1
|
Vilasi SM, Nguyen J, Wang CJ, Miao L, Daily K, Eid M, Song JS, Jiang H, Ylaya K, Busam KJ, Gaiser MR, Hewitt SM, Brownell I. ATOH1, TFAP2B, and CEACAM6 as Immunohistochemical Markers to Distinguish Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:788. [PMID: 38398178 PMCID: PMC10886870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) can be histologically similar. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) are commonly used to differentiate MCC from SCLC; however, these markers have limited sensitivity and specificity. To identify new diagnostic markers, we performed differential gene expression analysis on transcriptome data from MCC and SCLC tumors. Candidate markers included atonal BHLH transcription factor 1 (ATOH1) and transcription factor AP-2β (TFAP2B) for MCC, as well as carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) for SCLC. Immunostaining for CK20, TTF-1, and new candidate markers was performed on 43 MCC and 59 SCLC samples. All three MCC markers were sensitive and specific, with CK20 and ATOH1 staining 43/43 (100%) MCC and 0/59 (0%) SCLC cases and TFAP2B staining 40/43 (93%) MCC and 0/59 (0%) SCLC cases. TTF-1 stained 47/59 (80%) SCLC and 1/43 (2%) MCC cases. CEACAM6 stained 49/59 (83%) SCLC and 0/43 (0%) MCC cases. Combining CEACAM6 and TTF-1 increased SCLC detection sensitivity to 93% and specificity to 98%. These data suggest that ATOH1, TFAP2B, and CEACAM6 should be explored as markers to differentiate MCC and SCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena M. Vilasi
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jannett Nguyen
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Catherine J. Wang
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lingling Miao
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kenneth Daily
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mary Eid
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joon Seon Song
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kris Ylaya
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Klaus J. Busam
- Dermatopathology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maria R. Gaiser
- Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephen M. Hewitt
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Isaac Brownell
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jaatinen J, Veija T, Salmikangas M, Böhling T, Sihto H, Koljonen V. ALK is frequently phosphorylated in Merkel cell carcinoma and associates with longer survival. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252099. [PMID: 34029351 PMCID: PMC8143417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer with only limited therapeutic options for advanced disease. We previously showed that oncogene ALK is frequently expressed at the RNA level in MCC and further that ALK positivity by immunohistochemistry is frequent and correlates strongly with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) positivity. In this study, we investigated whether ALK receptor is active in MCC tumor samples and MCC cell lines, and whether ALK would be a prospective treatment target in MCC. We utilized tissue microarrays constructed from 136 primary MCC tumor samples as well as nine previously established MCC cell lines to determine the presence of ALK and phosphorylated ALK (p-ALK) via immunohistochemistry. Almost half of the analyzed MCC tumors displayed ALK phosphorylation (47.8%). Analysis of MCC tumor samples revealed that the presence of p-ALK correlated to MCPyV positivity, younger age, nonexistence of metastases at diagnosis and ultimately to better MCC-specific survival. In contrast to MCC tumor samples only two out of nine MCC cell lines showed only low ALK phosphorylation by immunohistochemistry. Our study reveals clear disparity in ALK activity between patient derived tumors and cell line samples and therefore, more advanced disease models such as xenografts are necessary to resolve whether ALK is a useful treatment target in MCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Jaatinen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuukka Veija
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Sihto
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gorczynski A, Czapiewski P, Korwat A, Budynko L, Prelowska M, Okon K, Biernat W. ALK-rearranged renal cell carcinomas in Polish population. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152669. [PMID: 31677810 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase, the activation of which is considered an important event in the pathogenesis of several neoplasms and a predictive factor for the targeted therapy with ALK inhibitors. Thus far, ALK rearrangements have been identified in 22 renal cell carcinomas in both pediatric and adult patients. We evaluated the incidence of ALK rearrangement-associated RCC in adult Central European population. An immunohistochemical evaluation of 1019 kidney tumors was performed with use of three different clones of anti-ALK antibodies. None of the tested samples showed positive staining, which suggests that the incidence of ALK rearrangement-associated renal cell carcinomas is significantly lower in the Polish population, and indicates a potential association between ethnicity and occurrence of these rare neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gorczynski
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Piotr Czapiewski
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Korwat
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Lukasz Budynko
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Monika Prelowska
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Okon
- Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University, Grzegorzecka 16, 33-332, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Biernat
