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Vissio E, Maletta F, Fissore J, Osella Abate S, Retta F, Brizzi MP, Piovesan A, Rossetto Giaccherino R, Volante M, Papotti M. External Validation of Three Available Grading Systems for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Single Institution Cohort. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:359-370. [PMID: 35583706 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09719-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare thyroid carcinoma with a variable clinical behavior. Potential clinical and pathological prognostic markers have been investigated, but studies are limited and controversial. In neuroendocrine neoplasms of various other sites, necrosis and proliferation (mitotic activity and/or Ki67 index) are integrated to provide a histological grade. Recently, an International Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Grading System (IMTCGS) has been designed to define high- or low-grade MTC by combining proliferative activity and necrosis. This proposal integrates two previously published grading schemes by American (2-tiered grading, low- and high-grade MTC) and Australian authors (3-tiered grading, low-, intermediate-, and high-grade MTC). To validate the clinical role of these systems, their prognostic impact was evaluated in an independent cohort of 111 MTCs. Necrosis, which was the only parameter integrated into the 3 grading systems, proved to be individually correlate with tumor relapse, while no association was found with the proliferation (mitotic count and Ki67 index); however, by combining the different parameters according to all three grading systems, "high-grade" MTCs turned out to be significantly associated with the disease recurrence (p < 0.005) in all systems. In disease-free survival analysis, the IMTCGS stratification was the only one that demonstrated a significant impact at Cox regression analysis (p = 0.004), further confirmed by the Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.002). Similar findings were also reproduced when analysis was restricted to sporadic MTCs (68 cases). In conclusion, our results confirm the prognostic role of IMTCGS, supporting the importance of incorporating this information into the pathology report. However, none of the systems proved to predict the overall survival in this validation cohort.
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Metovic J, La Salvia A, Rapa I, Napoli F, Birocco N, Pia Bizzi M, Garcia-Carbonero R, Ciuffreda L, Scagliotti G, Papotti M, Volante M. Molecular Subtypes of Extra-pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas Identified by the Expression of Neuroendocrine Lineage-Specific Transcription Factors. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:388-399. [PMID: 35608806 PMCID: PMC9420091 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09722-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (EPNEC) represent a group of rare and heterogenous neoplasms with adverse clinical outcome. Their molecular profile is largely unexplored. Our aim was to investigate if the major transcriptional drivers recently described in high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas characterize distinct molecular and clinical subgroups of EPNEC. Gene expression of ASCL1, NEUROD1, DLL3, NOTCH1, INSM1, MYCL1, POU2F3, and YAP1 was investigated in a series of 54 EPNEC (including 10 cases with mixed components analyzed separately) and in a group of 48 pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (P-LCNEC). Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis classified the whole series into four major clusters. P-LCNEC were classified into two major clusters, the first ASCL1/DLL3/INSM1-high and the second (including four EPNEC) ASCL1/DLL3-low but INSM1-high. The remaining EPNEC cases were sub-classified into two other clusters. The first showed INSM1-high and alternative ASCL1/DLL3 or NEUROD1 high expression. The second was characterized mainly by MYCL1 and YAP1 overexpression. In the ten cases with mixed histology, ASCL1, DLL3, INSM1, and NEUROD1 genes were significantly upregulated in the neuroendocrine component. Higher gene-expression levels of NOTCH1 and INSM1 were associated with lower pT stage and negative nodal status. Low INSM1 gene expression was associated with shorter overall survival in the entire case series (p = 0.0017) and with a trend towards significance in EPNEC, only (p = 0.06). In conclusion, our results show that EPNEC possess distinct neuroendocrine-lineage-specific transcriptional profiles; moreover, low INSM1 gene expression represents a novel potential unfavorable prognostic marker in high-grade NECs including those in extra-pulmonary location.
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Civra A, Costantino M, Cavalli R, Adami M, Volante M, Poli G, Lembo D. 27-Hydroxycholesterol inhibits rhinovirus replication in vitro and on human nasal and bronchial histocultures without selecting viral resistant variants. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105368. [PMID: 35732227 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105368] [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: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The genetic plasiticity of viruses is one of the main obstacles to the development of antivirals. The aim of this study has been to assess the ability of two physiologic oxysterols and host-targeting antivirals - namely 25- and 27-hydroxycholesterol (25OHC and 27OHC) - to select resistant strains, using human rhinovirus (HRV) as a challenging model of a viral quasispecies. Moreover, we selected 27OHC for further studies aimed at exploring its potential for the development of antiviral drugs. The results obtained with clonal or serial passage approaches show that 25OHC and 27OHC do not select HRV oxysterol-resistant variants. Moreover, we demonstrate the ability of 27OHC to inhibit the yield of HRV in 3D in vitro fully reconstituted human nasal and bronchial epithelia from cystic fibrosis patients and prevent virus-induced cilia damage. The promising antiviral activity of 27OHC and its competitive advantages over direct-acting antivirals, make this molecule a suitable candidate for further studies to explore its clinical potential.
