling has enabled the identification of biomarkers of potential clinical interest for several cancers. For vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), however, methylation profiling remains an under-studied area. We sought to identify differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in VSCC, by performing Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (Illumina) array sequencing, on a set of primary VSCC (n = 18), and normal vulvar tissue from women with no history of vulvar (pre)malignancies (n = 6). Using a false-discovery rate of 0.05, beta-difference (Δβ) of ±0.5, and CpG-island probes as cut-offs, 199 DMGs (195 hyper-methylated, 4 hypo-methylated) were identified for VSCC. Most of the hyper-methylated genes were found to be involved in transcription regulator activity, indicating that disruption of this process plays a vital role in VSCC development. The majority of VSCCs harbored amplifications of chromosomes 3, 8, and 9. We identified a set of DMGs in this exploratory, hypothesis-generating study, which we hope will facilitate epigenetic profiling of VSCCs. Prognostic relevance of these DMGs deserves further exploration in larger cohorts of VSCC and its precursor lesions.
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Molecular Landscape of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137069. [PMID: 34209172 PMCID: PMC8269046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare malignancy with dual pathogenesis, Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated and HPV-independent, with a poorly explored molecular landscape. We aimed to summarize the findings of the series analyzing molecular hallmarks of this neoplasm. In January 2021, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using Pubmed Medline and Scopus to identify publications focused on genomic profiling of VSCC. Observational studies, including both prospective and retrospective designs, evaluating molecular alterations in VSCC were deemed eligible. A total of 14 studies analyzing 749 VSCC were identified. The study series were heterogeneous in HPV testing and sequencing strategies, included small sets of tumors and cancer genes, and commonly lacked survival analysis. Only one extensive targeted next-generation sequencing-based study comprised a large cohort of 280 VSCC. The mutated genes, their number, and frequencies were highly variable between the series. Overall, TP53 and CDKN2A, followed by PIK3CA, HRAS, and PTEN, were the most frequently studied and mutated genes. Mutations involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, including TP53, HRAS, KRAS, and PIK3CA, have been consistently reported across the studies. However, the role of individual mutations or pathways in the development of VSCC remains unclear. In conclusion, heterogeneity and the small sample size of available molecular series contribute to a limited view of the molecular landscape of VSCC. Large-scale genome- or exome-wide studies with robust HPV testing are necessary to improve the molecular characterization of VSCC.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight the recent advances regarding molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), a rare but continuously rising disease. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical research focuses on deescalation especially with regard to surgery. Recurrence patterns have been analyzed to further understand the course of disease showing a persistent risk for local recurrence even several years after the initial diagnosis. The main focuses of recent translational research are the distinct molecular mechanisms behind human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and -negative VSCC. Next-generation sequencing analyses have highlighted TP53 as central driver mutation in HPV-negative disease. For HPV-independent VSCC, an impaired prognosis with limited disease-free and overall survival has been reported from a large multicenter analysis. Although no targeted agent has been granted approval, the impact of immunotherapy in vulvar cancer has been investigated in basket trials. Therapy response, however, was limited. SUMMARY Further clinical research should focus on deciphering the molecular mechanisms of tumor development further. Detailed understanding of the molecular landscape will help to find novel therapy targets, fight the disease in advanced stages and thereby improve the quality of life for affected patients.
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18
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p53 and p16 expression profiles in vulvar cancer: a translational analysis by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie Chemo and Radiotherapy in Epithelial Vulvar Cancer study group. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:595.e1-595.e11. [PMID: 33453182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.1220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 2 known pathways for tumorigenesis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma-a human papillomavirus-dependent pathway characterized by p16 overexpression and a human papillomavirus-independent pathway linked to lichen sclerosus, characterized by TP53 mutation. A correlation of human papillomavirus dependency with a favorable prognosis has been proposed. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to further understand the role of human papillomavirus and p53 status in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and characterize its clinical relevance. STUDY DESIGN The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaecological Oncology Chemo and Radiotherapy in Epithelial Vulvar Cancer-1 study is a retrospective cohort study of 1618 patients with primary vulvar squamous cell carcinoma Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique stage ≥1B treated at 29 gynecologic cancer centers in Germany between 1998 and 2008. For this translational substudy, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was collected. A tissue microarray was constructed (n=652 samples); p16 and p53 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Human papillomavirus status and subtype were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS p16 immunohistochemistry was positive in 166 of 550 tumors (30.2%); p53 staining in 187 of 597 tumors (31.3%). Only tumors with available information regarding p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry and without p53 silent expression pattern were further analyzed (n=411); 3 groups were defined: p53+ (n=163), p16+/p53- (n=132), and p16-/p53- (n=116). Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 85.6% of p16+/p53- tumors; human papillomavirus-16 was the most common subtype (86.3%). Patients with p16+ tumors were younger (64 vs 72 years for p53+, respectively, 69 years for p16-/p53- tumors; P<.0001) and showed lower rates of lymph-node involvement (28.0% vs 42.3% for p53+, respectively, 30.2% for p16-/p53- tumors; P=.050). Notably, 2-year-disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly different among the groups: disease-free survival, 47.1% (p53+), 60.2% (p16-/p53-), and 63.9% (p16+/p53-) (P<.001); overall survival, 70.4% (p53+), 75.4% (p16-/p53-), and 82.5% (p16+/p53-) (P=.002). In multivariate analysis, the p16+/p53- phenotype showed a consistently improved prognosis compared with the other groups (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.99; P=.042). CONCLUSION p16 overexpression is associated with an improved prognosis whereas p53 positivity is linked to an adverse outcome. Our data support the hypothesis of a clinically relevant third subgroup of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma with a p53-/p16- phenotype showing an intermediate prognosis that needs to be further characterized.
