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Palomba G, Colombino M, Contu A, Massidda B, Baldino G, Pazzola A, Ionta M, Capelli F, Trova V, Sedda T, Sanna G, Tanda F, Budroni M. Prevalence of KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA somatic mutations in patients with colorectal carcinoma may vary in the same population: clues from Sardinia. J Transl Med 2012; 10:178. [PMID: 22931052 PMCID: PMC3480926 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Role of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations in pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been recently investigated worldwide. In this population-based study, we evaluated the incidence rates and distribution of such somatic mutations in genetically isolated population from Sardinia. METHODS From April 2009 to July 2011, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (N = 478) were prospectively collected from Sardinian CRC patients at clinics across the entire island. Genomic DNA was isolated from tissue sections and screened for mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA genes by automated DNA sequencing. RESULTS Overall, KRAS tumour mutation rate was 30% (145/478 positive cases). Distribution of mutation carriers was surprisingly different within the island: 87/204 (43%) in North Sardinia vs. 58/274 (21%) in Middle-South Sardinia (p<0.001). Among 384 CRC cases whose DNA was available, only one (0.3%) patient carried a mutation in BRAF gene; PIK3CA was found mutated in 67 (17%) patients. A significant inverse distribution of PIK3CA mutation rates was observed within Sardinian population: 19/183 (10%) cases from northern vs. 48/201 (24%) cases from central-southern island (p<0.001). This heterogeneity in frequencies of KRAS/PIK3CA somatic mutations is consistent with already-reported discrepancies in distribution of germline mutations for other malignancies within Sardinian population. Preliminary clinical evaluation of 118 KRAS wild-type patients undergoing anti-EGFR-based treatment indicated lack of role for PIK3CA in predicting response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypothesis that differences in patients' origins and related genetic backgrounds may contribute to even determine the incidence rate of somatic mutations in candidate cancer genes.
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Palomba G, Colombino M, Contu AS, Massidda B, Baldino G, Pazzola A, Ionta MT, Capelli F, Trova V, Sedda T, Tanda F, Palmieri G, Cossu A. Heterogeneous prevalence of somatic mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA genes among patients with colorectal carcinoma: Clues from Sardinia. J Clin Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.e14094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e14094 Background: Role of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations in pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been mostly clarified. In this population-based study, we investigated the incidence rates and roles for such somatic mutations in genetically isolated population of Sardinia. Methods: From April 2009 to July 2011, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (n=478) were prospectively collected from Sardinian CRC patients at clinics across the entire island. Genomic DNA was isolated from tissue sections and screened for mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA genes by automated DNA sequencing. Results: Overall, KRAS tumor mutation rate was 30% (145/478 positive cases). Distribution of mutation carriers was however different within the island: 87/204 (43%) in North Sardinia vs. 58/274 (21%) in Middle-South Sardinia (p=0.023). Among 384 CRC cases whose DNA was available, only one (0.3%) mutation in BRAF gene was observed; conversely, PIK3CA was found mutated in 158/384 (41%) patients. An inverse distribution of PIK3CA mutation rates was observed within Sardinian population: 60/181 (33%) cases from northern vs. 98/203 (48%) cases from central-southern island. This heterogeneity in frequencies of KRAS/PIK3CA somatic mutations is consistent with already-reported discrepancies in distribution of germline mutations for other malignancies within Sardinian population. Preliminary clinical evaluation of 118 KRAS wild-type patients undergoing anti-EGFR-based treatment indicated lack of role for PIK3CA in predicting response to therapy in our series. Conclusions: Our findings further support the hypothesis that patients’ origin and genetic background may contribute to even determine the incidence rate of somatic mutations in candidate cancer genes.
