Detection of human papilloma virus and p16 expression in high-grade adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck

Parotid squamous cell carcinoma metastases: Application of human papillomavirus-DNA test on liquid-based cytology to recognize oropharyngeal origin of the neoplasm

Malignancies of the parotid gland are relatively uncommon and in most cases are primary neoplasms; intraparotid metastases are rare. Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (O- and OP-SCC) can potentially metastasize to the parotid gland or intraparotid lymph nodes. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) serves as the initial diagnostic approach for this purpose. HPV status in FNAC specimens is relevant and can guide the diagnostic workup, indicating a potential oropharyngeal origin of the primary tumor. A small series of occult SCC metastases is presented below, in which HPV-DNA testing of FNAC specimens helped identify primary neoplasms located in the oropharynx. US-guided FNAC of parotid nodules was conducted by an experienced interventional cytopathologist in three cases. Each patient underwent assessment of direct smears, cell blocks, and liquid-based samples for HPV testing. The morphological and immunocytochemical features of SCC were documented, and real-time PCR was employed for the detection and genotyping of HPV. The role of HPV testing on FNAC specimens in pinpointing the primary neoplasms in the oropharynx is highlighted. Consequently, FNAC samples emerge as valuable diagnostic and prognostic tools in this context, providing essential insights for patient management.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma With Intracranial Extension and Rapid Recurrence: A Case Report

HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a rare malignancy of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses that often presents with indolent behavior despite aggressive histologic appearance. Herein, we present an unusual case of a patient with HMSC presenting with rapid local recurrence, highlighting the histopathology and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies surrounding HMSC.

Human papillomavirus-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma

Human papillomavirus-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a rare primary tumor of the sinonasal tract that has been reported recently. It is reportedly associated with human papillomavirus infection. The tumor presents with glandular cyst-like histology, but some cases exhibit squamous epithelialization and are positive on p16 immunohistochemical staining. The clinical picture and treatment of this disease have not been established. However, this report describes a recurrent case of this disease treated with salvage surgery. The patient was a 61-year-old woman who presented to the previous doctor with a chief complaint of nasal obstruction. A localized tumor was found in the left nasal cavity and was resected under endoscopic guidance. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was HMSC. Twenty-one months after the surgery, local recurrence was observed, and the patient was referred to our hospital. Since the recurrent lesion had widely infiltrated outside the nasal cavity, extensive resection and reconstructive surgery were performed. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed as an additional treatment. Notably, 13 months have passed since the salvage surgery, and no recurrence has been observed to date.

Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with High Grade Transformation: A Case Report and Current Concepts in Multi Modality Management

Lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is associated with an aggressive clinical course and grave prognosis. A high grade transformation within adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland is a rare condition which is even more locally aggressive with frequent neck and distant metastasis. We present a case of left lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with high grade transformation to adenocarcinoma NOS type presenting with orbital pain and proptosis. After thorough evaluation for locoregional and distant spread of the disease, the patient underwent left orbital exenteration with orbitectomy and neck dissection with free flap reconstruction. Patient received adjuvant radiation therapy and is presently disease free for last 6 months. A multi-modality management protocol involving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has been proposed for management of lacrimal gland AdCC with high grade transformation. We report the 4th case in the literature of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with high grade transformation.

Human papillomavirus-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features of the sinonasal tract: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features currently known as HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a rare distinct head and neck high-risk HPV-related carcinoma. The high-risk HPV subtypes implicated are particularly type 33,35 and 56. So far this is the first reported rare case of a variant of sinonasal carcinoma in Tanzania.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 59-year old female who presented with a history of right-sided nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis for about one year and later on had ipsilateral proptosis. A provisional diagnosis of advanced right-sided malignant sinonasal tumor was made. Trans nasal biopsy revealed HMSC.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The patient had a right sided fixed neck mass that measured about 7.5 × 8.2 cm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the paranasal sinuses revealed a T1 weighted contrasted images that showed a huge extensive enhancing mass (estimated to measure 4.5 × 4.4) involving the nasal cavity, bilateral ethmoid sinuses, frontal and sphenoid sinuses and also the tumor exhibit intracranial extension (anterior cranial fossa) and tend to compress medial walls of both orbits though more marked on the right side. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma. The disease was staged to be T4bN3aM0 and the patient was referred for palliative chemoradiation.

CONCLUSION

Although HMSC presents at advanced stage in close to half of cases and has a high-grade histological appearance it paradoxically exhibits a relatively indolent manner with frequent local recurrences. Prompt histopathological diagnosis is important to prevent metastases and HMSC-related deaths.