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Napoli F, Rapa I, Izzo S, Rigutto A, Libener R, Riganti C, Bironzo P, Taulli R, Papotti M, Volante M, Scagliotti G, Righi L. Correction to: Micro-RNA-215 and -375 regulate thymidylate synthase protein expression in pleural mesothelioma and mediate epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:331. [PMID: 35670855 PMCID: PMC9343316 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Santoro F, Maletta F, Parente R, Fissore J, Tampieri C, Santoro L, Birocco N, Picciotto F, Quaglino P, Volante M, Asioli S, Senetta R, Papotti M. Clinical-Pathological Evaluation and Prognostic Analysis of 228 Merkel Cell Carcinomas Focusing on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes, MCPYV Infection and ALK Expression. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:289-303. [PMID: 35551625 PMCID: PMC9135831 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09716-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, whose pathogenesis can be traced back to UV radiation damage or Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection. Despite some improvements on the characterization of the disease partly due to its increased incidence, crucial pathogenetic and prognostic factors still need to be refined. A consecutive series of 228 MCC from three hospitals in Turin was collected with the aim of both analyzing the apparent increase in MCC incidence in our area and investigating the distribution and prognostic role of clinical-pathological parameters, with a focus on MCPyV status, ALK tumor expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Review of morphology and conventional immunohistochemical staining was possible in 191 cases. In 50 cases, the expression of the novel neuroendocrine marker INSM1 was additionally assessed. Fourteen cases of MCC of unknown primary skin lesion were identified and separately analyzed. While confirming an exponential trend in MCC incidence in the last decades and providing a description of histological and cytological features of a large series of MCC, the present study concludes that 1) INSM1 is a highly sensitive marker in both skin and lymph node primary MCC; 2) positive MCPyV status, brisk TILs and lower tumor size and thickness are independent positive prognostic parameters, and the combination of the former two may provide a novel tool for prognostic stratification; 3) ALK is expressed 87% of MCC and associated with positive viral status, and could represent a prognostic biomarker, if validated in larger series.
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La Salvia A, Persano I, Siciliani A, Verrico M, Bassi M, Modica R, Audisio A, Zanata I, Trabalza Marinucci B, Trevisi E, Puliani G, Rinzivillo M, Parlagreco E, Baldelli R, Feola T, Sesti F, Razzore P, Mazzilli R, Mancini M, Panzuto F, Volante M, Giannetta E, Romero C, Appetecchia M, Isidori A, Venuta F, Ambrosio MR, Zatelli MC, Ibrahim M, Colao A, Brizzi MP, García-Carbonero R, Faggiano A. Prognostic significance of laterality in lung neuroendocrine tumors. Endocrine 2022; 76:733-746. [PMID: 35301675 PMCID: PMC9156515 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Well-differentiated lung neuroendocrine tumors (Lu-NET) are classified as typical (TC) and atypical (AC) carcinoids, based on mitotic counts and necrosis. However, prognostic factors, other than tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and the histopathological diagnosis, are still lacking. The current study is aimed to identify potential prognostic factors to better stratify lung NET, thus, improving patients' treatment strategy and follow-up. METHODS A multicentric retrospective study, including 300 Lung NET, all surgically removed, from Italian and Spanish Institutions. RESULTS Median age 61 years (13-86), 37.7% were males, 25.0% were AC, 42.0% were located in the lung left parenchyma, 80.3% presented a TNM stage I-II. Mitotic count was ≥2 per 10 high-power field (HPF) in 24.7%, necrosis in 13.0%. Median overall survival (OS) was 46.1 months (0.6-323), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 36.0 months (0.3-323). Female sex correlated with a more indolent disease (T1; N0; lower Ki67; lower mitotic count and the absence of necrosis). Left-sided primary tumors were associated with higher mitotic count and necrosis. At Cox-multivariate regression model, age, left-sided tumors, nodal (N) positive status and the diagnosis of AC resulted independent negative prognostic factors for PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that laterality is an independent prognostic factors in Lu-NETs, with left tumors being less frequent but showing a worse prognosis than right ones. A wider spectrum of clinical and pathological prognostic factors, including TNM stage, age and laterality is suggested. These parameters could help clinicians to personalize the management of Lu-NET.
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Napoli F, Rapa I, Mortara U, Massa F, Izzo S, Rigutto A, Zambelli V, Bellevicine C, Troncone G, Papotti M, Volante M. MicroRNA profiling predicts positive nodal status in papillary thyroid carcinoma in the preoperative setting. Cancer Cytopathol 2022; 130:695-704. [PMID: 35500065 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular characterization of thyroid nodules in cytological samples has so far been focused on discriminating between benign and malignant forms in a purely diagnostic setting. The evidence on the impact of molecular biomarkers to determine the risk of aggressiveness in cytologically "neoplastic" lesions is limited to genomic alterations (such as BRAF and TERT mutations). The aim of our study was to assess the preoperative role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in predicting the nodal status of patients with papillary thyroid cancer. METHODS A pilot series of histological samples of papillary thyroid carcinoma with (6 cases) or without (6 cases) lymph node metastases, matched for other major clinical and pathological features, was analyzed for global miRNA expression in a screening phase. A set of miRNAs was then validated in a series of 63 consecutive cytological samples of papillary carcinomas: 48 pN-negative and 15 pN-positive at histology. RESULTS Unsupervised cluster analysis segregated surgical pN-negative and pN-positive samples, except for 1 case. The 45 differentially expressed miRNAs in pN-positive versus pN-negative cases were predicted to regulate a wide range of cellular pathways, enriched for Wnt, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and cerulein/cholecystokinin receptor signaling. In agreement with their profiles in surgical samples, 4 miRNAs of the 10 selected for validation (miR-154-3p, miR-299-5p, miR-376a-3p, and miR-302E) had a significant differential expression in cytological samples of papillary carcinoma with lymph node metastases and predicted the positive nodal status with a relatively good performance. CONCLUSIONS MiRNA profiling is a potential promising strategy to define papillary carcinoma aggressiveness in the preoperative setting.