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Lorenzi L, Lonardi S, Petrilli G, Tanda F, Bella M, Laurino L, Rossi G, Facchetti F. Folliculocentric B-cell–rich follicular dendritic cells sarcoma: a hitherto unreported morphological variant mimicking lymphoproliferative disorders. Hum Pathol 2012; 43:209-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Palomba G, Colombino M, Contu AS, Massidda B, Baldino G, Ionta MT, Pazzola A, Capelli F, Trova V, Sedda T, Farris A, Tanda F, Budroni M, Palmieri G, Cossu A. Heterogeneous prevalence of mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA genes among Sardinian patients with colorectal carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e14100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Manca A, Sini MC, Izzo F, Ascierto PA, Tatangelo F, Botti G, Gentilcore G, Capone M, Mozzillo N, Rozzo C, Cossu A, Tanda F, Palmieri G. Induction of arginosuccinate synthetase (ASS) expression affects the antiproliferative activity of arginine deiminase (ADI) in melanoma cells. Oncol Rep 2011; 25:1495-502. [PMID: 21424129 DOI: 10.3892/or.2011.1220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine deiminase (ADI), an arginine-degrading enzyme, has been used in the treatment of tumours sensitive to arginine deprivation, such as malignant melanoma (MM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Endogenous production of arginine is mainly dependent on activity of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) and argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) enzymes. We evaluated the effect of ADI treatment on OTC and ASS expression in a series of melanoma cell lines. Twenty-five primary melanoma cell lines and normal fibroblasts as controls underwent cell proliferation assays and Western blot analyses in the presence or absence of ADI. Tissue sections from primary MMs (N = 20) and HCCs (N = 20) were investigated by immunohistochemistry for ASS expression. Overall, 21/25 (84%) MM cell lines presented a cell growth inhibition by ADI treatment; none of them presented constitutive detectable levels of the ASS protein. However, 7/21 (33%) ADI-sensitive melanoma cell lines presented markedly increased expression levels of the ASS protein following ADI treatment, with a significantly higher IC50 median value. Growth was not inhibited and the IC50 was not reached among the remaining 4/25 (16%) MM cell lines; all of them showed constitutive ASS expression. The OTC protein was found expressed in all melanoma cell lines before and after the ADI treatment. Lack of ASS immunostaining was observed in all analyzed in vivo specimens. Our findings suggest that response to ADI treatment in melanoma is significantly correlated with the ability of cells to express ASS either constitutively at basal level (inducing drug resistance) or after the treatment (reducing sensitivity to ADI).
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Palmieri G, Casula M, Budroni M, Cossu A, Tanda F, Ascierto PA, Canzanella S, Palomba G, Colombino M, Muggiano A. Correlation of polymorphic variants into the susceptibility of CDKN2 locus with melanoma outcome. J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.8543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Budroni M, Sechi O, Cesaraccio R, Pirino D, Fadda A, Grottin S, Flore MV, Sale P, Satta G, Cossu A, Tanda F, Cocco PL. [Cancer incidence among petrochemical workers in the Porto Torres industrial area, 1990-2006]. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2010; 101:189-198. [PMID: 20812660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various epidemiological studies explored cancer mortality and incidence among petrochemical workers. We followed up cancer incidence in a cohort of 5350 male petrochemical workers in the industrial area of Porto Torres (Sardinia, Italy). MATERIAL AND METHODS The follow-up covered the period from 01/01/1990, when completeness of the cohort was certain and reference rates by the local Cancer Registry became available, up to 31/12/2006. Cohort members were subjects employed for six months or more in one of the chemical plants of the industrial area, alive as at 01/01/1990. Overall, a total of 81,392 person-years at risk were accumulated. The standardized incidence ratio (sir), as the ratio of observed to expected events, and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for all cancers and selected cancer sites, in the total cohort and in sub-cohorts of workers in plants where exposure to chemical agents evaluated in the IARC Monographs might have occurred. RESULTS An increase in risk for all cancers was observed in the total cohort (596 cases; sir = 1.09; 95% CI 1.00-1.18), and it was highest for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL, 26 cases: sir = 1.78; 95% CI 1.22-2.62). Risk for haemolymphatic cancer was highest in the sub-cohort of workers employed for 10 years or more, with a latency period of 20 years or longer, and among those employed in the manufacture and polymerization of vinyl chloride (VCM; all cancers, 51 cases: sir = 1.43; 95% CI 1.08-1.88; NHL, 4 cases: sir=4.06; 95% CI 1.64-10.0). Risk of haemolymphatic cancer was not significantly elevated in the sub-cohort potentially exposed to benzene. An excess risk of bladder cancer (RR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.09-1.96), but not of pleural cancer, was observed in the sub-cohort potentially exposed to asbestos. No significant increase in cancer risk was observed among workers potentially exposed to acrylonitrile, butadiene, or styrene. CONCLUSIONS Our follow-up study of petrochemical workers showed an increase in risk for all cancers, and particularly NHL, apparently concentrated among workers potentially exposed to VCM