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Dasgupta S, Ewing-Graham PC, Van Den Bosch TPP, Swagemakers SMA, Santegoets LAM, Van Doorn HC, Van Der Spek PJ, Koljenović S, Van Kemenade FJ. Nuclear factor IB is downregulated in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC): Unravelling differentially expressed genes in VSCC through gene expression dataset analysis. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:381. [PMID: 33841565 PMCID: PMC8020388 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) comprises two distinct etiopathological subtypes: i) Human papilloma virus (HPV)-related VSCC, which arises via the precursor high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL); and ii) HPV-independent VSCC, which arises via precursor, differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN), driven by TP53 mutations. However, the mechanism of carcinogenesis of VSCC is poorly understood. The current study aimed to gain insight into VSCC carcinogenesis by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each VSCC subtype. The expression of certain DEGs was then further assessed by performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) on whole tissue sections of VSCC and its precursors. Statistical analysis of microarrays was performed on two independent gene expression datasets (GSE38228 and a study from Erasmus MC) on VSCC and normal vulva. DEGs were identified that were similarly (up/down) regulated with statistical significance in both datasets. For HPV-related VSCCs, this constituted 88 DEGs, and for HPV-independent VSCCs, this comprised 46 DEGs. IHC was performed on VSCC (n=11), dVIN (n=6), HSIL (n=6) and normal vulvar tissue (n=7) with i) signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1; an upregulated DEGs); ii) nuclear factor IB (NFIB; a downregulated DEG); iii) p16 (to determine the HPV status of tissues); and iv) p53 (to confirm the histological diagnoses). Strong and diffuse NFIB expression was observed in the basal and para-basal layers of normal vulvar tissue, whereas NFIB expression was minimal or completely negative in dVIN and in both subtypes of VSCC. In contrast, no discernable difference was observed in STAT1 expression among normal vulvar tissue, dVIN, HSIL or VSCC. By leveraging bioinformatics, the current study identified DEGs that can facilitate research into VSCC carcinogenesis. The results suggested that NFIB is downregulated in VSCC and its relevance as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatavisha Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia C Ewing-Graham
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thierry P P Van Den Bosch
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrid M A Swagemakers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lindy A M Santegoets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Helena C Van Doorn
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Van Der Spek
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Senada Koljenović
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Folkert J Van Kemenade
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Liu G, Chen T, Ding Z, Wang Y, Wei Y, Wei X. Inhibition of FGF-FGFR and VEGF-VEGFR signalling in cancer treatment. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13009. [PMID: 33655556 PMCID: PMC8016646 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The sites of targeted therapy are limited and need to be expanded. The FGF‐FGFR signalling plays pivotal roles in the oncogenic process, and FGF/FGFR inhibitors are a promising method to treat FGFR‐altered tumours. The VEGF‐VEGFR signalling is the most crucial pathway to induce angiogenesis, and inhibiting this cascade has already got success in treating tumours. While both their efficacy and antitumour spectrum are limited, combining FGF/FGFR inhibitors with VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors are an excellent way to optimize the curative effect and expand the antitumour range because their combination can target both tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment. In addition, biomarkers need to be developed to predict the efficacy, and combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors is a promising direction in the future. The article will discuss the FGF‐FGFR signalling pathway, the VEGF‐VEGFR signalling pathway, the rationale of combining these two signalling pathways and recent small‐molecule FGFR/VEGFR inhibitors based on clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihong Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Cardiology Department, Chengdu NO.7 People's Hospital, Chengdu Tumor Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenyu Ding
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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21
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Xing D, Fadare O. Molecular events in the pathogenesis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:50-61. [PMID: 33032902 PMCID: PMC7749059 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC), which constitute over 90% of vulvar malignancies in adults, are classifiable into 2 subgroups that are mostly clinicopathologically distinct, a classification that is fundamentally based whether or not the tumors are HPV-mediated. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent advances in the understanding of molecular events in the pathogenesis of VSCC, including common and targetable mutations, copy number alterations, epigenetics, noncoding RNAs, and tumor immune microenvironment, which may provide insight into the future management of the disease. These events show substantial differences between the 2 subgroups, although significant areas of overlap exist. Recurrent, driver mutations appear to be substantially more prevalent in HPV(-) VSCC. TP53 mutations are the most common somatic mutations in VSCC overall, and are notably predominant in the HPV(-) VSCC, where 30-88% show a mutation. TP53 mutations are associated with worse patient outcomes, and co-mutations between TP53 and either HRAS, PIK3CA or CDKN2A appear to define subsets with even worse outcomes. A wide variety of other somatic mutations have been identified, including a subset with different mutational frequencies between HPV(+) and HPV(-) VSCC. CDKN2A mutations are common, and have been identified in 21 to 55% of HPV(-) VSCC, and in 2 to 25% of HPV(+) VSCC. Hypermethylation of CDKN2A is the most frequently reported epigenetic alteration in VSCC and the expression of some microRNAs may be associated with patient outcomes. The PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is commonly altered in HPV(+) VSCC, and is accordingly potentially targetable. HPV-positivity/p16 block expression by immunohistochemistry has been found to be an independent prognostic marker for improved survival in VSCC, and may have some predictive value in VSCC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. 22-39.3% and 68% of VSCC show EGFR amplification and protein overexpression respectively, although the prognostic and predictive value of an EGFR alteration requires additional study. Recurrent chromosomal gains in VSCCs have been found at 1q, 2q, 3q, 4p, 5p, 7p, 8p, 8q, and 12q, and there may be differential patterns of alterations depending on HPV-status. At least one-third of VSCC patients may potentially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, based on a high frequency of PD-L1 expression or amplification, or a high tumor mutational burden. Additional studies are ultimately required to better understand the global landscape of genetic and epigenetic alterations in VSCC, and to identify and test potential targets for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyin Xing