Analysis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Polyomaviruses (HPyVs) in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (AdCC) of the Head and Neck Region Reveals Three HPV-Positive Cases with Adenoid Cystic-like Features

An aetiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) has been proposed in adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). Moreover, HPV-related multiphenotypic carcinoma (HMSC) was recently introduced as an emerging entity of the sinonasal region. Here, we primarily want to study the role of HPV/HPyV in a large AdCC cohort and, secondly, possibly identify and characterize HMSC. Tumour DNA from 68 patients initially diagnosed with AdCC between 2000 and 2012 was, therefore, tested for 27 HPV types and 10 HPyVs. HPV DNA-positive samples were micromorphologically re-evaluated, further stained for p16^INK4a, S100, p63 and CD117 and tested for the presence of the MYB-NFIB fusion transcript. Notably, no samples were HPyV-positive, while one sinonasal and two tonsillar carcinomas were HPV- and p16-positive. After re-evaluating the micromorphology, immunohistochemistry and presence of fusion transcripts, all tumours had the same appearance and fitted within the diagnosis of HMSC, but in all these three cases, the morphology of the HMSC and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma was overlapping. We conclude that HPV and HPyV have no major role in AdCC. However, based on our data, we also suggest that HMSC should be considered as a basaloid variant of squamous cell carcinoma, and not its own entity, until better characterized.

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in-situ hybridisation study of 13 cases

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and chromosomal features of primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PCACC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analysed 13 cases identified on their clinicopathological features and performed fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) on six available cases. Head and neck (46.2%) were most commonly involved. The median age was 53 years, with a male predilection. Histologically, tumours were classified as grades 1 (eight), 2 (four) and 3 with high-grade transformation (HGT) (one). The HGT component was demonstrated as poorly differentiated carcinoma with multifocal necrosis and myoepithelial differentiation. Patients with one of the following factors: longest diameter of the lesion (≥ 1 cm), involvement of subcutaneous fat tissue and widely infiltrative border had a relatively higher rate of local recurrence, distant metastasis and death. Five of six cases were confirmed to have MYB translocation, while nuclear staining for MYB proto-oncogene, transcription factor (MYB) protein was found in four cases. During the follow-up (median = 64 months), two patients experienced local recurrences. One patient, who was classified as grade III PCACC with HGT, developed multiple metastases and died of disease. Another patient was alive with multiple metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest single-institution study, to our knowledge, of PCACC in an Asian population. We describe the first case of scalp PCACC with HGT, which is the only death case in our series. PCACC tends to recur locally and has metastatic potential. PCACC with HGT has a poor prognosis.

High-grade Transformation/Dedifferentiation in Salivary Gland Carcinomas: Occurrence Across Subtypes and Clinical Significance

High-grade transformation (HGT) or dedifferentiation has been described in a variety of salivary gland carcinomas, including acinic cell carcinoma, secretory carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, polymorphous adenocarcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma. High-grade (HG) transformed tumors are composed of a conventional low-grade component characterized by specific microscopic and immunohistochemical features for the given entity, intermingled with or juxtaposed to areas of HG morphology. This is usually either poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, carcinoma not otherwise specified, or undifferentiated carcinoma, in which the original line of differentiation is lost. The HG component is composed of solid nests of anaplastic cells with large vesicular pleomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and abundant cytoplasm. Frequent mitoses and extensive necrosis may be present. The Ki-67 labeling index is consistently higher in the HG component. The molecular genetic mechanisms responsible for HGT of salivary gland carcinomas are largely unknown, though p53 inactivation and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression and/or gene amplification have been demonstrated in the HG component in a few examples, the frequency varies for each histologic type. Salivary gland carcinomas with HGT are more aggressive than conventional carcinomas, with a higher local recurrence rate and a poorer prognosis. They have a high propensity for cervical lymph node metastasis suggesting a need for a wider resection and neck dissection. HGT of salivary gland carcinoma can occur either at initial presentation or less commonly at the time of recurrence, sometimes following postoperative radiotherapy. The potential for HGT in almost any type of salivary gland carcinoma warrants a thorough sampling of all salivary gland malignancies to prevent oversight of a HG component.

Sinonasal analogue HPV related breast multiphenotypic carcinoma, a report of a case with the first description in the breast

Background

High grade basal-like breast carcinomas are triple negative, express basal cytokeratins, and are known for the overall poor prognosis and aggressive behavior. HPV related multiphenotypic sino-nasal carcinoma has overlapping histology with basal-like breast carcinomas, but carry the defining feature of association with high risk HPV.

Case presentation

We present a case of a perimenopausal woman with a non-healing ulcerated lesion involving the nipple and breast following a trauma. Biopsy performed showed an HPV-positive basal-like carcinoma with squamous differentiation involving the breast, analogous to multiphenotypic carcinoma previously described in the sinonasal tract.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a case of a high- risk HPV related basal-like carcinoma with squamous differentiation, described in the literature. We highlight the morphology and immunophenotype of this lesion and its recognition when compared to other multiphenotypic lesions of the breast, and suggest that pathologists should consider HPV evaluation when encountering similar basal-like tumors involving the breast.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma with dedifferentiation/expansion of the luminal cell component and preserved biphasic morphology - Early high-grade transformation

We present two patients (29 and 67 years) with histomorphologic and immunohistochemical evidence of early high-grade transformation of adenoid cystic carcinoma in the nasal cavity and floor of mouth, respectively. The component of early high-grade transformation was characterized by 1) selective expansion of the luminal (CK7+, c-kit+, p63-) cell component with severe cytologic atypia and significantly increased Ki-67 proliferation index, and 2) retained albeit attenuated abluminal (CK7-, c-kit-, p63+) cells, surrounding nests of high-grade luminal cells.