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Veija T, Kero M, Koljonen V, Böhling T. ALK and EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus status in Merkel cell carcinoma. Histopathology 2019; 74:829-835. [PMID: 30588655 DOI: 10.1111/his.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour of the skin, can be categorised into two groups according to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) presence. MCV-negative tumours are more aggressive and frequently associated with gene mutations. Some of the genes are potential therapeutic targets. We have previously reported EGFR mutations in six of 27 MCC tumours and overexpression of ALK and EZH2 at mRNA level in MCC tumours. In this study, we sought to determine expression of ALK, EGFR and EZH2 in MCC samples and assess their correlation to MCV status and clinical parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS Tissue microarrays were utilised and stained with primary antibodies. Staining data were statistically compared to patient sex, tumour location and development of metastasis and MCC-specific death; 112 tumours and their corresponding patient data were included. We found strong expression of ALK in 51% and strong expression of EZH2 in 76% of the tumours. There was evident correlation of ALK expression with MCV-positivity. Expression of EGFR was infrequent, presenting only in seven MCV-negative tumours. None of the proteins associated with development of metastasis or MCC specific death. CONCLUSIONS ALK and EZH2 expression are frequent in MCC and ALK expression correlates to MCV positivity. EGFR positive tumours might respond to EGFR inhibiting treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuukka Veija
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mia Kero
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase in Cutaneous Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9090123. [PMID: 28895885 PMCID: PMC5615338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9090123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of neoplasms. As suggested by its name, ALK was first described as part of a translocation product in cases of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, with other genetic and cytogenetic ALK mutations subsequently coming to attention in the development of many other hematologic and solid organ malignancies. ALK has now been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of several cutaneous malignancies, including secondary cutaneous systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) and primary cutaneous ALCL, melanoma, spitzoid tumors, epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. The characterization of ALK-positivity in these cutaneous malignancies presents exciting opportunities for utilizing ALK-targeted inhibitors in the treatment of these diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
Veija T, Koljonen V, Bohling T, Kero M, Knuutila S, Sarhadi VK. Aberrant expression of ALK and EZH2 in Merkel cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:236. [PMID: 28359267 PMCID: PMC5374569 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3233-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distinct characteristic features categorize Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) into two subgroups according to the Merkel cell polyomavirus infection. Many mutational studies on MCC have been carried out in recent years without identifying a prominent driver mutation. However, there is paucity reporting the expression of cancer genes at the RNA level in MCC tumors. In this study, we studied the RNA expression profiles of 26 MCC tumors, with a goal to identify prospective molecular targets that could improve the treatment strategies of MCC. METHODS RNA expression of 50 cancer-related genes in 26 MCC tumors was analyzed by targeted amplicon based next-generation sequencing using the Ion Torrent technology and the expression compared with that of normal, non-cancerous skin samples. Sequencing data were processed using Torrent Suite™ Software. Expression profiles of MCV-negative and MCV-positive tumors were compared. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to study ALK rearrangements and immunohistochemistry to study ALK expression in tumor tissue. RESULTS ALK, CDKN2A, EZH2 and ERBB4 were overexpressed, and EGFR, ERBB2, PDGFRA and FGFR1 were underexpressed in MCC tumors compared to normal skin. In the MCV-negative tumors, MET, NOTCH1, FGFR3, and SMO were overexpressed and JAK3 and NPM1 were under-expressed compared to the MCV-positive tumors. CONCLUSIONS High expression of ALK, CDKN2A and EZH2 was recorded in MCC tumors. No ALK fusion was seen by FISH analysis. Overexpression of EZH2 suggests its potential as a drug target in MCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuukka Veija
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, P.O. Box 266, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Bohling
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mia Kero
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sakari Knuutila
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virinder Kaur Sarhadi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huang Y, Xu X, Ji L, Wang Y, Wang S, Tang J, Huang X, Yang X, He Y, He S, Cheng C. Expression of far upstream element binding protein 1 in B‑cell non‑Hodgkin lymphoma is correlated with tumor growth and cell‑adhesion mediated drug resistance. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:3759-68. [PMID: 27599538 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion‑mediated drug resistance (CAM‑DR) remains a major obstacle to the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatment of lymphoma. Far upstream element binding protein 1 (FBP1) is a multifunctional protein that is highly expressed in proliferating cells of several solid neoplasms; however, its expression and biological function in B‑cell lymphoma is largely unknown. FBP1 expression in both reactive lymphoid tissues and several B‑cell lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma were detected by immunohistochemistry analysis. FBP1 expression in B‑cell lymphoma was also associated with poor survival outcomes. Functionally, small interfering RNA‑mediated silencing of FBP1 was able to inhibit the proliferation of B‑cell lymphoma cells, resulting in G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, results of a cell adhesion assay demonstrated that adhesion to fibronectin or bone marrow stromal cells induced FBP1 expression, which in turn facilitated cell adhesion. Finally, FBP1 knockdown reversed CAM‑DR. These findings support a role for FBP1 in non‑Hodgkin lymphoma cell proliferation, adhesion and drug resistance, and may lead to the generation of a novel therapeutic approach targeting this molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuejiao Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Lili Ji