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Oluwole Fadare
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Zhu DL, Tuo XM, Rong Y, Zhang K, Guo Y. Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling as therapeutic targets in female reproductive system cancers. J Cancer 2020; 11:7264-7275. [PMID: 33193890 PMCID: PMC7646179 DOI: 10.7150/jca.44727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and endometrial cancer are three relatively common malignant cancers of the female reproductive system. Despite improvements in female genital tract cancer detection and development of new therapeutic approaches, there are still poor prognoses and some do not respond to therapeutic patterns, displaying low survival and high frequency of recurrence. In an era of personalized medicine, novel therapeutic approaches with greater efficacy for these cancers represent an unmet need. One of the actionable signaling pathways is the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway. Several mutations and alterations in FGF/FGFR family members have been reported in human cancers. FGF/FGFR signaling pathway has become a new target for cancer therapy. This review will summarize the role of FGFR pathway and the genetic alterations of the FGF/FGFR related to female reproductive system cancer. We will describe the available inhibitors of FGFR pathway for potential treatment of female reproductive system cancer. Furthermore, we will discuss FGFR-targeted therapies under clinical development for treatment of female reproductive system cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Trauma Surgery, Honghui Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China.,Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China, 710054.,Research institute of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China, 311215
| | - Xiao-Mei Tuo
- Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China, 710054
| | - Yu Rong
- Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China, 710054
| | - Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Trauma Surgery, Honghui Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Trauma Surgery, Honghui Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China.,Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China, 710054
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23
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Qi P, Bai QM, Yao QL, Yang WT, Zhou XY. Performance of Automated Dissection on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sections for the 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820960760. [PMID: 33073677 PMCID: PMC7592317 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820960760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the performance of MilliSect dissection and manual dissection. Twenty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissue blocks were selected for comparison. Specific areas of interest (AOIs) in invasive carcinoma on tissue sections were transferred to dissection slides by manual macrodissection or the MilliSect instrument. The comparison criteria were 1) the time required for dissection; 2) RNA concentration and purity; 3) RNA quantity of 5 housekeeping genes (by RT-qPCR); and 4) ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 and recurrence score (RS) values (by the 21-gene assay). Then, tumor-adjacent tissues, including fibrocollagenous and epithelial tissues, from the same selected tissue blocks of 8 of 25 patients were scraped using the mesodissection method, and their RS values were assessed to evaluate the influence of tumor-adjacent tissues on the target AOIs. Ultimately, 4 AOIs of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) from 1 tissue block of another 4 patients with lymph node (LN) metastases each, LN tissue and a mixture of IDC and LN tissue from the other tissue block of the same 4 patients were mesodissected to evaluate the influence of infiltrating lymphocyte levels on the RS values of AOIs. In our experience, the MilliSect instrument, which provides process management documentation, required more time than manual macrodissection (on average, approximately 9.1 min per sample versus 5.8 min per sample, respectively). The RNA yield and quality of the dissected tissues were comparable for the 2 methods. However, the tumor-adjacent tissues of the AOIs may influence the RS to some extent. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can dramatically increase RSs, far exceeding the influence of tumor-adjacent fibrocollagenous and epithelial tissues. In conclusion, MilliSect mesodissection is comparable to manual dissection. This mesodissection tool may facilitate AOI alignment and the dissection process for the 21-gene RS assay. Samples whose adjacent tissues are intermixed with TILs warrant special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qi
- Department of Pathology, 89667Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Pathology, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Ming Bai
- Department of Pathology, 89667Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Pathology, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Lan Yao
- Department of Pathology, 89667Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Pathology, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Tao Yang
- Department of Pathology, 89667Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Pathology, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, 89667Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Pathology, 89667Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Chen J, Ln H. A review of prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: Evidence from the last decade. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020:S0740-2570(20)30088-5. [PMID: 32988675 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is a rare gynecologic cancer that is associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality, particularly for recurrent disease. This review summarizes the evidence and continued challenges, regarding the traditional clinicopathologic factors used to prognosticate vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Articles published within the last 10 years (2010-2020) were identified. Relevant articles concerning the following fifteen prognostic factors were reviewed: HPV/p16 status, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, patient age, tumor stage, tumor grade, tumor size, depth of invasion, stromal changes, histologic patterns of invasion, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), perineural invasion, lymph node metastases, tumour focality, margin status and lichen sclerosus (LS). The relationship between each prognostic factor and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), including hazard ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values, were extracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Chen
- Medical Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | - Hoang Ln
- Department of Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, BC, Canada; Genetic Pathology Evaluation Center (GPEC), BC, Canada.
