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Sayeed S, Kapustin D, Rubin SJ, Fan J, Wiedmer C, Chung D, Khorsandi A, Brandwein-Weber M, Friedlander P, Bakst R, Ramirez RJ, Urken ML. Metastatic merkel cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland: Case report and review of the literature. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104278. [PMID: 38604100 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2024.104278] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive and rare neuroendocrine tumor, accounting for less than 1% of skin cancers. Metastasis primarily manifests in the cervical lymph nodes but rarely affect the thyroid. METHODS We report a case of primary head and neck cutaneous MCC with metastasis to the thyroid gland. A review of the literature of MCC with thyroid metastasis was conducted. RESULTS We identified five cases of MCC with thyroid metastasis. Primary sites included the distal upper and lower extremities, axilla, buttock, and groin. Treatment courses varied including thyroidectomy, immunotherapy, and expectant palliative measures. Time from initial diagnosis to thyroid metastasis ranged from four months to four years. Tissue diagnosis was achieved in 5 of 6 cases. CONCLUSIONS MCC with thyroid metastasis is rare and likely represents aggressive disease. Despite advances in treatment and surveillance, outcomes for MCC remain poor. Ongoing research may establish predictors for treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salmaan Sayeed
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, NY, USA; Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Danielle Kapustin
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, NY, USA; Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel J Rubin
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, NY, USA; Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun Fan
- Dept. of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wiedmer
- Dept. of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Chung
- Dept. of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Azita Khorsandi
- Dept. of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Philip Friedlander
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Waldman Dept. of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Bakst
- Dept. of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ricardo J Ramirez
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, NY, USA; Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark L Urken
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, NY, USA; Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Ríos-Viñuela E, Mayo-Martínez F, Nagore E, Millan-Esteban D, Requena C, Sanmartín O, Llombart B. Combined Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:411. [PMID: 38254900 PMCID: PMC10814983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020411] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Combined Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have classically been regarded as more aggressive than conventional, pure, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive MCC. It is still unknown whether combined MCC and SCC are more aggressive than pure, MCPyV-negative MCC, and the origin of both the SCC and MCC elements of these combined tumors has not been elucidated. The main objective of this systematic review was to assess whether combined MCC and SCC tumors are associated with a worse prognosis than pure MCC; the secondary goals were the characterization of the clinical and histopathological features of these combined neoplasms. A total of 38 studies, including 152 patients, were selected for review. In total, 76% of the cases were MCPyV-negative, whereas 4% were MCPyV-positive. The most frequent histopathological pattern was that of an SCC in situ combined with a dermal MCC (36%), followed by both an in situ and invasive SCC combined with a dermal MCC (20%). Forty-seven percent of all cases fitted in the morphology of the so-called "collision tumors". Three combined MCC cases that would fit in the morphological category of collision tumors presented both squamous and neuroendocrine elements in their respective nodal metastases. The mean overall survival was 36 months, comparable to that of pure, MCPyV-negative MCC. This review found similarly aggressive behavior for combined MCC and SCC and pure, MCPyV-negative MCC. Preliminary data strongly suggest that all MCPyV-negative MCC tumors, whether combined or pure, are part of a common spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ríos-Viñuela
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Fatima Mayo-Martínez
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain (E.N.); (O.S.)
| | - Eduardo Nagore
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain (E.N.); (O.S.)
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - David Millan-Esteban
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain (E.N.); (O.S.)
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Celia Requena
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain (E.N.); (O.S.)
| | - Onofre Sanmartín
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain (E.N.); (O.S.)
| | - Beatriz Llombart
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain (E.N.); (O.S.)
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3
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Elkoshi Z. The Eradication of Carcinogenic Viruses in Established Solid Cancers. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:6227-6239. [PMID: 38145011 PMCID: PMC10749098 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s430315] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenic viruses (oncoviruses) can initiate cancer, but their impact on established cancer varies. Some of these viruses prolong survival while others shorten it. This study classifies oncoviruses into two categories: viruses which induce a strong CD8+T cell reaction in non-cancerous tissues, and viruses which induce a weak CD8+ T cell reaction in non-cancerous tissues. The classification proves useful in predicting the effect of oncoviruses on the prognosis of solid cancers. Therefore, while eliminating carcinogenic viruses in healthy individuals (for example by immunization) may be important for cancer prevention, this study suggests that only viruses which induce a weak CD8+ T cell reaction should be eradicated in established solid tumors. The model correctly predicts the effect of oncoviruses on survival for six out of seven known oncoviruses, indicating that immune modulation by oncoviruses has a prominent effect on prognosis. It seems that CD8+ T cell response to oncoviruses observed in infected benign tissues is retained in infected tumors. Clinical significance: the effect of oncoviruses on solid cancer prognosis can be predicted with confidence based on immunological responses when clinical data are unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeev Elkoshi
- Research and Development Department, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Haifa, Israel
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4
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Weilandt J, Peitsch WK. Moderne Diagnostik und Therapie des Merkelzellkarzinoms. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:1524-1548. [PMID: 38082520 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15214_g] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDas Merkelzellkarzinom (MCC) ist ein seltener, aggressiver Hauttumor mit epithelialer und neuroendokriner Differenzierung, dessen Inzidenz in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich zugenommen hat. Risikofaktoren sind fortgeschrittenes Lebensalter, heller Hauttyp, UV‐Exposition und Immunsuppression. Pathogenetisch wird ein durch das Merkelzell‐Polyomavirus (MCPyV) hervorgerufener Typ von einem UV‐induzierten Typ mit hoher Tumormutationslast unterschieden.Klinisch präsentiert sich das MCC als meist schmerzloser, schnell wachsender, rötlich‐violetter Tumor mit glänzender Oberfläche, der bevorzugt im Kopf‐Hals‐Bereich und an den distalen Extremitäten lokalisiert ist. Eine sichere Diagnose kann nur anhand histologischer und immunhistochemischer Merkmale gestellt werden. Bei Erstdiagnose weisen 20%–26% der Patienten lokoregionäre Metastasen und 8%–14% Fernmetastasen auf, weshalb eine Ausbreitungsdiagnostik unabdingbar ist. Bei fehlenden klinischen Hinweisen auf Metastasen wird eine Sentinel‐Lymphknotenbiopsie empfohlen.Wesentliche Säulen der Therapie sind die Operation, die adjuvante oder palliative Strahlentherapie und in fortgeschrittenen inoperablen Stadien die medikamentöse Tumortherapie. Die Einführung von Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren führte zu einem Paradigmenwechsel, da sich hiermit ein wesentlich langfristigeres Ansprechen und bessere Überlebensraten als mit Chemotherapie erreichen lassen. Zur Therapie des metastasierten MCC ist in Deutschland der PD‐L1‐Inhibitor Avelumab zugelassen, aber auch die PD‐1‐Antikörper Pembrolizumab und Nivolumab werden mit Erfolg eingesetzt. Adjuvante und neoadjuvante Therapiekonzepte, Immunkombinationstherapien und zielgerichtete Therapien als Monotherapie oder in Kombination mit Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren befinden sich in klinischer Prüfung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Weilandt
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Phlebologie, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke K Peitsch
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Phlebologie, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Weilandt J, Peitsch WK. Modern diagnostics and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:1524-1546. [PMID: 37875785 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15214] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation, the incidence of which has increased substantially during the last decades. Risk factors include advanced age, fair skin type, UV exposure, and immunosuppression. Pathogenetically, a type caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus is distinguished from a UV-induced type with a high tumor mutational burden. Clinically, MCC presents as a mostly painless, rapidly growing, reddish-violet tumor with a shiny surface, which is preferentially localized in the head-neck region and at the distal extremities. A reliable diagnosis can only be made based on histological and immunohistochemical features. At initial diagnosis, 20-26% of patients show locoregional metastases and 8-14% distant metastases, making staging examinations indispensable. If there is no clinical evidence of metastases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended. Essential columns of therapy are surgery, adjuvant or palliative radiotherapy and, in advanced inoperable stages, medicamentous tumor therapy. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to a paradigm shift, as they provide a considerably longer duration of response and better survival rates than chemotherapy. The PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab is approved for treatment of metastatic MCC in Germany, but the PD-1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab are also used with success. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment concepts, immune combination therapies and targeted therapies as monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors are in the clinical trial phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Weilandt
- Department of Dermatology and Phlebology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke K Peitsch
- Department of Dermatology and Phlebology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
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6
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DeCoste RC, Carter MD, Ly TY, Gruchy JR, Nicolela AP, Pasternak S. Merkel cell carcinoma: an update. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:39-52. [PMID: 36898590 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with an adverse prognosis. In recent years, our understanding of MCC biology has markedly progressed. Since the discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus, it has become clear that MCC represents an ontogenetically dichotomous group of neoplasms with overlapping histopathology. Specifically, most MCCs arise secondary to viral oncogenesis, while a smaller subset is the direct result of UV-associated mutations. The distinction of these groups bears relevance in their immunohistochemical and molecular characterization, as well as in disease prognosis. Further recent developments relate to the landmark utilization of immunotherapeutics in MCC, providing optimistic options for the management of this aggressive disease. In this review, we discuss both fundamental and emerging concepts in MCC, with a particular focus on topics of practical relevance to the surgical or dermatopathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C DeCoste
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada.