p16 Immunoexpression in sinonasal and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinomas: a potential pitfall in ruling out HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma

AIMS

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is frequent in the sinonasal region. The recently described human papilloma virus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) histopathologically resembles solid AdCC, but has a better outcome. Thus, clinical and pathogenetic differences between HMSC and sinonasal AdCC necessitate their distinction. We conducted this study to assess p16 immunoexpression in previously diagnosed AdCC cases, and to identify HMSC cases in p16 immunopositive cases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cases diagnosed as sinonasal and nasopharyngeal AdCC were retrieved. Histomorphological features were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 was performed. HPV testing was performed in p16-positive cases by mRNA in-situ hybridisation (mRNA ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. MYB rearrangement was assessed by fluorescence in-situ hybridisation. One hundred and two AdCC cases were retrieved. Six cases (5.9%) showed diffuse p16 positivity. HPV mRNA ISH and PCR were negative in p16-positive cases. Two cases showed MYB rearrangement. p16-positive cases were composed of basaloid cells demonstrating a cribriform pattern, at least focally. The predominant pattern was cribriform in three and solid in three cases. One case showed two distinct components: keratinising squamous cell carcinoma and cribriform AdCC. Other morphological patterns seen were tubular, reticular, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma-like, and glomeruloid, forming a minor component of the tumour area.

CONCLUSIONS

p16 staining alone, even when diffuse and strong, cannot be used as a surrogate for HPV testing to distinguish sinonasal AdCC from HMSC. p16 IHC should be accompanied by more specific methods, such as mRNA ISH, so as not to erroneously diagnose HMSC over sinonasal AdCC, bearing in mind the highly aggressive nature of the latter.

High-risk human papillomavirus-mediated adenocarcinoma of palatine tonsil

We describe the case of a human papillomavirus-mediated adenocarcinoma of palatine tonsil in a 51-year-old male. Histologically, the tumor exhibited a predominantly cribriform and tubular (glandular) growth of cuboidal and columnar cells with moderate amount of pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and oval or spindled nuclei with finely dispersed or coarse chromatin and small to medium-sized nucleoli. Foci of nuclear anaplasia and multinucleation, numerous mitotic figures, and necrosis (individual-cell and confluent) were seen. No squamous differentiation was identified. The tumor cells showed strong expression of CK7, p16 and HPV E6/E7 mRNA transcripts, and were negative for p40, CK5/6, AR, synaptophysin and chromogranin. Next generation sequencing showed 3 variants of unknown significance: FGF3 p.(R44fs); NF1 p.(S749 L) and POLE p. (S1506 L) with variant allele frequencies of 37 %; 20 %, and 17 % respectively. Chromosomal microarray analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (OncoScan) assay showed whole chromosomal gains of chromosomes 8 and 19, whole chromosomal losses of chromosomes 2 and 16, as well as segmental gains of chromosomes 3q25.31q29 (encompassing the PIK3CA gene), 17q21.31q25.3, 20p13q13.33, Xq28, and segmental losses of chromosomes 1q32.2, 6p25.1p21.1, 11q23.1q24.1, 12p11.22, 12p11.22, 14q24.1q32.33, 17p13.3q21.31 (encompassing the TP53 and NF1 genes). The results highlight the need to consider HPV testing in non-squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx.

HPV-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

OBJECTIVES

Human papilloma virus-related multi phenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC), a recently characterized sinonasal malignancy, is discussed including histology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report with literature review.

METHODS

A case of HMSC is reported, as well as a retrospective review of all cases of HMSC reported in the English literature from January 2000 through May 2018 in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. Case data from selected articles was pooled along with the presented case and analyzed.

RESULTS

Including the present case report, a total of 57 cases of HMSC were identified through literature review. Of the 42 cases with staging information, 25 (60%) presented as early-stage disease (T1/T2). No nodal metastasis or disease-specific mortalities were reported. Among the 44 cases with posttreatment follow-up data, 16 cases (36.4%) developed local recurrence. The majority of recurrences occurred 24 to 60 months posttreatment, although reports of recurrence 10 and 29 years posttreatment exist. Local recurrence occurred in 40% and 60% of patients with perineural invasion and bone invasion, respectively. Patients who developed local recurrence had a longer disease-free interval when treated with adjuvant radiotherapy, which approached statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

HMSC is a distinct entity with paradoxically aggressive morphology paired with an indolent clinical course characterized by high rates of local recurrence but no reported disease-specific mortalities to date. Surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy is the most common treatment modality, and adjuvant radiotherapy may be associated with an increased disease-free interval among patients with local recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:106-110, 2021.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in archival head and neck cancer in the eastern Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in archival head and neck cancer (HNC) collected from the Tong-Liao area, which is located in east Inner Mongolia, China.

METHODS

The presence of HPV in 54 HNCs and 25 benign biopsies was detected and the sequence variation of the E6 gene in HPV-positive samples was analyzed to determine their lineage/sublineage classification.