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Mete O, Erickson LA, Juhlin CC, de Krijger RR, Sasano H, Volante M, Papotti MG. Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Adrenal Cortical Tumors. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:155-196. [PMID: 35288842 PMCID: PMC8920443 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09710-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The new WHO classification of adrenal cortical proliferations reflects translational advances in the fields of endocrine pathology, oncology and molecular biology. By adopting a question-answer framework, this review highlights advances in knowledge of histological features, ancillary studies, and associated genetic findings that increase the understanding of the adrenal cortex pathologies that are now reflected in the 2022 WHO classification. The pathological correlates of adrenal cortical proliferations include diffuse adrenal cortical hyperplasia, adrenal cortical nodular disease, adrenal cortical adenomas and adrenal cortical carcinomas. Understanding germline susceptibility and the clonal-neoplastic nature of individual adrenal cortical nodules in primary bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease, and recognition of the clonal-neoplastic nature of incidentally discovered non-functional subcentimeter benign adrenal cortical nodules has led to redefining the spectrum of adrenal cortical nodular disease. As a consequence, the most significant nomenclature change in the field of adrenal cortical pathology involves the refined classification of adrenal cortical nodular disease which now includes (a) sporadic nodular adrenocortical disease, (b) bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease, and (c) bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease (formerly known primary bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical hyperplasia). This group of clinicopathological entities are reflected in functional adrenal cortical pathologies. Aldosterone producing cortical lesions can be unifocal or multifocal, and may be bilateral with no imaging-detected nodule(s). Furthermore, not all grossly or radiologically identified adrenal cortical lesions may be the source of aldosterone excess. For this reason, the new WHO classification endorses the nomenclature of the HISTALDO classification which uses CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry to identify functional sites of aldosterone production to help predict the risk of bilateral disease in primary aldosteronism. Adrenal cortical carcinomas are subtyped based on their morphological features to include conventional, oncocytic, myxoid, and sarcomatoid subtypes. Although the classic histopathologic criteria for diagnosing adrenal cortical carcinomas have not changed, the 2022 WHO classification underscores the diagnostic and prognostic impact of angioinvasion (vascular invasion) in these tumors. Microscopic angioinvasion is defined as tumor cells invading through a vessel wall and forming a thrombus/fibrin-tumor complex or intravascular tumor cells admixed with platelet thrombus/fibrin. In addition to well-established Weiss and modified Weiss scoring systems, the new WHO classification also expands on the use of other multiparameter diagnostic algorithms (reticulin algorithm, Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia system, and Helsinki scoring system) to assist the workup of adrenal cortical neoplasms in adults. Accordingly, conventional carcinomas can be assessed using all multiparameter diagnostic schemes, whereas oncocytic neoplasms can be assessed using the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia system, reticulin algorithm and Helsinki scoring system. Pediatric adrenal cortical neoplasms are assessed using the Wieneke system. Most adult adrenal cortical carcinomas show > 5 mitoses per 10 mm2 and > 5% Ki67. The 2022 WHO classification places an emphasis on an accurate assessment of tumor proliferation rate using both the mitotic count (mitoses per 10 mm2) and Ki67 labeling index which play an essential role in the dynamic risk stratification of affected patients. Low grade carcinomas have mitotic rate of ≤ 20 mitoses per 10 mm2, whereas high-grade carcinomas show > 20 mitoses per 10 mm2. Ki67-based tumor grading has not been endorsed in the new WHO classification, since the proliferation indices are continuous variables rather than being static thresholds in tumor biology. This new WHO classification emphasizes the role of diagnostic and predictive biomarkers in the workup of adrenal cortical neoplasms. Confirmation of the adrenal cortical origin of a tumor remains a critical requirement when dealing with non-functional lesions in the adrenal gland which may be mistaken for a primary adrenal cortical neoplasm. While SF1 is the most reliable biomarker in the confirmation of adrenal cortical origin, paranuclear IGF2 expression is a useful biomarker in the distinction of malignancy in adrenal cortical neoplasms. In addition to adrenal myelolipoma, the new classification of adrenal cortical tumors has introduced new sections including adrenal ectopia, based on the potential role of such ectopic tissue as a possible source of neoplastic proliferations as well as a potential mimicker of metastatic disease. Adrenal cysts are also discussed in the new classification as they may simulate primary cystic adrenal neoplasms or even adrenal cortical carcinomas in the setting of an adrenal pseudocyst.
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Parasiliti-Caprino M, Bioletto F, Lopez C, Maletta F, Caputo M, Gasco V, La Grotta A, Limone P, Borretta G, Volante M, Papotti M, Terzolo M, Morino M, Pasini B, Veglio F, Ghigo E, Arvat E, Maccario M. Development and internal validation of a predictive model for the estimation of pheochromocytoma recurrence risk after radical surgery. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:399-406. [PMID: 35363157 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Various features have been identified as predictors of relapse after complete resection of pheochromocytoma, but a comprehensive multivariable model for recurrence risk prediction is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate an integrated predictive model for post-surgical recurrence of pheochromocytoma. METHODS The present research retrospectively enrolled 177 patients affected by pheochromocytoma and submitted to radical surgery from 1990 to 2016, in nine referral centers for adrenal diseases. Cox regression analysis was adopted for model development, and a bootstrapping procedure was used for internal validation. RESULTS Variables independently associated with recurrence were tumor size (hazard ratio (HR): 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), positive genetic testing (HR: 5.14, 95% CI: 2.10-12.55), age (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), and Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.29). The predictive performance of the overall model, evaluated by Somers' D, was equal to 0.594, and was significantly higher than the ones of any single predictor alone (P = 0.002 compared to tumor size; P = 0.004 compared to genetic testing; P = 0.048 compared to age; P = 0.006 compared to PASS). Internal validation by bootstrapping techniques estimated an optimistic bias of 6.3%, which reassured about a small tendency towards overfit. CONCLUSIONS We proposed a multivariable model for the prediction of post-surgical recurrence of pheochromocytoma, derived by the integration of genetic, histopathological, and clinical data. This predictive tool may be of value for a comprehensive tailoring of post-surgical follow-up in radically operated pheochromocytoma patients.
