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Hellgren LS, Stenman A, Jatta K, Condello V, Larsson C, Zedenius J, Juhlin CC. Catching the Silent Culprits: TERT Promoter Mutation Screening of Minimally Invasive Follicular and Oncocytic Thyroid Carcinoma in Clinical Practice. Endocr Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12022-024-09828-x. [PMID: 39363120 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-024-09828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
De-escalation of thyroid cancer treatment is crucial to prevent overtreatment of indolent disease, but it remains important to identify clinically aggressive cases. TERT promoter mutations are molecular events frequently associated with high-risk thyroid tumors with poor outcomes and may identify cases at risk of dissemination. In various international guidelines, small minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma and oncocytic thyroid carcinoma (miFTC/miOTC) are classified as low-risk lesions and are not recommended adjuvant treatment. Our study aimed to explore the association between size-based risk assessment and TERT promoter mutations. Between 2019 and May 2024, 84 miFTCs/miOTCs diagnosed at our department underwent digital droplet PCR analysis targeting TERT promoter mutational hotspots C228T and C250T in clinical routine. TERT promoter mutations were found in 10 out of 84 cases (11.9%). Mutated cases were pT1 (n = 1), pT2 (n = 3), or pT3 (n = 6). Patients with mutated tumors were older compared to patients with wild-type tumors (median age of 71 years vs. 57 years, p = 0.041). There were no significant differences regarding patient sex, tumor size, Ki-67 labeling index, or the presence of distant metastases. Notably, 30% of mutations displayed variant allele frequencies < 10%, possibly suggesting subclonal events. To conclude, TERT promoter mutations in miFTCs and miOTCs were associated with higher patient age and were often suspected to be subclonal. However, they did not affect clinical outcomes, possibly due to short follow-up. Reflex testing for this genetic alteration in miFTCs and miOTCs could be justified regardless of tumor size, though the clinical benefit remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Samuel Hellgren
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Adam Stenman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors, and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenbugul Jatta
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincenzo Condello
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors, and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Condello V, Paulsson JO, Zedenius J, Näsman A, Juhlin CC. Spatial Transcriptomics in a Case of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Reveals Clone-Specific Dysregulation of Genes Regulating Extracellular Matrix in the Invading Front. Endocr Pathol 2024; 35:122-133. [PMID: 38280140 PMCID: PMC11176252 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-024-09798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is recognized by its ability to invade the tumor capsule and blood vessels, although the exact molecular signals orchestrating this phenotype remain elusive. In this study, the spatial transcriptional landscape of an FTC is detailed with comparisons between the invasive front and histologically indolent central core tumor areas. The Visium spatial gene expression platform allowed us to interrogate and visualize the whole transcriptome in 2D across formalin-fixated paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. Four different 6 × 6 mm areas of an FTC were scrutinized, including regions with capsular and vascular invasion, capsule-near area without invasion, and a central core area of the tumor. Following successful capturing and sequencing, several expressional clusters were identified with regional variation. Most notably, invasive tumor cell clusters were significantly over-expressing genes associated with pathways interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Subsets of these genes (POSTN and DPYSL3) were additionally validated using immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort of follicular thyroid tumors showing a clear gradient pattern from the core to the periphery of the tumor. Moreover, the reconstruction of the evolutionary tree identified the invasive clones as late events in follicular thyroid tumorigenesis. To our knowledge, this is one of the first 2D global transcriptional mappings of FTC using this platform to date. Invasive FTC clones develop in a stepwise fashion and display significant dysregulation of genes associated with the ECM and EMT - thus highlighting important molecular crosstalk for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Condello
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Johan O Paulsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors, and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Näsman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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3
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Park H, Kim TY, Kim TH, Kim JH. Letter to Editor in Response to Article Entitled "Selection Criteria for Completion Thyroidectomy in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Using Primary Tumor Size and TERT Promotor Mutational Status". Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:8546-8547. [PMID: 37789109 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14357-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hyuk Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Thyroid Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jung-Han Kim
- Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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4
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Hysek M, Hellgren SL, Condello V, Xu Y, Larsson C, Zedenius J, Juhlin CC. 5hmC Immunohistochemistry: A Predictor of TERT Promoter Mutational Status in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma? J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:451-458. [PMID: 37486076 PMCID: PMC10424576 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231190437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene aberrancies correlate to adverse prognosis in follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). As loss of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) has been associated with TERT promoter mutations in papillary thyroid carcinoma, this study sought to analyze the levels of 5hmC in a cohort of follicular thyroid tumors with available TERT data. A total of 29 tumors (26 FTCs, 2 follicular thyroid tumors of uncertain malignant potential, and 1 oncocytic thyroid carcinoma) with known TERT promoter mutational status and TERT gene expression were assessed for 5hmC immunoreactivity using two antibodies (clones RM236 and 4D9.) Slides were analyzed using a semiquantitative scoring system. Of the 10 tumor cases with aberrant TERT, only 1 scored negative with both antibodies (1/10; 10%), whereas the remaining 9 cases (9/10; 90%) exhibited some positivity for at least one antibody. Of the 19 TERT wild-type tumors, no case was scored negative using RM236, and 2 cases (2/19; 11%) using 4D9. The differences between TERT promoter mutated and wild-type groups were non-significant. The sensitivity and specificity for 5hmC immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect mutated cases were 10% and 100% (RM236) and 20% and 89% (4D9). Therefore, 5hmC IHC is not a sensitive marker for detecting TERT promoter mutations in follicular thyroid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hysek
