Molecular characterization of uterine and ovarian tumors with mixed epithelial and germ cell features confirms frequent somatic derivation

Controversies in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT) are rare and often aggressive cancers that predominantly affect young women. Fortunately, combined surgery and chemotherapy results in high cure rates. In this review, we will consider some of the many controversies and poorly understood areas in the management of MOGCT that have arisen largely because of the lack of randomized trial data. This paucity of strong evidence is unsurprising, given the rarity of MOGCT and their multiple subtypes which differ biologically and in their clinical behavior. We will explore what is known about the biology and prognostic factors, and how the disease differs from its much more common and robust evidence-based male testicular counterpart. The type and extent of surgery, the value of surveillance in early-stage disease, and the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cases remain uncertain. In addition, optimizing outcomes in relapsed disease following initial chemotherapy is a key area for future development, as survival in this situation is worse than that in patients with testicular germ cell tumors. Fertility preservation remains of central importance, but the best way to achieve it remains debated. Finally, the type and duration of surveillance after treatment remain unclear. These and other controversies are discussed below.

The Morphologic and Molecular Heterogeneity of Fumarate Hydratase-deficient Leiomyomas: Integrative Molecular Profiling of Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors With Histologic Feature Correlation

The morphologic features of uterine smooth muscle tumors (USMTs) are subject to interobserver variability and are complicated by consideration of features of fumarate hydratase deficiency (FHd) and other morphologic subtypes, with difficult cases occasionally diagnosed as smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). We compare immunohistochemical findings and detailed morphologic analysis of 45 USMTs by 4 fellowship-trained gynecologic pathologists with comprehensive molecular analysis, focusing on FHd leiomyomas (n=15), compared to a variety of other USMTs with overlapping morphologic features, including 9 STUMPs, 8 usual-type leiomyomas (ULM), 11 apoplectic leiomyomas, and 2 leiomyomas with bizarre nuclei (LMBN). FHd leiomyomas, defined by immunohistochemical (IHC) loss of FH and/or 2SC accumulation, showed FH mutations and/or FH copy loss in all cases, with concurrent TP53 mutations in 2 tumors. Severe and/or symplastic-type cytologic atypia was seen more often in FHd leiomyomas with only FH copy loss (6/8, and 2/2 with concurrent TP53 mutations) compared to those with FH mutations (2/7) and typically showed increased genomic instability. This subset of FHd tumors often showed morphologic overlap with STUMPs and LMBN, but all cases of FHd tumors showed 2SC accumulation and/or FH loss by IHC. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of investigating USMTs with severe and/or symplastic-type cytologic atypia with FH and 2SC IHC, as many of these tumors are FH-deficient via focal deep deletion (2-copy loss) of the FH locus. In addition, we report the presence of concurrent TP53 mutations in FHd tumors with more severe cytologic atypia; further data about clinical outcomes for these tumors are needed.

Extracranial and nonvaginal extragonadal malignant germ cell tumors: 12 cases at a Chinese institution over the last 38 years

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive understanding and propose a strategy for the management of extragonadal malignant germ cell tumors (EMGCTs) arising from extracranial and nonvaginal sites.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 12 patients with EMGCTs arising from extracranial and nonvaginal sites treated in our center over the past 38 years. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and follow-up information were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 209 patients diagnosed with EMGCTs, 12 women (5.7%) with EMGCTs of extracranial and nonvaginal sites were identified. These patients had tumors in the sacrococcygeal region (n = 4), abdominal cavity (n = 3), groin region (n = 2), uterus (n = 2), and mediastinum (n = 1). The median age at diagnosis was 23 years. Symptoms included abnormal uterine bleeding (n = 3), abdominal discomfort (n = 3), compression symptoms (n = 3), palpable mass (n = 2), and asymptomatic (n = 1). Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) were the most common histologic type. The median level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a sensitive tumor marker, was 8216 ng/ml (2.7-74,157 ng/ml). One patient started bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin without a pathologic diagnosis based on clinical diagnosis (high AFP levels and imaging findings), and 11 patients started chemotherapy following tumor biopsy or surgical resection. During the follow-up, one patient suffered a recurrence, two patients were alive with disease, and nine patients were disease-free.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracranial and nonvaginal EMGCTs are a heterogeneous group of tumors due to their varied onset ages, location, and clinical presentation. An all-around clinical evaluation is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment. Most patients achieve a good prognosis after surgical resection and chemotherapy. Patients with these rare diseases may benefit from individualized treatment and timely referral to experienced medical centers.