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Simbolo M, Centonze G, Ali G, Garzone G, Taormina S, Sabella G, Ciaparrone C, Mafficini A, Grillo F, Mangogna A, Volante M, Mastracci L, Fontanini G, Pilotto S, Bria E, Infante M, Capella C, Rolli L, Pastorino U, Milella M, Milione M, Scarpa A. Integrative molecular analysis of combined small-cell lung carcinomas identifies major subtypes with different therapeutic opportunities. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100308. [PMID: 34952268 PMCID: PMC8695295 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined small-cell lung cancer (C-SCLC) is composed of SCLC admixed with a non-small-cell cancer component. They currently receive the same treatment as SCLC. The recent evidence that SCLC may belong to either of two lineages, neuroendocrine (NE) or non-NE, with different vulnerability to specific cell death pathways such as ferroptosis, opens new therapeutic opportunities also for C-SCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen C-SCLCs, including five with adenocarcinoma (CoADC), five with large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (CoLCNEC) and three with squamous cell carcinoma (CoSQC) components, were assessed for alterations in 409 genes and transcriptomic profiling of 20 815 genes. RESULTS All 13 cases harbored TP53 (12 cases) and/or RB1 (7 cases) inactivation, which was accompanied by mutated KRAS in 4 and PTEN in 3 cases. Potentially targetable alterations included two KRAS G12C, two PIK3CA and one EGFR mutations. Comparison of C-SCLC transcriptomes with those of 57 pure histology lung cancers (17 ADCs, 20 SQCs, 11 LCNECs, 9 SCLCs) showed that CoLCNEC and CoADC constituted a standalone group of NE tumors, while CoSQC transcriptional setup was overlapping that of pure SQC. Using transcriptional signatures of NE versus non-NE SCLC as classifier, CoLCNEC was clearly NE while CoSQC was strongly non-NE and CoADC exhibited a heterogeneous phenotype. Similarly, using ferroptosis sensitivity/resistance markers, CoSQC was classified as sensitive (as expected for non-NE), CoLCNEC as resistant (as expected for NE) and CoADC showed a heterogeneous pattern. CONCLUSIONS These data support routine molecular profiling of C-SCLC to search for targetable driver alterations and to precisely classify them according to therapeutically relevant subgroups (e.g. NE versus non-NE).
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Bizzozero L, Pergolizzi M, Pascal D, Maldi E, Villari G, Erriquez J, Volante M, Serini G, Marchiò C, Bussolino F, Arese M. Tumoral Neuroligin 1 Promotes Cancer-Nerve Interactions and Synergizes with the Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Cells 2022; 11:280. [PMID: 35053395 PMCID: PMC8774081 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many nervous proteins are expressed in cancer cells. In this report, we asked whether the synaptic protein neuroligin 1 (NLGN1) was expressed by prostatic and pancreatic carcinomas; in addition, given the tendency of these tumors to interact with nerves, we asked whether NLGN1 played a role in this process. Through immunohistochemistry on human tissue microarrays, we showed that NLGN1 is expressed by prostatic and pancreatic cancer tissues in discrete stages and tumor districts. Next, we performed in vitro and in vivo assays, demonstrating that NLGN1 promotes cancer cell invasion and migration along nerves. Because of the established role of the neurotrophic factor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in tumor-nerve interactions, we assessed a potential NLGN1-GDNF cooperation. We found that blocking GDNF activity with a specific antibody completely inhibited NLGN1-induced in vitro cancer cell invasion of nerves. Finally, we demonstrated that, in the presence of NLGN1, GDNF markedly activates cofilin, a cytoskeletal regulatory protein, altering filopodia dynamics. In conclusion, our data further prove the existence of a molecular and functional cross-talk between the nervous system and cancer cells. NLGN1 was shown here to function along one of the most represented neurotrophic factors in the nerve microenvironment, possibly opening new therapeutic avenues.
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Metovic J, Napoli F, Osella-Abate S, Bertero L, Tampieri C, Orlando G, Bianchi M, Carli D, Fagioli F, Volante M, Papotti M. Overexpression of INSM1, NOTCH1, NEUROD1, and YAP1 genes is associated with adverse clinical outcome in pediatric neuroblastoma. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:925-933. [PMID: 36121500 PMCID: PMC9734219 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastoma is responsible for approximately 8-10% of pediatric tumors, and it is one of the leading causes of tumor-related deaths in children. Although significant progress has been made in the characterization of neuroblastoma in recent years, the mechanisms influencing the prognosis of neuroblastoma patients remain largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate if the major neuroendocrine-associated transcriptional drivers, including ASCL1, NEUROD1, DLL3, NOTCH1, INSM1, MYCL1, POU2F3 and YAP1 are correlated with specific clinical and pathological characteristics. We selected a retrospective series of 46 primary pediatric neuroblastoma, composed of 30 treatment-naïve and 16 post-chemotherapy cases. Gene expression levels were explored by means of quantitative real-time PCR. An increased expression of NOTCH1 (p = 0.005), NEUROD1 (p = 0.0059), and YAP1 (p = 0.0008) was found in stage IV tumors, while the highest levels of MYCL1 and ASCL1 were seen in stages IVS and III, respectively (p = 0.0182 and p = 0.0134). A higher level of NOTCH1 (p = 0.0079) and YAP1 (p = 0.0026) was found in cases with differentiating morphology, while high mitosis-karyorrhexis index cases demonstrated significantly lower levels of POU2F3 (p = 0.0277). High expression of NOTCH1 (p = 0.008), NEUROD1 (p = 0.026), INSM1 (p = 0.010), and YAP1 (p = 0.005) together with stage IV (p = 0.043) was associated with shorter disease-free survival. In summary, our data indicate that the assessment of gene expression levels of neuroendocrine-lineage transcription factors might help to identify neuroblastoma patients with the risk of relapse.
