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Okubo Y, Toda S, Kadoya M, Sato S, Yoshioka E, Hasegawa C, Ono K, Washimi K, Yokose T, Miyagi Y, Masudo K, Iwasaki H, Hayashi H. Clinicopathological analysis of thyroid carcinomas with the RET and NTRK fusion genes: characterization for genetic analysis. Virchows Arch 2024; 485:509-518. [PMID: 38472412 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03777-w] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid carcinomas exhibit various genetic alterations, including the RET and NTRK fusion genes that are targets for molecular therapies. Thus, detecting fusion genes is crucial for devising effective treatment plans. This study characterized the pathological findings associated with these genes to identify the specimens suitable for genetic analysis. Thyroid carcinoma cases positive for the fusion genes were analyzed using the Oncomine Dx Target Test. Clinicopathological data were collected and assessed. Among the 74 patients tested, 8 had RET and 1 had NTRK3 fusion gene. Specifically, of the RET fusion gene cases, 6 exhibited "BRAF-like" atypia and 2 showed "RAS-like" atypia, while the single case with an NTRK3 fusion gene presented "RAS-like" atypia. Apart from one poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, most cases involved papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Primary tumors showed varied structural patterns and exhibited a high proportion of non-papillary structures. Dysmorphic clear cells were frequently observed. BRAF V600E immunoreactivity was negative in all cases. Interestingly, some cases exhibited similarities to diffuse sclerosing variant of PTC characteristics. While calcification in lymph node metastases was mild, primary tumors typically required hydrochloric acid-based decalcification for tissue preparation. This study highlights the benefits of combining morphological and immunohistochemical analyses for gene detection and posits that lymph node metastases are more suitable for genetic analysis owing to their mild calcification. Our results emphasize the importance of accurate sample processing in diagnosing and treating thyroid carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Okubo
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan.
| | - Soji Toda
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Mei Kadoya
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Shinya Sato
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
- Molecular Pathology and Genetics Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2Asahi-Ku, NakaoYokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Emi Yoshioka
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Chie Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Kyoko Ono
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Kota Washimi
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yokose
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Yohei Miyagi
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
- Molecular Pathology and Genetics Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2Asahi-Ku, NakaoYokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Masudo
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Iwasaki
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2, Nakao, Asahi-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, 1-1 Mitsuzawanishimachi, Kanagawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 221-0855, Japan
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Juhlin CC. The road ahead: a brief guide to navigating the 2022 WHO classification of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumours. J Clin Pathol 2024:jcp-2023-209060. [PMID: 38981664 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209060] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The most recent WHO classification of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumours has brought about significant changes in the diagnosis and grading of these lesions. For instance, pathologists now have the ability to stratify subsets of thyroid and adrenal neoplasms using various histological features and composite risk assessment models. Moreover, novel recommendations on how to approach endocrine neoplasia involve additional immunohistochemical analyses, and the recognition and implementation of these key markers is essential for modernising diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, an improved understanding of tumour origin has led to the renaming of several entities, resulting in the emergence of terminology not yet universally recognised. The adjustments in nomenclature and prognostication may pose a challenge for the clinical team, and care providers might be eager to engage in a dialogue with the diagnosing pathologist, as treatment guidelines have not fully caught up with these recent changes. Therefore, it is crucial for a surgical pathologist to be aware of the knowledge behind the implementation of changes in the WHO classification scheme. This review article will delve into the most significant diagnostic and prognostic changes related to lesions in the parathyroid, thyroid, adrenal glands and the gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine system. Additionally, the author will briefly share his personal reflections on the clinical implementation, drawing from a couple of years of experience with these new algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mendes JM, Elsheikh TM, Di Marco J, Russell J, Gladkaya T, Nicolas MM, Clapacs E, Bena JF, McAfee JL, Policarpio-Nicolas MLC. Are there specific cytologic features that can predict BRAF V600E mutational status of papillary thyroid carcinoma in fine-needle aspiration specimens? Diagn Cytopathol 2024; 52:295-302. [PMID: 38372437 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25290] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRAFV600E mutation is the most common molecular alteration found in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and has been linked to recurrent disease or possibly more aggressive behavior. Some studies have reported sickle-shaped nuclei (SSN) and plump pink cells (PPC) to be predictive markers of BRAF