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Palomba G, Loi A, Uras A, Fancello P, Piras G, Gabbas A, Cossu A, Budroni M, Contu A, Tanda F, Farris A, Orrù S, Floris C, Pisano M, Lovicu M, Santona MC, Landriscina G, Crisponi L, Palmieri G, Monne M. A role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in breast cancer susceptibility within Sardinian population. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:245. [PMID: 19619314 PMCID: PMC2724545 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, numerous studies have assessed the prevalence of germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in various cohorts. We here extensively investigated the prevalence and geographical distribution of BRCA1-2 mutations in the entire genetically-homogeneous Sardinian population. The occurrence of phenotypic characteristics which may be predictive for the presence of BRCA1-2 germline mutations was also evaluated. Methods Three hundred and forty-eight breast cancer patients presenting a familial recurrence of invasive breast or ovarian carcinoma with at least two affected family members were screened for BRCA1-2 mutations by DHPLC analysis and DNA sequencing. Association of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutational status with clinical and pathological parameters was evaluated by Pearson's Chi-Squared test. Results and Conclusion Overall, 8 BRCA1 and 5 BRCA2 deleterious mutations were detected in 35/348 (10%) families; majority (23/35;66%) of mutations was found in BRCA2 gene. The geographical distribution of BRCA1-2 mutations was related to three specific large areas of Sardinia, reflecting its ancient history: a) the Northern area, linguistically different from the rest of the island (where a BRCA2 c.8764_8765delAG mutation with founder effect was predominant); b) the Middle area, land of the ancient Sardinian population (where BRCA2 mutations are still more common than BRCA1 mutations); and c) the South-Western area, with many Phoenician and Carthaginian locations (where BRCA1 mutations are prevalent). We also found that phenotypic features such as high tumor grading and lack of expression of estrogen/progesterone receptors together with age at diagnosis and presence of ovarian cancer in the family may be predictive for the presence of BRCA1-2 germline mutations.
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Budroni M, Cesaraccio R, Coviello V, Sechi O, Pirino D, Cossu A, Tanda F, Pisano M, Palomba G, Palmieri G. Role of BRCA2 mutation status on overall survival among breast cancer patients from Sardinia. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:62. [PMID: 19232099 PMCID: PMC2653541 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have been demonstrated to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Conversely, the impact of BRCA mutations on prognosis and survival of breast cancer patients is still debated. In this study, we investigated the role of such mutations on breast cancer-specific survival among patients from North Sardinia. METHODS Among incident cases during the period 1997-2002, a total of 512 breast cancer patients gave their consent to undergo BRCA mutation screening by DHPLC analysis and automated DNA sequencing. The Hakulinen, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression methods were used for both relative survival assessment and statistical analysis. RESULTS In our series, patients carrying a germline mutation in coding regions and splice boundaries of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were 48/512 (9%). Effect on overall survival was evaluated taking into consideration BRCA2 carriers, who represented the vast majority (44/48; 92%) of mutation-positive patients. A lower breast cancer-specific overall survival rate was observed in BRCA2 mutation carriers after the first two years from diagnosis. However, survival rates were similar in both groups after five years from diagnosis. No significant difference was found for age of onset, disease stage, and primary tumour histopathology between the two subsets. CONCLUSION In Sardinian breast cancer population, BRCA2 was the most affected gene and the effects of BRCA2 germline mutations on patients' survival were demonstrated to vary within the first two years from diagnosis. After a longer follow-up observation, breast cancer-specific rates of death were instead similar for BRCA2 mutation carriers and non-carriers.
