Machine Learning Quantification of Intraepithelial Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as a Significant Prognostic Factor in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinomas

The prognostic and predictive role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been demonstrated in various neoplasms. The few publications that have addressed this topic in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) have approached TIL quantification from a semiquantitative standpoint. Clinical correlation studies, therefore, need to be conducted based on more accurate TIL quantification. We created a machine learning system based on H&E-stained sections using 76 molecularly and clinically well-characterized advanced HGSOC. This system enabled immune cell classification. These immune parameters were subsequently correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFI). An intense colonization of the tumor cords by TILs was associated with a better prognosis. Moreover, the multivariate analysis showed that the intraephitelial (ie) TILs concentration was an independent and favorable prognostic factor both for OS (p = 0.02) and PFI (p = 0.001). A synergistic effect between complete surgical cytoreduction and high levels of ieTILs was evidenced, both in terms of OS (p = 0.0005) and PFI (p = 0.0008). We consider that digital analysis with machine learning provided a more accurate TIL quantification in HGSOC. It has been demonstrated that ieTILs quantification in H&E-stained slides is an independent prognostic parameter. It is possible that intraepithelial TIL quantification could help identify candidate patients for immunotherapy.

Metanephric adenoma: molecular study and review of the literature

Introduction: Metanephric adenoma (MA) is an uncommon benign tumor accounting for 0.2–0.7% of adult renal epithelial neoplasms. The clinical course is often indolent, but diagnosis should not be delayed since clinical symptoms (hematuria, fever, palpable abdominal mass, and flank pain) may be non-specific and overlap with those of a malign renal neoplasm. We report on 4 cases of AM, for which morphological and mutational analysis were performed.

Material and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on sections cut from paraffin blocks to assess expression of WT1, vimentin, racemase, CK7, CD10 and RCC. Testing for the BRAF gene mutation V600 was carried out using real-time PCR (Cobas^® 4800).

Results: In all four cases, tumors were visible as well-circumscribed, non-encapsulated masses located in the renal cortex and extending towards the medulla. At immunohistochemical examination, tumor cells stained negative for CK7, CD10 and RCC and positive for both WT1 (nuclear, intense) and vimentin (cytoplasmic, intense, and diffuse). Molecular analysis revealed the BRAF gene mutation V600E in three cases and wild-type BRAF in the fourth.

Conclusions: BRAF molecular mutation analysis may aid diagnosis in cases with atypical histological features, especially in small incisional biopsies when reassessment of surgical treatment may be considered.

Comprehensive NGS Panel Validation for the Identification of Actionable Alterations in Adult Solid Tumors

The increasing identification of driver oncogenic alterations and progress of targeted therapies addresses the need of comprehensive alternatives to standard molecular methods. The translation into clinical practice of next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels is actually challenged by the compliance of high quality standards for clinical accreditation. Herein, we present the analytical and clinical feasibility study of a hybridization capture-based NGS panel (Action OncoKitDx) for the analysis of somatic mutations, copy number variants (CNVs), fusions, pharmacogenetic SNPs and Microsatellite Instability (MSI) determination in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples. A total of 64 samples were submitted to extensive analytical validation for the identification of previously known variants. An additional set of 166 tumor and patient-matched normal samples were sequenced to assess the clinical utility of the assay across different tumor types. The panel demonstrated good specificity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and repeatability for the identification of all biomarkers analyzed and the 5% limit of detection set was validated. Among the clinical cohorts, the assay revealed pathogenic genomic alterations in 97% of patient cases, and in 82.7%, at least one clinically relevant variant was detected. The validation of accuracy and robustness of this assay supports the Action OncoKitDx's utility in adult solid tumors.

Mitotic count: A need for standardization

PURPOSE

The mitotic count (MC), number of mitosis per unit area, is a very important parameter frequently used for classification and grading of some tumors. Traditionally, the MC has been expressed in terms of number of mitoses per high power field. The size of the field of view can vary greatly among different microscopes. In order to avoid under or overestimation of mitotic count, a conversion needs to be made.

METHODS

A simple formula based on a simple rule of three has been devised to standardize the mitotic count to the reference area by multiplying the number of mitotic figures by a correction factor which has been calculated for the most frequently used microscopes and various common tumors.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We propose this simple method, which involves only a single multiplication, to standardize the mitotic count to the reference area.

[Nested variant Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Report of two cases and bibliographic review.]