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25
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Julia CJ, Hoang LN. A review of prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: Evidence from the last decade. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 38:37-49. [PMID: 33246713 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is a rare gynecologic cancer that is associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality, particularly for recurrent disease. This review summarizes the evidence and continued challenges, regarding the traditional clinicopathologic factors used to prognosticate vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Articles published within the last 10 years (2010-2020) were identified. Relevant articles concerning the following fifteen prognostic factors were reviewed: HPV/p16 status, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, patient age, tumor stage, tumor grade, tumor size, depth of invasion, stromal changes, histologic patterns of invasion, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), perineural invasion, lymph node metastases, tumour focality, margin status and lichen sclerosus (LS). The relationship between each prognostic factor and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), including hazard ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values, were extracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen J Julia
- Medical Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | - L N Hoang
- Department of Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, 1215 - 910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC, Canada; Genetic Pathology Evaluation Center (GPEC), BC, Canada.
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26
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Jenkins TM, Mills AM. Putative precancerous lesions of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 38:27-36. [PMID: 32948383 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Precursor lesions of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) can be divided into two major biologic and prognostic groups: HPV-associated and HPV-independent VSCC. These two pathways are categorized as usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN) with progression to basaloid or warty VSCC and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) with progression to the more common keratinizing VSCC. While the HPV-dependent pathway to squamous cell carcinoma is well-understood, the development of squamous cell carcinoma from HPV-independent lesions is less clear. The majority of HPV-independent lesions fall into the dVIN category, and mutations in TP53 have been implicated as the driver behind their development. Other less common HPV-independent precursor lesions, termed differentiated exophytic vulvar intraepithelial lesion (DEVIL) and vulvar acanthosis with altered differentiation (VAAD), have also been characterized as precursors to keratinizing and verrucous VSCC. Inflammatory conditions of the vulva such as lichen sclerosus and lichen simplex chronicus also put patients at risk for developing VSCC. We herein evaluate the available evidence and biologic basis for these VSCC precursor lesions, among other speculated entities, and discuss their clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Jenkins
- University of Virginia Health System, Department of Pathology, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
| | - Anne M Mills
- University of Virginia Health System, Department of Pathology, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States.
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27
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Somatic Mutation Profiling in Premalignant Lesions of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144880. [PMID: 32664330 PMCID: PMC7402303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) originates from the progression of either a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or differentiated-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN), often in a background of lichen sclerosus (LS). The mechanisms leading to the progression of these premalignant lesions to VSCC are elusive. This study aims to identify pathogenic mutations implicated in VSCC development. Using next-generation sequencing, 38 HSIL, 19 dVIN, 20 LS, of which 10 were solitary lesions and 10 with adjacent VSCC, and 10 VSCC adjacent to LS, were screened for hotspot mutations in 50 genes covered by the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Pathogenic mutations of TP53 were the most common genetic alterations identified in 53% and 24% of dVIN and HSIL cases, respectively, followed by CDKN2A (p16) mutated in 42% and 0% of dVIN and HSIL, respectively. Seven (70%) and three (30%) of 10 cases of VSCC associated with LS carried TP53 and CDKN2A mutations, respectively, whereas neither solitary LS nor LS associated with VSCC cases harbored mutations in these genes. It appears that TP53 mutations are early events during VSCC carcinogenesis, being present in both HSIL and dVIN lesions. Our preliminary data do not support a genetic background for the notion of LS as the VSCC premalignant lesion.
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28
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Prieske K, Alawi M, Oliveira-Ferrer L, Jaeger A, Eylmann K, Burandt E, Schmalfeldt B, Joosse SA, Woelber L. Genomic characterization of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 158:547-554. [PMID: 32591094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.06.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing incidence, vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is still a rare disease. Until now, two etiological pathways have been described: a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-dependent route and an HPV-independent pathway often associated with lichen sclerosus. To date, therapeutic strategies in VSCC are not influenced by molecular pathological information and therapeutic options for advanced or recurrent disease are limited. METHODS Whole exome sequencing of DNA, isolated from 34 VSCC samples and matched normal tissue for each individual was performed on an Illumina HiSeq4000. Short variant discovery was carried out using BWA mem and FreeBayes. Variants were annotated using ANNOVAR. RESULTS FIGO stages were: IB (n = 7), II (n = 11), III (n = 8), and IVA (n = 3), (n = 5 unknown). TP53 missense mutations were most commonly detected with 56% (19/34). 12/34 (35.3%) samples were HPV positive (all HPV16), HPV positivity and TP53 mutations were mutually exclusive (p < .0001). Additionally, we observed mutations in known cancer relevant genes, like NBPF1 (n = 7), MACF1 (n = 5), SYNE2 (n = 5), DOCK2 (n = 4), KMT2D (n = 4), MAP2 (n = 4), NACA (n = 4), PIK3CA (n = 4), SYNE1 (n = 4), FBWX7 (n = 3), MSH6 (n = 3), NSD1 (n = 3), POLE (n = 3), TSC2, (n = 3) and CDKN2A (n = 2), but at considerably lower frequencies. For the total cohort 1848 cancer related mutations were detected (median of 54.4 per sample). CONCLUSIONS The key mutation in HPV negative vulvar carcinoma affects TP53. While a multitude of cancer related mutations was detected in various samples, only few mutations recur and/or affect concurrent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Prieske
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Jaeger
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Eylmann
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schmalfeldt