| | - Michael D Carter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Thai Yen Ly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Jennette R Gruchy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Anna P Nicolela
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sylvia Pasternak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
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7
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Öğüt B, Bayram EK, İnan MA, Kestel S, Erdem Ö. Association of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Status With p53, RB1, and PD-L1 Expression and Patient Prognosis in Merkel Cell Carcinomas: Clinical, Morphologic, and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of 17 Cases. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2023:00129039-990000000-00100. [PMID: 37126387 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin whose main risk factors are immunosuppression, UV radiation exposure, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)-based immunotherapy is currently the first choice for treating patients with metastatic MCC. METHODS MCC biopsies (17) were evaluated for their nucleus and cytoplasm characteristics and growth patterns, as well as for intratumor lymphocytes, mitotic number, and lymphovascular invasion. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples of the biopsies were stained with MCPyV large T-antigen (LTag), RB1, p53, and PD-L1. RESULTS We observed MCPyV LTag expression in 9 out of the 17 tumors, and all 9 cases were positive for RB1 (P<0.000). p53 staining was not significantly correlated with MCPyV LTag. We observed no relationship between p53 expression and any other parameters, and PD-L1 expression was low in the MCC samples. We evaluated PD-L1 using both the combined positive score and tumor proportion score (TPS), and found that TPS was correlated with MCPyV LTag expression (P=0.016). Tumors with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed a better prognosis than those without these lymphocytes (P=0.006). DISCUSSION Our data demonstrated that RB1 was effective for immunohistochemically investigating the MCPyV status of tumors. TPS was superior to the combined positive score in evaluating PD-L1 in MCC. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were the only parameters that were associated with survival. Further studies with larger series are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Öğüt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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8
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Ríos-Viñuela E, Traves V, Cruz J, Machado I, López-Guerrero JA, Requena C, Llombart B. Combined Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with lymph node metastases: Report of two cases. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:230-237. [PMID: 36377830 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, aggressive cutaneous neoplasm, that typically affects the photodamaged skin of elderly individuals, and immunosuppressed patients. Because a subset of MCC is closely related to UV radiation, MCC can develop concurrently with other tumors, most commonly, as a combined tumor with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These combined tumors appear to represent a distinct disease process from pure MCC, as they are mostly Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) negative, and show a more aggressive behavior. We present two additional cases of combined MCC and SCC with nodal metastases, one of which was MCPyV positive. Two different subtypes of MCC have been proposed based on their origin: a true neuroendocrine carcinoma, that is MCPyV positive and has a dermal origin, and a UV-related SCC with neuroendocrine differentiation. This theory could explain why MCC can develop concurrently with SCC, and why these combined cases are generally MCPyV negative. However, it fails to explain the minority of combined MCC and SCC tumors that are MCPyV positive. Because both our patients had a history of chronic UV exposure, we hypothesize that UV radiation probably played a major role in the pathogenesis of these tumors, while MCPyV integration probably acted as an additional trigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ríos-Viñuela
- Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victor Traves
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Cruz
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isidro Machado
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Celia Requena
- Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Llombart
- Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
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9
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Komatsu H, Usui Y, Sukeda A, Yamamoto Y, Ohno SI, Goto K, Kuroda M, Nagao T, Goto H. Prevalence of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Primary Eyelid Merkel Cell Carcinomas and Association With Clinicopathological Features. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 249:49-56. [PMID: 36493850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection is a known to be a critical risk factor for the development of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Various reports on cutaneous MCC have shown that the differences in clinicohistopathological characteristics depend on the presence of MCPyV, but the situation in eyelid MCC is unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MCPyV in patients with eyelid MCC and examine the clinicohistopathological characteristics of MCPyV-associated eyelid MCC. DESIGN Retrospective observational case series with laboratory investigations. METHODS Ten patients treated for eyelid MCC were included. Histopathological characteristics were examined by immunohistochemical staining using 12 antibodies. MCPyV infection was evaluated by PCR using primer sets targeting large T antigens of the MCPyV genome and by immunohistochemical staining using CM2B4 and Ab3 monoclonal antibodies. The MCPyV viral load was also quantified by PCR using 3 primer sets. RESULTS All patients (4 males and 6 females) were Japanese with mean age of 79 (range: 63 to 87) years. One patient died due to distant metastasis 8 months after surgery for MCC. Immunohistochemical studies showed typical MCC findings in all cases, including CK20 and neuroendocrine marker positivity. PCR and immunohistochemistry with CM2B4 and Ab3 detected MCPyV antigen in all tumors. Quantitative PCR using sT, LT4, and TAg primers yielded 0.94, 1.72, and 1.05 copies per cell, respectively. CONCLUSION Clinical and histopathological characteristics of 10 patients with eyelid MCC were elucidated. MCPyV infection was detected in all eyelids. These results provide insight for understanding the tumorigenesis of eyelid MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Komatsu
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (H.K., Y.U., H.G.)
| | - Yoshihiko Usui
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (H.K., Y.U., H.G.).
| | - Aoi Sukeda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (A.S., Y.Y., K.G., T.N.)
| | - Yoshinari Yamamoto
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (A.S., Y.Y., K.G., T.N.)
| | - Shin-Ichiro Ohno
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (S I. O., M.K.)
| | - Keisuke Goto
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (A.S., Y.Y., K.G., T.N.)
| | - Masahiko Kuroda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (S I. O., M.K.)
| | - Toshitaka Nagao
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (A.S., Y.Y., K.G., T.N.)
| | - Hiroshi Goto
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan (H.K., Y.U., H.G.)
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10
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Soikkeli AI, Kyläniemi MK, Sihto H, Alinikula J. Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigen Truncating Mutations are Mediated by APOBEC3 Activity in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1344-1354. [PMID: 36970060 PMCID: PMC10035372 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer, which is frequently caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Mutations of MCPyV tumor (T) antigens are major pathologic events of virus-positive (MCPyV+) MCCs, but their source is unclear. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)/APOBEC family cytidine deaminases contribute to antiviral immunity by mutating viral genomes and are potential carcinogenic mutators. We studied the contribution of AID/APOBEC cytidine deaminases to MCPyV large T (LT) truncation events. The MCPyV LT area in MCCs was enriched with cytosine-targeting mutations, and a strong APOBEC3 mutation signature was observed in MCC sequences. AICDA and APOBEC3 expression were detected in the Finnish MCC sample cohort, and LT expression correlated with APOBEC3H and APOBEC3G. Marginal but statistically significant somatic hypermutation targeting activity was detected in the MCPyV regulatory region. Our results suggest that APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases are a plausible cause of the LT truncating mutations in MCPyV+ MCC, while the role of AID in MCC carcinogenesis is unlikely.
