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Hamad J, Shaw B, Kohen L, Linos K, Friedman BJ. Sclerosing melanocytic tumors with MAP2K1 in-frame deletions and copy number gains in 15q: A distinctive pathway of nevogenesis. J Cutan Pathol 2024; 51:284-287. [PMID: 38149342 PMCID: PMC10922240 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Hamad
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - B Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - L Kohen
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - K Linos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - B J Friedman
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Chatzopoulos K, Syrnioti A, Linos K. Spitz Melanocytic Tumors: A Fascinating 75-Year Journey. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:195. [PMID: 38397186 PMCID: PMC10887813 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last 75 years, our understanding of Spitz lesions has undergone substantial evolution. Initially considered a specific type of melanoma, the perception has shifted towards recognizing Spitz lesions as a spectrum comprising Spitz nevi, Spitz melanocytomas, and Spitz melanomas. Spitz lesions are known for posing a significant diagnostic challenge regarding the distinction between benign neoplasms displaying atypical traits and melanomas. A comprehensive understanding of their molecular basis and genomic aberrations has significantly improved precision in classifying and diagnosing these challenging lesions. The primary aim of this review is to encapsulate the current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and distinct clinicopathologic characteristics defining this intriguing set of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Chatzopoulos
- Department of Pathology, Aristotle University, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonia Syrnioti
- Department of Pathology, Aristotle University, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Linos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Urso C. Spitz Tumors and Melanoma in the Genomic Age: A Retrospective Look at Ackerman's Conundrum. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5834. [PMID: 38136379 PMCID: PMC10741987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
After 25 years, "Ackerman's conundrum", namely, the distinction of benign from malignant Spitz neoplasms, remains challenging. Genomic studies have shown that most Spitz tumors harbor tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase fusions, including ALK, ROS1, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, BRAF and MAP3K8, or some mutations, such as HRAS and MAP3K8. These chromosomal abnormalities act as drivers, initiating the oncogenetic process and conferring basic bio-morphological features. Most Spitz tumors show no additional genomic alterations or few ones; others harbor a variable number of mutations, capable of conferring characteristics related to clinical behavior, including CDKN2A deletion and TERT-p mutation. Since the accumulation of mutations is gradual and progressive, tumors appear to form a bio-morphologic spectrum, in which they show a progressive increase of clinical risk and histological atypia. In this context, a binary classification Spitz nevus-melanoma appears as no longer adequate, not corresponding to the real genomic substrate of lesions. A ternary classification Spitz nevus-Spitz melanocytoma-Spitz melanoma is more adherent to the real neoplastic pathway, but some cases with intermediate ambiguous features remain difficult to diagnose. A prognostic stratification of Spitz tumors, based on the morphologic and genomic characteristics, as a complement to the diagnosis, may contribute to better treatment plans for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Urso
- Dermatopathology Study Center of Florence, I-50129 Florence, Italy
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Fumero-Velázquez M, Hagstrom M, Dhillon S, Geraminejad T, Olivares S, Donati M, Nosek D, Waldenbäck P, Kazakov D, Sheffield BS, Tron VA, Gerami P. Clinical, Morphologic, and Molecular Features of Benign and Intermediate-grade Melanocytic Tumors With Activating Mutations in MAP2K1. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:1438-1448. [PMID: 37773074 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations in MAP2K1 can be seen in benign and intermediate-grade melanocytic neoplasms with spitzoid morphology. We analyzed the clinical, histopathologic, and genetic features for 16 cases of benign and intermediate-grade melanocytic tumors harboring activating MAP2K1 mutations. We compared them to Spitz neoplasms with characteristic Spitz fusions or HRAS mutation. We also compared the mutational pattern of benign and intermediate-grade MAP2K1 -mutated neoplasms and melanomas with activating MAP2K1 mutations. Among the 16 cases, the favored morphologic diagnosis was Spitz nevus (8/16), atypical Spitz tumors (6/16), and deep penetrating nevus (2/16). The 2 most common architectural patterns seen included a plaque-like silhouette with fibroplasia around the rete reminiscent of a dysplastic nevus (n=7) or a wedge-shaped or nodular pattern with the plexiform arrangement of the nests aggregating around the adnexa or neurovascular bundle (n=8). The cases with dysplastic architecture and spitzoid cytology resembled dysplastic Spitz nevi. Compared with true Spitz neoplasms, MAP2K1 -mutated neoplasms occurred in older age groups and had more frequent pagetosis and a lower average mitotic count. The most common type of mutation in the benign and intermediate-grade cases in the literature involves an in-frame deletion, while, in melanomas, missense mutations are predominant. Benign and intermediate-grade melanocytic neoplasms with activating mutations in MAP2K1 can have morphologic overlap with Spitz neoplasms. A significant proportion of melanomas also have activating MAP2K1 mutations. In-frame deletions are predominantly seen in the benign and intermediate-grade cases, and missense mutations are predominantly seen in melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Fumero-Velázquez