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yuchan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Shitao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xianting Huang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yunhua He
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Song He
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China
| | - Chun Cheng
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
CONTEXT Immunohistochemistry is not a diagnostic test but a highly valuable tool that requires interpretation within a context. OBJECTIVE To review the current status and limitations of immunohistochemistry in dermatopathology. DATA SOURCES English-language literature published between 1980 and 2014. CONCLUSIONS Although immunohistochemistry is rarely completely specific or sensitive, it is an important adjunctive technique in dermatopathology and can be helpful in a series of diagnostic dilemmas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tammie Ferringer
- From the Departments of Dermatology and Laboratory Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Erstad DJ, Cusack JC. Mutational analysis of merkel cell carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:2116-36. [PMID: 25329450 PMCID: PMC4276959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6042116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that is associated with a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of MCC is not well understood, and despite a recent plethora of mutational analyses, we have yet to find a set of signature mutations implicated in the majority of cases. Mutations, including TP53, Retinoblastoma and PIK3CA, have been documented in subsets of patients. Other mechanisms are also likely at play, including infection with the Merkel cell polyomavirus in a subset of patients, dysregulated immune surveillance, epigenetic alterations, aberrant protein expression, posttranslational modifications and microRNAs. In this review, we summarize what is known about MCC genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, and their clinical significance. We also examine aberrant protein function and microRNA expression, and discuss the therapeutic and prognostic implications of these findings. Multiple clinical trials designed to selectively target overexpressed oncogenes in MCC are currently underway, though most are still in early phases. As we accumulate more molecular data on MCC, we will be better able to understand its pathogenic mechanisms, develop libraries of targeted therapies, and define molecular prognostic signatures to enhance our clinicopathologic knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Erstad
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - James C Cusack
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gorczyński A, Prełowska M, Adam P, Czapiewski P, Biernat W. ALK-positive cancer: still a growing entity. Future Oncol 2014; 10:305-21. [PMID: 24490615 DOI: 10.2217/fon.13.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in 1994 many other types of tumors showing ALK expression were disclosed. They form a heterogeneous group, including lung, renal and soft tissue tumors. The biological function of ALK, its role in carcinogenesis and impact exerted on the clinical outcome have been studied by many research groups. New drugs specifically dedicated for ALK inhibition, for example, crizotinib, have been synthesized and have become a viable treatment option for ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma, and potentially for other ALK-positive cancers. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning ALK-positive neoplasms, focusing on the clinical aspects of the subject.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gorczyński
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Merkel cell carcinoma - recent advances in the biology, diagnostics and treatment. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 53:536-46. [PMID: 24811434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary cutaneous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Since recent discovery of MCCs strong association with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), there has been a rapid increase in the understanding of the carcinomas genetics, molecular biology and pathogenesis. In our study, we reviewed recent advances and controversies concerning MCC histogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic and prognostic markers. We analyzed the association of MCPyV with MCC and the possible new targets for therapy. We also examined English-based literature regarding MCC pathogenesis published between 2008 and 2013, which lead to a deeper understanding of the topic. Our study showed that the association of MCPyV strongly influences the course of MCC. Additionally, it has been shown that a immunological response to MCPyV may in the future give hope to identify new therapeutic strategies in treatment of this fatal malignancy. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Rare Cancers.
Collapse
|