Significance:
We uncover APOBEC3 mutation signature in MCPyV LT that reveals the likely cause of mutations underlying MCPyV+ MCC. We further reveal an expression pattern of APOBECs in a large Finnish MCC sample cohort. Thus, the findings presented here suggest a molecular mechanism underlying an aggressive carcinoma with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni I. Soikkeli
- 1Unit of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- 2Turku Doctoral Programme of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Minna K. Kyläniemi
- 3Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Sihto
- 4Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Alinikula
- 1Unit of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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11
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Ferrándiz‐Pulido C, Gómez‐Tomás A, Llombart B, Mendoza D, Marcoval J, Piaserico S, Baykal C, Bouwes‐Bavinck J, Rácz E, Kanitakis J, Harwood C, Cetkovská P, Geusau A, del Marmol V, Masferrer E, Orte Cano C, Ricar J, de Oliveira W, Salido‐Vallejo R, Ducroux E, Gkini M, López‐Guerrero J, Kutzner H, Kempf W, Seçkin D. Clinicopathological features, MCPyV status and outcomes of Merkel cell carcinoma in solid-organ transplant recipients: a retrospective, multicentre cohort study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:1991-2001. [PMID: 35607918 PMCID: PMC9796956 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proportion of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) in solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTR) harbouring Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is unknown, as are factors affecting their outcomes. OBJECTIVE To describe clinicopathological features of MCC in SOTR, investigate the tumoral MCPyV-status and identify factors associated with tumour outcomes. METHODS Retrospective, international, cohort-study. MCPyV-status was investigated by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A total of 30 SOTR and 44 consecutive immunocompetent patients with MCC were enrolled. SOTR were younger at diagnosis (69 vs. 78 years, P < 0.001). Thirty-three percent of SOTR MCCs were MCPyV-positive vs. 91% of immunocompetent MCCs (P = 0.001). Solid-organ transplantation was associated with an increased cumulative incidence of progression (SHR: 3.35 [1.57-7.14], P = 0.002), MCC-specific mortality (SHR: 2.55 [1.07-6.06], P = 0.034) and overall mortality (HR: 3.26 [1.54-6.9], P = 0.002). MCPyV-positivity and switching to an mTOR inhibitor (mTORi) after MCC diagnosis were associated with an increased incidence of progression (SHR: 4.3 [1.5-13], P = 0.008 and SHR: 3.6 [1.1-12], P = 0.032 respectively) in SOTR. LIMITATIONS Retrospective design and heterogeneity of SOTR cohort. CONCLUSIONS MCPyV appears to play a less prominent role in the aetiopathogenesis of MCC in SOTR. SOTR have a worse prognosis than their immunocompetent counterparts and switching to an mTORi after the diagnosis of MCC does not improve progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Ferrándiz‐Pulido
- Department of DermatologyHospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - A. Gómez‐Tomás
- Department of DermatologyHospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - B. Llombart
- Servicio de DermatologíaInstituto Valenciano de OncologíaValenciaSpain
| | - D. Mendoza
- Department of DermatologyFundación Jiménez DíazMadridSpain
| | - J. Marcoval
- Department of DermatologyHospital de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - S. Piaserico
- Dermatology Unit, Department of MedicineUniversità di PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - C. Baykal
- Department of DermatologyIstanbul University, Istanbul Medical FacultyIstanbulTurkey
| | - J.N. Bouwes‐Bavinck
- Department of DermatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - E. Rácz
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - J. Kanitakis
- Department of DermatologyEdouard Herriot Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de LyonLyonFrance
| | - C.A. Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous ResearchBlizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - P. Cetkovská
- Department of DermatovenereologyFaculty of Medicine, Charles UniversityPilsenThe Czech Republic
| | - A. Geusau
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - V. del Marmol
- Service de DermatologieHôpital Erasme, Université Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| | - E. Masferrer
- Department of DermatologyHospital Universitari Mútua de TerrassaBarcelonaSpain
| | - C. Orte Cano
- Service de DermatologieHôpital Erasme, Université Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| | - J. Ricar
- Department of DermatovenereologyFaculty of Medicine, Charles UniversityPilsenThe Czech Republic
| | | | - R. Salido‐Vallejo
- Department of DermatologyUniversity Clinic of Navarra, School of Medicine, University of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - E. Ducroux
- Department of DermatologyEdouard Herriot Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de LyonLyonFrance
| | - M.A. Gkini
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous ResearchBlizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - J.A. López‐Guerrero
- Laboratory of Molecular BiologyFundación Instituto Valenciano de OncologíaValenciaSpain,IVO‐CIPF Joint Research Unit of Cancer, Príncipe Felipe Research Center (CIPF)ValenciaSpain,Department of PathologySchool of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia ‘San Vicente Martir’ValenciaSpain
| | | | - W. Kempf
- Kempf und Pfaltz Histologische Diagnostik and Department of DermatologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZürichSwitzerland
| | - D. Seçkin
- Department of DermatologyBaşkent University Faculty of MedicineAnkaraTurkey
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12
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Barchitta M, Maugeri A, Campisi E, Magnano San Lio R, Favara G, Soto Parra HJ, Salvatorelli L, Magro G, Basile G, Agodi A. Comparison of Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR to Detect the Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102195. [PMID: 36298750 PMCID: PMC9610963 DOI: 10.3390/v14102195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) prevalence in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cases is controversial. The detection and quantification of MCPyV DNA is mainly performed by PCR techniques using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of two different molecular techniques, specifically the quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR). Samples from 31 cases of MCC excisional surgical biopsies were analyzed. DNA extraction and purification from clinical samples were performed using the QIAcube Qiagen automated nucleic acid extractor. After the extraction, MCPyV was detected by qPCR and dPCR using specially designed primers and probes. Of the 31 MCC samples under study, the MCPyV genome was detected in 11 samples (35%) by qPCR compared with 20 samples (65%) detected by dPCR. Notably, 65% of primary tumors were positive for MCPyV (15/23). The viral genome was detected in 75% of tumors located at UV-exposed sites (6/8), 55% of tumors at partially UV-protected sites (5/9), and 67% of tumors at UV-protected sites (4/6). Our results showed a better sensitivity of dPCR in detecting the MCPyV genome in MCC samples compared with traditional qPCR techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Barchitta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Campisi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Magnano San Lio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Favara
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Hector Jose Soto Parra
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Salvatorelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Basile
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Agodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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13
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Santoro F, Maletta F, Parente R, Fissore J, Tampieri C, Santoro L, Birocco N, Picciotto F, Quaglino P, Volante M, Asioli S, Senetta R, Papotti M. Clinical-Pathological Evaluation and Prognostic Analysis of 228 Merkel Cell Carcinomas Focusing on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes, MCPYV Infection and ALK Expression. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:289-303. [PMID: 35551625 PMCID: PMC9135831 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09716-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, whose pathogenesis can be traced back to UV radiation damage or Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection. Despite some improvements on the characterization of the disease partly due to its increased incidence, crucial pathogenetic and prognostic factors still need to be refined. A consecutive series of 228 MCC from three hospitals in Turin was collected with the aim of both analyzing the apparent increase in MCC incidence in our area and investigating the distribution and prognostic role of clinical-pathological parameters, with a focus on MCPyV status, ALK tumor expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Review of morphology and conventional immunohistochemical staining was possible in 191 cases. In 50 cases, the expression of the novel neuroendocrine marker INSM1 was additionally assessed. Fourteen cases of MCC of unknown primary skin lesion were identified and separately analyzed. While confirming an exponential trend in MCC incidence in the last decades and providing a description of histological and cytological features of a large series of MCC, the present study concludes that 1) INSM1 is a highly sensitive marker in both skin and lymph node primary MCC; 2) positive MCPyV status, brisk TILs and lower tumor size and thickness are independent positive prognostic parameters, and the combination of the former two may provide a novel tool for prognostic stratification; 3) ALK is expressed 87% of MCC and associated with positive viral status, and could represent a prognostic biomarker, if validated in larger series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Santoro
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Maletta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Renato Parente
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas-Gradenigo Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Jessica Fissore
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza of Turin, University of Turin, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristian Tampieri
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Nadia Birocco
- Oncology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Picciotto
- Dermatologic Surgery Section, Department of Surgery, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Volante
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, San Luigi Hospital of Orbassano, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sofia Asioli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza of Turin, University of Turin, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza of Turin, University of Turin, Via Santena 7, 10126, Turin, Italy
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14
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Wijaya WA, Liu Y, Qing Y, Li Z. Prevalence of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Normal and Lesional Skin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:868781. [PMID: 35392226 PMCID: PMC8980839 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.868781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus(MCPyV) in Merkel cell carcinoma(MCC) and non-MCC skin lesions and its possible role in the etiology of other skin diseases remain controversial. To systematically assess the association between MCPyV infection and MCC, non-MCC skin lesions, and normal skin. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive search for eligible studies was conducted using Medline Ovid, Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases until August 2021; references were searched to identify additional studies. Observational studies that investigated the association between MCPyV infection and MCC, non-MCC skin lesions, and normal skin using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) as a detection method and provided sufficient data to calculate the prevalence of MCPyV positivity. A total of 50 articles were included in the study after exclusion criteria were applied. Two reviewers independently reviewed and assessed the eligibility of the studies, and all disagreements were resolved by consensus. To determine the association between MCPyV and MCC, overall odds ratio (OR) were calculated with 95% CI using a random-effects model. Single-arm meta-analyses were performed to examine the prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in MCC, non-MCC skin lesions, and normal skin. The primary analysis was the prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in MCC. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in non-MCC skin lesions and normal skin. A total of 50 studies involving 5428 patients were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, MCPyV infection was significantly associated with MCC (OR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.96 - 4.05). The global prevalence of MCPyV+ in MCC, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, seborrheic keratosis, and normal skin was 80%, 4%, 15%, 15%, 21%, 6%, 20%, 10%, and 11%, respectively. The current results suggest that MCPyV infection is significantly associated with an increased risk of MCC. However, the low prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in non-MCC skin lesions does not exclude a pathogenic association of this virus with the development of non-MCC skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson A Wijaya