RESULTS

HPV was detected in only 4 out of 54 HNCs and no benign biopsies were found to be HPV-positive. After further p16^INK4a immunostaining, only 3 cases of HNC were positive for both HPV and p16^INK4a. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolated E6 gene shows that the HPV 16, HPV 31, and HPV 58 isolated in this study belong to lineage A.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HPV in HNC from this area is very low. The lineage/sublineage classification of the 3 HPV types in HNC in this area is consistent with the previous reported data of HPV lineage distribution in cervical cancer within China.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Transformation to High Grade Carcinomatous and Sarcomatoid Components: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) comprises of less than 1% of all head and neck cancers and less than 10% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Dedifferentiation/high-grade transformation (HGT) in AdCC is a rare but well known phenomenon which is associated with aggressive clinical behaviour and poor prognosis. We herein report the clinical, cytologic, histologic and immunohistochemical findings of a left submandibular gland AdCC with transformation to high grade carcinomatous and probable dedifferentiation to sarcomatoid component, occurring in a 64 year old male patient. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first case report of such dual transformation occurring in adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Human papilloma virus related squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck: diagnosis, clinical implications and detection of HPV

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) positive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck is reported most commonly in the oropharynx but can also uncommonly be found in other sites such as the anterior oral cavity and sinonasal tract. While HPV positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) has been shown to have a more favourable prognosis than conventional smoking- and alcohol-related anterior oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), HPV positive SCC arising elsewhere in the head and neck region does not carry the same favourable prognosis. HPV-OPSCC often tends to present with large cystic metastases in the cervical lymph nodes, with a clinically and radiologically occult primary. Correct diagnosis of the initial biopsy/cytology specimen is critical for directing further investigations and management. In recognition of its distinct biological behaviour, the 8th edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC 8) has proposed a separate clinical and pathological staging system for HPV-OPSCC compared to that for a conventional primary OSCC or neck metastasis of similar size. The new AJCC staging does not apply to other HPV positive SCC of the head and neck. This review examines the current biology of HPV positive SCC, focusing on HPV-OPSCC. The value and pitfalls of current detection methods of HPV are discussed with an emphasis on the role of the pathologist in the diagnosis and management of HPV positive SCC of the head and neck.

HPV-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma: A Unique Case

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC), originally known as HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features, is a recently described neoplasm that presents only in the sinonasal tract, displays features of both a surface-derived carcinoma and a salivary gland carcinoma, and is associated with high-risk HPV, specifically HPV type 33. Majority of the cases display high-grade histologic features, but HMSC paradoxically behaves in a relatively indolent fashion. Distinguishing HMSC from other histologic mimickers is essential as the management and prognosis are significantly different. In this article, we present a unique case of HMSC and review the literature.

Polyomavirus JCPyV infrequently detectable in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oral cavity and the airways

Our objective was to assess the presence of three polyomaviruses, namely SV40, JCPyV, and BKPyV, and human papillomaviruses (HPV) in adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) of the minor salivary glands (MiSG) in the head and neck region. The study comprised 68 MiSG ACC patients operated during 1974–2012 at the Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland). Medical records and 68 histological samples were reviewed. Polyomaviruses were detected with quantitative PCR and the DNA-positive samples were further analyzed for the presence of viral tumor T antigen (T-ag) with immunohistochemistry. HPV genotyping was performed with a Multiplex HPV Genotyping Kit. Only JCPyV DNA was found in ACC samples, being present in 7 (10.3%) out of the 68 samples. The viral load of JCPyV was low varying between 1 to 226 copies/μg DNA. The JCPyV-positive samples originated from trachea (two samples), paranasal sinuses (one), and oral cavity (two). Additionally, JCPyV positivity was found in one lung metastasis of a tracheal tumor and one local disease failure of an oral cavity tumor. Three JCPyV DNA-positive samples showed weak nuclear staining for large T-ag. In conclusion, only JCPyV but not SV40, BKPyV, or HPV was found in ACC from the upper and lower airways. JCPyV copy numbers were low which might support its role as a “hit and run agent” in ACC carcinogenesis.

Human Papillomavirus-Related Carcinoma With Adenoid Cystic-like Features of the Sinonasal Tract (Also Known as Human Papillomavirus-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma)

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features is a rare, recently recognized entity restricted to the sinonasal tract. By definition, it is associated with high-risk HPV infection, particularly with HPV type 33. In most cases, tumors are composed of dual cell populations, including predominant basaloid myoepithelial cells and usually inconspicuous ductal cells. Solid components with focal cribriform or tubular patterns, abrupt keratinization within tumor nests, and squamous dysplasia of the surface epithelium are characteristics of HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features. The immunohistochemistry of p16 followed by high-risk HPV testing may help in the differential diagnosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that the morphologic features of this entity are more diverse than initially believed. Surgical resection is the prime alternative for treatment. According to the limited data, the prognosis of this disease may be better than that of other sinonasal carcinomas.

Role of apoptotic, autophagic and senescence pathways in minor salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a salivary gland malignancy with poor long-term survival, which warrants studies aimed at clarifying the pathogenesis of this disease in order to widen the scope of therapeutic options currently available. Alterations in regulatory mechanisms relating to vascular support, cell death and autophagy are important pathways for tumor growth in cancer. Thus, the present study aimed to access vascular supply, apoptosis, autophagy and cell senescence in ACC of minor salivary glands.

