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Guo S, Hu X, Cotton JL, Ma L, Li Q, Cui J, Wang Y, Thakare RP, Tao Z, Ip YT, Wu X, Wang J, Mao J. VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusion proteins drive YAP/TAZ-independent transcription and tumorigenesis by engaging p300. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592016. [PMID: 38746415 PMCID: PMC11092657 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Studies on Hippo pathway regulation of tumorigenesis largely center on YAP and TAZ, the transcriptional co-regulators of TEAD. Here, we present an oncogenic mechanism involving VGLL and TEAD fusions that is Hippo pathway-related but YAP/TAZ-independent. We characterize two recurrent fusions, VGLL2-NCOA2 and TEAD1-NCOA2, recently identified in spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. We demonstrate that, in contrast to VGLL2 and TEAD1, the fusion proteins are strong activators of TEAD-dependent transcription, and their function does not require YAP/TAZ. Furthermore, we identify that VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusions engage specific epigenetic regulation by recruiting histone acetyltransferase p300 to control TEAD-mediated transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes. We showed that small molecule p300 inhibition can suppress fusion proteins-induced oncogenic transformation both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study reveals a molecular basis for VGLL involvement in cancer and provides a framework for targeting tumors carrying VGLL, TEAD, or NCOA translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Xiaodi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Cotton
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Lifang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiangtao Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Ritesh P. Thakare
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Y. Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
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2
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Segovia D, Tepes PS. p160 nuclear receptor coactivator family members and their role in rare fusion‑driven neoplasms (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:210. [PMID: 38572059 PMCID: PMC10988192 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene fusions with translocations involving nuclear receptor coactivators (NCoAs) are relatively common among fusion-driven malignancies. NCoAs are essential mediators of environmental cues and can modulate the transcription of downstream target genes upon binding to activated nuclear receptors. Therefore, fusion proteins containing NCoAs can become strong oncogenic drivers, affecting the cell transcriptional profile. These tumors show a strong dependency on the fusion oncogene; therefore, the direct pharmacological targeting of the fusion protein becomes an attractive strategy for therapy. Currently, different combinations of chemotherapy regimens are used to treat a variety of NCoA-fusion-driven tumors, but given the frequent tumor reoccurrence, more efficient treatment strategies are needed. Specific approaches directed towards inhibition or silencing of the fusion gene need to be developed while minimizing the interference with the original genes. This review highlights the relevant literature describing the normal function and structure of NCoAs and their oncogenic activity in NCoA-gene fusion-driven cancers, and explores potential strategies that could be effective in targeting these fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Segovia
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Polona Safaric Tepes
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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Fang Z, Duan C, Wang S, Fu L, Yang P, Yu T, Deel MD, Lau LMS, Ma X, Ni X, Su Y. Pediatric spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma with FUS-TFCP2 fusion: a case report and literature review. Transl Pediatr 2024; 13:178-191. [PMID: 38323177 PMCID: PMC10839277 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background FUS-TFCP2 gene fusion is a recently identified and highly distinct molecular subtype of spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), with fewer than 40 cases being reported to date. Due to its low incidence, clinical studies on this subtype are limited. Here, we report a new case of this rare entity to describe and summarize its unique clinical characteristics and treatment process, aiming to emphasize the importance of molecular testing for spindle cell/sclerosing RMS and increase the understanding of this subtype. By summarizing and comparing with previous reports on RMS with the EWSR1/FUS-TFCP2 fusion mutation, we hope to make some new hints for its management. Case Description In this report, we describe a rare case of spindle cell/sclerosing RMS in a 13-year-old boy, who had a massive destructive lesion involving the mandible. Next-generation sequencing of tumor tissue revealing a FUS-TFCP2 fusion. The tumor was extremely aggressive and showed resistance to polychemotherapy, after 4 cycles of multi drug combined chemotherapy, the primary tumor still continued to grow, and suspicious chest metastasis occurred. Even after aggressive total resection of the primary tumor and postoperative chemotherapy, systemic metastasis to the vertebra and chest could not be prevented yet, ultimately with a fatal outcome within 6 months. We additionally summarize 37 