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Righi L, Volante M, Papotti M. Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: What We Learned about It? Acta Cytol 2021; 66:257-268. [PMID: 34784591 DOI: 10.1159/000519688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a high-grade aggressive disease that belongs to the neuroendocrine (NE) group of lung tumors that also includes typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, and large-cell NE carcinoma. SCLC has specific histological diagnostic criteria that are sometimes troublesome to be assessed in cytological samples that indeed represent the most frequent source of diagnostic material due to the typical advanced presentation at the onset of SCLC. However, cytological preparations could be in some instances more reliable than histology due to the better preservation of nuclear details. Cytological criteria for diagnosis of SCLC include high cellularity, small cell size, scant cytoplasm, coarsely granulated chromatin with "salt-and-pepper" appearance, inconspicuous or absent nucleoli, Azzopardi crush effect, and necrotic debris in the background. Despite being distinctive, these features could be incomplete to differentiate SCLC with other small-cell neoplasia. Therefore, immunocytochemical determination of diagnostic biomarkers is crucial to achieve a confident diagnosis. Furthermore, recent findings on molecular and transcriptomic studies of SCLC revealed the potential rise of new predictive and prognostic biomarkers that, whenever validated by immunocytochemistry, may potentially assist to tailor the best therapy, including immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Liberini V, Mariniello A, Righi L, Capozza M, Delcuratolo MD, Terreno E, Farsad M, Volante M, Novello S, Deandreis D. NSCLC Biomarkers to Predict Response to Immunotherapy with Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI): From the Cells to In Vivo Images. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4543. [PMID: 34572771 PMCID: PMC8464855 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death, and it is usually diagnosed in advanced stages (stage III or IV). Recently, the availability of targeted strategies and of immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has favorably changed patient prognosis. Treatment outcome is closely related to tumor biology and interaction with the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). While the response in molecular targeted therapies relies on the presence of specific genetic alterations in tumor cells, accurate ICI biomarkers of response are lacking, and clinical outcome likely depends on multiple factors that are both host and tumor-related. This paper is an overview of the ongoing research on predictive factors both from in vitro/ex vivo analysis (ranging from conventional pathology to molecular biology) and in vivo analysis, where molecular imaging is showing an exponential growth and use due to technological advancements and to the new bioinformatics approaches applied to image analyses that allow the recovery of specific features in specific tumor subclones.
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Altınay S, Erözgür B, Dural AC, Volante M, Papotti MG. Monoclonal/polyclonal PAX-8, PTH and GATA3 immunohistochemistry in parathyroid lesions. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:1997-2008. [PMID: 33566340 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01518-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parathyroid gland (PG) is an endocrine organ which may display different immunohistochemical stainings with chief cells and oxyphilic cells in normal as well as hyperplasic/tumoral lesions. PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to identify the demographic properties and diagnostic value of the GATA3 antibody, which is a transcription factor in addition to PTH, and of PAX-8 (monoclonal and polyclonal) antibody. METHODS We have analyzed in detail the cellular components and staining intensities of 46 adenomas all of which contained parathyroid rims, 12 hyperplasia and 5 adjacent non-neoplastic thyroidectomy materials (63 patients, 114 tissues). RESULTS While no staining was identified in the thyroid tissue, cytoplasmic PTH immunoreactivity was observed in all (100%) normal parathyroid tissues, rim of PGs and hyperplasia, and in 43/46 cases (93.4%) of adenomas. Adenoma and hyperplasia were less stained than normal PG (p < 0.05). We detected GATA3 staining in all cases except for the thyroid (100%). Weak positivity (1+) was most apparent in adenoma cases (p < 0.05). Monoclonal PAX-8 immunoreactivity was not identified in any normal parathyroid tissue and rim of PG but positive immunoreactivity was detected in 83.3% of hyperplasia cases (10/12), 84.8% of adenoma (39/46) and 100% of thyroid tissues (5/5) (p < 0.05). However, polyclonal PAX-8 immunoreactivity was detected in one normal parathyroid tissue (1/5) and seven (7/46) rim of PGs. In cases of hyperplasia and adenoma, positive immunoreactivity was 75% (9/12) and 74% (34/46), respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we have observed that PTH and GATA3 constitute a much more reliable and sensitive marker for parathyroid and are stained less in adenomas. While monoclonal PAX-8 (MRQ-50) never stains normal parathyroid and rim of PGs, it may help in the differential diagnosis of proliferated parathyroid lesions as a considerably sensitive and relatively specific marker by staining hyperplasic parathyroid, adenomas and the thyroid.