Beta-Catenin Alterations in Postchemotherapy Yolk Sac Tumor, Postpubertal-Type With Enteroblastic Features

Postchemotherapy postpubertal-type yolk sac tumors (YST) with glandular and solid phenotypes are aggressive and commonly resistant to systemic chemotherapy. These neoplasms show morphologic features that significantly overlap with those of somatic carcinomas with "enteroblastic" or "fetal" phenotype (the preferred terminology depends on the site of origin). They often present as late or very late recurrences, and their diagnosis is challenging because they frequently affect patients in an age group at risk for carcinomas of somatic origin. Recently, we incidentally identified examples of postchemotherapy glandular and solid YST with "enteroblastic" phenotypes and nuclear expression of beta-catenin, prompting us to further evaluate the prevalence of this phenomenon. We found nuclear expression of beta-catenin in 10 (29%) of 34 such tumors. A subset of cases with nuclear beta-catenin expression was further analyzed with a DNA sequencing panel (n = 6) and fluorescence in situ hybridization for isochromosome 12p [i(12p); n = 5]. Sequencing identified exon 3 CTNNB1 variants in 3 (50%) of 6 analyzed cases, and fluorescence in situ hybridization was positive for i(12p) in 5 of 5 cases. In conclusion, a significant subset of postchemotherapy YST with glandular or solid architecture and "enteroblastic" phenotype demonstrates beta-catenin alterations, suggesting that activation of Wnt signaling may play a role in the progression of these neoplasms. Moreover, nuclear beta-catenin expression in these tumors represents a potential diagnostic pitfall given that carcinomas of true somatic origin with overlapping morphology may also be positive for this marker.

Yolk Sac Differentiation in Endometrial Carcinoma: Incidence and Clinicopathologic Features of Somatically Derived Yolk Sac Tumors Versus Carcinomas With Nonspecific Immunoexpression of Yolk Sac Markers

Endometrial somatically derived yolk sac tumors are characterized by yolk sac morphology with AFP, SALL-4, and/or Glypican-3 immunoexpression. Yolk sac marker expression, however, is not limited to tumors with overt yolk sac histology. Three hundred consecutive endometrial malignancies were assessed for immunomarkers of yolk sac differentiation. Of these, 9% expressed ≥1 yolk sac marker, including 29% of high-grade tumors. Only 3 (1%) met morphologic criteria for yolk sac differentiation; these were originally diagnosed as serous, high-grade NOS, and dedifferentiated carcinoma. Two were MMR-intact and comprised exclusively of yolk sac elements, while the dedifferentiated case was MMR deficient and had a background low-grade endometrioid carcinoma; this case also showed BRG1 loss. All 3 were INI1 intact. Nonspecific yolk sac marker expression was seen in 14 carcinosarcomas, 4 endometrioid, 2 serous, 1 clear cell, 1 dedifferentiated, 1 mixed serous/clear cell, and 1 mesonephric-like carcinoma. INI1 was intact in all cases; one showed BRG1 loss. Twenty were MMR-intact, and 4 were MMR deficient. All MMR-deficient cases with yolk sac marker expression, both with and without true yolk sac morphology, had no evidence of residual disease on follow-up, whereas 82% of MMR-intact cases developed recurrent/metastatic disease. In summary, endometrial somatically derived yolk sac tumors were rare but under-recognized. While AFP immunostaining was specific for this diagnosis, Glypican-3 and SALL-4 expression was seen in a variety of other high-grade carcinomas. INI1 loss was not associated with yolk sac morphology or immunomarker expression in the endometrium, and BRG1 loss was rare. All patients with MMR-deficient carcinomas with yolk sac immunoexpression +/- morphology were disease-free on follow-up, whereas the majority of MMR-intact cancers showed aggressive disease.

