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Sanchez DF, Oliveira P. Pathology of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis: Back to Square One. Urol Clin North Am 2024; 51:313-325. [PMID: 38925734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The landscape of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCC-P) has undergone a significant transformation since the new World Health Organization classification of genitourinary cancers and recent European Association of Urology/American Association of Clinical Oncology guidelines. These changes emphasize the necessity to categorize SCC-P into 2 groups based on its association with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This shift has major implications, considering that prior knowledge was derived from a mix of both groups. Given the distinct prognosis, treatment options, and staging systems observed for HPV-associated tumors in other body areas, the question now arises: will similar patterns emerge for SCC-P?
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Sanchez
- Translational Oncogenomics Group, Manchester Cancer Research Centre & CRUK-MI, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK.
| | - Pedro Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
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2
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Balhara N, Yadav R, Ranga S, Ahuja P, Tanwar M. Understanding the HPV associated cancers: A comprehensive review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:743. [PMID: 38874682 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases, may cause warts and lead to various types of cancers, which makes it important to understand the risk factors associated with it. HPV is the leading risk factor and plays a crucial role in the progression of cervical cancer. Viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 play a pivotal role in this process. Beyond cervical cancer, HPV-associated cancers of the mouth and throat are also increasing. HPV can also contribute to other malignancies like penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Emerging evidence links HPV to these cancers. Research on the oncogenic effect of HPV is still ongoing and explorations of screening techniques, vaccination, immunotherapy and targeted therapeutics are all in progress. The present review offers valuable insight into the current understanding of the role of HPV in cancer and its potential implications for treatment and prevention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Balhara
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Ritu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India.
| | - Shalu Ranga
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Parul Ahuja
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Mukesh Tanwar
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
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Fujii E, Kato MK, Yamaguchi M, Higuchi D, Koyama T, Komatsu M, Hamamoto R, Ishikawa M, Kato T, Kohno T, Shiraishi K, Yoshida H. Genomic profiles of Japanese patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13058. [PMID: 38844774 PMCID: PMC11156893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63913-z] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of vulvar carcinoma varies by race; however, it is a rare disease, and its genomic profiles remain largely unknown. This study examined the characteristics of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in Japanese patients, focusing on genomic profiles and potential racial disparities. The study included two Japanese groups: the National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH) group comprised 19 patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2023, and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics group comprised 29 patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. Somatic mutations were identified by targeted or panel sequencing, and TP53 was identified as the most common mutation (52-81%), followed by HRAS (7-26%), CDKN2A (21-24%), and PIK3CA (5-10%). The mutation frequencies, except for TP53, were similar to those of Caucasian cohorts. In the NCCH group, 16 patients of HPV-independent tumors were identified by immunohistochemistry and genotyping. Univariate analysis revealed that TP53-mutated patients were associated with a poor prognosis (log-rank test, P = 0.089). Japanese VSCC mutations resembled those of Caucasian vulvar carcinomas, and TP53 mutations predicted prognosis regardless of ethnicity. The present findings suggest potential molecular-targeted therapies for select VSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erisa Fujii
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Gynecology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Kobayashi Kato
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Gynecology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maiko Yamaguchi
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Higuchi
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Koyama
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Komatsu
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Cancer Translational Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuya Ishikawa
- Department of Gynecology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Kato
- Department of Gynecology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohno
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kouya Shiraishi
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
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Salarzaei M, van de Laar RLO, Ewing-Graham PC, Najjary S, van Esch E, van Beekhuizen HJ, Mustafa DAM. Unraveling Differences in Molecular Mechanisms and Immunological Contrasts between Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6205. [PMID: 38892393 PMCID: PMC11172577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116205] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to refine our understanding of the inherent heterogeneity in cervical cancer by exploring differential gene expression profiles, immune cell infiltration dynamics, and implicated signaling pathways in the two predominant histological types of cervix carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Adenocarcinoma (ADC). Targeted gene expression data that were previously generated from samples of primary cervical cancer were re-analyzed. The samples were grouped based on their histopathology, comparing SCC to ADC. Each tumor in the study was confirmed to be high risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) positive. A total of 21 cervical cancer samples were included, with 11 cases of SCC and 10 of ADC. Data analysis revealed a total of 26 differentially expressed genes, with 19 genes being overexpressed in SCC compared to ADC (Benjamini-Hochberg (BH)-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Importantly, the immune checkpoint markers CD274 and CTLA4 demonstrated significantly higher expression in SCC compared to ADC. In addition, SCC showed a higher infiltration of immune cells, including B and T cells, and cytotoxic cells. Higher activation of a variety of pathways was found in SCC samples including cytotoxicity, interferon signaling, metabolic stress, lymphoid compartment, hypoxia, PI3k-AKT, hedgehog signaling and Notch signaling pathways. Our findings show distinctive gene expression patterns, signaling pathway activations, and trends in immune cell infiltration between SCC and ADC in cervical cancer. This study underscores the heterogeneity within primary cervical cancer, emphasizing the potential benefits of subdividing these tumours based on histological and molecular differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Salarzaei
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (H.J.v.B.)