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Falco EC, Daniele L, Metovic J, Bollito E, De Rosa G, Volante M, Papotti M. Adrenal Rests in the Uro-genital Tract of an Adult Population. Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:375-384. [PMID: 34095993 PMCID: PMC8370964 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09685-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic adrenal rests are a rare condition which can be found in various sites, generally in the retroperitoneum or pelvis along the path of gonadal descent. Their real prevalence is unknown. Males are more commonly affected, at least in the pediatric age. Adrenal rests are usually clinically silent and incidentally found in surgical samples, mostly in the pediatric population, and rarely in adults. With the aim of increasing knowledge and estimating the prevalence of ectopic adrenocortical tissue in the adult population, 44 adrenal rests in the urogenital tract of 40 adults are described. These represent approximately 0.07% of the total number of urogenital and gynecological surgeries performed in the 22 considered years. Adrenal rests were identified in the spermatic cord (10 males) and in paraovarian, parasalpingeal, or infundibulopelvic ligament locations (30 females). All but one was incidental findings. One case regarded an adrenocortical carcinoma arisen in adrenal rests. A literature review of adrenal ectopia in the urogenital tract of adults identified 57 reported cases from 53 patients, with similar clinicopathological features as those of our series, with the exception of a lower incidence of parasalpingeal locations. Despite their limited clinical implications, awareness of ectopic adrenal rests is essential also in adults for at least two reasons: (a) to correctly identify sources of adrenocortical hormone production in case of adrenal insufficiency or hormonal imbalance and (b) to avoid misinterpretations in the diagnostic workup of renal cell carcinoma, adrenocortical tumors, and rare gonadal neoplasms, including Sertoli/Leydig cell tumors.
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Parma B, Ramesh V, Gollavilli PN, Siddiqui A, Pinna L, Schwab A, Marschall S, Zhang S, Pilarsky C, Napoli F, Volante M, Urbanczyk S, Mielenz D, Schrøder HD, Stemmler M, Wurdak H, Ceppi P. Metabolic impairment of non-small cell lung cancers by mitochondrial HSPD1 targeting. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:248. [PMID: 34364401 PMCID: PMC8348813 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background The identification of novel targets is of paramount importance to develop more effective drugs and improve the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Since cells alter their metabolic rewiring during tumorigenesis and along cancer progression, targeting key metabolic players and metabolism-associated proteins represents a valuable approach with a high therapeutic potential. Metabolic fitness relies on the functionality of heat shock proteins (HSPs), molecular chaperones that facilitate the correct folding of metabolism enzymes and their assembly in macromolecular structures. Methods Gene fitness was determined by bioinformatics analysis from available datasets from genetic screenings. HSPD1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from NSCLC patients. Real-time proliferation assays with and without cytotoxicity reagents, colony formation assays and cell cycle analyses were used to monitor growth and drug sensitivity of different NSCLC cells in vitro. In vivo growth was monitored with subcutaneous injections in immune-deficient mice. Cell metabolic activity was analyzed through extracellular metabolic flux analysis. Specific knockouts were introduced by CRISPR/Cas9. Results We show heat shock protein family D member 1 (HSPD1 or HSP60) as a survival gene ubiquitously expressed in NSCLC and associated with poor patients’ prognosis. HSPD1 knockdown or its chemical disruption by the small molecule KHS101 induces a drastic breakdown of oxidative phosphorylation, and suppresses cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. By combining drug profiling with transcriptomics and through a whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 screen, we demonstrate that HSPD1-targeted anti-cancer effects are dependent on oxidative phosphorylation and validated molecular determinants of KHS101 sensitivity, in particular, the creatine-transporter SLC6A8 and the subunit of the cytochrome c oxidase complex COX5B. Conclusions These results highlight mitochondrial metabolism as an attractive target and HSPD1 as a potential theranostic marker for developing therapies to combat NSCLC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02049-8.
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Gurizzan C, Zamparini M, Volante M, Tovazzi V, Amoroso V, Consoli F, Petrelli F, Grisanti S, Bossi P, Berruti A. Outcome of patients with intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma: a pooled analysis. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:593-604. [PMID: 34105516 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma (ITC) is a rare thyroid tumor that resembles thymic carcinoma, for which there are no recommendations on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We performed a pooled analysis of published ITC cases to describe the natural history of this disease and identify prognostic factors. We performed a systematic review of histopathological-confirmed ITC cases published in the literature in English. The following keywords were used: 'intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma', 'carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation', 'CASTLE tumor', 'thyroid carcinoma showing thymus like differentiation'. Fifty eligible publications were identified, providing data from 132 patients, plus a case diagnosed at our institution. Median disease-free survival (DFS) of this patient series was 144 months (range 91-197), while median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Upfront surgery was performed in 97% of patients and 24% of them experienced disease recurrence after a median of 19 months (range 13-25). Complaining of major symptoms, as a sign of more advanced local stage, was the only prognostic factor significantly associated with a higher risk of death at multivariate analysis (HR 4.903, 95% CI: 1.092-22.008, P = 0.038). Postoperative radiation therapy was not associated with prognosis, while not enough data were available to assess the efficacy of chemotherapy. ITC is a rather indolent disease and ITC patients have a relatively good prognosis. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy. Survival outcome of patients depends on tumor burden and complete surgical resection. Postoperative radiation effect seems to be negligible. Data on the efficacy of chemotherapy in advanced patients are lacking.
