Oncogenic BRAF and KRAS mutations in endosalpingiosis

Early Genetic Divergence of High-Grade Carcinomas Originating from Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Neoplasms

The current paradigm implicates a fallopian tube precursor as the origin of most ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs). However, a rare subset of HGSCs develop via a distinct pathway from low-grade serous ovarian neoplasms (namely, serous borderline tumors and low-grade serous carcinoma). This alternate pathway for the development of HGSC and other poorly differentiated carcinomas of the ovary is not well understood. To elucidate the molecular pathogenesis and evolutionary trajectory of histologic transformation of low-grade serous neoplasms, we performed whole exome sequencing on microdissected low-grade and higher-grade components from 7 cases of serous borderline tumor or low-grade serous carcinoma associated with a synchronous or metachronous indeterminate/high-grade carcinoma. In most cases, there were relatively few somatic mutations shared between matched low-grade and higher-grade tumors compared with private mutations specific to each component (ie, phylogenetic trees with short trunks and long branches). Truncal mutations, present across all tumor samples from a given patient, included known drivers of low-grade serous neoplasms: KRAS (G12D, n = 4), BRAF (G469A, n = 1), NF2 (n = 1), and USP9X (n = 1). Transformation to HGSC was associated with a TP53 mutation with bi-allelic inactivation in 3 cases, all with severe nuclear atypia, and associated with genome-wide copy number alterations and allelic imbalances. TP53-wildtype tumors comprised a morphologic spectrum, which included indeterminate-grade serous carcinomas with moderate nuclear atypia and high mitotic activity, although lacking extensive chromosomal instability (n = 2) and poorly differentiated carcinomas (n = 2, including a high-grade Mullerian carcinoma and an undifferentiated carcinoma with sarcomatoid features). In summary, synchronous and metachronous low-grade serous neoplasms and higher-grade carcinomas are clonally related. Early genetic divergence, most evident in cases with TP53 mutations, suggests that high-grade transformation may be a relatively early molecular event.

Innovations in Rare Gynecologic Cancer: Melanoma, Neuroendocrine, and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian

In the field of gynecologic cancer, low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) has been poorly understood and underinvestigated until recently. Similarly, understanding of the distinct properties and therapeutic sensitivities of gynecologic melanoma and cervical neuroendocrine tumors has recently accelerated. For each of these rare cancers, we explore the epidemiology and natural history, discuss the prognosis, diagnostic testing, and contemporary molecular classification, and then deliberate existing and emerging therapeutic strategies. In LGSOC, we focus on the clinical relevance of recent molecular studies that shed light on the importance of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway gene mutation and chromosome 1 copy-number change on prognosis and MEK inhibitor sensitivity. We also discuss the relative chemoresistance of this disease and the fact that attention is shifting to combinations of molecular therapies such as endocrine agents plus cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors or MEK inhibitors plus FAK inhibitors. Gynecologic tract melanomas harbor a lower frequency of canonical BRAF mutations, and have lower tumor mutational burden and immune cell infiltration than cutaneous melanomas (CMs). As a result, patients with this disease are less likely to respond to BRAF/MEK or immune checkpoint inhibition than patients with CM. Emerging strategies include the combination of antiangiogenic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the use of adoptive cellular therapies. In cervical neuroendocrine cancer, we discuss the use of surgery in early-stage disease, and the uncertainties regarding the role of radiotherapy. We also explore the evidence for chemotherapy and emerging investigational strategies including the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. For all situations, we explore the shared decision-making process with the patient.

Refractory florid cystic endosalpingiosis: A case report with 5 years follow up and literature review

Endosalpingiosis is characterized by the presence of ectopic, benign glands with a fallopian tube-like ciliated epithelium. Florid cystic endosalpingiosis (FCE) is a rare type of endosalpingiosis and presents with tumor-like lesions. In general, FCE has no specific clinical features. In this case, extensive pelvic multiple Müllerian cysts were first observed and removed during the patient's second cesarean section. Lesions relapsed after a year. Therefore, the patient underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy; pathology revealed that the patient had FCE. According to imaging studies during the follow up, recurrent and progressive multiple pelvic and extra-pelvic cysts were observed. The patient had no obvious symptoms, and the results of her laboratory tests were within normal limits. Ultrasound-guided aspiration and lauromacrogol sclerotherapy were performed, and in the past year, the cysts have stabilized without progression. This is the first reported case of recurrent FCE after total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy with a 5-year follow up. A literature review and novel ideas for diagnosing and managing FCE based on this case are also presented.