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samuel L. Hellgren
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincenzo Condello
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yiyi Xu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors, and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C. Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Zantut-Wittmann DE, Laus AC, Moreno DA, Barreto IS, Moma CA, Maia F, Etchebehere E, Assumpção L, Reis RM. Extremely aggressive course in a poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma presenting a double mutation of the TERT promoter. Am J Med Sci 2023; 365:532-537. [PMID: 36972734 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.03.019] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BRAF and TERT oncogenes hotspot mutations are associated with a more aggressive outcome in thyroid carcinomas (TC). TERT promoter (pTERT) mutations (C228T and C250T) are related to cancer growth and reduced overall- and disease-free survivals in TC. We report a patient followed up for 8 years with a poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) presenting an extremely aggressive course, who developed a large volume of metastases in a short period. Molecular analysis of the primary tumor revealed two pTERT mutations (C228T and C250T), and no BRAF V600E mutation. pTERT mutations C228T and C250T have been described as mutually exclusive, indicating that one mutation is enough for telomerase activation and exerts its action in thyroid tumorigenesis. This report describes both pTERT hotspot mutations in the same PDTC patient presenting a very aggressive course, even for PDTC, suggesting a relationship between the two events. However, more studies are needed to prove this causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Zantut-Wittmann
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - A C Laus
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos SP, Brazil
| | - D A Moreno
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos SP, Brazil
| | - I S Barreto
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C A Moma
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ffr Maia
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ecsc Etchebehere
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lvm Assumpção
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R M Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos SP, Brazil; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga Guimarães, Portugal
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Hellgren LS, Stenman A, Paulsson JO, Höög A, Larsson C, Zedenius J, Juhlin CC. Prognostic Utility of the Ki-67 Labeling Index in Follicular Thyroid Tumors: a 20-Year Experience from a Tertiary Thyroid Center. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:231-242. [PMID: 35305239 PMCID: PMC9135869 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09714-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Follicular thyroid tumors pose a diagnostic challenge on the preoperative level, as the discrimination between follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and adenoma (FTA) demands careful histopathological investigation. Moreover, prognostication of FTCs is mostly based on tumor size and extent of invasive properties, while immunohistochemical markers pinpointing high-risk cases are lacking. We have routinely established a Ki-67 labeling index for follicular thyroid tumors since 1999. To assess the potential value of Ki-67 as an adjunct tool to (1) correctly separate FTCs from FTAs and (2) help identify poor-prognosis FTCs, we collected histopathological and clinical data from 818 follicular thyroid tumors with a histological Ki-67 labeling index established in clinical routine practice (516 FTAs, 252 FTCs, and 50 follicular thyroid tumors of uncertain malignant potential (FT-UMPs)). The Ki-67 labeling index was higher in FTCs (mean 5.8%) than in FTAs (mean 2.6%) (P < 0.001), and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a cut-off value of 4% to separate FTC from FTA with a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 83%, respectively. Similarly, a Ki-67 labeling index above 4% was found to identify FTCs that later metastasized from clinically indolent FTCs with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 48%, respectively. Ki-67 constituted an independent predictor of future FTC metastases/recurrence and death of disease, and a value > 4% was a reliable prognostic marker within individual pT staging groups. We conclude that Ki-67 is a potentially valuable marker for the prognostication of FTCs, and future implementation in the histopathological assessments of follicular thyroid tumors could be beneficial if reproduced in international series.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Samuel Hellgren
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adam Stenman
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan O Paulsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Höög
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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7
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Stenman A, Kjellman M, Zedenius J, Juhlin CC. Synchronous lateral lymph node metastases from papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. Thyroid Res 2022; 15:1. [PMID: 35120551 PMCID: PMC8815265 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-022-00120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) rarely metastasize to regional lymph nodes, and descriptions of synchronous lateral lymph node metastases of FTC and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are lacking. Case Presentation We describe a 43-year-old female with a preoperative cytology indicating a right-sided PTC with lateral lymph node metastases. She underwent a total thyroidectomy and central and lateral lymph node dissection, and histopathology confirmed a multifocal tall cell variant PTC together with a 12 mm minimally invasive FTC in the ipsilateral lobe. While the central compartment demonstrated metastatic PTC, the lateral compartment contained PTC metastases alongside a 15 mm large follicular-patterned mass in a separate lymph node. As the cells lacked