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Pisano M, Baldinu P, Sini MC, Ascierto PA, Tanda F, Palmieri G. Targeting Bcl-2 protein in treatment of melanoma still requires further clarifications. Ann Oncol 2008; 19:2092-3. [PMID: 18977852 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdn672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Palmieri G, Sini MC, Casula M, Baldinu P, Palomba G, Colombino M, Ascierto PA, Botti G, Caracò C, Cossu A, Tanda F. Molecular classification for the management of melanoma patients. J Clin Oncol 2008. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.26.15_suppl.20028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Piscopo P, Marcon G, Piras MR, Crestini A, Campeggi LM, Deiana E, Cherchi R, Tanda F, Deplano A, Vanacore N, Tagliavini F, Pocchiari M, Giaccone G, Confaloni A. A novel PSEN2 mutation associated with a peculiar phenotype. Neurology 2008; 70:1549-54. [PMID: 18427071 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000310643.53587.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations of presenilin 2 gene are a rare cause of familial Alzheimer disease (AD). We describe an Italian family with hereditary dementia associated with a novel mutation in the presenilin 2 gene. METHODS Clinical investigations of the diseased subjects; interviews with relatives; studies of medical records; pedigree analysis; and neuroradiologic, neuropathologic, and molecular genetic studies were carried out in the pedigree. RESULTS Genetic analysis showed a novel PSEN2 A85V mutation present in the proband and in all analyzed affected members, in a subject presenting with an amnesic mild cognitive impairment, and in a young, still asymptomatic subject. The proband showed a clinical phenotype indicative of Lewy body dementia and the neuropathologic examination demonstrated the presence of unusually abundant and widespread cortical Lewy bodies in addition to the hallmark lesions of AD. Other affected members exhibited a clinical phenotype typical of AD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add complexity to the spectrum of atypical phenotypes associated with presenilin mutations and should then be taken into account when considering the nosography of neurodegenerative diseases. They also support previous data that specific mutations of genes associated with familial Alzheimer disease may influence the presence and extent of Lewy bodies.
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Castellano I, Sapino A, Arisio R, Viale G, Bussolati G, Bandelloni R, Barresi G, Bersiga A, Bordi C, Botti G, Cosimi F, D'Amore E, Doglioni C, Marchetti A, Nappi O, Romeo F, Roncalli M, Russo R, Santinelli A, Spagnoli LG, Tanda F, Tricomi P, Trentini G, Zanconati F, Iurlaro M. Fluorescent in situ hybridization as a screening test for HER2 amplification in G2 and G3 breast cancers of lobular and ductal histotype and metastases. Oncol Rep 2008; 19:1271-1275. [PMID: 18425387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), as a screening test, in moderately- (G2) or poorly- (G3) differentiated breast cancers of the ductal (IDC) and lobular (ILC) histotypes and distant metastases. HER2 FISH was performed on 486 G2 and 477 G3 both of IDC and ILC histotypes and in 241 metastases. A significant difference in the HER2 amplification was observed between G2 (14.8%) and G3 (31.9%), with no difference according to the histotype. However, the rate of amplification increased to 36% in the G2/hormone receptor-negative cases as compared to 10.6% in the G2/receptor-positive cases (p<0.0001). HER2 was amplified in 17% of metastases with some differences depending on the location. These data suggest that the HER2 FISH analysis may be an effective screening test in breast cancer metastases and G3 tumors, irrespective of the hormone receptor status or presence of lymphovascular invasion.
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Castellano I, Sapino A, Arisio R, Viale G, Bussolati G, Bandelloni R, Barresi G, Bersiga A, Bordi C, Botti G, Cosimi F, D'Amore E, Doglioni C, Marchetti A, Nappi O, Romeo F, Roncalli M, Russo R, Santinelli A, Spagnoli L, Tanda F, Tricomi P, Trentini G, Zanconati F, Iurlaro M. Fluorescent in situ hybridization as a screening test for HER2 amplification in G2 and G3 breast cancers of lobular and ductal histotype and metastases. Oncol Rep 2008. [DOI: 10.3892/or.19.5.1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Pirina P, Budroni M, Esposito S, Ostera S, Polo MF, Santoru L, Madeddu G, Fois AG, Ginesu GC, Padua G, Tanda F, Ginesu F. Cytological and histological diagnosis of lung cancer in Sardinia and Italy in the 1990s. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2008; 67:179-83. [PMID: 18309697 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2007.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 30-50% of all lung cancer cases remain without cyto-histological characterisation. The aim of our study was to evaluate retrospectively the proportion of histological and/or cytological diagnosis in patients with lung cancer in Sardinia. METHODS Data was gathered by consulting the hospital registers and case notes of individual patients released from hospital with a diagnosis of Lung Cancer at all medical centres throughout Sardinia. In gathering patients' data, we focused our attention on cytological and histological procedures through which allowed the lung cancer was diagnosed. Cancer Registries data was utilised to compare our data with national and Sassari province data. RESULTS From 1991 to 1996 there was a total of 3146 lung cancer patients registered in Sardinia. 1902 patients (60.5%) had a histological diagnosis, 142 patients (4.5%) a cytological diagnosis while in 1102 patients (35%) the diagnosis was performed without any pathological validation. CONCLUSIONS Our study has shown that lung cancer diagnosis is supported by pathological verification in 65% of cases while in remaining 35% of patients the diagnosis is based only on clinical and radiological reports. In Italy data from Cancer Registries report the percentage of cytohistological diagnosis to be 70% with the percentage of cytological diagnosis being higher than in Sardinia.