cases of RMS with the EWSR1/FUS-TFCP2 fusion mutation reported in the literature. This subtype was found to be almost exclusively primary in bone and histologically showed a common origin of epithelium and muscle. The high aggressiveness made the conventional standard chemoradiotherapy ineffective. Because most tumors of this subtype express ALK protein, ALK inhibitors seem to be a new target for its therapy. Conclusions Spindle cell/sclerosing RMS with FUS-TFCP2 fusion has its unique clinical characteristics and progression. It shows a marked skeletal predilection and an aggressive clinical course, typically resistant to traditional standard treatments for RMS. Therefore, molecular detection is crucial in managing this subtype. Once the diagnosis is clear, a more aggressive treatment plan is needed. In addition, almost all cases were found to have a positive expression of ALK. So ALK inhibitors can be a choice of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishi Fang
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Duan
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Shengcai Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Disease of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing, China
| | - Libing Fu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyi Yang
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
| | - Michael D. Deel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Loretta M. S. Lau
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Disease of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Su
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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4
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Smith BF, Doung YC, Beckett B, Corless CL, Davis LE, Davis JL. Intraosseous Spindle Cell Rhabdomyosarcoma with MEIS1:: NCOA2 Fusion - Case Report with Substantial Clinical Follow-up and Review of the Literature. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:704-712. [PMID: 37668330 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2255668] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (SSRMS) is a clinicopathologically and molecularly heterogeneous disease. Gene fusions have been identified in intraosseous SSRMS, consisting predominantly of EWSR1/FUS::TFCP2 and MEIS1::NCOA2. The former often follow an aggressive clinical course; there is limited clinical follow-up available for the latter. We report here a new case of the very rare intraosseous SSRMS with MEIS1::NCOA2 gene fusion and include the detailed treatment course and 52 months of clinical follow-up. SSRMS with MEIS1::NCOA2 gene fusion appears biologically distinct from other intraosseous SSRMS, following a course characterized by local recurrence with rare reports of metastasis to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yee-Cheen Doung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Brooke Beckett
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher L Corless
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Diagnostic Laboratories, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lara E Davis
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jessica L Davis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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5
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Agaimy A, Franchi A. [Special mesenchymal neoplasms of the head and neck: Update from the 2022 WHO]. PATHOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00292-023-01203-7. [PMID: 37286852 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-023-01203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Similar to the approach adopted in the classification of tumors in other organs, a new feature of the current Word Health Organization (WHO) classification of the head and neck tumors is the exclusion of soft tissue tumors from single organs and their inclusion in a separate chapter devoted to them. This applies to tumors that are principally ubiquitous but show a predilection for the head and neck sites. The only exception to this rule represents those entities that are almost restricted to a specific head and neck site/organ (such as nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, sinonasal glomangiopericytoma, and biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma), which remain in their respective organ chapters. Included among soft tissue tumors are some old but still underrecognized entities, such as phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors, and newly defined entities, such as GLI1-altered tumors. The aim of including these entities is to enhance recognition of these uncommon but likely under-recognized entities to better characterize them in the future. This review summarizes the main features of these rare entities and discusses their differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstr. 8-10, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
| | - Alessandro Franchi
- Abteilung für translationale Forschung und neue Technologien in Medizin und Chirurgie, Universität Pisa, Pisa, Italien
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6