mutation in FNA cytology. We aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of the aforementioned cytologic features. METHODS A computerized search for diagnosed PTC surgical pathology cases tested for BRAFV600E mutation by Sanger DNA sequencing was performed. Blinded to BRAF results, the corresponding cytology was reviewed for presence of SSN and PPC. Classic nuclear PTC (CNPTC) features, cystic change, and psammoma bodies were also evaluated. The results were correlated with BRAFV600E mutational status and histologic subtypes. RESULTS Study cohort consisted of 113 cases (74 BRAFV600E mutated, 39 BRAFV600E wild type). SSN and combined CNPTC /SSN had positive predictive value of 74% and 75%, respectively. CNPTC showed 92% sensitivity and 20% specificity. Psammoma bodies had 92% specificity and 5% sensitivity. The presence of combined PPC/SSN showed 80% specificity, 27% sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy of 45%. CNPTC was seen in 60/61 (98%) SSN and 45/45 (100%) PPC. There was no significant statistical association between SSN, PPC, and CNPTC with specific histologic subtypes and BRAF mutational status. CONCLUSION CNPTC is sensitive but not specific for BRAF mutational status. SSN, PPC, and CNPTC are not predictive markers for the presence of BRAF mutation or histologic subtypes. Additional studies may be needed to further corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann M Mendes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tarik M Elsheikh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica Di Marco
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer Russell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tatyana Gladkaya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marlo M Nicolas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Elisha Clapacs
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - James F Bena
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - John L McAfee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Shih KP, Lee YC, Tsai JJ, Lin SH, Liu CY, Li WS, Li CF, Hang JF. Clinicopathologic Features and Cytologic Correlation of ALK-Rearranged Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Series of Eight Cases. Endocr Pathol 2024; 35:134-146. [PMID: 38642308 PMCID: PMC11176248 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-024-09808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions are rare in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but may serve as a therapeutic target. This study aims to evaluate the preoperative cytologic findings and clinicopathologic features of a series of eight ALK-rearranged PTCs from our pathology archives and consultations. All cases were confirmed by ALK D5F3 immunohistochemistry and six with additional targeted RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). The original fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology diagnosis included the Bethesda System (TBS) category II in three (37.5%), TBS III in two (25%), TBS V in two (25%), and TBS VI in one (12.5%). Six cases had available FNA cytology and were reviewed. The cytologic features showed microfollicular architecture as well as limited or reduced nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations in all six. Nuclear grooves and pseudoinclusions were absent in two cases, rarely or focally noted in three, and frequently found in one. Two cases initially diagnosed as TBS II, showing microfollicular architecture without well-developed nuclear features, were revised to TBS III (with architectural atypia only). For histologic correlations, four were infiltrative follicular variant PTCs, three as classic subtype PTC with predominant follicular growth, and one as solid/trabecular subtype PTC. All eight cases demonstrated reduced PTC nuclear features with respect to nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations compared to those typically identified in "BRAF-like" PTCs. The NGS testing revealed EML4::ALK fusion in three, STRN::ALK fusion in two, and ITSN2::ALK fusion in one. In conclusion, although ALK-rearranged PTCs have been associated with neutral gene expression profile from a BRAF-RAS scoring perspective, the "RAS-like" nuclear features were more commonly identified in this series, resulting in frequent indeterminate diagnosis of preoperative FNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Ping Shih
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Shipai Rd, No. 201, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Lee
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Jiun Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hui Lin
- Department of Pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yi Liu
- Division of Pathology, Sijhih Cathay General Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Shan Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Technology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Shipai Rd, No. 201, Sec. 2, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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5
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Kim C, Agarwal S, Bychkov A, Hang JF, Harahap AS, Hirokawa M, Kakudo K, Keelawat S, Liu CY, Liu Z, Nguyen TPX, Rana C, Vuong HG, Zhu Y, Jung CK. Differentiating BRAF V600E- and RAS-like alterations in encapsulated follicular patterned tumors through histologic features: a validation study. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:645-656. [PMID: 38366204 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Differentiating BRAF V600E- and RAS-altered encapsulated follicular-patterned thyroid tumors based on morphology remains challenging. This study aimed to validate an 8-score scale nuclear scoring system and investigate the importance of nuclear pseudoinclusions (NPIs) in aiding this differentiation. A cohort of 44 encapsulated follicular-patterned tumors with varying degrees of nuclear atypia and confirmed BRAF V600E or RAS alterations was studied. Nuclear parameters (area, diameter, and optical density) were analyzed using a deep learning model. Twelve pathologists from eight Asian countries visually assessed 22 cases after excluding the cases with any papillae. Eight nuclear features were applied, yielding a semi-quantitative score from 0 to 24. A threshold score of 14 was used to distinguish between RAS- and BRAF V600E-altered tumors. BRAF V600E-altered tumors typically demonstrated higher nuclear scores and notable morphometric alterations. Specifically, the nuclear area and diameter were significantly larger, and nuclear optical density was much lower compared to RAS-altered tumors. Observer accuracy varied, with two pathologists correctly identifying genotype of all cases. Observers were categorized into proficiency groups, with the highest group maintaining consistent accuracy across both evaluation methods. The lower group showed a significant improvement in accuracy upon utilizing the 8-score scale nuclear scoring system, with notably increased sensitivity and negative predictive value in BRAF V600E tumor detection. BRAF V600E-altered tumors had higher median total nuclear scores. Detailed reevaluation revealed NPIs in all BRAF V600E-altered cases, but in only 2 of 14 RAS-altered cases. These results could significantly assist pathologists, particularly those not specializing in thyroid pathology, in making a more accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chankyung Kim
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shipra Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa City, Chiba 296-8602, Japan
| | - Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Agnes Stephanie Harahap
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Thyroid Disease Center, Izumi City General Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Somboon Keelawat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chih-Yi Liu
- Division of Pathology, Sijhih Cathay General Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Chanchal Rana
- Department of Pathology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Huy Gia Vuong
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- College of Medicine, Cancer Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Chou A, Qiu MR, Crayton H, Wang B, Ahadi MS, Turchini J, Clarkson A, Sioson L, Sheen A, Singh N, Clifton-Bligh RJ, Robinson BG, Gild ML, Tsang V, Leong D, Sidhu SB, Sywak M, Delbridge L, Aniss A, Wright D, Graf N, Kumar A, Rathi V, Benitez-Aguirre P, Glover AR, Gill AJ. A Detailed Histologic and Molecular Assessment of the Diffuse Sclerosing Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100329. [PMID: 37716505 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse sclerosing variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (DS-PTC) is characterized clinically by a predilection for children and young adults, bulky neck nodes, and pulmonary metastases. Previous studies have suggested infrequent BRAFV600E mutation but common RET gene rearrangements. Using strict criteria, we studied 43 DS-PTCs (1.9% of unselected PTCs in our unit). Seventy-nine percent harbored pathogenic gene rearrangements involving RET, NTRK3, NTRK1, ALK, or BRAF; with the remainder driven by BRAFV600E mutations. All 10 pediatric cases were all gene rearranged (P = .02). Compared with BRAFV600E-mutated tumors, gene rearrangement was characterized by psammoma bodies involving the entire lobe (P = .038), follicular predominant or mixed follicular architecture (P = .003), pulmonary metastases (24% vs none, P = .04), and absent classical, so-called "BRAF-like" atypia (P = .014). There was no correlation between the presence of gene rearrangement and recurrence-free survival. Features associated with persistent/recurrent disease included pediatric population (P = .030), gene-rearranged tumors (P = .020), microscopic extrathyroidal extension (P = .009), metastases at presentation (P = .007), and stage II disease (P = .015). We conclude that DS-PTC represents 1.9% of papillary thyroid carcinomas and that actionable gene rearrangements are extremely common in DS-PTC. DS-PTC can be divided into 2 distinct molecular subtypes and all BRAFV600E-negative tumors (1.5% of papillary thyroid carcinomas) are driven by potentially actionable oncogenic fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chou
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Min Ru Qiu
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, SydPATH, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; University of NSW, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Crayton
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, SydPATH, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mahsa S Ahadi
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Turchini
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology (A Sonic Healthcare Practice), Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Pathology, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adele Clarkson
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Loretta Sioson
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy Sheen
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nisha Singh
- NSW Health Pathology, Cytogenetics Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roderick J Clifton-Bligh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce G Robinson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matti L Gild
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Venessa Tsang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Leong
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stanley B Sidhu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Sywak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leigh Delbridge
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ahmad Aniss
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale Wright
- Cytogenetics Department, Sydney Genome Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Specialty of Genome Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Graf
- Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amit Kumar
- Diagnostic Genomics, Monash Health Pathology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vivek Rathi
- LifeStrands Genomics, Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Benitez-Aguirre
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony R Glover