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Sini MC, Manca A, Cossu A, Budroni M, Botti G, Ascierto PA, Cremona F, Muggiano A, D'Atri S, Casula M, Baldinu P, Palomba G, Lissia A, Tanda F, Palmieri G. Molecular alterations at chromosome 9p21 in melanocytic naevi and melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2007; 158:243-50. [PMID: 18028495 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chromosome 9p21 and its CDKN locus, with the p16 tumour suppressor gene (CDKN2A), are recognized as the genomic regions involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma. OBJECTIVES To elucidate further the role of such regions during the different phases of melanocytic tumorigenesis. METHODS Tissue sections from naevi, primary and metastatic melanomas were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization for allelic loss at the 9p21 chromosome and by immunochemistry for p16CDKN2A expression. RESULTS Dysplastic naevi and primary or secondary melanomas were found to carry hemizygous deletions within the entire 9p21 region at similar frequencies (varying from 55% to 62%). Allelic deletion spanning the CDKN locus was observed at significantly increased rates moving from early (7%) to advanced (28%) primary melanomas and to secondary melanoma lesions (37%) (P=0.018). Also, inactivation of the p16 gene (CDKN2A) was absent in naevi and present at steadily increasing rates moving from primary melanomas (7% early lesions to 17% advanced lesions) to melanoma metastases (62%) (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that, in a model of sequential accumulation of genetic alterations, 9p21 deletions may play a role in melanocytic transformation and tumour initiation whereas rearrangements at the CDKN locus, and p16 gene (CDKN2A) inactivation may contribute to tumour progression.
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Palmieri G, Casula M, Ascierto PA, Tanda F, Cossu A. Molecular classification of patients with malignant melanoma for new therapeutic strategies. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:e20-1. [PMID: 17538155 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.11.0965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Baldinu P, Cossu A, Manca A, Satta MP, Sini MC, Palomba G, Dessole S, Cherchi P, Mara L, Tanda F, Palmieri G. CASC2a gene is down-regulated in endometrial cancer. Anticancer Res 2007; 27:235-43. [PMID: 17352238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosome 10q25-q26 has been strongly correlated to endometrial tumorigenesis. A novel human gene, CASC2, has previously been identified at chromosome 10q26. One out of the three alternative transcripted forms, CASC2a, has been demonstrated to be mutated at a low frequency in endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, the role of the CASC2a gene in cancer has been further defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumour and corresponding normal tissues were analysed for CASC2a mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR and mutation status by PCR-based approaches. RESULTS A significantly decreased level of CASC2a transcripts was observed in 13/17 (76%) EC tissues, as well as in 6/9 (67%) colorectal cancers. Exogenous expression of CASC2a in undifferentiated AN3CA endometrial cancer cells inhibited cellular growth in anchorage-independent growth assays. Finally, infrequent CASC2a mutations were able to impair the gene function. CONCLUSION Altogether, our findings strongly suggest that CASC2a may act as a tumour suppressor gene, with both epigenetic and genetic alterations concurring to gene inactivation. Down-regulation of CASC2a may provide a growth advantage in EC cells.