OBJECTIVE

Nested type transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare histological variant among bladder tumors. Although clinical presentation is similar to the other bladder tumors, its macroscopic appearance may be equivocally benign, with submucosal growing which is difficult to detect on cystoscopy, so that diagnosis may be delayed.

METHODS

We present the characteristics of nested type transitional cell carcinoma and review the differential diagnosis for this entity with possible counterfeiters.

RESULTS

In this article, we report two cases of nested type transitional cell carcinoma that presents, in one of them, all three growing patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Microscopically nested transitional cell carcinoma is characterized by a cell distribution forming nests and tubules. They generally present low cytologic atypia simulating a low grade urothelial carcinoma, or benign bladder lesions such as von Brunn nests or nefrogenic adenoma.

[Adenoma metanephric: Report of 2 cases and bibliographic review.]

OBJECTIVE

Two cases of metanephric adenoma are presented, a rare benign renal tumor, and a literature review is done under the current WHO classification (2016).

METHODS

Standard histopathological study was performed with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of WT, Vimentin, Racemase, CK7, CD10 and RCC.

RESULTS

Neoplasms of 3 and 4.5 cm, histologically, exhibiting tubulopapillary architecture. There was no evidence of significant nuclear atypia and mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical study showed positive immunoreaction for WT1 and Vimentin in tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Two new cases of metanephric adenoma are presented and a review of the literature was performed in order to discuss the prognosis and differential diagnosis of metanephric adenoma. This is a rare tumor and its diagnosis lies on its morphology and its immunohistochemical profile.

Immunohistochemical study of the neural development transcription factors (TTF1, ASCL1 and BRN2) in neuroendocrine prostate tumours

OBJECTIVE

Prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy that constitutes 0.5-1% of all prostate malignancies. The median cancer-specific survival of patients with prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is 19 months, and 60.5% of the patients have metastatic disease. Neural development transcription factors are molecules involved in the organogenesis of the central nervous system and of neuroendocrine precursors of various tissues, including the suprarenal gland, thyroid glands, lungs and prostate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present 3 cases of this uncommon condition, applying the new World Health Organisation criteria. We conducted studies through haematoxylin and eosin staining and analysed the expression of the neural development transcription factors achaete-scute homolog like 1, thyroid transcription factor 1 and the class III/IV POU transcription factors, as a new research line in the carcinogenesis of prostatic neuroendocrine tumours.

RESULTS

In case 1, there was no TTF1 immunoexpression. Cases 2 and 3 had positive immunostaining for ASCL1, and Case 1 had negative immunostaining. BRN2 immunostaining was negative in case 1 and positive in cases 2 and 3.

CONCLUSION

The World Health Organisation does not recognise any molecular or genetic marker with prognostic value. ASCL-1 is related to the NOTCH and WNT signalling pathways. ASCL-1, TTF1 and BRN2 could be used for early diagnosis and as prognostic factors and therapeutic targets.

[Major complications of acquired renal cystic disease: Wünderlich syndrome and papilar carcinoma.]

OBJETIVE

We report a case of acquired renal cystic disease associated with renal dialysis and endstage renal disease. The patient suffered the two major complications related with acquired renal cystic disease; hemorrhage and renal carcinoma.

METHODS

Our case is a patient with acquired renal cystic disease, single kidney after surgery for renal clear cell carcinoma four years earlier, who developed a Wünderlich syndrome (WS).

RESULTS

The histological study of the nephrectomy specimen showed a renal papillary carcinoma in the context of acquired renal cystic disease after surgery for a WS.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal hemorrhage is a serious complication that can lead to a fatal outcome. Patients undergoing dialysis should be monitored actively due to the risk of developing acquired renal cystic disease and associated complications.

[Cystic nephroma. Report of two cases and bibliographic review.]

OBJECTIVE

Multicystic nephroma (multilocular cystic nephroma, multilocular cyst) is a relatively rare benign neoplasm of the kidney. Most patients are asymptomatic and tumours are usually discovered incidentally.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2015, 2 patients with cystic nephroma at our institution were diagnosed and treated. Our study includes two new cases of cystic nephroma and a review of the literature about the differential diagnosis of a cystic renal mass.

RESULTS

In this report we present two cases of multilocular cystic nephroma in a 75-year-old-female and a 33-year-old female. They were diagnosed clinically as a renal mass and surgery was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is the main treatment for cystic nephroma. The combination of clinical, biochemical and radiological features may help in lesion characterization, but only histology can provide the definite diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma and cystic nephroblastoma.