PTC associated nuclear changes, the possibility of a lateral lymph node metastasis of FTC was considered, with the possibility of ectopic thyroid tissue as a differential diagnosis. By utilizing next-generation sequencing, a Q61R NRAS mutation was pinpointed, thus proving the tissue as tumorous. The patient underwent radioiodine treatment and is currently monitored following a negative whole-body scan. Conclusions This is probably the first case report of a patient with co-existing lateral lymph node PTC and FTC metastases. Consulting previous publications, there is currently a gap of knowledge in terms of how patients with regional FTC metastases should be followed-up and treated, especially when co-occurring with spread high-risk PTC subtypes. Moreover, what guides a seemingly indolent FTC to spread via the lymphatic system remains to be defined from a molecular standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stenman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Kjellman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64, Solna, Sweden. .,Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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8
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Rosvall BR, Kostiuk M, Williams J, Matkin A, Harris J, Seikaly H, O'Connell DA, Biron VL. Utility of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction for TERT and BRAF mutational profiling of thyroid nodules. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1142. [PMID: 34702207 PMCID: PMC8547072 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08810-8] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations involving BRAF and TERT are important predictors of disease severity in thyroid cancer, but molecular testing is limited by cost and lack of adequate tissue sample. This study aimed to assess the utility of BRAFV600E and TERT testing using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for thyroid fine needle aspirate biopsy (FNAB). Methods Patients with thyroid nodules were prospectively enrolled from March 2015 to September 2018. Pre-operative FNAB was collected for standard cytology and molecular testing. BRAFV600E and TERT levels were analyzed by ddPCR. Cytology (Bethesda system) and ddPCR results were correlated to surgical pathology. Results A total of 222 patients were enrolled, of which 124 received thyroid surgery. Pre-operative cytology alone with Bethesda ≥5 was 100% specific and 70% sensitive for malignancy on final surgical pathology. BRAFV600E positivity or TERT overexpression was 100% specific and 60.0% sensitive. Combining cytology (Bethesda ≥5) with BRAFV600E and TERT testing increased the sensitivity of a malignant diagnosis to 80.0%. High TERT levels and/or BRAFV600E was associated with aggressive or advanced stage pathology. Conclusions Combining cytology with ddPCR analysis of BRAFV600E and TERT can improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid FNAB, and help predict aggressive pathology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08810-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon R Rosvall
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Morris Kostiuk
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Jordana Williams
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Ashlee Matkin
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Harris
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Daniel A O'Connell
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Vincent L Biron
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada.
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Ricci C, Morandi L, Ambrosi F, Righi A, Gibertoni D, Maletta F, Agostinelli C, Corradini AG, Uccella S, Asioli S, Sessa F, La Rosa S, Papotti MG, Asioli S. Intron 4-5 hTERT DNA Hypermethylation in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Frequency, Association with Other Clinico-pathological Features and Prognostic Relevance. Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:385-395. [PMID: 33909215 PMCID: PMC8370894 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin tumor with neuroendocrine differentiation, mainly affecting elderly population or immunocompromised individuals. As methylation of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (mhTERT) has been shown to be a prognostic factor in different tumors, we investigated its role in MCC, in particular in intron 4-5 where rs10069690 has been mapped and recognized as a cancer susceptibility locus. DNA methylation analysis of hTERT gene was assessed retrospectively in a cohort of 69 MCC patients from the University of Bologna, University of Turin and University of Insubria. Overall mortality was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Royston-Parmar models. High levels of mhTERT (mhTERThigh) (HR = 2.500, p = 0.015) and p63 (HR = 2.659, p = 0.016) were the only two clinico-pathological features significantly associated with a higher overall mortality at the multivariate analysis. We did not find different levels of mhTERT between MCPyV (+) and (-) cases (21 vs 14, p = 0.554); furthermore, mhTERThigh was strongly associated with older age (80.5 vs 72 years, p = 0.026), no angioinvasion (40.7% vs 71.0%, p = 0.015), lower Ki67 (50 vs 70%, p = 0.005), and PD-L1 expressions in both tumor (0 vs 3%, p = 0.021) and immune cells (0 vs 10%, p = 0.002). mhTERT is a frequently involved epigenetic mechanism and a relevant prognostic factor in MCC. In addition, it belongs to the shared oncogenic pathways of MCC (MCPyV and UV-radiations) and it could be crucial, together with other epigenetic and genetic mechanisms as gene amplification, in determining the final levels of hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Ricci
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Functional MR Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Righi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dino Gibertoni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene and Biostatistics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Maletta
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Città Della Salute Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Agostinelli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Haematopathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Gianluca Corradini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Functional MR Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Uccella
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Asioli
- Unit of Pathology, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, 47121, Italy
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Giulio Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Città Della Salute Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Sofia Asioli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) Surgical Pathology Section- Alma Mater Studiorum , University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy.