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Palmieri G, Satriano SMR, Budroni M, Cossu A, Tanda F, Canzanella S, Caracò C, Simeone E, Daponte A, Mozzillo N, Comella G, Castello G, Ascierto PA. Serial detection of circulating tumour cells by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays is a marker for poor outcome in patients with malignant melanoma. BMC Cancer 2006; 6:266. [PMID: 17107608 PMCID: PMC1657030 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-6-266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Detection of circulating malignant cells (CMCs) through a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay seems to be a demonstration of systemic disease. We here evaluated the prognostic role of RT-PCR assays in serially-taken peripheral blood samples from patients with malignant melanoma (MM). Methods One hundred forty-nine melanoma patients with disease stage ranging from I to III were consecutively collected in 1997. A multi-marker RT-PCR assay was used on peripheral blood samples obtained at time of diagnosis and every 6 months during the first two years of follow-up (total: 5 samples). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed after 83 months of median follow-up. Results Detection of at least one circulating mRNA marker was considered a signal of the presence of CMC (referred to as PCR-positive assay). A significant correlation was found between the rate of recurrences and the increasing number of PCR-positive assays (P = 0.007). Presence of CMC in a high number (≥2) of analysed blood samples was significantly correlated with a poor clinical outcome (disease-free survival: P = 0.019; overall survival: P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of a PCR-positive status does play a role as independent prognostic factors for overall survival in melanoma patients, adding precision to the predictive power of the disease stage. Conclusion Our findings indicated that serial RT-PCR assay may identify a high risk subset of melanoma patients with occult cancer cells constantly detected in blood circulation. Prolonged presence of CMCs seems to act as a surrogate marker of disease progression or a sign of more aggressive disease.
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Cossu A, Deiana A, Lissia A, Dedola MF, Cocco L, Palmieri G, Tanda F. Synchronous Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma and B-Cell Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma in a Lymph Node. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2006; 130:544-7. [PMID: 16594749 DOI: 10.5858/2006-130-544-sidcsa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A gradually enlarging axillary mass in a 79-year-old man was excised. The specimen was processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemical studies, and electron microscopy; gene rearrangement studies were also performed. A diagnosis of an interdigitating dendritic cell tumor of the lymph node and a B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma occurring in the same anatomic location was made. We found that although rare cases of interdigitating dendritic cell tumor with an associated secondary malignancy have been described in the literature, to our knowledge, this is the first report of interdigitating dendritic cell tumor and synchronous neoplasm diagnosed at the same site. A possible relationship between the 2 disorders is also discussed.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Dendritic Cells/chemistry
- Dendritic Cells/pathology
- Fatal Outcome
- Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain/genetics
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/chemistry
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Lymph Nodes/chemistry
- Lymph Nodes/pathology
- Male
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/chemistry
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology
- Sarcoma/chemistry
- Sarcoma/genetics
- Sarcoma/pathology
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Dessole S, Rubattu G, Farina M, Capobianco G, Cherchi PL, Tanda F, Gallo O, Ambrosini G. Risks and usefulness of sonohysterography in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006; 194:362-8. [PMID: 16458630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Revised: 07/21/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to assess the risk of malignant cell dissemination into the peritoneal cavity through the fallopian tubes in patients with endometrial carcinoma undergoing sonohysterography and to evaluate the accuracy of sonohysterography in the estimation of myometrial invasion by the tumor and its role in the preoperative staging. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study that was conducted at the Sassari University hospital. Thirty-two patients with endometrial carcinoma underwent sonohysterography during laparotomy for hysterectomy. The fluid that spilled from the fallopian tubes and was collected into graduated plastic tubes was analyzed by a pathologist. The presence of malignant endometrial cells in the fluid that was spilled from the fallopian tubes was assessed. The depth of myometrial invasion by tumor was assessed by gross and sonohysterographic examinations and compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS Malignant cells were reported in the fluid that spilled from the fallopian tubes in 2 patients (6.25%). The occurrence of suspected cells in the fallopian fluid was reported in 6 women (18.75%); thus, the presence of malignant or suspicious cells in the fluid that spilled from the fallopian tubes was reported in 8 of 32 cases (25%). Sonohysterography correctly evaluated the depth of myometrial invasion in 27 of 32 cases (84.37%). CONCLUSION Sonohysterography was useful to assess the depth of myometrial invasion and may have a role in preoperative staging, but sonohysterography should not be performed in women with suspicious diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma.