Molecular Evidence for Epithelial Origin of Mixed Ovarian Epithelial-Germ Cell Neoplasms: Report of 2 Cases and Review of Literature

Ovarian germ cell tumors (GCT) account for 2% to 3% of malignant ovarian neoplasms in Western countries and typically occur within the first 2 decades. When presenting later in life, GCTs may be associated with epithelial malignancies. In these circumstances, it has been theorized that these tumors may originate from a somatic, rather than germ cell origin, especially in the postmenopausal setting; however, the true derivation is not fully understood. Our database was searched for primary ovarian GCTs associated with a malignant epithelial component in patients above 35 yr of age, from 2006 to 2021. Two cases were identified and in each case, slides were reviewed and targeted next-generation sequencing was utilized to identify and compare gene mutation variants in morphologically distinct components. Patient A is a 58-yr-old, with choriocarcinoma and minor component of mucinous adenocarcinoma, and patient B is a 43-yr-old, with yolk sac tumor and minor component of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The morphologically distinct areas in each case showed disparate staining patterns; however, next-generation sequencing demonstrated identical mutation variants within both the germ cell and epithelial components. Variants in CDKN2A , PIK3CA , PIK3R1 , and TP53 were present in patient A's tumor, while patient B's tumor showed CTNNB1 , PIK3R1 , and 2 PTEN variants. These mutational patterns are similar to those seen in pure epithelial counterparts, suggesting somatic derivation of the germ cell component. These rare tumors portend a poor prognosis and understanding their origin has clinical and therapeutic implications.

Endometrial, Ovarian, and Peritoneal Involvement by Endometrioid Carcinoma, Yolk Sac Tumor, and Endometriosis: Molecular Evidence for a Shared Precursor

Recent studies have provided molecular confirmation that a subset of yolk sac tumors is somatically derived. Somatically derived yolk sac tumors are typically diagnosed in older women and are often seen adjacent to epithelial proliferations (such as endometriosis or endometrioid carcinoma) with which they share mutations. Here, we present a case of a postmenopausal woman with a yolk sac tumor and endometriosis in the right ovary, endometriosis with glandular crowding and reactive changes in the left ovary, endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, and yolk sac tumor involving the serosa of the colon. Targeted next-generation sequencing of these five tumor components demonstrated identical mutations in PTEN (p.R130G), PIK3CA (p.G1049S), FGFR2 (p.S252W), and FBXW7 (p.R689Q), suggesting that all components arose from a common precursor. The endometrial endometrioid carcinoma harbored additional exclusive mutations involving PIK3CA (p.H1048R) and CTNNB1 (p.S37F).

Yolk Sac Tumor Originating From Cervical Adenocarcinoma: A Case Predominated by Enteroblastic Differentiation

The fetal gut-like phenotype can be found in yolk sac tumors and adenocarcinomas with enteroblastic differentiation (AEBDs). We report a cervical yolk sac tumor in a 44-yr-old woman. The tumor has similar morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular features to the AEBD of the digestive system. The tumor showed a glandular-predominant growth pattern, composed of columnar cells with clear glycogen-rich cytoplasm. The microcystic/reticular architecture or Schiller-Duval bodies were not found in the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for p16, glypican-3 (GPC3), spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), CDX-2, and p53. TP53 mutation was identified by next-generation sequencing, and human papillomavirus (HPV) 35 was detected by HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction. In the present case, the adenocarcinoma cells in the superficial cervical glandular epithelium and the nonclear glandular components proved the existence of somatic components. The positivity of p16 and HPV also supports that the present case originates from an HPV-associated adenocarcinoma. The yolk sac tumor should be thought of as "germ cell differentiation" from a somatic carcinoma. This kind of yolk sac tumor arising from somatic-type adenocarcinoma in the female genital tract may be the counterpart of AEBD in the digestive tracts and adenocarcinomas with fetal gut-like morphology in other organs. The tumor might be more aggressive than conventional adenocarcinoma, pathologists should highlight the existence of the enteroblastic component in the pathologic report.