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael Hagstrom
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Soneet Dhillon
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Tara Geraminejad
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Michele Donati
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Nosek
- Department of Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Dmitry Kazakov
- Institute for Dermatohistopathology, Pathology Institute Enge, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Victor A Tron
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lifelabs LP, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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Hagstrom M, Dhillon S, Fumero-Velázquez M, Olivares S, Gerami P. A reappraisal of the epidemiology of Spitz neoplasms in the molecular era: A retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:1185-1191. [PMID: 37567480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that Spitz neoplasms occur primarily in younger patients, leading pathologists to shy away from diagnosing a benign Spitz neoplasm in the elderly. With the advent of genomic sequencing, there is a need for reappraisal of the epidemiology of Spitz neoplasms in the modern molecular era. OBJECTIVE We aim to reassess the epidemiology of Spitz neoplasms incorporating next-generation sequencing. METHODS We looked at 53,814 non-Spitz neoplasms and 1260 Spitz neoplasms including 286 Spitz neoplasms with next-generation sequencing testing and collected various epidemiologic data. RESULTS In our general pool of cases, the proportion of Spitz neoplasm cases occurring is relatively the same in each of the first 4 decades of life with a precipitous drop in the fifth decade. In assessing a group of genomically verified cases of Spitz neoplasms, the drop was much less significant and up to 20% of all Spitz neoplasm cases occurred in patients over 50 years of age. LIMITATIONS Limitations included the number of genetically verified Spitz neoplasm cases available and a possible bias as to which cases undergo genomic testing. CONCLUSION Genomic verification may allow more confident diagnosis of Spitz neoplasms in patients over 50 years of age and avoid melanoma overdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hagstrom
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Soneet Dhillon
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Mónica Fumero-Velázquez
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
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Hagstrom M, Fumero-Velázquez M, Dhillon S, Olivares S, Gerami P. An update on genomic aberrations in Spitz naevi and tumours. Pathology 2023; 55:196-205. [PMID: 36631338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spitz neoplasms continue to be a diagnostic challenge for dermatopathologists and are defined by distinctive morphological and genetic features. With the recent advancements in genomic sequencing, the classification, diagnosis, and prognostication of these tumours have greatly improved. Several subtypes of Spitz neoplasms have been identified based on their specific genomic aberrations, which often correlate with distinctive morphologies and biological behaviour. These genetic driver events can be classified into four major groups, including: (1) mutations [HRAS mutations (with or without 11p amplification) and 6q23 deletions]; (2) tyrosine kinase fusions (ROS1, ALK, NTRK1-3, MET and RET); (3) serine/threonine kinase fusions and mutations (BRAF, MAP3K8, and MAP2K1); and (4) other rare genomic aberrations. These driver genomic events are hypothesised to enable the initial proliferation of melanocytes and are often accompanied by additional genomic aberrations that affect biological behaviour. The discovery of theses genomic fusions has allowed for a more objective definition of a Spitz neoplasm. Further studies have shown that the majority of morphologically Spitzoid appearing melanocytic neoplasms with aggressive behaviour are in fact BRAF or NRAS mutated tumours mimicking Spitz. Truly malignant fusion driven Spitz neoplasms may occur but are relatively uncommon, and biomarkers such as homozygous 9p21 (CDKN2A) deletions or TERT-p mutations can have some prognostic value in such cases. In this review, we discuss the importance and various methods of identifying Spitz associated genomic fusions to help provide more definitive classification. We also discuss characteristic features of the various fusion subtypes as well as prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hagstrom
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mónica Fumero-Velázquez
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Soneet Dhillon