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Qing
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyong Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Lee CH, Su CJ, Lan J. A 10-case series of Merkel cell carcinoma in tropical Taiwan: Focusing on clinical outcomes and the interaction of oxidative stress and Merkel cell polyomavirus infections. DERMATOL SIN 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ds.ds_12_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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16
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Iwasaki T, Hayashi K, Matsushita M, Nonaka D, Kohashi K, Kuwamoto S, Umekita Y, Oda Y. Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with JAK-STAT and MEK-ERK pathway activation. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:251-260. [PMID: 34724284 PMCID: PMC8748213 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is monoclonally integrated into the genomes of approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). While the presence of MCPyV affects the clinicopathological features of MCC, the molecular mechanisms of MCC pathogenesis after MCPyV infection are unclear. This study investigates the association between MCPyV infection and activation of the MEK-ERK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in MCC to identify new molecular targets for MCC treatment. The clinicopathological characteristics of 30 MCPyV-positive and 20 MCPyV-negative MCC cases were analyzed. The phosphorylation status of MEK, ERK, JAK, and STAT was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The activation status of the MEK-ERK and JAK-STAT pathways and the effects of a JAK inhibitor (ruxolitinib) was analyzed in MCC cell lines. Immunohistochemically, the expression of pJAK2 (P = .038) and pERK1/2 (P = .019) was significantly higher in MCPyV-negative than in MCPyV-positive MCCs. Male gender (hazard ratio [HR] 2.882, P = .039), older age (HR 1.137, P < .001), negative MCPyV status (HR 0.324, P = .013), and advanced cancer stage (HR 2.672, P = .041) were identified as unfavorable prognostic factors; however, the phosphorylation states of JAK2, STAT3, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 were unrelated to the prognosis. The inhibition of cell proliferation by ruxolitinib was greater in MCPyV-negative MCC cell lines than in an MCPyV-positive MCC cell line. The expression of pERK1/2 and pMEK was higher in MCPyV-negative than in MCPyV-positive cell lines. These results suggest that activation of the JAK2 and MEK-ERK pathways was more prevalent in MCPyV-negative than in MCPyV-positive MCC and the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib inhibited MEK-ERK pathway activation. Consequently, the JAK-STAT and MEK-ERK signaling pathways may be potential targets for MCPyV-negative MCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsushita
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan.,Department of Pathobiological Science and Technology, School of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nonaka
- Department of Cellular Pathology, The Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kenichi Kohashi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwamoto
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Umekita
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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17
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Krump NA, You J. From Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection to Merkel Cell Carcinoma Oncogenesis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739695. [PMID: 34566942 PMCID: PMC8457551 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection causes near-ubiquitous, asymptomatic infection in the skin, but occasionally leads to an aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Epidemiological evidence suggests that poorly controlled MCPyV infection may be a precursor to MCPyV-associated MCC. Clearer understanding of host responses that normally control MCPyV infection could inform prophylactic measures in at-risk groups. Similarly, the presence of MCPyV in most MCCs could imbue them with vulnerabilities that-if better characterized-could yield targeted intervention solutions for metastatic MCC cases. In this review, we discuss recent developments in elucidating the interplay between host cells and MCPyV within the context of viral infection and MCC oncogenesis. We also propose a model in which insufficient restriction of MCPyV infection in aging and chronically UV-damaged skin causes unbridled viral replication that licenses MCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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18
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Sundqvist B, Sihto H, von Willebrand M, Böhling T, Koljonen V. LRIG1 is a positive prognostic marker in Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma expresses epithelial stem cell markers. Virchows Arch 2021; 479:1197-1207. [PMID: 34331569 PMCID: PMC8724115 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy of the skin. The cell of origin of MCC is thus far unknown and proposed cells of origin include Merkel cells, pro-/pre- or pre-B cells, epithelial stem cells, and dermal stem cells. In this study, we aimed to shed further light on the possibility that a subset of MCC tumors arise from epithelial stem cells of the skin by examining the expression of hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and normal human skin. We also aimed to elucidate any correlation between the expression of these markers and tumor Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status or other clinicopathological characteristics or patient survival. Expression of CK19, SOX9, LGR5, and LRIG1 in MCC and normal human skin was studied by immunohistochemistry, and the staining patterns or intensities were statistically correlated with patient, tumor, MCPyV, and survival parameters. In a cohort of 137 cases of MCC, we observed dot-like immunoexpression of CK19 in 30 cases (22.1%) and homogeneous expression in 103 cases (75.7%). We also observed positive immunoexpression of SOX9 in 21 cases (15.3%), LGR5 in 118 cases (86.1%), and LRIG1 in 117 cases (86.0%). Immunoexpression of LRIG1 was found to correlate with better overall and MCC-specific survival. We observed frequent immunoexpression of several hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and found LRIG1 to be a positive prognostic marker in MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sundqvist
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Harri Sihto
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria von Willebrand
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Divergent differentiation of Merkel cell carcinoma between primary and metastatic lesions. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2021; 148:51-54. [PMID: 33446337 DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2020.09.574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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20
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Large nuclear size correlated with better overall survival, Merkel cell polyomavirus positivity, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression in Merkel cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 84:550-552. [PMID: 33317843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Walsh NM, Cerroni L. Merkel cell carcinoma: A review. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 48:411-421. [PMID: 33128463 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma has been a focus of active scientific investigation in recent years and new information on the topic has emerged. Although uncommon, this primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, usually involving the head/neck of elderly individuals, has a poor prognosis. Within the past two decades, an increase in the incidence of the tumor and the discovery of its link to the Merkel cell polyomavirus have focused medical attention on the lesion. The resulting studies have improved our understanding of the biology of the neoplasm and contributed to clinical care. Specifically, two pathogenic subsets of the tumor have come to light, the majority due to Merkel cell polyomavirus and the minority caused by ultraviolet radiation-induced genetic damage. This dichotomy carries prognostic implications favoring the former subset. In addition, having capitalized on the known susceptibility of the tumor to immune influences, investigators have recently discovered its responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibition. This revelation has constituted a therapeutic milestone at the clinical level. Herein we provide an overview of the topic, outline updates in the field and place an emphasis on dermatopathologic aspects of Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen M Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Cerroni
- Research Unit of Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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22
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An Algorithmic Immunohistochemical Approach to Define Tumor Type and Assign Site of Origin. Adv Anat Pathol 2020; 27:114-163. [PMID: 32205473 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemistry represents an indispensable complement to an epidemiology and morphology-driven approach to tumor diagnosis and site of origin assignment. This review reflects the state of my current practice, based on 15-years' experience in Pathology and a deep-dive into the literature, always striving to be better equipped to answer the age old questions, "What is it, and where is it from?" The tables and figures in this manuscript are the ones I "pull up on the computer" when I am teaching at the microscope and turn to myself when I am (frequently) stuck. This field is so exciting because I firmly believe that, through the application of next-generation immunohistochemistry, we can provide better answers than ever before. Specific topics covered in this review include (1) broad tumor classification and associated screening markers; (2) the role of cancer epidemiology in determining pretest probability; (3) broad-spectrum epithelial markers; (4) noncanonical expression of broad tumor class screening markers; (5) a morphologic pattern-based approach to poorly to undifferentiated malignant neoplasms; (6) a morphologic and immunohistochemical approach to define 4 main carcinoma types; (7) CK7/CK20 coordinate expression; (8) added value of semiquantitative immunohistochemical stain assessment; algorithmic immunohistochemical approaches to (9) "garden variety" adenocarcinomas presenting in the liver, (10) large polygonal cell adenocarcinomas, (11) the distinction of primary surface ovarian epithelial tumors with mucinous features from metastasis, (12) tumors presenting at alternative anatomic sites, (13) squamous cell carcinoma versus urothelial carcinoma, and neuroendocrine neoplasms, including (14) the distinction of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, site of origin assignment in (15) well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor and (16) poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and (17) the distinction of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor G3 from poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma; it concludes with (18) a discussion of diagnostic considerations in the broad-spectrum keratin/CD45/S-100-"triple-negative" neoplasm.