Somatic yolk sac differentiation in tumors of the gynecologic tract: A report of two cases and review of the literature

•Somatic yolk sac tumor differentiation associated with malignant neoplasms is uncommon and associated with poor outcome.•In the gynecologic tract, somatic yolk sac differentiation most often arises in postmenopausal patients.•Somatic yolk sac differentiation shares driver mutations with and likely differentiates from the corresponding carcinoma.•This is the first report of somatic yolk sac differentiation in the gynecologic tract from a non-epithelial malignancy.

Ovarian teratoid carcinosarcoma with a PIK3CA mutation: a case report and review of the literature

Ovarian teratoid carcinosarcoma involves an epithelial tumor of the Müllerian duct and an immature neuroepithelium, which is a characteristic of immature teratomas. Here, we describe the case of a 60-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a stage IC3 ovarian malignancy. The tumor showed a variety of histological features, including clear cell carcinoma, immature teratoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma, and a PIK3CA mutation was detected at the same locus in each. Two months after surgery and before the start of chemotherapy, multiple bone and liver metastases were found. Four courses of combination therapy with vincristine, actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide, the standard chemotherapy regimen for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, were administered, and a complete response was achieved. After a 2-month rest period, the patient developed recurrent peritoneal dissemination and underwent 6 courses of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab chemotherapy, resulting in a partial response. This is the eighth reported case of ovarian teratoid carcinosarcoma. This tumor has a very aggressive course, but initially responds to chemotherapy. However, survival over 5 years has not been reported, and elucidation of the pathogenesis and development of new treatment methods are needed.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13691-022-00571-w.

A Subset of SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient vulvar neoplasms express germ cell markers

AIMS

SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient vulvar neoplasms comprise a group of rare tumours that include epithelioid sarcoma (ES), myoepithelial carcinoma (MEC), the recently described myoepithelioma-like tumour of the vulvar region (MELTVR), and sarcomas that are difficult to classify. It has been suggested that so-called vulvar yolk sac tumours (YST) may represent morphologic variants of SMARCB1-deficient tumours; thus, we investigated the immunoreactivity of germ cell markers in SMARCB1-deficient vulvar neoplasms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ten SMARCB1-deficient vulvar neoplasms were stained with germ cell tumour markers (SALL4, glypican-3, OCT3/4, and AFP) and re-reviewed for morphologic features. The tumours occurred in adult females (median age 41 years) and included ES (n = 7), MELTVR (n = 2), and MEC (n = 1). All cases showed loss of SMARCB1 expression. Four cases (40%) were focally positive for SALL4 in areas with morphology of typical-appearing ES. One of these cases also showed focal staining for OCT3/4. One ES showed a transition from typical-appearing ES to YST-like morphology, with diffuse expression of SALL4 and glypican-3, and focal expression of AFP, in these latter areas. All other tested cases were negative for AFP.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that SALL4, glypican-3, and OCT3/4 are positive in a subset of SMARCB1-deficient vulvar neoplasms, which may pose a diagnostic challenge and result in consideration of a germ cell tumour. We also highlight a case with transition from ES to YST-like morphology, lending further support that YSTs of the vulva are somatically derived SMARCB1-deficient neoplasms and do not represent true germ-cell neoplasia.

Uncommon and Difficult High-Grade Endometrial Carcinomas

This article presents features of uncommon high-grade endometrial carcinomas that often pose a significant diagnostic challenge. An update on undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is first provided, followed by discussions on more recently defined entities such as mesonephric-like carcinoma of the endometrium and gastric-type endometrial carcinomas. Finally, endometrial carcinoma with germ cell or trophoblastic-like components is discussed.

Vulvar Yolk Sac Tumors Are Somatically Derived SMARCB1 (INI-1)-Deficient Neoplasms