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Cheng TW, Ahern MC, Giubellino A. The Spectrum of Spitz Melanocytic Lesions: From Morphologic Diagnosis to Molecular Classification. Front Oncol 2022; 12:889223. [PMID: 35747831 PMCID: PMC9209745 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.889223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spitz tumors represent a distinct subtype of melanocytic lesions with characteristic histopathologic features, some of which are overlapping with melanoma. More common in the pediatric and younger population, they can be clinically suspected by recognizing specific patterns on dermatoscopic examination, and several subtypes have been described. We now classify these lesions into benign Spitz nevi, intermediate lesions identified as “atypical Spitz tumors” (or Spitz melanocytoma) and malignant Spitz melanoma. More recently a large body of work has uncovered the molecular underpinning of Spitz tumors, including mutations in the HRAS gene and several gene fusions involving several protein kinases. Here we present an overarching view of our current knowledge and understanding of Spitz tumors, detailing clinical, histopathological and molecular features characteristic of these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W. Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Madeline C. Ahern
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alessio Giubellino
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Alessio Giubellino,
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Conceptual Evolution and Current Approach to Spitz Tumors. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2022; 9:136-142. [PMID: 35645228 PMCID: PMC9149815 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology9020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, the study of Spitz neoplasms has flourished, with expanded conceptualization and refined terminology, providing a framework for the assessment and classification of Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz Tumors, and Spitz melanoma. Cancer genomics have generated concepts such as driver and passenger genes and clonal evolution, which can be applied to Spitz tumors. Herein, we provide a historical perspective, followed by a summary of current knowledge and clinical approaches for these challenging tumors.
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Dal Pozzo CA, Cappellesso R. The Morpho-Molecular Landscape of Spitz Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084211. [PMID: 35457030 PMCID: PMC9030540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spitz neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of melanocytic proliferations with a great variability in the histological characteristics and in the biological behavior. Thanks to recent discoveries, the morpho-molecular landscape of Spitz lineage is becoming clearer, with the identification of subtypes with recurrent features thus providing the basis for a more solid and precise tumor classification. Indeed, specific mutually exclusive driver molecular events, namely HRAS or MAP2K1 mutations, copy number gains of 11p, and fusions involving ALK, ROS, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, MET, RET, MAP3K8, and BRAF genes, correlate with distinctive histological features. The accumulation of further molecular aberrations, instead, promotes the increasing malignant transformation of Spitz neoplasms. Thus, the detection of a driver genetic alteration can be achieved using the appropriate diagnostic tests chosen according to the histological characteristics of the lesion. This allows the recognition of subtypes with aggressive behavior requiring further molecular investigations. This review provides an update on the morpho-molecular correlations in Spitz neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Dal Pozzo
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy;
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, University Hospital of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8217962
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Goto K, Pissaloux D, Tirode F, de la Fouchardière A. Spitz nevus with a novel TFG-NTRK2 fusion: The first case report of NTRK2-rearranged Spitz/Reed nevus. J Cutan Pathol 2021; 48:1193-1196. [PMID: 33979462 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fusions of ALK, ROS1, NTRK1, NTRK3, RET, MET, MERTK, FGFR1, ERBB4, LCK, BRAF, MAP3K8, MAP3K3, and PRKDC and mutation of HRAS have so far been discovered as the genetic alterations associated with the pathogenesis of Spitz neoplasms. This report presents the first case of NTRK2-rearranged Spitz/Reed nevus. The patient was a 39-year-old male with a pigmented macule rapidly growing on his shoulder. Histopathologically, the lesion was a junctional melanocytic nevus composed of large nests of spindled melanocytes with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm associated with a hyperplastic epidermis. These findings fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of a pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed (variant of Spitz nevus). Immunohistochemistry for pan-Trk revealed diffuse cytoplasmic positivity in the tumor cells, but immunoexpression of ALK, ROS1, and BRAF V600E was not seen. A novel, in-frame, TFG-NTRK2 fusion was identified by RNA sequencing. This case report expands the list of genetic alterations in Spitz neoplasms and the spectrum of NTRK2-rearranged tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Goto
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Itabashi Central Clinical Laboratory, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital, Sunto, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Tirode
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Arnaud de la Fouchardière
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon, France
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