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Napoli F, Listì A, Zambelli V, Witel G, Bironzo P, Papotti M, Volante M, Scagliotti G, Righi L. Pathological Characterization of Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2564. [PMID: 34073720 PMCID: PMC8197227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly aggressive disease that arises from pleural mesothelial cells, characterized by a median survival of approximately 13-15 months after diagnosis. The primary cause of this disease is asbestos exposure and the main issues associated with it are late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies. Asbestos-induced cellular damage is associated with the generation of an inflammatory microenvironment that influences and supports tumor growth, possibly in association with patients' genetic predisposition and tumor genomic profile. The chronic inflammatory response to asbestos fibers leads to a unique tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) composed of a heterogeneous mixture of stromal, endothelial, and immune cells, and relative composition and interaction among them is suggested to bear prognostic and therapeutic implications. TIME in MPM is known to be constituted by immunosuppressive cells, such as type 2 tumor-associated macrophages and T regulatory lymphocytes, plus the expression of several immunosuppressive factors, such as tumor-associated PD-L1. Several studies in recent years have contributed to achieve a greater understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms in tumor development and pathobiology of TIME, that opens the way to new therapeutic strategies. The study of TIME is fundamental in identifying appropriate prognostic and predictive tissue biomarkers. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the pathological characterization of TIME in MPM.
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Carrà G, Ermondi G, Riganti C, Righi L, Caron G, Menga A, Capelletto E, Maffeo B, Lingua MF, Fusella F, Volante M, Taulli R, Guerrasio A, Novello S, Brancaccio M, Piazza R, Morotti A. IκBα targeting promotes oxidative stress-dependent cell death. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:136. [PMID: 33863364 PMCID: PMC8050912 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01921-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is a hallmark of many cancers. The increment in reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting from an increased mitochondrial respiration, is the major cause of oxidative stress. Cell fate is known to be intricately linked to the amount of ROS produced. The direct generation of ROS is also one of the mechanisms exploited by common anticancer therapies, such as chemotherapy. METHODS We assessed the role of NFKBIA with various approaches, including in silico analyses, RNA-silencing and xenotransplantation. Western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of specific proteins and genes. Immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments were used to evaluate protein-protein interactions. RESULTS Here, by using an in silico approach, following the identification of NFKBIA (the gene encoding IκBα) amplification in various cancers, we described an inverse correlation between IκBα, oxidative metabolism, and ROS production in lung cancer. Furthermore, we showed that novel IκBα targeting compounds combined with cisplatin treatment promote an increase in ROS beyond the tolerated threshold, thus causing death by oxytosis. CONCLUSIONS NFKBIA amplification and IκBα overexpression identify a unique cancer subtype associated with specific expression profile and metabolic signatures. Through p65-NFKB regulation, IκBα overexpression favors metabolic rewiring of cancer cells and distinct susceptibility to cisplatin. Lastly, we have developed a novel approach to disrupt IκBα/p65 interaction, restoring p65-mediated apoptotic responses to cisplatin due to mitochondria deregulation and ROS-production.
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Massa F, Caraci P, Sapino A, De Rosa G, Volante M, Papotti M. Outcome and diagnostic reproducibility of the thyroid cytology "indeterminate categories" SIAPEC/SIE 2014 in a consecutive series of 302 cases. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:803-809. [PMID: 32797379 PMCID: PMC7946669 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical impact of the SIAPEC/SIE 2014 classification for thyroid cytology has been addressed in few studies that evaluated the malignancy rate and the relative prevalence of each category. No study analyzed its intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility, so far. METHODS We retrospectively collected all "indeterminate" lesions diagnosed before (2011-2014) and after (2015-2018) the application of the SIAPEC/SIE 2014 classification at our Institution. Their relative malignancy risks were calculated based on available histological diagnoses. Cytological and clinical features of TIR3A were compared with the surgical outcome. Finally, a large set of samples was re-evaluated in blind of the original cytological and histological diagnoses by two pathologists, independently. RESULTS The prevalence of "indeterminate" diagnoses increased in years 2015-2018 (302/1482, 21% with 14% of TIR3A and 7% TIR3B categories) compared to years 2011-2014 (261/1680, 16%). Surgery was performed in 27% TIR3A and in 97% TIR3B cases. Malignancy rates were 40% for TIR3B and 17% for TIR3A, but were greatly influenced by the adoption of the WHO 2017 re-classification of encapsulated follicular-patterned lesions (decreasing to 28% and 6%, respectively). No criteria except for tumor size were associated to malignancy in TIR3A category. Intra-observer agreement of the experienced pathologist was 122/141 (86%), whereas inter-observer agreement between the expert and in-training pathologist was 95/141 (67%). CONCLUSIONS In this real-life experience, the sub-classification of TIR3A and TIR3B slightly increased the overall prevalence of "indeterminate" diagnoses. Malignancy rates were higher than estimated for both TIR3A and TIR3B categories. Agreement among observers highly depended on pathologist's training.
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Volante M, Lam AK, Papotti M, Tallini G. Molecular Pathology of Poorly Differentiated and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: What Do Pathologists Need to Know? Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:63-76. [PMID: 33543394 PMCID: PMC7960587 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The molecular characterization of poorly and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas has been greatly improved in the last years following the advent of high throughput technologies. However, with special reference to genomic data, the prevalence of reported alterations is partly affected by classification criteria. The impact of molecular pathology in these tumors is multifaceted and bears diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive implications although its use in the clinical practice is not completely assessed. Genomic profiling data claim that genetic alterations in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas include "Early" and "Late" molecular events, which are consistent with a multi-step model of progression. "Early" driver events are mostly RAS and BRAF mutations, whereas "Late" changes include above all TP53 and TERT promoter mutations, as well as dysregulation of gene involved in the cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and DNA mismatch repair. Gene fusions are rare but represent relevant therapeutic targets. Epigenetic modifications are also playing a relevant role in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, with altered regulation of either genes by methylation/deacetylation or non-coding RNAs. The biological effects of epigenetic modifications are not fully elucidated but interfere with a wide spectrum of cellular functions. From a clinical standpoint, the combination of genomic and epigenetic data shows that several molecular alterations affect druggable cellular pathways in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, although the clinical impact of molecular typing of these tumors in terms of predictive biomarker testing is still under exploration.