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon A Joosse
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Linn Woelber
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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29
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Williams EA, Werth AJ, Sharaf R, Montesion M, Sokol ES, Pavlick DC, McLaughlin-Drubin M, Erlich R, Toma H, Williams KJ, Venstrom JM, Alexander BM, Shah N, Danziger N, Hemmerich AC, Severson EA, Killian JK, Lin DI, Ross JS, Tse JY, Ramkissoon SH, Mochel MC, Elvin JA. Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of HPV+ Versus HPV- Forms Reveals Distinct Sets of Potentially Actionable Molecular Targets. JCO Precis Oncol 2020; 4:1900406. [PMID: 32923875 PMCID: PMC7446361 DOI: 10.1200/po.19.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSCC) encompasses two predominant variants: one associated with detectable high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and a second form often occurring in the context of chronic dermatitis in postmenopausal women. Genomic assessment of a large-scale cohort of patients with aggressive vSCC may identify distinct mutational signatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumor samples from a total of 280 patients with vSCC underwent hybridization capture with analysis of up to 406 cancer-related genes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences were detected by de novo assembly of nonhuman sequencing reads and aligned to the RefSeq database. Immunohistochemistry for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was assessed. RESULTS One hundred two of 280 vSCCs (36%) contained hrHPV sequences, predominantly HPV 16 (88%). The HPV-positive (HPV+) group was significantly younger (median age, 59 v 64 years; P = .001). Compared with HPV-negative (HPV–) vSCCs, HPV+ tumors showed more frequent pathogenic alterations in PIK3CA (31% v 16%; P = .004), PTEN (14% v 2%; P < .0001), EP300 (14% v 1%; P < .0001), STK11 (14% v 1%; P < .0001), AR (5% v 0%; P = .006), and FBXW7 (10% v 3%; P = .03). In contrast, HPV– vSCCs showed more alterations in TP53 (83% v 6%; P < .0001), TERTp (71% v 9%; P < .0001), CDKN2A (55% v 2%; P < .0001), CCND1 amplification (22% v 2%; P < .0001), FAT1 (25% v 4%; P < .0001), NOTCH1 (19% v 6%; P = .002), and EGFR amplification (11% v 0%; P < .0001), as well as a higher rate of 9p24.1 (PDL1/PDL2) amplification (5% v 1%) and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry high-positive tumor staining (33% v 9%; P = .04). CONCLUSION Comprehensive molecular profiles of vSCC vary considerably with hrHPV status and may inform patient selection into clinical trials. Sixty-one percent of HPV+ vSCCs had a pathogenic alteration in the PI3K/mTOR pathway, whereas HPV– vSCCs showed alterations in TP53, TERTp, CDKN2A, CCND1, and EGFR, and biomarkers associated with responsiveness to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrienne J Werth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Helen Toma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE
| | - Kevin Jon Williams
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Department of Physiology, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA.,Department of Pathology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
| | - Julie Y Tse
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Shakti H Ramkissoon
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA.,Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Mark C Mochel
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
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30
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Zięba S, Chechlińska M, Kowalik A, Kowalewska M. Genes, pathways and vulvar carcinoma - New insights from next-generation sequencing studies. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 158:498-506. [PMID: 32522421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the existing literature on next generation sequencing (NGS) studies in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). A total of 201 VSCC tumor samples were investigated in five studies published between 2017 and 2019. Findings on somatic mutations in human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA positive (HPV+) and HPV-DNA negative (HPV-) disease were extracted and submitted to pathway and drug candidate analyses. The general genetic findings show cell cycle activity aberrations common to both HPV+ and HPV- VSCC. In silico analyses of somatic mutations detected in NGS studies pointed to PI3K-Akt pathway as the main pathway dysregulated in both HPV+ and HPV- VSCC tumors. In addition, pathways specific for HPV+ VSCC, i.e. AMPK, Prolactin, mTOR and Chemokine pathways as well as pathways unique for HPV- disease, i.e. GnRH, Neurotrophin, Oxytocin, Notch pathways were identified. These observations provide a rationale for incorporating novel specific therapeutic strategies in vulvar cancer. In this review, based on the Drug Gene Interaction database analysis of the NGS data, we listed potential drugs for this disease. The candidates revealed in our analysis provide new therapeutic opportunities in VSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Zięba
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chechlińska
- Department of Immunology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Artur Kowalik
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland; Division of Medical Biology, Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Kowalewska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Immunology, Biochemistry and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
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31
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Giulia Mantovani, Fragomeni SM, Inzani F, Fagotti A, Della Corte L, Gentileschi S, Tagliaferri L, Zannoni GF, Scambia G, Garganese G. Molecular pathways in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: implications for target therapeutic strategies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1647-1658. [PMID: 32335720 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03226-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Additional prognostic factors and personalized therapeutic alternatives for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), especially for advanced stages with poor prognosis, are urgently needed. OBJECTIVES To review and assess literature regarding underlying molecular mechanisms of VSCC target therapeutic and prognostic approaches. METHODS We performed a narrative literature review from the inception of the database up to January 2020 limited to English language, organizing knowledge in five main fields: extracellular and intracellular cell cycle deregulation, tumor immune microenvironment, tumor angiogenesis and hormones. RESULTS EGFR immunohistochemical overexpression/gene amplification, representing early events in VSCC carcinogenesis, have been correlated with a worse prognosis and led to inclusion of erlotinib in cancer guidelines. p16 expression and HPV positivity are linked to a better prognosis, while p53 overexpression is linked to a worse prognosis; thus, biomarkers could help tailoring conventional treatment and follow-up. The implications of PD-L1 positivity in reference to HPV status and prognosis are still not clear, even though pembrolizumab is part of available systemic therapies. The role of tumor angiogenesis emerges through data on microvessel density, immunohistochemical VEGF staining and evaluation of serum VEGF concentrations. Few data exist on hormonal receptor expression, even though hormonal therapy showed great manageability. CONCLUSIONS We suggest adding p16, p53 and HPV status to routine hystopathological examination of vulvar biopsies or surgical specimens. Predictive biomarkers for anti-EGFR and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs are needed. Enough preclinical data supporting anti-angiogenic target therapies in clinical trials are existing. Hormonal receptor expression deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mantovani