Methods

We analyzed 25 cases of minor salivary gland ACC by immunohistochemistry using anti-CD34, anti-CD105, anti-D2–40, anti-Bax, anti-Bcl-2, anti-Beclin-1, anti-LC3B, anti-p21 and anti-p16.

Results

Microvessel density was low and based on anti-CD34, anti-CD105 and anti-D2–40 immunostaining. There was positivity for anti-CD34, anti-Bcl-2, anti-Beclin, anti-LC3B and anti-p21 and a positive correlation between Bcl-2 and Beclin (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Our results showed that ACC does not depend on neo-angiogenesis and is probably associated to anti-apoptotic, autophagic and anti-senescence events.

Current status of clinical testing for human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

While a variety of human papillomavirus (HPV) tests and surrogate markers are available, currently there is no consensus on the best detection method(s) that should be used to identify HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas and serve as a standard test (or tests) for routine diagnostic use. As we begin to consider using the results of HPV testing for clinical purposes beyond simple prognostication, such as making decisions on treatment dose or duration or for targeted therapies that may be highly dependent on viral-mediated pathways, we need to be more rigorous in assessing and ensuring the performance of the test (or tests) used. Here we provide an overview of the platforms and technologies, including the strengths and limitations of each test, and discuss what steps are needed to generate confidence in their performance for use in clinical practice.

Human Papillomavirus-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma with Unique HPV type 52 Association: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is a recently described distinctive clinicopathologic entity defined by association to high risk HPV, localization to sinonasal tract and close histologic resemblance to salivary gland tumors. Lack of awareness of its pathologic features and biology among pathologists and oncologists make this entity susceptible to misdiagnosis and erroneous management. Herein, we illustrate a case of HMSC of the nasal cavity associated with heretofore unreported subtype HPV-52 and discuss the challenges associated with diagnosis and management of this rare tumor. A 48-year-old woman with intermittent epistaxis for 6 months presented with a nasal mass and underwent middle turbinectomy. Histology showed a tumor with features typical of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the form of basaloid cells and cribriform architecture. However, careful inspection revealed findings uncommon in ACC; such as surface pagetoid tumor spread, areas of solid sheets of myoepithelial cells accompanied by increased mitotic figures which prompted immunohistochemistry. Multidirectional differentiation into ductal (CK7, AE1/AE3) and myoepithelial (p63, p40, S100, calponin) lineage together with strong and diffuse immunopositivity for p16 distinguished this tumor from ACC. HPV genotyping was positive for high risk HPV subtype HPV52, which confirmed the diagnosis of HMSC. HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma is an under-recognized unique clinicopathologic entity that needs awareness to avoid mistaking it for commoner salivary gland tumors. Making accurate diagnosis of this newly-described tumor is imperative in order to understand its biology and to develop optimal therapeutic strategies.

No evidence for human papillomavirus having a causal role in salivary gland tumors

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland malignancies are a very heterogeneous group of cancers, with histologically > 20 different subtypes, and prognosis varies greatly. Their etiology is unknown, however, a few small studies show presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in some subtypes, although the evidence for HPV having a causal role is weak. The aim of this study was to investigate if HPV plays a causal role in the development of different parotid salivary gland tumor subtypes.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from 107 parotid salivary gland formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumors and 10 corresponding metastases, and tested for 27 different HPV types using a multiplex bead based assay. HPV DNA positive tumors were stained for p16INK4a overexpression by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

One of the 107 malignant parotid salivary gland tumors (0.93%) and its corresponding metastasis on the neck were positive for HPV16 DNA, and both also overexpressed p16INK4a. The HPV positive primary tumor was a squamous cell carcinoma; neither mucoepidermoid nor adenoid cystic tumors were found HPV positive.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, HPV DNA analysis in a large number of malignant parotid salivary gland tumors, including 12 different subtypes, did not show any strong indications that tested HPV types have a causal role in the studied salivary gland tumor types.

Human Papillomavirus Testing in Head and Neck Carcinomas: Guideline From the College of American Pathologists

Context Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, and HPV (and/or surrogate marker p16) status has emerged as a prognostic marker that significantly impacts clinical management. There is no current consensus on when to test oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas for HPV/p16 or on which tests to choose. Objective To develop evidence-based recommendations for the testing, application, interpretation, and reporting of HPV and surrogate marker tests in head and neck carcinomas. Design The College of American Pathologists convened a panel of experts in head and neck and molecular pathology, as well as surgical, medical, and radiation oncology, to develop recommendations. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address 6 key questions. Final recommendations were derived from strength of evidence, open comment period feedback, and expert panel consensus. Results The major recommendations include (1) testing newly diagnosed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients for high-risk HPV, either from the primary tumor or from cervical nodal metastases, using p16 immunohistochemistry with a 70% nuclear and cytoplasmic staining cutoff, and (2) not routinely testing nonsquamous oropharyngeal carcinomas or nonoropharyngeal carcinomas for HPV. Pathologists are to report tumors as HPV positive or p16 positive. Guidelines are provided for testing cytologic samples and handling of locoregional and distant recurrence specimens. Conclusions Based on the systematic review and on expert panel consensus, high-risk HPV testing is recommended for all new oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients, but not routinely recommended for other head and neck carcinomas.