Primary Retroperitoneal Carcinomas: New Insights into Pathogenesis and Clinical Management in Comparison with Ovarian Carcinomas and Carcinoma of Unknown Primary

Primary retroperitoneal carcinomas are very rare tumors. Their pathogenesis remains unknown but may be associated with that of ovarian carcinomas, considering the similarity in morphology and gender preference. Although metaplasia of coelomic epithelium is the most widely accepted theory, the pathogenesis of retroperitoneal carcinomas may differ by histologic subtype, like ovarian carcinomas. Mucinous carcinoma, which develops in both women and men, may originate in both primordial germ cells and Walthard cell nests that may be derived from the fallopian tube. Serous carcinomas may be associated with endosalpingiosis, the presence of fallopian tube-like epithelium outside the fallopian tube, and a remnant Müllerian tract. Endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas appear to be associated with extraovarian endometriosis. Additionally, both carcinomas in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes may be metastatic diseases from endometrial and/or renal cell cancer that regress spontaneously (carcinoma of unknown primary). Retroperitoneal carcinomas are difficult to diagnose, as they have no characteristic symptoms and signs. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment, but the necessity of chemotherapy may depend on histological subtype. Further studies are necessary, in particular studies on endosalpingiosis, as endosalpingiosis is a poorly understood condition, although it is associated with the development of both serous and mucinous carcinomas.

Ovarian Combined Serous Borderline Tumor/Low-grade Serous Carcinoma and Mesonephric-like Lesion: Report of 2 Cases With New Observations

Ovarian combined serous borderline tumor/low-grade serous carcinomas (SBT/LGSC) and mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas (MLA) have been previously reported and the presence of identical oncogenic somatic mutations in both components supports the concept that at least some of MLAs arise from a Müllerian origin. We report 2 cases of ovarian combined SBT/LGSC and mesonephric-like lesion. Case 1 was a 70-yr-old woman presented with a liver lesion and omental carcinomatosis. Histologic examination revealed biphasic tumors in bilateral ovaries consisting of conventional SBT and invasive MLA with extraovarian spread. The right ovary also had a component of cribriform variant of SBT/noninvasive LGSC. The SBT/LGSC component was diffusely positive for Pax8, WT-1, and ER, focally positive for PR, and negative for GATA3, while the MLA component was diffusely positive for GATA3 but negative for WT-1, ER, and PR. Molecular analysis revealed a KRAS G12V mutation in both the SBT/LGSC and MLA components, indicating their clonal origin. Case 2 was a 58-yr-old woman who presented with conventional type SBT in both ovaries. In addition, the left ovarian tumor demonstrated a few areas (each <5 mm) of mesonephric-like differentiation/hyperplasia in close proximity to the serous-type epithelium, with an immunophenotype of focal GATA3 expression, luminal pattern of CD10 staining and negative WT-1, ER, and PR staining. This phenomenon has been reported in endometrioid borderline tumor but not in any serous type lesions. The findings in case 1 provide further evidence to demonstrate the clonal relationship between these morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct components. It also supports the theory that, unlike cervical mesonephric carcinomas originating from mesonephric remnants, MLAs are derived from a Müllerian-type lesion with differentiation into mesonephric lineage. The presence of a hyperplastic mesonephric-like lesion/differentiation in case 2 indicates that a precursor lesion in the same lineage with the potential to develop into MLA exists in the ovary.

Intraoperative Appearance of Endosalpingiosis: A Single-Center Experience of Laparoscopic Findings and Systematic Review of Literature

Background: Endosalpingiosis is assumed to be the second most common benign peritoneal pathology after endometriosis in women. Although recent studies indicate a significant association with gynecologic malignancies, many underlying principles remain unclear. This work aimed to systematically describe the intraoperative appearance of endosalpingiosis. Methods: Data and intraoperative videos of patients with histologically verified endosalpingiosis were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measures were macroscopic phenotype and anatomical distribution. Additionally, a systematic review searching PubMed (Medline) and Embase was conducted. Results: In the study population (n = 77, mean age 40.2 years (SD 16.4)), the mean size of lesions was 3.6 mm and the main visual pattern was vesicular (62%). The most frequent localization was the sacrouterine ligaments (24.7%). In the systematic review population (n = 1174 (210 included studies overall), mean age 45.7 years (SD 14.4)), there were 99 patients in 90 different studies with adequate data to assess the appearance of the lesions. The mean size of the lesions was 48.5 mm, mainly with a cystic visual pattern (49.5%). The majority of the lesions affected the ovaries (23.2%), fallopian tubes (20.4%), or lymph nodes (18.5%). Comparing this study to the literature population, the main differences concerned the size (p < 0.001) and main visual patterns (p < 0.001) of lesions. Conclusions: The usual intraoperative findings of endosalpingiosis appeared less impressive than described in the literature. In our study population, lesions of a few millimeters in size with a vesicular appearance were mostly seen, most frequently in the sacrouterine ligament area. Intraoperative recognition by the gynecologic surgeon and histologic diagnosis should play an important role in further understanding this entity, scientifically and clinically.