So-called primary yolk sac tumors of the vulva are very rare and often have an aggressive disease course. Their molecular features have not been previously characterized. There is also a well-documented group of SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient vulvar neoplasms, which includes proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma and myoepithelial carcinoma. Until now, "vulvar yolk sac tumors" and SMARCB1-deficient neoplasms were considered unrelated diseases. After reviewing an index case of a vulvar yolk sac tumor with loss of SMARCB1 by immunohistochemistry, we retrospectively identified 2 additional cases diagnosed as vulvar yolk sac tumors. Patient ages were 34, 32, and 25 years old, and 2 tumors were associated with a pregnancy. All 3 cases showed morphology typical of a yolk sac tumor, and by immunohistochemistry all were positive for SALL4, glypican-3, keratins, and lacked CD34 positivity. All tumors also demonstrated loss of SMARCB1 in tumor cells. Targeted molecular profiling was performed in 2 cases and identified 2 copy deletion of SMARCB1, without genomic alterations typically seen in gonadal yolk sac tumors. In the third case, isochromosome 12p was not identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization. All 3 patients had either local recurrences or distant metastases, and 2 died of disease. One patient had progressive disease while receiving the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitor tazemetostat. Overall, these findings suggest that vulvar tumors with pure yolk sac-like morphology may represent morphologic variants of SMARCB1-deficient tumors and not veritable germ cell neoplasia. This potential reclassification may have both prognostic and treatment implications and warrants study of additional extragonadal yolk sac tumors.

Yolk Sac Tumor in a Recurrence of Colonic Adenocarcinoma With Shared Mutations in APC and TP53 Genes: A Case Report

Only four cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma with a yolk sac tumor (YST) component have been reported in the English literature. No genetic investigation has been performed in these cases. We report a case of colorectal adenocarcinoma in which the recurrent tumor had a YST component. A 49-year-old woman presented with a pelvic tumor three years after endoscopic mucosal resection of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. The pelvic tumor consisted of an undifferentiated carcinoma component and a YST component. The serum alpha-fetoprotein level was elevated to 42 ng/mL. Treatment as conventional colorectal carcinoma produced some anticancer effects, but the patient died 14 months after the recurrence and 49 months after the EMR. With the help of the next-generation sequencing results of the recurrent tumor, APC c.835 - 8A > G and TP53 c.524G > A (p.R175H) mutations were identified by direct sequencing in both the primary and the recurrent tumors, confirming the relationship between the two metachronous tumors.

Extrauterine Mesonephric-like Neoplasms: Expanding the Morphologic Spectrum

Mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas (MLA) are rare neoplasms arising in the uterine corpus and ovary which have been added to the recent 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Female Genital Tumors. They have similar morphology and immunophenotype and exhibit molecular aberrations similar to cervical mesonephric adenocarcinomas. It is debated as to whether they are of mesonephric or Mullerian origin. We describe the clinical, pathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of 5 cases of extrauterine mesonephric-like proliferations (4 ovary, 1 extraovarian), all with novel and hitherto unreported features. These include an origin of MLA in extraovarian endometriosis, an association of ovarian MLA with high-grade serous carcinoma, mixed germ cell tumor and mature teratoma, and a borderline ovarian endometrioid tumor exhibiting mesonephric differentiation. Four of the cases exhibited a KRAS variant and 3 also a PIK3CA variant. In reporting these cases, we expand on the published tumor types associated with MLA and report for the first time a borderline tumor exhibiting mesonephric differentiation. We show the value of molecular testing in helping to confirm a mesonephric-like lesion and in determining the relationship between the different neoplastic components. We provide further evidence for a Mullerian origin, rather than a true mesonephric origin, in some of these cases. We also speculate that in the 2 cases associated with germ cell neoplasms, the MLA arose out of the germ cell tumor.

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma with an immature teratoma component showing ARID1A deficiency and an identical PIK3CA mutation

We herein report a case of ovarian clear cell carcinoma with an immature teratoma component that exhibited aggressive behavior. A 47-year-old woman presented with abdominal distention, and computed tomography detected a cystic mass on the right ovary. The resected mass had mural nodules, most of which showed a pale-yellow appearance; some nodules had a heterogeneous cut surface with bright yellow and white areas. Histologically, the former nodules were composed of clear cell carcinoma, while the latter contained teratomatous tissues, such as immature skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and enteric glands. The tumor was staged as pT1c. Despite adjuvant chemotherapy and additional lymph node dissection, she had local recurrence and multiple liver metastasis 6 months after the first surgery. The disease rapidly progressed, and she died 9 months after the first surgery. Clear cell carcinoma and immature teratoma both showed ARID1A deficiency and an identical PIK3CA mutation, which suggested their clonal relationship.