Case report: HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features of the sinonasal tract

Human papillomavirus-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features is a newly described histologic variant of sinonasal tract carcinoma. The implications of this sinonasal malignancy is still being evaluated. There are a limited number of cases reported in the literature, and thus we seek to further characterize this patient population and review the histologic features of this malignancy with the following two cases. The behavior of this entity is as yet uncertain. Laryngoscope, 128:1515-1517, 2018.

Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma: Treatment outcomes and association with human papillomavirus

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to review long-term outcomes of sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and to clarify its association with human papillomavirus (HPV).

METHODS

The medical records of 23 patients with sinonasal ACC treated with primary surgical resection between 1998 and 2013 were reviewed. Tissue specimens were available for 17 patients. The p16 testing was performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and HPV infection was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the E6/E7 region.

RESULTS

Two of the 17 samples showed strong and diffuse p16 staining, whereas the remaining 15 cases showed p16-positivity isolated to the luminal cells. Only one of the p16-positive cases was positive for HPV. The 5-year local failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were 51%, 52%, and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Local failures are common with advanced sinonasal ACC, and the association of HPV with true sinonasal ACC is low.

Salivary gland hybrid tumour revisited: could they represent high-grade transformation in a low-grade neoplasm?

Salivary gland hybrid tumour, first described in 1996, is a very rare neoplasm for which exact morphological criteria have not been universally agreed upon. In contrast, the concept of high-grade transformation (HGT) in salivary neoplasms has been widely accepted during the last decade, and the number of reported cases is rapidly increasing. A review of the literature revealed 38 cases of hybrid tumour reported in 22 publications. During approximately the same time period, well over 100 cases of HGT in salivary neoplasms have been reported. There are important histological similarities between hybrid tumours and salivary tumours with HGT. In the latter, containing one tumour component of low-grade malignancy and the other of high grade, the two tumour components are not entirely separated and appear to originate in the same area. Virtually, all cases reported as hybrid tumour had no clear lines of demarcation between the two tumour types. We are inclined to suggest that most of the 38 cases of hybrid tumours described in the literature would today better be called tumour with HGT rather than hybrid tumour. The relative proportion of the two components may vary, and the high-grade component is sometimes very small, which emphasises the importance of very generous sampling of the surgical specimen. The molecular genetic mechanisms responsible for HGT, including what used to be called hybrid tumour, remain largely unknown. Abnormalities of a few genes (including p53, C-MYC, cyclin D1, HER-2/neu) have been documented. As insufficient data exist on gene abnormalities in these lesions, conclusions as to whether or not they have a common origin and which mechanisms are involved in transformation cannot be drawn. Due to the small number of cases reported, many of which lack follow-up details; indicators of prognosis of hybrid tumours are not available, but their behaviour seems to be similar to that of tumours with HGT, i.e. an accelerated aggressive course. HGT of salivary gland neoplasms greatly influences macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the specimen but also, given the high incidence of metastases and morbidity, carries significant treatment implications.

A proportion of primary squamous cell carcinomas of the parotid gland harbour high-risk human papillomavirus

AIMS

In the current study, we aimed to examine primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma (ParSCC) for the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and associated molecular alterations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight cases of ParSCC were retrieved after a detailed clinicopathological review to exclude the possibility of metastasis and/or extension from another primary site. HR-HPV status was determined on the basis of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 expression and chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH) for HR-HPV. All cases were genotyped with a multiplexed mass spectrometry assay interrogating 91 hotspot mutations in eight cancer-related genes (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, AKT1, MEK1 and ERBB2), and studied by fluorescence in-situ hybridization for PTEN copy number alteration. Three of eight cases (37.5%) were positive for the presence of HR-HPV by CISH and p16 IHC. One of three (33%) HR-HPV-positive cases harboured a PTEN hemizygous deletion, and one (33%) HR-HPV-positive case harboured a PIK3CA E545K somatic mutation. No alteration of the PTEN-PI3K pathway was detected in HR-HPV-negative tumours. Over a median follow-up period of 66.2 months, only the patient with the HR-HPV-positive PIK3CA-mutated tumour died of his disease, the remaining seven patients being disease-free.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the established aetiological role of HR-HPV in other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, it is likely that HR-HPV represents an oncogenic driver in the pathogenesis of more than one-third of ParSCCs. The presence of HR-HPV in ParSCC may be coupled with alterations in the PTEN-PI3K pathway. Further studies on HR-HPV and the molecular characterization of a larger number of ParSCCs are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Solid Variant of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Difficulties in Diagnostic Recognition

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant neoplasm that mainly affects the salivary glands but has been described in many other anatomical sites. It is composed of basaloid cells with myoepithelial/basal cell differentiation and ductal epithelial cells that proliferate in a fibrous stroma, with variable amounts of myxohyaline material. Three patterns (cribriform, tubular, and solid) occur, and the solid variant is characterized by a predominant compact sheet-like and nested pattern of rounded basaloid cells lacking obvious cribriform or tubular architecture. The solid variant has significant morphological and immunohistochemical overlap with a large range of neoplasms of different lineages, including other carcinomas and sarcomas. We describe a case of solid variant ACC of the paranasal sinuses, which showed an almost entirely solid pattern of growth (in >95% of cells) and which on initial biopsy showed no features of classical ACC. This highlights the potential for diagnostic misinterpretation with a variety of other neoplasms, which is particularly important because of the significant difference in treatment for ACC and tumors in its differential diagnosis.

Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Collective International Review

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the head and neck is a well-recognized pathologic entity that rarely occurs in the larynx. Although the 5-year locoregional control rates are high, distant metastasis has a tendency to appear more than 5 years post treatment. Because AdCC of the larynx is uncommon, it is difficult to standardize a treatment protocol. One of the controversial points is the decision whether or not to perform an elective neck dissection on these patients. Because there is contradictory information about this issue, we have critically reviewed the literature from 1912 to 2015 on all reported cases of AdCC of the larynx in order to clarify this issue. During the most recent period of our review (1991-2015) with a more exact diagnosis of the tumor histology, 142 cases were observed of AdCC of the larynx, of which 91 patients had data pertaining to lymph node status. Eleven of the 91 patients (12.1%) had nodal metastasis and, based on this low proportion of patients, routine elective neck dissection is therefore not recommended.

Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in High-Grade Transformation of Head and Neck Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Collective International Review

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is among the most common malignant tumors of the salivary glands. It is characterized by a prolonged clinical course, with frequent local recurrences, late onset of metastases and fatal outcome. High-grade transformation (HGT) is an uncommon phenomenon among salivary carcinomas and is associated with increased tumor aggressiveness. In AdCC with high-grade transformation (AdCC–HGT), the clinical course deviates from the natural history of AdCC. It tends to be accelerated, with a high propensity for lymph node metastasis. In order to shed light on this rare event and, in particular, on treatment implications, we undertook this review: searching for all published cases of AdCC-HGT. We conclude that it is mandatory to perform elective neck dissection in patients with AdCC-HGT, due to the high risk of lymph node metastases associated with transformation.

Newly Described Tumor Entities in Sinonasal Tract Pathology

Surgical pathology of the sinonasal tract (nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses) is extremely challenging due in part to the tremendous diversity of tumor types that may arise in this region. Compounding the difficulty, a number of new sinonasal tumor entities have been recently described, and pathologists may not yet be familiar with these neoplasms. This manuscript will review the clinicopathologic features of some of the newly described sinonasal tumor types: NUT midline carcinoma, HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features, SMARCB1 (INI-1) deficient sinonasal carcinoma, biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma, and renal cell-like adenocarcinoma.

HPV Infection, but Not EBV or HHV-8 Infection, Is Associated with Salivary Gland Tumours

Benign and malignant salivary gland tumours are clinically heterogeneous and show different histology. Little is known about the role of human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in salivary gland neoplasms. We investigated the presence of the three viruses in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples in a cohort of 200 different salivary gland tumours. We performed EBV-LMP-1 and HHV-8 and p16 immunohistochemistry, a specific chip based hybridization assay for detection and typing of HPV and a chromogenic in situ hybridization for EBV analysis. Only one case, a polymorphic low-grade carcinoma, showed HHV-8 expression and one lymphoepithelial carcinoma was infected by EBV. In 17 cases (9%) moderate or strong nuclear and cytoplasmic p16 expression was detected. The HPV type was investigated in all of these cases and additionally in 8 Warthin's tumours. In 19 cases HPV type 16 was detected, mostly in Warthin's tumour, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma NOS. We concluded that HHV-8 infection and EBV infection are not associated with salivary gland cancer, but HPV infection may play a role in these tumour entities.

Differentiating between Subsolid and Solid Pulmonary Nodules at CT: Inter- and Intraobserver Agreement between Experienced Thoracic Radiologists

PURPOSE

To quantify the reproducibility and accuracy of experienced thoracic radiologists in differentiating between subsolid and solid pulmonary nodules at CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center approved this multicenter study. Six thoracic radiologists, with a mean of 21 years of experience in thoracic radiology (range, 17-22 years), selected images of 10 solid and 10 subsolid nodules to create a database of 120 nodules; this selection served as the reference standard. Each radiologist then interpreted 120 randomly ordered nodules in two different sessions that were separated by a minimum of 3 weeks. The radiologists classified whether or not each nodule was subsolid. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was assessed with a κ statistic. The number of correct classifications was calculated and correlated with nodule size by using Bland-Altman plots. The relationship between disagreement and nodule morphologic characteristics was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Interobserver agreement (κ) was 0.619 (range, 0.469-0.745; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.576, 0.663) and 0.670 (range, 0.440-0.839; 95% CI: 0.608, 0.733) for interpretation sessions 1 and 2, respectively. Intraobserver agreement (κ) was 0.792 (95% CI: 0.750, 0.833). Averaged for interpretation sessions, correct classification was achieved by all radiologists for 58% (70 of 120) of nodules. Radiologists agreed with their initial determination (the reference standard) in 77% of cases (range, 45%-100%). Nodule size weakly correlated with correct classification (long axis: Spearman rank correlation coefficient, rs = 0.161 and P = .049; short axis: rs = 0.128 and P = .163).