- Dipartimento di Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Ginecologia Oncologica e Chirurgia Pelvica Mini-Invasiva, International School of Surgical Anatomy, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Fragomeni
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Frediano Inzani
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Della Corte
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Gentileschi
- Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Radioterapia, Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Radioterapiche ed Ematologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Franco Zannoni
- Unità di Gineco-Patologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Garganese
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Gynecology and Breast Care Center, Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
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32
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Dasgupta S, Ewing-Graham PC, Swagemakers SMA, van der Spek PJ, van Doorn HC, Noordhoek Hegt V, Koljenović S, van Kemenade FJ. Precursor lesions of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma - histology and biomarkers: A systematic review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 147:102866. [PMID: 32058913 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The precursor lesion of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), namely vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), is classified as: human papillomavirus (HPV)-related high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and HPV-independent differentiated VIN (dVIN). Traditionally, histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) have been the basis of diagnosis and classification of VIN. HSIL shows conspicuous histological atypia, and positivity on p16-IHC, whereas dVIN shows less obvious histological atypia, and overexpression or null-pattern on p53-IHC. For both types of VIN, other diagnostic immunohistochemical markers have also been evaluated. Molecular characterization of VIN has been attempted in few recent studies, and novel genotypic subtypes of HPV-independent VSCC and VIN have been identified. This systematic review appraises the VSCC precursors identified so far, focusing on histology and biomarkers (immunohistochemical and molecular). To gain further insights into the carcinogenesis and to identify additional potential biomarkers, gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets on VSCC were analyzed; the results are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatavisha Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Sigrid M A Swagemakers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter J van der Spek
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Helena C van Doorn
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Vincent Noordhoek Hegt
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Senada Koljenović
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Folkert J van Kemenade
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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33
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McWhirter RE, Otahal P, Taylor-Thomson D, Maypilama EL, Rumbold AR, Dickinson JL, Thorn JC, Boyle JA, Condon JR. Recurrence patterns identify aggressive form of human papillomavirus-dependent vulvar cancer. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 60:231-237. [PMID: 31603537 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13075] [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: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvar cancer is rare and, as a result, is understudied. Treatment is predominantly surgery, irrespective of the type of vulvar cancer, and is associated with physical, emotional and sexual complications. A cluster of human papillomavirus (HPV)-dependent vulvar cancer patients was identified in Arnhem Land Northern Territory (NT), Australia, in which young Indigenous women were diagnosed at 70 times the national incidence rate. AIMS To assess whether women from the Arnhem Land cluster differ from women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) resident elsewhere in the NT in recurrence after treatment, disease progression and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study of NT-resident women diagnosed with VIN or invasive vulvar cancer (VSCC) between 1 January 1993 and 30 June 2015 was undertaken. Time to recurrence was assessed using cumulative incidence plots and Fine and Gray competing risk regression models. Mean cumulative count was used to estimate the burden of recurrent events. RESULTS Indigenous women from Arnhem Land experienced more recurrences after treatment than non-Indigenous women, the cancers recurred faster, and Indigenous women have worse survival at five years. CONCLUSIONS In characterising the epidemiological features of this cluster, we have identified a particularly aggressive form of vulvar cancer. This provides a unique opportunity for elucidating the aetiopathological pathways driving vulvar cancer development that may ultimately lead to preventive and therapeutic targets for this neglected malignancy. Further, these findings have important implications for clinical practice and HPV vaccination policy in the affected population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E McWhirter
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Centre for Law and Genetics, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Petr Otahal
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Debbie Taylor-Thomson
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Alice R Rumbold
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jane C Thorn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Boyle
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John R Condon
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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34
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PTEN and Gynecological Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101458. [PMID: 31569439 PMCID: PMC6826459 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PTEN is a tumour suppressor gene, and its loss of function is frequently observed in both heritable and sporadic cancers. It is involved in a great variety of biological processes, including maintenance of genomic stability, cell survival, migration, proliferation and metabolism. A better understanding of PTEN activity and regulation has therefore emerged as a subject of primary interest in cancer research. Gynaecological cancers are variously interested by PTEN deregulation and many perspective in terms of additional prognostic information and new therapeutic approaches can be explored. Here, we present the most significant findings on PTEN in gynaecological cancers (ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar and uterine cancer) focusing on PTEN alterations incidence, biological role and clinical implications.