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Starrett GJ, Thakuria M, Chen T, Marcelus C, Cheng J, Nomburg J, Thorner AR, Slevin MK, Powers W, Burns RT, Perry C, Piris A, Kuo FC, Rabinowits G, Giobbie-Hurder A, MacConaill LE, DeCaprio JA. Clinical and molecular characterization of virus-positive and virus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma. Genome Med 2020; 12:30. [PMID: 32188490 PMCID: PMC7081548 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin caused by either the integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and expression of viral T antigens or by ultraviolet-induced damage to the tumor genome from excessive sunlight exposure. An increasing number of deep sequencing studies of MCC have identified significant differences between the number and types of point mutations, copy number alterations, and structural variants between virus-positive and virus-negative tumors. However, it has been challenging to reliably distinguish between virus positive and UV damaged MCC. METHODS In this study, we assembled a cohort of 71 MCC patients and performed deep sequencing with OncoPanel, a clinically implemented, next-generation sequencing assay targeting over 400 cancer-associated genes. To improve the accuracy and sensitivity for virus detection compared to traditional PCR and IHC methods, we developed a hybrid capture baitset against the entire MCPyV genome and software to detect integration sites and structure. RESULTS Sequencing from this approach revealed distinct integration junctions in the tumor genome and generated assemblies that strongly support a model of microhomology-initiated hybrid, virus-host, circular DNA intermediate that promotes focal amplification of host and viral DNA. Using the clear delineation between virus-positive and virus-negative tumors from this method, we identified recurrent somatic alterations common across MCC and alterations specific to each class of tumor, associated with differences in overall survival. Finally, comparing the molecular and clinical data from these patients revealed a surprising association of immunosuppression with virus-negative MCC and significantly shortened overall survival. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the value of high-confidence virus detection for identifying molecular mechanisms of UV and viral oncogenesis in MCC. Furthermore, integrating these data with clinical data revealed features that could impact patient outcome and improve our understanding of MCC risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manisha Thakuria
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tianqi Chen
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Marcelus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayer 440, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayer 440, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason Nomburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayer 440, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Aaron R Thorner
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael K Slevin
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Winslow Powers
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert T Burns
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Perry
- Department of Informatics and Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriano Piris
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank C Kuo
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guilherme Rabinowits
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayer 440, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Present Address: Miami Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Laura E MacConaill
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James A DeCaprio
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayer 440, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Fernandez-Flores A, Varela-Vazquez A, Suárez Peñaranda JM, Mayan MD, Fonseca E. Expression of Connexin 43 in 32 Cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Am J Dermatopathol 2020; 42:178-185. [DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Nirenberg A, Steinman H, Dixon J, Dixon A. Merkel cell carcinoma update: the case for two tumours. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:1425-1431. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Nirenberg
- Australasian College of Cutaneous Oncology Docklands Vic. Australia
| | - H. Steinman
- Campbell University of School of Osteopathic Medicine Lillington NC USA
- US Dermatology Partners Grapevine TX USA
| | - J. Dixon
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - A. Dixon
- Australasian College of Cutaneous Oncology Docklands Vic. Australia
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Kirskville MO USA
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Csoboz B, Rasheed K, Sveinbjørnsson B, Moens U. Merkel cell polyomavirus and non-Merkel cell carcinomas: guilty or circumstantial evidence? APMIS 2020; 128:104-120. [PMID: 31990105 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the major causative factor of the rare but aggressive cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Two characteristics of MCPyV-positive MCCs are integration of the viral genome and expression of a truncated version of one of its oncogenic proteins, namely large T antigen. The strong association of MCPyV with MCC development has incited researchers to further investigate a possible role of this virus in other cancers. However, many of the examples displaying the presence of the virus in the various non-MCC cancers are not able to clearly demonstrate a direct connection between cellular transformation and the presence of the virus. The prevalence of the virus is significantly lower in non-MCC cancers compared to MCCs, with a lower level of viral load and sparse viral protein expression. Moreover, the state of the viral genome, and whether a truncated large T antigen is expressed, has rarely been investigated. Nonetheless, considering the strong oncogenic potential of MCPyV proteins in MCC, the plausible contribution of MCPyV to transformation and cancer growth in non-MCC tumors cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the absence of MCPyV in cancers does not exclude a hit-and-run mechanism, or the oncoproteins of MCPyV may potentiate the neoplastic process mediated by co-infecting oncoviruses such as high-risk human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr virus. The current review is focusing on the available data describing the presence of MCPyV in non-MCC tumors, with an aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the corresponding literature and to discuss the potential contribution of MCPyV to non-MCC cancer in light of this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balint Csoboz
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kashif Rasheed
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Baldur Sveinbjørnsson
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Portilla N, Alzate JP, Sierra FA, Parra‐Medina R. A Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis of the survival and clinicopathological features of p63 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma. Australas J Dermatol 2019; 61:e276-e282. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Portilla
- Dermatology Department Clínica Erasmo ValleduparColombia
- Research Institute Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud BogotaColombia
| | - Juan P. Alzate
- Research Institute Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud BogotaColombia
| | - Fabio A. Sierra
- Research Institute Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud BogotaColombia
| | - Rafael Parra‐Medina
- Research Institute Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud BogotaColombia
- Pathology Department Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud Bogota Colombia
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Morphologic and immunophenotypical features distinguishing Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive and negative Merkel cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2019; 32:1605-1616. [PMID: 31201352 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-019-0288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In 2008, Feng et al. identified Merkel cell polyomavirus integration as the primary oncogenic event in ~80% of Merkel cell carcinoma cases. The remaining virus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma cases associated with a high mutational load are most likely caused by UV radiation. The current study aimed to compare the morphological and immunohistochemical features of 80 virus-positive and 21 virus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma cases. Microscopic evaluation revealed that elongated nuclei-similar to the spindle-shape variant of small cell lung cancer-were less frequent in Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma compared to the virus-negative subset (p = 0.005). Moreover, virus-negative cases more frequently displayed a "large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma" phenotype with larger cell size (p = 0.0026), abundant cytoplasm (p = 4×10-7) and prominent nucleoli (p = 0.002). Analysis of immunohistochemical data revealed frequent positivity for thyroid transcription factor 1 and cytokeratin 7, either absence or overexpression of p53, as well as frequent lack of neurofilament expression in virus-negative cases. By contrast, cytokeratin 8, 18 and 20 and a CD99 with a dot pattern as well as high EMA expression were identified as characteristic features of virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma. In particular, the CD99 dot-like expression pattern was strongly associated with presence of the Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinoma (sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 90%, positive likelihood ratio = 8.08). To conclude, virus-positive and -negative Merkel cell carcinoma are characterized by distinct morphological and immunohistochemical features, which implies a significant difference in tumor biology and behavior. Importantly, we identified the CD99 staining pattern as a marker indicating the virus status of this skin cancer.