Advancements in Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary and Peritoneum

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is a rare form of epithelial ovarian cancer that generally exhibits a protracted course and is less sensitive to chemotherapy than high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Over the past decade, it has become clear that patients with LGSOC have a clinically distinct course and are molecularly and histologically unique from patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endocrine therapy is frequently used for the treatment of patients with recurrent LGSOC and is now also part of the standard upfront treatment of this disease, with an ongoing phase III clinical trial seeking to determine if chemotherapy can be eliminated altogether from the initial treatment of LGSOC. Tumors are frequently found to exhibit alterations affecting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, recently leading to developments in the use of targeted treatments for those patients with recurrent disease. LGSOC is a clinically, histologically, and molecularly unique form of epithelial ovarian cancer. Recent advances in the understanding of endocrine and molecular drivers of this disease have led to changes in both the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent disease, with ongoing studies focused on refining upfront therapy and seeking novel targeted combinations for those patients with recurrent disease.

Peritoneal Pathology Review: Mullerian, Mucinous and Mesothelial Lesions

This review provides an overview of the pathology of selected benign and malignant lesions of the female peritoneum and their often-encountered differential diagnoses. It includes endometriosis and its related lesions, endosalpingiosis, pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and related ovarian/appendiceal pathology, and malignant and benign mesothelial tumors. The current terminology associated with PMP is also discussed.

Pathologic Classification of Ovarian Cancer

Optimal use of human tissue for research requires an understanding of basic pathologic principles. Given that the physical assessment of tissue must occur as part of standard clinical examination, it cannot be handled directly by investigators unless they are also a part of the care team. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the clinical analytic process, from initial gross handling to histologic examination by light microscopy and the use of ancillary studies, in order to provide context for samples that are used in research and to highlight specific considerations that are relevant for obtaining appropriate tissue for experimental purposes. Given that they comprise >95% of ovarian malignancies, there is an emphasis on epithelial tumors.

Does the "Devil" originate from the fallopian tubes?

Epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is a heterogeneous disease and continues to be mostly diagnosed in advanced stages. The high lethality, the high rate of platinum-resistance, and the poor survival outcomes are the principal factors for categorizing OC among the most aggressive gynecological cancers. Only recently, a substantial progress has been made in our latest understanding of the origins of OC, particularly of high-grade serous histology. For a long time, the accumulation of genetic alterations in epithelial single layer cells of ovarian cysts caused by cyclic ovulations was considered as the most important driver and the long-standing dogma of ovarian tumorigenesis. Besides, the unique biological features and high histological heterogeneity of OC did not support this hypothesis. Indeed, various extra-ovarian cells of origin and multiple sites to each histotype were proposed, supported by cogent evidence from clinical cohorts and animal studies. In light of this enigma, this review was conducted to discuss the recent evidence supporting the revised origins of ovarian carcinoma histotypes with a particular focus on high-grade serous OC which may impact diagnostic and preventive approaches.

Frequent PIK3CA mutations in eutopic endometrium of patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Recent studies have reported cancer-associated mutations in normal endometrium. Mutations in eutopic endometrium may lead to endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. We investigated PIK3CA mutations (PIK3CAm) for three hotspots (E542K, E545K, H1047R) in eutopic endometrium in patients with ovarian cancer and endometriosis from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens by laser-capture microdissection and droplet digital PCR. The presence of PIK3CAm in eutopic endometrial glands with mutant allele frequency ≥ 15% were as follows: ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) with PIK3CAm in tumors, 20/300 hotspots in 11/14 cases; OCCC without PIK3CAm, 42/78 hotspots in 11/12 cases; high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, 8/45 hotspots in 3/5 cases; and endometriotic cysts, 5/63 hotspots in 5/6 cases. These rates were more frequent than in noncancer nonendometriosis controls (7/309 hotspots in 5/17 cases). In OCCC without PIK3CAm, 7/12 (58%) cases showed multiple hotspot mutations in the same eutopic endometrial glands. In 3/54 (5.6%) cases, PIK3CAm was found in eutopic endometrial stroma. Multisampling of the OCCC tumors with PIK3CAm showed intratumor heterogeneity in three of eight cases. In two cases, PIK3CAm was detected in the stromal component of the tumor. Homogenous PIK3CAm in the epithelial component of the tumor matched the mutation in eutopic endometrial glands in only one case. Eutopic endometrial glands in ovarian cancer and endometriosis show high frequency of PIK3CAm that is not consistent with tumors, and multiple hotspot mutations are often found in the same glands. While the mutations identified in eutopic endometrium may not be driver mutations in the patient's cancer, these are still driver mutations but this specific clone has not undergone the requisite steps for the development of cancer.