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35
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Xing D, Liu Y, Park HJ, Baek I, Tran H, Cheang G, Novo J, Dillon J, Matoso A, Farmer E, Cheng MA, Tsai YC, Lombardo K, Conner MG, Vang R, Hung CF, Wu TC, Song W. Recurrent genetic alterations and biomarker expression in primary and metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva. Hum Pathol 2019; 92:67-80. [PMID: 31437519 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Using a comprehensive next-generation sequencing pipeline (143 genes), Oncomine Comprehensive v.2, we analyzed genetic alterations on a set of vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with emphasis on the primary and metastatic samples from the same patient, to identify amenable therapeutic targets. Clinicopathologic features were reported and genomic DNA was extracted from 42 paraffin-embedded tumor tissues of 32 cases. PD-L1 expression was evaluated in 20 tumor tissues (10 cases with paired primary and metastatic tumors). Fifteen (88%) of 17 successfully analyzed HPV-unrelated SCCs harbored TP53 mutations. 2 different TP53 mutations had been detected in the same tumor in 4 of 15 cases. Other recurrent genetic alterations in this group of tumors included CDKN2a mutations (41%), HRAS mutations (12%), NOTCH1 mutations (12%) and BIRC3 (11q22.1-22.2) amplification (12%). Six HPV-related tumors harbored PIK3CA, BAP1, PTEN, KDR, CTNNB1, and BRCA2 mutations, of which, one case also contained TP53 mutation. Six cases showed identical mutations in paired primary site and distant metastatic location and four cases displayed different mutational profiles. PD-L1 expression was seen in 6 of 10 primary tumors and all 6 paired cases showed discordant PD-L1 expression in the primary and metastatic sites. Our results further confirmed the genetic alterations that are amenable to targeted therapy, offering the potential for individualized management strategies for the treatment of these aggressive tumors with different etiology. Discordant PD-L1 expression in the primary and metastatic vulvar SCCs highlights the importance of evaluation of PD-L1 expression in different locations to avoid false negative information provided for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyin Xing
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD.
| | - Yuehua Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Hyeon Jin Park
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10065, NY
| | - Inji Baek
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10065, NY
| | - Hung Tran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10065, NY
| | - Gloria Cheang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10065, NY
| | - Jorge Novo
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Jessica Dillon
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Andres Matoso
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Emily Farmer
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Max A Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Ya-Chea Tsai
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Kara Lombardo
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Michael G Conner
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham 35233, AL
| | - Russell Vang
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Tzyy-Choou Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore 21231, MD
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10065, NY.
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36
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Cohen PA, Anderson L, Eva L, Scurry J. Clinical and molecular classification of vulvar squamous pre-cancers. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2019; 29:821-828. [PMID: 30737358 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2018-000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a precursor to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and is defined histopathologically by the presence of atypia. VIN has been classified into two types: usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN), which is also referred to as a vulvar high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL), and differentiated VIN (dVIN). The former is associated with chronic infection by sub-types of the human papilloma virus (HPV), whereas dVIN is HPV-independent and frequently associated with lichen sclerosus. The distinction is important because dVIN has a greater risk of, and more rapid transit to, vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, dVIN-associated vulvar cancers have an increased risk of recurrence and higher mortality than those arising from HSIL. Molecular characterization of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma precursors using next-generation sequencing is a relatively novel, but rapidly advancing field. This review appraises recent studies that have investigated the risks of progression to vulvar malignancy associated with HSIL and dVIN, the prognosis of HPV-dependent and HPV-independent vulvar squamous cell carcinomas, and conducted next generation sequencing mutation analyses to elucidate the genomic profiles underlying VIN. These studies suggest that HSIL and dVIN are characterized by different underlying molecular alterations that may have important implications for treatment and follow-up of women diagnosed with vulvar squamous cell cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Cohen
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, St John of God Hospital Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia .,Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lyndal Anderson
- Anatomical Pathology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lois Eva
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, National Women's Health, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Gynaecological Oncology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James Scurry
- Pathology North, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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37
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Dohopolski MJ, Horne ZD, Pradhan D, Bhargava R, Edwards RP, Kelley JL, Comerci JT, Olawaiye AB, Courtney-Brooks M, Berger JL, Sukumvanich P, Beriwal S. The Prognostic Significance of p16 Status in Patients With Vulvar Cancer Treated With Vulvectomy and Adjuvant Radiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 103:152-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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38
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Katoh M. Fibroblast growth factor receptors as treatment targets in clinical oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2018; 16:105-122. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-018-0115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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39
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Zięba S, Kowalik A, Zalewski K, Rusetska N, Goryca K, Piaścik A, Misiek M, Bakuła-Zalewska E, Kopczyński J, Kowalski K, Radziszewski J, Bidziński M, Góźdź S, Kowalewska M. Somatic mutation profiling of vulvar cancer: Exploring therapeutic targets. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 150:552-561. [PMID: 29980281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) constitutes over 90% of vulvar cancer. Its pathogenesis can follow two different pathways; high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-dependent and HPV-independent. Due to the rarity of VSCC, molecular mechanisms underlying VSCC development remain largely unknown. The study aimed to identify pathogenic mutations implicated in the two pathways of VSCC development. METHODS Using next generation sequencing, 81 VSCC tumors, 52 hrHPV(+) and 29 hrHPV(-), were screened for hotspot mutations in 50 genes covered by the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). RESULTS Mutations of TP53 (46% and 41%, of hrHPV(+) and hrHPV(-) cases respectively) and CDKN2A (p16) (25% and 21%, of hrHPV(+) and hrHPV(-) cases respectively) were the most common genetic alterations identified in VSCC tumors. Further mutations were identified in PIK3CA, FBXW7, HRAS, FGFR3, STK11, AKT1, SMAD4, FLT3, JAK3, GNAQ, and PTEN, albeit at low frequencies. Some of the identified mutations may activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The activation of mTOR was confirmed in the vast majority of VSCC samples by immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSIONS Detecting pathogenic mutations in 13/50 genes examined at comparable frequencies in hrHPV(+) and hrHPV(-) tumors suggest that genetic mechanisms of the two routes of VSCC pathogenesis may be similar, despite being initiated from different premalignant lesions. Importantly, our data provide a rationale for new anti-VSCC therapies targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Zięba
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
| | - Artur Kowalik
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland.