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive, primary neuroendocrine cancer of the skin. The majority of MCC cases are associated with the recently discovered Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), while the remaining are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light-induced mutations from excessive sunlight exposure. The risk of developing MCC is much higher in the white population relative to all other races. Approximately 10% of all patients with MCC have some form of immunosuppression including HIV-1/AIDS, chronic inflammatory conditions, solid organ transplantation, or hematological malignancies. The age of onset of MCC is lower and the mortality is higher in immunosuppressed individuals than in immune-competent patients. It is plausible that HIV-1/AIDS predisposes to virus-positive MCC, but it should be noted that HIV-1/AIDS increases the risk for developing of UV-induced skin cancers such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma and therefore may also increase the risk for virus-negative MCC. Surgical management is considered standard of care for localized Merkel cell carcinoma with current recommendations advising a wide local excision of the lesion. Most international guidelines support the use of local adjuvant radiotherapy coupled with tumor staging to improve the frequency of cure. For advanced, metastatic, and recurrent MCC, checkpoint blockade inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have shown remarkable activity including durable long-term. MCC in patients living with HIV-1/AIDS are treated with similar modalities as HIV-1 uninfected individuals with MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Goldstein
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - James A DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
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30
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Kervarrec T, Samimi M, Guyétant S, Sarma B, Chéret J, Blanchard E, Berthon P, Schrama D, Houben R, Touzé A. Histogenesis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Front Oncol 2019; 9:451. [PMID: 31245285 PMCID: PMC6579919 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. This neoplasia features aggressive behavior, resulting in a 5-year overall survival rate of 40%. In 2008, Feng et al. identified Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integration into the host genome as the main event leading to MCC oncogenesis. However, despite identification of this crucial viral oncogenic trigger, the nature of the cell in which MCC oncogenesis occurs is actually unknown. In fact, several hypotheses have been proposed. Despite the large similarity in phenotype features between MCC tumor cells and physiological Merkel cells (MCs), a specialized subpopulation of the epidermis acting as mechanoreceptor of the skin, several points argue against the hypothesis that MCC derives directly from MCs. Alternatively, MCPyV integration could occur in another cell type and induce acquisition of an MC-like phenotype. Accordingly, an epithelial as well as a fibroblastic or B-cell origin of MCC has been proposed mainly based on phenotype similarities shared by MCC and these potential ancestries. The aim of this present review is to provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of the histogenesis of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France.,ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France.,Departement of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France.,ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Blanchard
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France.,Plateforme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, INSERM 1259, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Patricia Berthon
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
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31
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Shahzad N, Hussain I, Gilani US, Tayyeb A, Aslam MA, Khurshid M, Hassan U, Tasneem F, Umer M, Rashid N. Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA sequences in the blood of healthy population of Pakistan. Future Microbiol 2019; 14:599-608. [PMID: 30864465 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed at detecting and quantifying Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) viral loads in the peripheral blood of healthy Pakistani individuals. Patients & methods: A total of 221 whole blood samples obtained from healthy individuals were examined by qPCR. Results & conclusion: MCPyV was detected in the peripheral blood of 31.2% healthy individuals. The rate of MCPyV positivity decreased from young (36%), to middle (33.7%) and elder (25.3%) age groups. Our data revealed higher prevalence of MCPyV in women (43.93%) than men (25.80%). The MCPyV viral load was calculated in the range of 0.06 -11 copies/ng of isolated DNA. The MCPyV viral load increased from young (median = 3.35) to elder (median = 5.66) age groups. The MCPyV circulate at a higher frequency by residing dormant in certain blood cells, which might act as potential vehicles for the spread of MCPyV infection among general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Shahzad
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Hussain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Usman S Gilani
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asima Tayyeb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad A Aslam
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khurshid
- Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Hassan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fareeda Tasneem
- Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammd Umer
- Queensland Micro- & Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Naeem Rashid
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Concurrent Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Same Lymph Node. Am J Dermatopathol 2018; 41:e61-e63. [PMID: 30461423 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The coexistence of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the same cutaneous lesion is well known. The pathogenesis is believed to be distinct from conventional polyomavirus-related MCC, and it has a more aggressive course. Metastasis of MCC and SCC to the same lymph node is exceedingly rare with only one previously reported case in the English literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of MCC and SCC with metastasis to the same lymph node. Our case demonstrates the aggressive nature of the combined MCC and SCC in the setting of immunosuppression.
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Johansson B, Sahi H, Koljonen V, Böhling T. The expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and paired box gene 5 in Merkel cell carcinomas and its relation to the presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA. J Cutan Pathol 2018; 46:26-32. [PMID: 30315594 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) tumor samples frequently express B-lymphoid lineage markers. However, the reasons for expression of specific B-lymphoid lineage markers are still unclear. We studied the expression of TdT and PAX5 (two B-cell lymphoid lineage markers) in a large pool of MCC tissue microarray samples. METHODS Immunoexpression and staining intensities of TdT and Pax-5 were statistically correlated with patient, tumor, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), and disease-specific parameters. RESULTS In a cohort of 117 MCC patients and their corresponding tumor samples, TdT was expressed in 37 (31.6%) samples and PAX5 in 26 (22.2%). Simultaneous immunostaining for TdT and PAX5 was observed in 13 (11.1%) samples. A statistically significant relationship was observed between MCV virus copy number and positive TdT expression (P = 0.0056). Similarly, a significant relationship was also observed between positive TdT and tumor MCV virus positivity (P = 0.000495). CONCLUSION We observed frequent TdT and PAX5 immunoexpression in MCC tumor samples. However, simultaneous immunoexpression of these markers was scarce. TdT expression was statistically significantly associated with MCV positivity. The absence of a statistically significant association between tumor parameters and disease progression markers undermines the systemic use of these markers in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Johansson
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University and HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helka Sahi
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University and HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
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Wardhani LO, Matsushita M, Iwasaki T, Kuwamoto S, Nonaka D, Nagata K, Kato M, Kitamura Y, Hayashi K. Expression of the IDO1/TDO2-AhR pathway in tumor cells or the tumor microenvironment is associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus status and prognosis in Merkel cell carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2018; 84:52-61. [PMID: 30240768 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, with approximately 80% of cases related to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) are the key rate-limiting enzymes of the tryptophan-to-kynurenine metabolic pathway. With aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an intracellular transcription factor, they play a role in escaping the immunosurveillance process in several cancers. IDO1/TDO2/AhR expression associated with the MCPyV status and prognosis in MCC was investigated. Samples included 24 MCPyV-positive MCCs, 12 MCPyV-negative MCCs with squamous cell carcinoma, and 7 MCPyV-negative pure MCCs. They were stained immunohistochemically with IDO1, TDO2, and AhR antibodies and analyzed. Higher IDO1 expression in MCC tumor cells was found in MCPyV-negative than in MCPyV-positive MCC (P < .001). The tumor microenvironment (TME) in MCPyV-negative MCC expressed higher TDO2 than in MCPyV-positive MCC (P < .001). Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests showed that MCC with lower IDO1 expression in tumor cells and with lower TDO2 and AhR expressions in TME had better overall survival than otherwise (P = .043, .008, and .035, respectively); lower TDO2 expression in TME was also associated with longer disease-specific survival (P = .016). This suggests that IDO1, TDO2, and AhR express differentially in tumor cells or TME and play different roles in tumorigenesis between MCPyV-positive and MCPyV-negative MCC that may affect the MCC biology. Evaluating IDO1/TDO2/AhR expression is important for selecting the most likely patients with MCC for immunotherapies targeting the IDO1/TDO2-AhR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusi Oka Wardhani
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; Clinical Pathology Department, Medical Faculty of Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia.
| | - Michiko Matsushita
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; Department of Pathobiological Science and Technology, School of Health Science, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Iwasaki
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Kuwamoto
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Nonaka
- Department of Cellular Pathology, The Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE11, United Kingdom; The Christie Hospital and University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, United Kingdom.
| | - Keiko Nagata
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
| | - Masako Kato
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
| | - Yukisato Kitamura
- Department of Pathobiological Science and Technology, School of Health Science, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Hayashi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.
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Lano IM, Rayson D, Arnason T, Walsh NMG. Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin: An under-recognized entity and a mimic of metastatic disease. J Cutan Pathol 2017; 45:54-58. [PMID: 28960456 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin are exceptionally rare and can be diagnosed only when a metastasis from another organ has been excluded. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with a cutaneous papule on the mid-chest which generated a differential diagnosis of vascular lesion and basal cell carcinoma. Following excision, microscopic evaluation revealed a dermal large cell undifferentiated carcinoma, with a brisk mitotic rate and focal geographic necrosis. Mucin production was absent. On immunohistochemistry, the lesion expressed CK7, AE1AE3, CK8/18, chromogranin, synaptophysin, CD56, calcitonin (patchy) and TTF-1 (minimal focal). Stains for neurofilament, CK20, CK5/6, p40, p63, SOX10, MART-1, EMA, CEA, ER/PR, GATA3, GCDFP, mammoglobin, PAX-8, CDX2, napsin, ERG and MCPyV proved negative. The histopathological diagnosis was of a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, probably metastatic. The patient underwent comprehensive clinical, laboratory and radiographic investigations and no underlying primary carcinoma was detected. During a 20-month follow-up period with an oncologist, the patient remains well and free of any apparent carcinoma. This suggests a primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of skin. To date, 3 such cases have been reported in Japanese patients. This is the first in a Caucasian resident of North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Marie Lano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Canada
| | - Daniel Rayson
- Department of Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Thomas Arnason
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Noreen M G Walsh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Association of expression of the hedgehog signal with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection and prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2017; 69:8-14. [PMID: 28551328 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that mostly occurs in the elderly. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is detected in approximately 80% of MCCs and is associated with carcinogenesis. Hedgehog signaling pathway plays a role in human embryogenesis and organogenesis. In addition, reactivation of this pathway later in life can cause tumors. Twenty-nineMCPyV-positive and 21 MCPyV-negative MCCs were immunohistochemically stained with primary antibodies for hedgehog signaling (SHH, IHH, PTCH1, SMO, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) and evaluated using H-score. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis for SHH and GLI1 exons were also performed. Expression of SHH was higher in MCPyV-positive MCCs than in MCPyV-negative MCCs (P<.001). Higher expression of GLI1, MCPyV infection, male sex, and Japanese ethnicity were associated with better overall survival (P=.034, P=.001, P=.042, and P=.036, respectively). Higher expression of SHH and MCPyV infection were associated with improved MCC-specific survival (P=.037 and P=.002, respectively). The mutation analysis of prognosis-related GLI1 and SHH genes in our study revealed a low frequency of mutations in the 10 exons examined, except GLI1 exon 5 (18/22 cases), all having the same silent mutation of c.576G>A. Only 2 mutations with amino acid changes were detected in MCPyV-negative MCCs only: 1 missense mutation in GLI1 exon 4 and 1 nonsense mutation in SHH-3B. Expression of SHH and GLI1 may be useful prognostic markers of MCC because increased expression was associated with better prognosis. The high rate of c.576G>A silent mutation in GLI1 exon 5 was a feature of MCC.