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Palomba G, Pisano M, Cossu A, Budroni M, Dedola MF, Farris A, Contu A, Baldinu P, Tanda F, Palmieri G. Spectrum and prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in Sardinian patients with breast carcinoma through hospital-based screening. Cancer 2005; 104:1172-9. [PMID: 16047344 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.21298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors that are predictive of carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in patients with breast carcinoma are awaited widely. The genetically homogeneous Sardinian population may be useful for defining the role of such genetic alterations further through a clinical evaluation program. METHODS One hundred two of 659 patients with breast carcinoma (15.5%) who were collected consecutively had a family history of breast carcinoma and were screened for BRCA1/2 mutations by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. RESULTS Three deleterious germline BRCA1/2 mutations were detected in 15 of 102 families (14.7%), including 13 families (86.7%) with BRCA2 mutations and 2 families (13.3%) with BRCA1 mutations. A single variant, BRCA2-8765delAG, was the most recurrent mutation in the series and was found in 12 of 102 families (11.8%) and in 18 of 657 patients (2.7%). The average age at diagnosis was significantly younger in families with BRCA1/2 mutations (48.6 yrs) compared with the age of patients who had no detectable mutation (52.9 yrs; P = 0.039). Moreover, BRCA1/2 mutations were found at a significantly higher rate in families who had at least 1 member with ovarian carcinoma or male breast carcinoma (5 of 12 families; 41.7%) than in families without such an association (10 of 90 families; 11.1%; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS BRCA2 mutations were approximately 6 times more prevalent than BRCA1 mutations. A diagnosis of breast carcinoma before age 50 years, ovarian carcinoma, male breast carcinoma, and 3 affected generations all were associated significantly with BRCA1/2 mutations. Although the current findings provided further support for the hypothesis that additional breast carcinoma susceptibility genes remain to be identified, such indicators of the presence of BRCA1/2 mutations may be useful in counseling patients about undergoing genetic testing.
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Colombino M, Cossu A, Budroni M, Satta MP, Baldinu P, Casula M, Palomba G, Pisano M, Sini MC, Deiana A, Tanda F, Palmieri G. Identification of predictive factors for the occurrence of predisposing MLH1 and MSH2 germline mutations among Sardinian patients with colorectal carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2005; 41:1058-64. [PMID: 15862756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2005.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2004] [Revised: 01/05/2005] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Factors predictive of carrying MLH1 and MSH2 germline mutations in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are as yet unknown. The aim of this population-based study, was to further define the role of MLH1/MSH2 mutations through an evaluation clinic program with 362 consecutive Sardinian CRC patients. Eight MLH1/MSH2 germline mutations were detected in 21 (6%) patients. Examining family cancer history, MLH1/MSH2 mutations were found in 14/48 (29.2%) probands from CRC families and, among them, in 10/13 (76.9%) families fulfilling the Amsterdam criteria. The patients with low familial recurrence (two CRCs in the family) presented a much lower frequency of MLH1/MSH2 mutations (2/55; 3.6%). Significantly higher rates of MLH1/MSH2 mutations were found in patients with age of onset 45 years (P=0.012) or with 3 affected family members (P=0.009). While no significant predictive value was found for the presence of endometrial cancer within the family, earlier age of diagnosis and/or familial CRC recurrence should be considered as strong predictors for the occurrence of MLH1/MSH2 mutations, and therefore useful in recommending CRC patients for genetic testing.
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Palmieri G, Andrè A, Cossu A, Budroni M, Arrigoni G, Sini MC, D’Angelo A, Marino N, Tanda F, Zollo M. High expression levels of the h-prune protein is correlated with advanced breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.9575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Cossu A, Lissia A, Dedola MF, Deiana A, Faedda R, Palmieri G, Tanda F. Classic follicular dendritic reticulum cell tumor of the lymph node developing in a patient with a previous inflammatory pseudotumor–like proliferation. Hum Pathol 2005; 36:207-11. [PMID: 15754299 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) and follicular dendritic reticulum cell tumor (FDRCT) are rare entities of the lymph node characterized by spindle-cell proliferation. We report a case of a 31-year-old woman, who was admitted for biopsy of a lymph node in the left submandibular area. The microscopic examination revealed a proliferation of spindle cells, partially replacing the normal lymph node architecture, suggestive of an IPT. The preserved peripheral portion showed follicular hyperplasia with Castleman-like appearance. Six years later she presented with a new enlargement in the same submandibular area. The nodule was removed, and a diagnosis of a classic FDRCT of the lymph node was made. The present case is remarkable, and clinicopathological data show that IPT-like proliferations could be in some case an early presentation of FDRCT.
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