| | - Kamil Zalewski
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland; Chair and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Poland; Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Rusetska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Goryca
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Piaścik
- Department of Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Misiek
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
| | - Elwira Bakuła-Zalewska
- Department of Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Kopczyński
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
| | - Kamil Kowalski
- Department of Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Radziszewski
- Faculty of Nature, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Poland; Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Multidisciplinary Hospital Warsaw-Miedzylesie, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Bidziński
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Góźdź
- Oncology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland; Faculty of Heath Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kowalewska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Immunology, Biochemistry and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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40
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Rasmussen CL, Sand FL, Hoffmann Frederiksen M, Kaae Andersen K, Kjaer SK. Does HPV status influence survival after vulvar cancer? Int J Cancer 2017; 142:1158-1165. [PMID: 29090456 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is essential in the carcinogenesis of a substantial part of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers and has additionally been shown to be a possible predictive marker for survival, especially in oropharyngeal cancer. Studies examining the influence of HPV status on survival after vulvar cancer have been conflicting and limited by small study populations. Therefore, the aim of this review and meta-analysis was to examine whether HPV status influences survival after vulvar cancer, which, to our knowledge, has not been done before. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase to identify studies examining survival after histologically verified and HPV tested vulvar cancer. A total of 18 studies were eligible for inclusion. Study-specific and pooled HRs of the 5-year OS and DFS were calculated using a fixed effects model. The I2 statistic was used to describe heterogeneity. The studies included a total of 1,638 women with HPV tested vulvar cancers of which 541 and 1,097 were HPV-positive and HPV-negative, respectively. Fifteen studies included only squamous cell carcinomas. We found a pooled HR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.48-0.77) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.57-1.00) for 5-year OS and DFS, respectively. Across study heterogeneity was moderate to high (OS: I2 = 51%; DFS: I2 = 73%). In conclusion, women with HPV-positive vulvar cancers have a superior survival compared to women with HPV-negative, which could be of great clinical interest and provides insight into the differences in the natural history of HPV-positive and negative vulvar cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freja Laerke Sand
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Klaus Kaae Andersen
- Unit of Statistics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne K Kjaer
- Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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41
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Nooij LS, Ter Haar NT, Ruano D, Rakislova N, van Wezel T, Smit VTHBM, Trimbos BJBMZ, Ordi J, van Poelgeest MIE, Bosse T. Genomic Characterization of Vulvar (Pre)cancers Identifies Distinct Molecular Subtypes with Prognostic Significance. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:6781-6789. [PMID: 28899974 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Vulvar cancer (VC) can be subclassified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status. HPV-negative VCs frequently harbor TP53 mutations; however, in-depth analysis of other potential molecular genetic alterations is lacking. We comprehensively assessed somatic mutations in a large series of vulvar (pre)cancers.Experimental Design: We performed targeted next-generation sequencing (17 genes), p53 immunohistochemistry and HPV testing on 36 VC and 82 precursors (sequencing cohort). Subsequently, the prognostic significance of the three subtypes identified in the sequencing cohort was assessed in a series of 236 VC patients (follow-up cohort).Results: Frequent recurrent mutations were identified in HPV-negative vulvar (pre)cancers in TP53 (42% and 68%), NOTCH1 (28% and 41%), and HRAS (20% and 31%). Mutation frequency in HPV-positive vulvar (pre)cancers was significantly lower (P = 0.001). Furthermore, a substantial subset of the HPV-negative precursors (35/60, 58.3%) and VC (10/29, 34.5%) were TP53 wild-type (wt), suggesting a third, not-previously described, molecular subtype. Clinical outcomes in the three different subtypes (HPV+, HPV-/p53wt, HPV-/p53abn) were evaluated in a follow-up cohort consisting of 236 VC patients. Local recurrence rate was 5.3% for HPV+, 16.3% for HPV-/p53wt and 22.6% for HPV-/p53abn tumors (P = 0.044). HPV positivity remained an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcome in the multivariable analysis (P = 0.020).Conclusions: HPV- and HPV+ vulvar (pre)cancers display striking differences in somatic mutation patterns. HPV-/p53wt VC appear to be a distinct clinicopathologic subgroup with frequent NOTCH1 mutations. HPV+ VC have a significantly lower local recurrence rate, independent of clinicopathological variables, opening opportunities for reducing overtreatment in VC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6781-9. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Nooij
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Natalja T Ter Haar
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Dina Ruano
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Natalia Rakislova
- Department of Pathology, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tom van Wezel
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jaume Ordi
- Department of Pathology, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Tjalling Bosse
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
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