CONCLUSION

The reproducibility and accuracy of thoracic radiologists in classifying whether or not a nodule is subsolid varied in the retrospective study. This inconsistency may affect surveillance recommendations and prognostic determinations.

Human papillomavirus-associated neoplasms of the sinonasal tract and nasopharynx

It is now well established that human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important causative factor in a subgroup of head and neck cancer. In the head and neck, while HPV is strongly associated with squamous cell carcinoma arising in the oropharynx, there is a growing interest in HPV-associated neoplasms of non-oropharyngeal origin including those which arise within sinonasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa. This article reviews current literature on the association of HPV with Scheiderian papillomas, sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Several clinical implications of HPV detection in sinonasal and nasopharyngeal carcinomas are briefly discussed.

Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A 16, tumour protein 53 and epidermal growth factor receptor in salivary gland carcinomas is not associated with oncogenic virus infection

It is known that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause squamous cell neoplasms at several sites, such as cervix uteri carcinoma and oral squamous carcinoma. There is little information on the expression of HPV and its predictive markers in tumours of the major and minor salivary glands of the head and neck. We therefore assessed oral salivary gland neoplasms to identify associations between HPV and infection-related epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A/p16) and tumour protein p53 (TP53). Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from oral salivary gland carcinomas (n=51) and benign tumours (n=26) were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for several HPV species, including high-risk types 16 and 18. Evaluation of EGFR, CDKN2A, TP53 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was performed by immunohistochemistry. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was evaluated by EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridisation. We demonstrated that salivary gland tumours are not associated with HPV infection. The expression of EGFR, CDKN2A and TP53 may be associated with tumour pathology but is not induced by HPV. CMV and EBV were not detectable. In contrast to oral squamous cell carcinomas, HPV, CMV and EBV infections are not associated with malignant or benign neoplastic lesions of the salivary glands.

The role of cytology in the era of HPV-related head and neck carcinoma

Enlarged neck lymph nodes are very often subject to fine needle aspiration biopsy to detect metastatic disease in patients with suspected or proven squamous cell carcinoma in head and neck region. Cytology specimens of metastatic carcinoma in such patients are routinely evaluated for human papilloma virus (HPV) to identify patients with HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Different types of cytology specimens including smears, cytospins, cell blocks and aspirated material in the rinse can all be used for different types of HPV testing such as immunohistochemistry for p16, HPV-in situ hybridization, and HPV-Polymerase chain reaction. There is currently no consensus regarding the testing of high-risk HPV in cytology specimens. The establishment of standardized HPV testing of cytology specimens is of utmost importance and is eagerly awaited.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma does not harbor transcriptionally active high risk human papillomavirus even in the absence of the MAML2 translocation

High risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is firmly established as an important cause of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Recent studies have also implicated HPV as a cause of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC)-a tumor of salivary gland origin that frequently harbors MAML2 translocations. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of transcriptionally active HPV in a large group of MECs and to determine whether HPV infection and the MAML2 translocation are mutually exclusive events. Break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization for MAML2 was performed on a tissue microarray containing 92 MECs. HPV testing was performed using RNA in situ hybridization targeting high risk HPV mRNA E6/E7 transcripts. Of the 71 MECs that could be evaluated by FISH, 57 (80 %) harbored the MAML2 rearrangement. HPV was not detected in any of the 57 MECs that contained a MAML2 rearrangement, in any of the 14 MECs that did not contain the rearrangement, or in any of the 21 MECs where MAML2 status was unknown. High risk HPV does not appear to play any significant role in the development of MEC. It neither complements nor replaces MAML2 translocation in the tumorigenesis of MEC.

Comprehensive genomic profiling of relapsed and metastatic adenoid cystic carcinomas by next-generation sequencing reveals potential new routes to targeted therapies

We hypothesized that next-generation sequencing could reveal actionable genomic alterations (GAs) and potentially expand treatment options for patients with advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing was performed on hybridization-captured, adapter ligation libraries derived from 28 relapsed and metastatic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ACC. The 3230 exons of 182 cancer-related genes and 37 introns of 14 genes frequently rearranged in cancer were fully sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2000. All classes of GAs were evaluated. Actionable GAs were defined as those impacting targeted anticancer therapies on the market or in registered clinical trials. A total of 44 GAs were identified in the 28 ACC tumors, with 12 of 28 (42.9%) of tumors harboring at least 1 potentially actionable GA. The most common nonactionable GAs were identified in KD6MA (5 cases; 18%), ARID1A (4 cases; 14%), RUNX1 (2 cases; 7%), and MYC (2 cases; 7%). Actionable GAs included NOTCH1 (3 cases; 11%), MDM2 (2 cases; 7%), PDGFRA (2 cases; 7%), and CDKN2A/B (p16) (2 cases; 7%). Other potentially actionable GAs identified in a single case included: mutations in AKT1, BAP1, EGFR, and PIK3CA, homozygous deletion of FBXW7, and amplifications of CDK4, FGFR1, IGF1R, KDR, KIT, and MCL1. The frequency of GA in ACC is lower than that seen in the more common solid tumors. Comprehensive genomic profiling of ACC can identify actionable GAs in a subset of patients that could influence therapy for these difficult-to-treat progressive neoplasms.