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Arvia R, Sollai M, Pierucci F, Urso C, Massi D, Zakrzewska K. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) vs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) approach for detection and quantification of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) cutaneous biopsies. J Virol Methods 2017; 246:15-20. [PMID: 28414163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma and high viral load in the skin was proposed as a risk factor for the occurrence of this tumour. MCPyV DNA was detected, with lower frequency, in different skin cancers but since the viral load was usually low, the real prevalence of viral DNA could be underestimated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of two assays (qPCR and ddPCR) for MCPyV detection and quantification in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. METHODS Both assays were designed to simultaneous detection and quantification of both MCPyV as well as house-keeping DNA in clinical samples. The performance of MCPyV quantification was investigated using serial dilutions of cloned target DNA. We also evaluated the applicability of both tests for the analysis of 76 FFPE cutaneous biopsies. RESULTS The two approaches resulted equivalent with regard to the reproducibility and repeatability and showed a high degree of linearity in the dynamic range tested in the present study. Moreover, qPCR was able to quantify ≥105 copies per reaction, while the upper limit of ddPCR was 104 copies. There was not significant difference between viral load measured by the two methods The detection limit of both tests was 0,15 copies per reaction, however, the number of positive samples obtained by ddPCR was higher than that obtained by qPCR (45% and 37% respectively). CONCLUSIONS The ddPCR represents a better method for detection of MCPyV in FFPE biopsies, mostly these containing low copies number of viral genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Arvia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Mauro Sollai
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Pierucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', Molecular and Applied Biology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmelo Urso
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Dermatopathology Section-S. M. Annunziata Hospital, AUSL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Massi
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Krystyna Zakrzewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) encompasses neuroendocrine carcinomas primary to skin and occurs most commonly in association with clonally integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus with related retinoblastoma protein sequestration or in association with UV radiation-induced alterations involving the TP53 gene and mutations, heterozygous deletion, and hypermethylation of the Retinoblastoma gene. Molecular genetic signatures may provide therapeutic guidance. Morphologic features, although patterned, are associated with predictable diagnostic pitfalls, usually resolvable by immunohistochemistry. Therapeutic options for MCC, traditionally limited to surgical intervention and later chemotherapy and radiation, are growing, given promising early results of immunotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Pulitzer
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Katabi N, Lewis JS. Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: What Is New in the 2017 WHO Blue Book for Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions of the Neck and Lymph Nodes. Head Neck Pathol 2017; 11:48-54. [PMID: 28247228 PMCID: PMC5340737 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-017-0796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 Classification of Head and Neck Tumors ("Blue Book") will now include a new chapter on tumors and tumor-like lesions of the neck and lymph nodes, which was not included in the previous edition. Tumors and tumor-like lesions, including a variety of cysts and metastases, can arise in any component in the neck, including soft tissue, lymph nodes, and developmental remnants. The pathology and clinical features of metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck has changed dramatically in the last several years. Many of these tumors which were previously diagnosed as unknown primary are now identified as oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal carcinomas related to human papillomavirus (HPV), less commonly to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and occasionally even to Merkel cell polyomavirus. Many unusual features can arise in these metastases, such as undifferentiated morphology, extensive cystic change with central degeneration, gland formation, and even ciliated cells. Rarely, carcinoma in the neck can arise in association with a heterotopic tissue, primarily thyroid or salivary gland tissue. Tumor-like lesions include branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cyst, dermoid and teratoid cyst, and ranula. Pathologists should be familiar with the diagnostic features and clinicopathologic corrections of these neck lesions in order to correctly diagnosis them and to provide for proper clinical management. This article will briefly describe the pathologic and clinical features of these entities as they are covered in the new 2017 Blue Book.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Katabi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - James S. Lewis
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA ,Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
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McGowan MA, Helm MF, Tarbox MB. Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ Overlying Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Cutan Med Surg 2016; 20:563-566. [DOI: 10.1177/1203475416649161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neoplasm that has exhibited an exponential increase in incidence in the past 3 decades. Combined MCC and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC/MCC) is an uncommon variant of MCC that exhibits worse prognosis than pure MCC. Objective: To describe the clinical presentation, dermoscopy, and histology of an unusual subtype of combined SCC/MCC. Methods and Results: A 73-year-old white woman presented with an ulcerated and violaceous 10-mm plaque on her right jawline that had been present for 2 to 3 months. On dermoscopy, the lesion was predominantly milky pink to red with peripheral crusting and large-caliber polymorphous vessels. Histology revealed SCC in situ above and adjacent to MCC. The tumor was excised with clear margins, and sentinel lymph node scintography was negative for nodal involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew F. Helm
- Texas Tech University Department of Dermatology, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Hashida Y, Kamioka M, Tanaka M, Hosokawa S, Murakami M, Nakajima K, Kikuchi H, Fujieda M, Sano S, Daibata M. Ecology of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Healthy Skin Among Individuals in an Asian Cohort. J Infect Dis 2016; 213:1708-16. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Iwasaki T, Matsushita M, Nonaka D, Nagata K, Kato M, Kuwamoto S, Murakami I, Hayashi K. Lower expression of CADM1 and higher expression of MAL in Merkel cell carcinomas are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection and better prognosis. Hum Pathol 2016; 48:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Mauzo SH, Ferrarotto R, Bell D, Torres-Cabala CA, Tetzlaff MT, Prieto VG, Aung PP. Molecular characteristics and potential therapeutic targets in Merkel cell carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2016; 69:382-90. [PMID: 26818033 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2015-203467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumour occurring preferentially in elderly and immunosuppressed individuals. Multiple studies have provided insight into the molecular alterations of MCC, leading to the design of several ongoing clinical trials testing chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. The results of some of these studies are available, whereas others are eagerly awaited and will likely shed light on the understanding of MCC biology and potentially improve the clinical outcomes of patients with this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakuntala H Mauzo
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Diana Bell
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carlos A Torres-Cabala
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael T Tetzlaff
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Victor G Prieto
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Phyu P Aung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Suárez AL, Louis P, Kitts J, Busam K, Myskowski PL, Wong RJ, Chen CSJ, Spencer P, Lacouture M, Pulitzer MP. Clinical and dermoscopic features of combined cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)/neuroendocrine [Merkel cell] carcinoma (MCC). J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 73:968-75. [PMID: 26433246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine carcinoma, associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus. MCC admixed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unassociated with polyomavirus, and is genetically distinct. OBJECTIVE We sought to distinguish clinically and dermoscopically between MCC and SCC/MCC. METHODS We compared patient data for SCC/MCC (n = 26) and MCC (n = 20), and reviewed clinical and dermoscopic images (n = 9) of SCC/MCC. RESULTS Patients with SCC/MCC were older (median 76.5 vs 69 years) and more often male (77% vs 60%), and had more nonmelanoma skin cancer (85% vs 25%), malignant extracutaneous tumors (25% vs 5%), lymphoproliferative disorders (23% vs 10%), and immunodeficient/proinflammatory states (77% vs 35%). In all, 58% of SCC/MCC versus 10% of MCC were clinically diagnosed nonmelanoma skin cancer. Patients with SCC/MCC had more metastases (77% vs 40%), more treatment failures (53% vs 45%), shorter survival (41 vs 54 months), and more death from disease (50% vs 40%). SCC/MCC demonstrated marked scale (7/9), and telangiectasia (1/9). Dermoscopically, small dotted and short linear irregular peripheral vessels and central milky-red areas with large-diameter arborizing vessels were seen. LIMITATIONS The rarity of SCC/MCC limits available data. CONCLUSIONS SCC/MCC is aggressive, arising within elderly patients' chronically ultraviolet-exposed skin, often in the setting of immunosuppression or inflammation. Dermoscopically, polymorphous vessels in lesions suspicious for nonmelanoma skin cancer are suggestive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Luísa Suárez
- Department of Dermatology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Peter Louis
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jasmine Kitts
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Klaus Busam
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Patricia L Myskowski
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard J Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Chih-Shan Jason Chen
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Philip Spencer
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mario Lacouture
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Melissa P Pulitzer