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Uccella S, La Rosa S, Metovic J, Marchiori D, Scoazec JY, Volante M, Mete O, Papotti M. Genomics of High-Grade Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor with High-Grade Features (G3 NET) and Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NEC) of Various Anatomic Sites. Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:192-210. [PMID: 33433884 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-020-09660-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (HG-NENs) are clinically aggressive diseases, the classification of which has recently been redefined. They now include both poorly differentiated NENs (neuroendocrine carcinoma, NECs) and high proliferating well-differentiated NENs (called grade 3 neuroendocrine tumors, G3 NETs, in the digestive system). In the last decade, the "molecular revolution" that has affected all fields of medical oncology has also shed light in the understanding of HG NENs heterogeneity and has provided new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, useful in the management of these malignancies. Considering the kaleidoscopic aspects of HG NENs in various anatomical sites, this review systematically addresses the genomic landscape of such neoplasm throughout the more common thoracic and digestive locations, as well as it will consider other rare but not exceptional primary sites, including the skin, the head and neck, and the urogenital system. The revision of the available literature will then be oriented to understand the translational relevance of molecular data, by analyzing conceptual issues, clinicopathological correlations, and unmet needs in this field.
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Volante M, Mete O, Pelosi G, Roden AC, Speel EJM, Uccella S. Molecular Pathology of Well-Differentiated Pulmonary and Thymic Neuroendocrine Tumors: What Do Pathologists Need to Know? Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:154-168. [PMID: 33641055 PMCID: PMC7960615 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Thoracic (pulmonary and thymic) neuroendocrine tumors are well-differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms that are classified into typical and atypical carcinoid tumors based on mitotic index cut offs and presence or absence of necrosis. This classification scheme is of great prognostic value but designed for surgical specimens, only. Deep molecular characterization of thoracic neuroendocrine tumors highlighted their difference with neuroendocrine carcinomas. Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung are characterized by a low mutational burden, and a high prevalence of mutations in chromatin remodeling and histone modification-related genes, whereas mutations in genes frequently altered in neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare. Molecular profiling divided thymic neuroendocrine tumors into three clusters with distinct clinical outcomes and characterized by a different average of copy number instability. Moreover, integrated histopathological, molecular and clinical evidence supports the existence of a grey zone category between neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid tumors) and neuroendocrine carcinomas. Indeed, cases with well differentiated morphology but mitotic/Ki-67 indexes close to neuroendocrine carcinomas have been increasingly recognized. These are characterized by specific molecular profiles and have an aggressive clinical behavior. Finally, thoracic neuroendocrine tumors may arise in the background of genetic susceptibility, being MEN1 syndrome the well-defined familial form. However, pathologists should be aware of rarer germline variants that are associated with the concurrence of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung or their precursors (such as DIPNECH) with other neoplasms, including but not limited to breast carcinomas. Therefore, genetic counseling for all young patients with thoracic neuroendocrine neoplasia and/or any patient with pathological evidence of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia-to-neoplasia progression sequence or multifocal disease should be considered.
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Fassan M, Milione M, Maddalena G, Cremolini C, Schirripa M, Pietrantonio F, Pella N, Dell'Aquila E, Sperti E, Zichi C, Bergamo F, Volante M, Boccaccino A, Morano F, Cortiula F, De Maglio G, Rimassa L, Smiroldo V, Calvetti L, Aprile G, Salvatore L, Santini D, Salmaso R, Centonze G, Biason P, Borga C, Lonardi S, Zagonel V, Dei Tos AP, Di Maio M, Loupakis F. Synaptophysin expression in V600EBRAF-mutated advanced colorectal cancers identifies a new subgroup of tumours with worse prognosis. Eur J Cancer 2021; 146:145-154. [PMID: 33607478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine differentiation has been extensively associated with worse prognosis and to mechanisms of therapy resistance in several epithelial cancers. A high prevalence of neuroendocrine differentiation was recently described in V600EBRAF-mutated (BRAFmt) metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRCs) but no data are available about its prognostic impact in this setting. METHODS We assessed synaptophysin immunohistochemical expression in a multi-institutional series of 159 BRAFmt mCRCs with matched clinical and pathological information. Tumours were dichotomized as synaptophysin high and low. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. RESULTS Thirty-five tumours (22.0%) showed any level of positivity for synaptophysin, and 18 (11.3%) were characterized by positivity in at least 20% of tumour cells. Four cases resulted 100% synaptophysin positive. The histotype of synaptophysin-positive tumours (i.e. ≥20%) was not otherwise specified in 11 cases (61.1%) and mucinous adenocarcinoma in 4 cases (22.2%). Four cases were DNA mismatch repair deficient (22.2%) and 7 (38.9%) were characterized by a high number of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. At multivariate analysis, high synaptophysin expression was a negative independent prognostic factor for both PFS (HR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-3.33, p = 0.006) and OS (HR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.35-3.85, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among BRAFmt mCRCs, synaptophysin-positive tumours are characterized by worse PFS and OS. Further studies should investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition of the neuroendocrine phenotype to identify novel-targeted treatment strategies.
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