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Pomella S, Danielli SG, Alaggio R, Breunis WB, Hamed E, Selfe J, Wachtel M, Walters ZS, Schäfer BW, Rota R, Shipley JM, Hettmer S. Genomic and Epigenetic Changes Drive Aberrant Skeletal Muscle Differentiation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2823. [PMID: 37345159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, represents an aberrant form of skeletal muscle differentiation. Both skeletal muscle development, as well as regeneration of adult skeletal muscle are governed by members of the myogenic family of regulatory transcription factors (MRFs), which are deployed in a highly controlled, multi-step, bidirectional process. Many aspects of this complex process are deregulated in RMS and contribute to tumorigenesis. Interconnected loops of super-enhancers, called core regulatory circuitries (CRCs), define aberrant muscle differentiation in RMS cells. The transcriptional regulation of MRF expression/activity takes a central role in the CRCs active in skeletal muscle and RMS. In PAX3::FOXO1 fusion-positive (PF+) RMS, CRCs maintain expression of the disease-driving fusion oncogene. Recent single-cell studies have revealed hierarchically organized subsets of cells within the RMS cell pool, which recapitulate developmental myogenesis and appear to drive malignancy. There is a large interest in exploiting the causes of aberrant muscle development in RMS to allow for terminal differentiation as a therapeutic strategy, for example, by interrupting MEK/ERK signaling or by interfering with the epigenetic machinery controlling CRCs. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS, as it provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of RMS malignancy, its remarkable phenotypic diversity and, ultimately, opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara G Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Willemijn B Breunis
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ebrahem Hamed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zoe S Walters
- Translational Epigenomics Team, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University Medical Center Freiburg, 790106 Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Yan AP, Venkatramani R, Bradley JA, Lautz TB, Urla CI, Merks JHM, Oberoi S. Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Considerations, and Outcomes of Infants with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082296. [PMID: 37190224 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082296] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
RMS most commonly presents in children and adolescents, however a subset of tumors are diagnosed in infants under one year of age. Due to the rarity of infant RMS, utilization of different treatment approaches and goals, and small sample sizes, the published studies of infants with RMS have yielded heterogeneous results. In this review, we discuss the outcomes of infants with RMS treated in various clinical trials and the strategies that various international cooperative groups have employed to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to treatment without compromising the overall survival of this population. This review discusses the unique scenarios of diagnosing and managing congenitals or neonatal RMS, spindle cell RMS and relapsed RMS. This review concludes by exploring novel approaches to diagnosis and management of infants with RMS that are currently being studied by various international cooperative groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Yan
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1R1, Canada
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julie A Bradley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL 33024, USA
| | - Timothy B Lautz
- Department of Surgery, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60208, USA
| | - Cristian I Urla
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes H M Merks
- Princess Ma'xima Center for Paediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Imaging and Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0A1, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
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8
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Genetic Alterations and Deregulation of Hippo Pathway as a Pathogenetic Mechanism in Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246211. [PMID: 36551696 PMCID: PMC9776600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved modulator of developmental biology with a key role in tissue and organ size regulation under homeostatic conditions. Like other signaling pathways with a significant role in embryonic development, the deregulation of Hippo signaling contributes to oncogenesis. Central to the Hippo pathway is a conserved cascade of adaptor proteins and inhibitory kinases that converge and regulate the activity of the oncoproteins YAP and TAZ, the final transducers of the pathway. Elevated levels and aberrant activation of YAP and TAZ have been described in many cancers. Though most of the studies describe their pervasive activation in epithelial neoplasms, there is increasing evidence pointing out its relevance in mesenchymal malignancies as well. Interestingly, somatic or germline mutations in genes of the Hippo pathway are scarce compared to other signaling pathways that are frequently disrupted in cancer. However, in the case of sarcomas, several examples of genetic alteration of Hippo members, including gene fusions, have been described during the last few years. Here, we review the current knowledge of Hippo pathway implication in sarcoma, describing mechanistic hints recently reported in specific histological entities and how these alterations represent an opportunity for targeted therapy in this heterogeneous group of neoplasm.