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10
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Hellgren LS, Olsson A, Kaufeldt A, Paulsson JO, Hysek M, Stenman A, Zedenius J, Larsson C, Höög A, Juhlin CC. Nuclear-specific accumulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT) mRNA in TERT promoter mutated follicular thyroid tumours visualised by in situ hybridisation: a possible clinical screening tool? J Clin Pathol 2021; 75:jclinpath-2021-207631. [PMID: 34011619 PMCID: PMC9510436 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Upregulation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene is a frequent finding in follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) with metastatic features. The augmented expression is usually caused by TERT promoter mutations. As TERT protein immunohistochemistry might not correlate to TERT mRNA levels in follicular thyroid tumours, we therefore sought to determine if visualisation of TERT mRNA through in situ hybridisation could highlight high-risk cases. METHODS We collected formalin-fixated paraffin-embedded tissues from 26 follicular thyroid tumours; 7 FTCs, 2 follicular thyroid tumours of uncertain malignant potential (FT-UMPs) and a single Hürthle cell carcinoma with established TERT promoter mutations and gene expression, as well as 16 FTCs with no TERT gene aberrancy or gene expression, and assessed them using RNA Scope in situ hybridisation (ISH) and TERT probes targeting the two main TERT transcripts (TERT1 and TERT2). RESULTS TERT 1 and/or 2 mRNA was found by ISH in 8/10 cases with established promoter mutations and mRNA expression, whereas all 16 cases without TERT gene aberrancies or gene expression were negative (Fisher's exact p<0.001). Strikingly, TERT mRNA was visualised in the nuclear compartment only, thereby corroborating earlier studies suggesting a non-conventional role for TERT in tumour biology. Moreover, TERT mRNA expression was scattered across the tissue sections and only found in a few percentages of tumour nuclei. CONCLUSIONS TERT mRNA seems to be focally expressed and localised exclusively to the nucleus in TERT promoter mutated follicular thyroid tumours, possibly reflecting a true biological and unorthodox phenomenon worthy of further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Samuel Hellgren
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Olsson
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Kaufeldt
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan O Paulsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Hysek
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adam Stenman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Zedenius
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Höög
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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da Costa VR, Bim LV, Pacheco e Silva LDP, Colloza-Gama GA, Bastos AU, Delcelo R, Oler G, Cerutti JM. Advances in Detecting Low Prevalence Somatic TERT Promoter Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:643151. [PMID: 33776938 PMCID: PMC7994758 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.643151] [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] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two recurrent TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) promoter mutations, C228T and C250T, have been reported in thyroid carcinomas and were correlated with high-risk clinicopathological features and a worse prognosis. Although far more frequent in the poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid cancer, the TERT promoter mutations play a significant role on PTC recurrence and disease-specific mortality. However, the prevalence varies considerably through studies and it is uncertain if these differences are due to population variation or the methodology used to detect TERT mutations. In this study we aim to compare three different strategies to detect TERT promoter mutations in PTC. METHODS DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens from 89 PTC and 40 paired lymph node metastases. The prevalence of the hot spot TERT C228T and C250T mutations was assessed in FFPE samples using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Random samples were tested by Sanger Sequencing and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). RESULTS In general, 16 out of 89 (18%) PTC samples and 14 out of 40 (35%) lymph node metastases harbored TERT promoter mutations by TaqMan assay. Sanger sequencing, performed in random selected samples, failed to detect TERT mutations in four samples that were positive by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Remarkably, ddPCR assay allowed detection of TERT promoter mutations in six samples that harbor very low mutant allele frequency (≤ 2%) and were negative by both genotype assay and Sanger Sequencing. CONCLUSION This study observed a good concordance among the methodologies used to detect TERT promoter mutations when a high percentage of mutated alleles was present. Sanger analysis demonstrated a limit of detection for mutated alleles. Therefore, the prevalence of TERT promoter mutations in PTC may be higher than previously reported, since most studies have conventionally used Sanger sequencing. The efficient characterization of genetic alterations that are used as preoperative or postoperative diagnostic, risk stratification of the patient and individualized treatment decisions, mainly in highly heterogeneous tumors, require highly sensitive and specific approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Rodrigues da Costa
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Valdemarin Bim
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Avelar Colloza-Gama
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Uchimura Bastos
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Repare DNA Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosana Delcelo
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Oler
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janete Maria Cerutti
- Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumors Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Division of Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Janete Maria Cerutti,
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