Paratubal endosalpingiosis: a case report

•

Endosalpingiosis is a rare, benign, challenging and hard-to-diagnose condition.

•

Specific comorbidities may co-exist in patients with endosalpingiosis.

•

Endosalpingiosis can present with abdominal pain and be easily misdiagnosed.

•

Endosalpingiosis can occur at any age but is considerd a disease of older age.

•

Endosalpingiosis is an incidental finding in gynecological procedures.

Introduction

Endosalpingiosis is a rare condition and its pathogenesis and clinical significance are not fully understood. The unfamiliar presentation of this disease can misguide health care professionals. The reports available on this matter describe it as a disease of older age. In the majority of the cases it is an incidental finding in those with other concurrent gynecologic conditions.

Presentation of Case

Here we report the case of a 14-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and no specific past medical history. Imaging and physical examination were highly suggestive of appendicitis. With the initial diagnosis of acute abdomen, she underwent surgery. During the surgery gastrointestinal tract organs were found to be normal and in gynecological examination, the ovaries were normal, however the fallopian tube revealed a twisted paratubal cyst which was removed and sent to the laboratory for further investigation. On the basis of the cellular pathology, tubal like epithelium in the cyst was found and patient diagnosed with endosalpingiosis.

Discussion

We suggest that in our case, the lesion possibly originated from the metaplasia of coelomic membrane into tubal cells. There are studies suggesting that co-occuring diseases should be considered when the diagnosis of endosalpingiosis is established and further studies are needed in regard to this matter.

Conclusion

Endosalpingiosis, although being a rare condition, should be included in our differential diagnosis since co-existing comorbidities are a possibility in patients with endosalpingiosis and can be of great importance.

Prevalence of endosalpingiosis and other benign gynecologic lesions

Endosalpingiosis, traditionally regarded as an incidental pathological finding, was recently reported to have an association with gynecologic malignancies. To determine the prevalence of endosalpingiosis, we evaluated all benign appearing adnexal lesions using the Sectioning and Extensively Examining-Fimbria (SEE-Fim) protocol, and queried the pathology database for the presence of endosalpingiosis, gynecologic malignancy, endometriosis, Walthard nests, and paratubal cysts. Using the SEE-Fim protocol, the prevalence of endosalpingiosis, endometriosis, Walthard nests, and paratubal cysts were 22%, 45%, 33%, and 42% respectively, substantially higher than previously reported. All lesions were observed to increase with age except endometriosis which increased until menopause then decreased dramatically. Among specimens including ovarian tissue, the prevalence of implantation of at least one lesion type was ubiquitous in patients age 51 and older (93%). The clinical significance of endosalpingiosis should be a continued area of research with larger trials assessing prevalence, factors affecting incidence, and association with malignancy. Our findings contribute to elucidating the origin of ectopic lesions and gynecologic disease risk.

BRAFV600E -mutated ovarian serous borderline tumors are at relatively low risk for progression to serous carcinoma

Ovarian serous borderline tumor (SBT) is a known precursor of low-grade serous carcinoma. While most SBTs are cured surgically, some progress to carcinoma and a risk predictor for malignant relapse is needed to ensure vigilant follow-up and additional treatment. Activating mutations in KRAS or BRAF are present in around 60% of SBTs, but their relative impact on progression is unclear. We performed mutational analysis of KRAS and BRAF on 201 SBTs identified from a longitudinal cohort of SBTs after centralized pathology review. Compared to wildtype and KRAS-mutated SBTs, BRAF-mutated group of SBTs were less likely to exhibit micropapillary variant histology (p < 0.0001), were more frequently Stage I (p = 0.0023) and had a lower prevalence of associated endosalpingiosis (p = 0.0069). The histologic feature of diffuse presence of tumor cells with dense eosinophilic cytoplasm, while significantly associated with the BRAF^V600E mutation (p < 0.0001), is 62% sensitive and 93% specific in identifying tumors with this mutation. After adjusting for age and stage, the risk of subsequent serous carcinoma was lower for SBTs harboring BRAF (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08–0.93), but not KRAS (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.45–2.23) mutations, in comparison to wildtype SBTs. This study establishes the potential utility of mutation testing for guiding clinical management of ovarian SBT and underscores the importance of accurate morphologic distinction of micropapillary SBT from SBT with eosinophilic tumor cells, given their disparate prognostic implications.