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9
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Bisogno G, Fuchs J, Dasgupta R, Ferrari A, Haduong JH, Rogers T, Walterhouse DO, Coppadoro B, Xue W, Vokuhl C, Hawkins DS, Seitz G, Merks JHM, Sparber-Sauer M, Venkatramani R. Patients with completely resected nongenitourinary low-risk embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma are candidates for reduced duration low-intensity chemotherapy. Cancer 2022; 128:4150-4156. [PMID: 36250420 PMCID: PMC10548874 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34497] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The survival of patients with localized embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) completely resected at diagnosis is greater than 90%. Most patients have paratesticular, uterine, or vaginal RMS, limiting specific analyses of RMS localized in other anatomic regions. This international study was conducted to define the outcome for completely resected embryonal RMS at sites other than paratesticular, uterine, or vaginal primary sites. METHODS A total of 113 patients aged 0-18 years were identified who were enrolled from January 1995 to December 2016 in Children's Oncology Group (COG) (64 patients) and European protocols (49). Genitourinary nonbladder and prostate RMS were excluded. The recommended chemotherapy was vincristine and actinomycin-D (VA) for 24 weeks or ifosfamide plus VA in the European protocols and VA for 48 weeks or VA plus cyclophosphamide in the COG protocols. RESULTS The most common primary sites were nonparameningeal head and neck (40.7%), other (23.9%), and extremities (20.4%). In the COG studies, 42% of patients received VA and 58% VA plus cyclophosphamide. In Europe, 53% received VA and 47% ifosfamide plus VA. With a median follow-up of 97.5 months, the 5-year progression-free and overall survival was 80.0% (71.2%-86.4%) and 92.5% (85.6%-96.2%), respectively, without significant differences between chemotherapy regimens. Tumor size (< or >5 cm) significantly influenced overall survival: 96.2% (88.6%-98.8%) vs. 80.6% (59.5%-91.4%), respectively (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Survival of patients with nonalveolar RMS completely resected at diagnosis is excellent among tumors arising from nonparatesticular, uterine, and vaginal sites, and patients may be treated successfully with low-intensity chemotherapy. To reduce the burden of treatment, VA for 24 weeks may be considered in children with tumors <5 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Bisogno
- Hematology Oncology Division, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Joerg Fuchs
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children’s Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Roshni Dasgupta
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Josephine H. Haduong
- Hyundai Cancer Institute, Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital Orange County, Orange, California, USA
| | - Timothy Rogers
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - David O. Walterhouse
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Beatrice Coppadoro
- Hematology Oncology Division, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christian Vokuhl
- Section of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Douglas S. Hawkins
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guido Seitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Campus Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Monika Sparber-Sauer
- Klinikum der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart gKAöR, Olgahospital, Stuttgart Cancer Center, Zentrum für Kinder-, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin, Pädiatrie 5 (Pädiatrische Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie), Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Medicine Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Agaimy A, Dermawan JK, Leong I, Stoehr R, Swanson D, Weinreb I, Zhang L, Antonescu CR, Dickson BC. Recurrent VGLL3 fusions define a distinctive subset of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with an indolent clinical course and striking predilection for the head and neck. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2022; 61:701-709. [PMID: 35766997 PMCID: PMC10243299 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Vestigial-like (VGLL) transcriptional cofactor family of proteins VGLL1-4 has recently emerged as an important player in the tumorigenesis of diverse neoplasms. The role of VGLL3 in soft tissue tumors is exemplified by its amplification in myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma and its rearrangement (fused to CHD7, CHD9, or MAMLD1) in hybrid schwannoma-perineurioma. This study characterizes a distinctive low-grade myogenic neoplasm with a striking predilection for the head and neck, characterized by VGLL3 fusions. The study includes five males and one female patient, aged 30-71 years (median, 56). Three tumors originated in the tongue, with one case each in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx. The VGLL3 fusion partners included TCF12 (n = 3), EP300 (n = 2), and PPARGC1A (n = 1). The tumor size range was 0.8-1.6 cm (all, but one, was <1 cm). Histologically, all tumors displayed bland spindle to ovoid cells arranged into vague fascicular and diffuse patterns. Mitotic activity ranged from 1 to 7 per 10 HPFs. Five tumors were muscle-centered and infiltrative, and one was centered beneath nasopharyngeal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry revealed consistent expression of desmin (diffuse in four and patchy in two cases) associated with patchy smooth muscle actin expression (4/6), and focal reactivity for myogenin (5/6) and myoD1 (1/3). All patients were managed surgically; one patient each received adjuvant radio- or chemotherapy. Three patients with follow-up were without disease at 8, 19, and 60 months and one was alive with unknown disease status at 24 months. All VGLL3 fusions were in-frame and involved exon 2, fused with either TCF12 exon 16, EP300 exon 31, or PPARGC1A exon 5, respectively. This series characterizes a distinctive subset of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with a predilection for the head and neck in adults, defined by VGLL3 fusions, likely indolent behavior and limited rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Further delineation of this entity and differentiation from more aggressive molecular subtypes of spindle cell RMS is mandatory to define the most appropriate therapeutic strategy and avoid overtreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Iona Leong
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Stoehr
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Swanson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ilan Weinreb
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lingxin Zhang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Brendan C. Dickson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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