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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Tanio S, Matsushita M, Kuwamoto S, Horie Y, Kodani I, Murakami I, Ryoke K, Hayashi K. Low prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus with low viral loads in oral and maxillofacial tumours or tumour-like lesions from immunocompetent patients: Absence of Merkel cell polyomavirus-associated neoplasms. Mol Clin Oncol 2015; 3:1301-1306. [PMID: 26807237 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2015.629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently demonstrated that ~80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) harbour a novel polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV has been detected in various human tissue samples. However, previous studies on the prevalence of MCPyV in oral tumours or tumour-like lesions are incomplete. To address this issue, we measured MCPyV DNA quantity using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 327 oral tumours or tumour-like lesions and 54 jaw tumours or cyst lesions from 381 immunocompetent patients, as well as in 4 oral lesions from 4 immunosuppressed patients. qPCR revealed a low MCPyV prevalence (25/381, 6.6%) with low viral loads (0.00024-0.026 copies/cell) in oral and maxillofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions from immunocompetent patients. The prevalence was 7/176 (4.0%) in invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) [2/60 (3.33%) SCCs of the tongue, 4/52 (7.7%) SCCs of the gingiva and 1/19 (5.3%) SCCs of the floor of the mouth], 1/10 (10%) in dysplasias, 1/5 (20%) in adenocarcinomas, 2/13 (15.4%) in adenoid cystic carcinomas, 1/10 (10%) in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, 3/10 (30%) in lipomas, 3/5 (60%) in neurofibromas, 1/3 (33.3%) in Schwannomas, 2/12 (16.7%) in Warthin's tumours, 2/11 (18.2%) in pyogenic granulomas, 1/14 (7.1%) in radicular cysts and 1/12 (8.3%) in ameloblastomas. The prevalence in lesions from immunosuppressed patients (1/4, 25%) was higher compared with that in lesions from immunocompetent patients (25/381, 6.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to report prevalence data of MCPyV in tumours and cysts of the jaws (2/54, 3.7%). These data indicated absence of MCPyV-related tumours or tumour-like lesions in the oral cavity and jaws and suggested that the detected MCPyV DNA was derived from non-neoplastic background tissues with widespread low-level MCPyV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Tanio
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopathological Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan; Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsushita
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwamoto
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yasushi Horie
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Isamu Kodani
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopathological Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Ichiro Murakami
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kazuo Ryoke
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopathological Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Hayashi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
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Pulitzer MP, Brannon AR, Berger MF, Louis P, Scott SN, Jungbluth AA, Coit DG, Brownell I, Busam KJ. Cutaneous squamous and neuroendocrine carcinoma: genetically and immunohistochemically different from Merkel cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2015; 28:1023-32. [PMID: 26022453 PMCID: PMC4920599 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2015.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma most often arises de novo in the background of a clonally integrated virus, the Merkel cell polyomavirus, and is notable for positive expression of retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) protein and low expression of p53 compared with the rare Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinomas. Combined squamous and Merkel cell tumors are consistently negative for Merkel cell polyomavirus. Little is known about their immunophenotypic or molecular profile. Herein, we studied 10 combined cutaneous squamous cell and neuroendocrine carcinomas for immunohistochemical expression of p53, retinoblastoma 1 protein, neurofilament, p63, and cytokeratin 20 (CK20). We compared mutation profiles of five combined Merkel cell carcinomas and seven 'pure' Merkel cell carcinomas using targeted next-generation sequencing. Combined tumors were from the head, trunk, and leg of Caucasian males and one female aged 52-89. All cases were highly p53- and p63-positive and neurofilament-negative in the squamous component, whereas RB1-negative in both components. Eight out of 10 were p53-positive, 3/10 p63-positive, and 3/10 focally neurofilament-positive in the neuroendocrine component. Six out of 10 were CK20-positive in any part. By next-generation sequencing, combined tumors were highly mutated, with an average of 48 mutations per megabase compared with pure tumors, which showed 1.25 mutations per megabase. RB1 and p53 mutations were identified in all five combined tumors. Combined tumors represent an immunophenotypically and genetically distinct variant of primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas, notable for a highly mutated genetic profile, significant p53 expression and/or mutation, absent RB1 expression in the context of increased RB1 mutation, and minimal neurofilament expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa P Pulitzer
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Rose Brannon
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Berger
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Louis
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sasinya N Scott
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Achim A Jungbluth
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel G Coit
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isaac Brownell
- Dermatology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Klaus J Busam
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Combined squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma of the vulva: Role of human papillomavirus and Merkel cell polyomavirus. JAAD Case Rep 2015; 1:196-9. [PMID: 27051728 PMCID: PMC4808721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Santos-Juanes J, Fernández-Vega I, Fuentes N, Galache C, Coto-Segura P, Vivanco B, Astudillo A, Martínez-Camblor P. Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol 2015; 173:42-9. [PMID: 25919492 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several observational studies have assessed the correlation between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus with variable results. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether there is a correlation between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Studies assessing the relationship between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus from January 2008 to August 2014 were pooled from Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews and Google Scholar. From each study we collected the first author's last name, publication year, country of origin, type of study design, characteristics of participants, possible variables incorporated into the multivariable analyses and the risk ratio (RR) for Merkel cell carcinoma associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus combined with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Methodological assessment of the study was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Crude RR was calculated from the data provided in each article. Meta-analyses for the global RR and for the proportion of positives in both case and control samples were performed. In addition, in order to explore the sources of heterogeneity among the studies, meta-regression and sensitivity analyses are also provided. A total of 22 studies were identified for the analysis. The pooled RR from random-effects analysis was determined to be 6.32 (95% CI, 4.02-9.93). Global proportions of positive samples were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.72-0.84) and 0.12 (95% CI, 0.08-0.19) in the case and control groups, respectively. The findings support the association between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus. However, a non-negligible percentage of positive results have been identified in controls. Some caution must be taken in the interpretation of these results because heterogeneity between studies was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Santos-Juanes
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - I Fernández-Vega
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Araba, Álava, Spain
| | - N Fuentes
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - C Galache
- Departamento de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - P Coto-Segura
- Dermatology II, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - B Vivanco
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Astudillo
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - P Martínez-Camblor
- Oficina de Investigación Biosanitaria de Asturias (OIB-FICYT), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Lai JH, Fleming KE, Ly TY, Pasternak S, Godlewski M, Doucette S, Walsh NM. Pure versus combined Merkel cell carcinomas: immunohistochemical evaluation of cellular proteins (p53, Bcl-2, and c-kit) reveals significant overexpression of p53 in combined tumors. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:1290-6. [PMID: 26099430 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus is of oncogenic significance in approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas. Morphological subcategories of the tumor differ in regard to viral status, the rare combined type being uniformly virus negative and the predominant pure type being mainly virus positive. Indications that different biological subsets of the tumor exist led us to explore this diversity. In an Eastern Canadian cohort of cases (75 patients; mean age, 76 years [range, 43-91]; male/female ratio, 43:32; 51 [68%] pure and 24 [34%] combined tumors), we semiquantitatively compared the immunohistochemical expression of 3 cellular proteins (p53, Bcl-2, and c-kit) in pure versus combined groups. Viral status was known in a subset of cases. The significant overexpression of p53 in the combined group (mean [SD], 153.8 [117.8] versus 121.6 [77.9]; P = .01) and the increased epidermal expression of this protein (p53 patches) in the same group lend credence to a primary etiologic role for sun damage in these cases. Expression of Bcl-2 and c-kit did not differ significantly between the 2 morphological groups. A relative increase in c-kit expression was significantly associated with a virus-negative status (median [interquartile range], 100 [60-115] versus 70 [0-100]; P = .03). Emerging data reveal divergent biological pathways in Merkel cell carcinoma, each with a characteristic immunohistochemical profile. Virus-positive tumors (all pure) exhibit high retinoblastoma protein and low p53 expression, whereas virus-negative cases (few pure and all combined) show high p53 and relatively high c-kit expression. The potential biological implications of this dichotomy call for consistent stratification of these tumors in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Lai
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Kirsten E Fleming
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Thai Yen Ly
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Sylvia Pasternak
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Marek Godlewski
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Network, Saint John, NB, E2L 4L4, Canada
| | - Steve Doucette
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada; Research Methods Unit, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada
| | - Noreen M Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V8, Canada.
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