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Gill
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
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7
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Turchini J, Fuchs TL, Chou A, Sioson L, Clarkson A, Sheen A, Delbridge L, Glover A, Sywak M, Sidhu S, Gill AJ. A Critical Assessment of Diagnostic Criteria for the Tall Cell Subtype of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma-How Much? How Tall? And When Is It Relevant? Endocr Pathol 2023; 34:461-470. [PMID: 37864666 PMCID: PMC10733200 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09788-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Tall cell papillary thyroid carcinoma (TC-PTC) is considered adverse histology. However, previous studies are confounded by inconsistent criteria and strong associations with other adverse features. It is therefore still unclear if TC-PTC represents an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis and, if it does, what criteria should be employed for the diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed 487 PTCs from our institution (where we have historically avoided the prospective diagnosis of TC-PTC) for both the height of tall cells (that is if the cells were two, or three, times as tall as wide) and the percentage of tall cells. On univariate analysis, there was significantly better disease free survival (DFS) in PTCs with no significant tall cell component (< 30%) compared to PTCs with cells two times tall as wide (p = 0.005). The proportion of tall cells (30-50% and > 50%) was significantly associated with DFS (p = 0.012). In a multivariate model including age, size, vascular space invasion, and lymph node metastasis, the current WHO tall cell criteria, met by 7.8% of PTCs, lacked statistical significance for DFS (p = 0.519). However, in the subset of tumours otherwise similar to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines low-risk category, WHO TC-PTC demonstrated a highly significant reduction in DFS (p = 0.004). In contrast, in intermediate to high-risk tumours, TC-PTC by WHO criteria lacked statistical significance (p = 0.384). We conclude that it may be simplistic to think of tall cell features as being present or absent, as both the height of the cells (two times versus three times) and the percentage of cells that are tall have different clinical significances in different contexts. Most importantly, the primary clinical significance of TC-PTC is restricted to PTCs that are otherwise low risk by ATA guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Turchini
- Anatomical Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113, Australia.
- Discipline of Pathology, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
| | - Talia L Fuchs
- Anatomical Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Angela Chou
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Loretta Sioson
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Adele Clarkson
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Amy Sheen
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Leigh Delbridge
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Anthony Glover
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Mark Sywak
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Stan Sidhu
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
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Rossi ED, Pantanowitz L. Typical "BRAFV600E-Like" Atypia in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Morphologic Sign of a Driver Mutation. Endocr Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12022-023-09765-1. [PMID: 37083883 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico "Agostino Gemelli"-IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Jasmine F, Aschebrook-Kilfoy B, Rahman MM, Zaagman G, Grogan RH, Kamal M, Ahsan H, Kibriya MG. Association of DNA Promoter Methylation and BRAF Mutation in Thyroid Cancer. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:2978-2996. [PMID: 36975440 PMCID: PMC10047424 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30030227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The BRAF V600E mutation and DNA promoter methylation play important roles in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer (TC). However, the association of these genetic and epigenetic alterations is not clear. In this study, using paired tumor and surrounding normal tissue from the same patients, on a genome-wide scale we tried to identify (a) any association between BRAF mutation and DNA promoter methylation, and (b) if the molecular findings may provide a basis for therapeutic intervention. We included 40 patients with TC (female = 28, male = 12) without distant metastasis. BRAF mutation was present in 18 cases. We identified groups of differentially methylated loci (DML) that are found in (a) both BRAF mutant and wild type, (b) only in BRAF mutant tumors, and (c) only in BRAF wild type. BRAF mutation-specific promoter loci were more frequently hypomethylated, whereas BRAF wild-type-specific loci were more frequently hypermethylated. Common DML were enriched in cancer-related pathways, including the mismatch repair pathway and Wnt-signaling pathway. Wild-type-specific DML were enriched in RAS signaling. Methylation status of checkpoint signaling genes, as well as the T-cell inflamed genes, indicated an opportunity for the potential use of PDL1 inhibitors in BRAF mutant TC. Our study shows an association between BRAF mutation and methylation in TC that may have biological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Jasmine
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Briseis Aschebrook-Kilfoy
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mohammad M. Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Garrett Zaagman
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Raymon H. Grogan
- Department of Surgery, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mohammed Kamal
- Department of Pathology, The Laboratory, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Muhammad G. Kibriya
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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