| | - Ralf L. O. van de Laar
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (H.J.v.B.)
| | - Patricia C. Ewing-Graham
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shiva Najjary
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, The Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Edith van Esch
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623 EJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Heleen J. van Beekhuizen
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (H.J.v.B.)
| | - Dana A. M. Mustafa
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, The Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
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Höhn AK, Forberger M, Alfaraidi M, Gilks CB, Brambs CE, Höckel M, Hoang L, Singh N, Horn LC. High concordance of molecular subtyping between pre-surgical biopsy and surgical resection specimen (matched-pair analysis) in patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma using p16- and p53-immunostaining. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 185:17-24. [PMID: 38342005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) can be stratified into three molecular subtypes based on the immunoexpression of p16 and p53: HPV-independent p53-abnormal (p53abn) (most common, biologically aggressive), HPV-associated, with p16-overexpression (second most common, prognostically more favourable) and more recently recognised HPV-independent p53-wildtype (p53wt) (rarest subtype, prognostically intermediate). Our aim was to determine whether molecular subtypes can be reliably identified in pre-operative biopsies and whether these correspond to the subsequent vulvectomy specimen. METHODS Matched-paired pre-surgical biopsies and subsequent resection specimen of 57 patients with VSCC were analysed for the immunohistochemical expression of p16 and p53 by performing a three-tiered molecular subtyping to test the accuracy rate. RESULTS Most cases 36/57 (63.2%) belonged to the HPV-independent (p53-abn) molecular subtype, followed by HPV-associated 17/57 (29.8%) and HPV-independent (p53wt) 4/57 (7.0%). The overall accuracy rate on biopsy was 91.2% (52/57): 97.3% for p53-abnormal, 94.1% for p16-overexpression and 50% for p16-neg/p53-wt VSCC. Incorrect interpretation of immunohistochemical p53 staining pattern was the reason for discordant results in molecular subtyping in all five cases. In one case there was an underestimation of p53 pattern (wildtype instead of abnormal/aberrant) and in one case an overestimation of the p53 staining pattern (abnormal/aberrant instead of wildtype). In 3/5 there was a "double positive" staining result (p16 overexpression and abnormal/aberrant p53 staining pattern). In that cases additional molecular workup is required for correct molecular subtyping, resulting in an overall need for molecular examination of 3/57 (3.5%). CONCLUSIONS Compared to the final resections specimen, the three-tiered molecular classification of VSCC can be determined on pre-surgical biopsies with a high accuracy rate. This enables more precise surgical planning, prediction of the response to (chemo) radiation, selection of targeted therapies and planning of the optimal follow-up strategy for patients in the age of personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kathrin Höhn
- Institute of Pathology, Division of Gynecologic Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Mirjam Forberger
- Institute of Pathology, Division of Gynecologic Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mona Alfaraidi
- Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Canada; Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyah, Saudi Arabia
| | - C Blake Gilks
- Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Michael Höckel
- Leipzig School of Radical Pelvic Surgery, Division of Surgical Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lynn Hoang
- Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Naveena Singh
- Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lars-Christian Horn
- Institute of Pathology, Division of Gynecologic Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Germany
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Chargari C, Wasserman J, Gabro A, Canlobre G, Spano JP, Uzan C, Maingon P. Vulvar Carcinoma: Standard of Care and Perspectives. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:961-972. [PMID: 38315939 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment of vulvar carcinoma (VC) is challenging. The objectives of this review were to describe for clinicians the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of VC, the standard of care in terms of primary local treatment and systemic therapies, and the recent innovations and perspectives emerging from translational research in immuno-oncology. DESIGN We conducted a comprehensive review outlying the clinical aspects and biologic background of vulvar cancer, highlighting modern treatment strategies on the basis of a personalized approach. RESULTS Epidemiologic data showed a recent rise in incidence of VC, attributed to human papillomavirus. Surgery is the mainstay of primary treatment, but multimodal approaches are frequently required in the presence of adverse prognosis histopathologic factors. Chemoradiation is indicated when organ-sparing surgery is not feasible. However, inability to achieve high locoregional control rates in advanced cases and the morbidity associated with local treatments are still key issues. Recent clinical data showed the benefit of individualized strategies combining organ-sparing surgical strategies, less invasive lymph node staging procedures, and refinement in radiotherapy modalities. Among the most important research area, there is a sound rationale for testing modern systemic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected patients with recurrent and/or metastatic tumors. Although no specific data exist for VC, the role of supportive care and post-treatment rehabilitation strategies is also crucial. CONCLUSION There are still insufficient studies dedicated to patients with VC. Public health programs for prevention, screening, and early diagnosis are required, and clinical research should be strengthened to provide high-quality clinical evidence and improve patients' oncologic and functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Chargari
- Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Johanna Wasserman
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service d'oncologie médicale, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Gabro
- Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Geoffroy Canlobre
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de chirurgie et cancérologie gynécologique et mammaire, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR S938, Biologie et Thérapeutique des cancers, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Spano
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service d'oncologie médicale, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Uzan
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de chirurgie et cancérologie gynécologique et mammaire, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR S938, Biologie et Thérapeutique des cancers, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Maingon
- Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie (IUC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Pavlov P, Galev I, Bojilova H, Stoyanov GS. Metachronous Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Uterine Cervix and Lung: True Metachrony or Metastasis. Cureus 2024; 16:e51922. [PMID: 38333446 PMCID: PMC10851099 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a big group of infection agents with oncogenic potential, especially regarding squamous epithelium. Some high-risk variants are key in the development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) across multiple systems, the most affected of which is the female reproductive system, but also parts of the gastrointestinal tract, head, and neck SCC, and cutaneous and pulmonary (bronchogenic) SCCs. In cases where a patient develops two SCCs in different systems, often the main question is whether these tumors are synchronous, metachronous, or if one of the tumors is a metastasis from the other, with HPV testing and stereotype identification often being of aid in differentiating between these. Herein, we report the case of a female patient in her 50s, initially diagnosed with SCC of the uterine cervix. The patient remained stable for three calendar years after completing preoperative radiotherapy, surgical resection, and postoperative chemo-radiotherapy. At that point, she developed respiratory symptoms, and radiography suggested a pulmonary malignancy. After undergoing surgical resection of the pulmonary lesion, histological specimens were initially interpreted to be a metachronous pulmonary SCC. Immunohistochemical testing proved that both the cervical and pulmonary lesions were HPV-associated, with further testing proving that both lesions were associated with high-risk HPV (genotype 16). Based on the clinical history and aggregated data, the pulmonary lesion was interpreted as a metastatic and not a metachronous one, and the patient is currently undergoing treatment for metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Pavlov
- Clinical Pathology, Complex Oncology Center, Shumen, BGR
| | - Ivan Galev
- Clinical Pathology, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda University Hospital, Sofia, BGR
| | - Helia Bojilova
- Clinical Pathology, Complex Oncology Center, Shumen, BGR
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8
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Gordinier ME, Schau GF, Pollock SB, Shields LBE, Talwalkar S. Genomic characterization of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma reveals differential gene expression based on clinical outcome. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 180:111-117. [PMID: 38086165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The greatest challenge in the management of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is treatment of recurrent disease where options for surgery and radiation have been exhausted, or treatment of disease where distant metastasis is present. Identification of mutations differentially expressed between tumor from patients who died of aggressive disease and tumor from patients with an indolent course could reveal novel prognostic indicators and guide development of therapeutic drugs. METHODS From 202 consecutive patients with VSCC, patients who recurred and died of disease (group A) were identified and matched by age, tumor size, depth of invasion and nodal status with those whose disease did not recur (group B). Tumors from 21 patients were subjected to whole exome sequencing of DNA and RNA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibodies of PD-L1 and P16, and in-situ hybridization (ISH) for high-risk HPV. RESULTS Analysis of DNA and RNA revealed six genes that were strongly differentially expressed between group A and B: TGM3, ACVR2A, ROS1, NFEL2, CCND1 and BCL6. Clinically relevant DNA mutations were significantly greater in group A versus B: 7 vs 2.3 mutations per patient. The most common genomic alterations were mutations in TP53 and the promoter region of TERT. Other common genomic events include alterations of FAT1, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, CCND1, and LRP1B. All samples were MSI stable and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was similar in groups A and B. Most VSCC specimens (81%) were positive for PD-L1. CONCLUSIONS ACVR2A and TGM3 are significantly under-expressed in tumors with poor outcome, suggesting they may play a role in tumor suppression. Clinical outcome of VSCC appears independent of MSI, TMB, or PD-L1 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Gordinier
- Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40207, USA.
| | | | | | - Lisa B E Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Sameer Talwalkar
- Department of Pathology, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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Tornesello ML, Cerasuolo A, Starita N, Amiranda S, Bonelli P, Tuccillo FM, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L, Tornesello AL. Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in cancer: the role of TERT promoter mutations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1286683. [PMID: 38033865 PMCID: PMC10684755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1286683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity and telomere elongation are essential conditions for the unlimited proliferation of neoplastic cells. Point mutations in the core promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been found to occur at high frequencies in several tumour types and considered a primary cause of telomerase reactivation in cancer cells. These mutations promote TERT gene expression by multiple mechanisms, including the generation of novel binding sites for nuclear transcription factors, displacement of negative regulators from DNA G-quadruplexes, recruitment of epigenetic activators and disruption of long-range interactions between TERT locus and telomeres. Furthermore, TERT promoter mutations cooperate with TPP1 promoter nucleotide changes to lengthen telomeres and with mutated BRAF and FGFR3 oncoproteins to enhance oncogenic signalling in cancer cells. TERT promoter mutations have been recognized as an early marker of tumour development or a major indicator of poor outcome and reduced patients survival in several cancer types. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of TERT promoter mutations, telomerase expression and telomeres elongation in cancer development, their clinical significance and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerasuolo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Amiranda
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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Choschzick M, Stergiou C, Gut A, Zoche M, Ross JS, Moch H. NOTCH1 and PIK3CA mutation are related to HPV-associated vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154877. [PMID: 37839360 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
NOTCH1 and PIK3CA are members of important cell signalling pathways that are deregulated in squamous cell carcinomas of various organs. Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (vulvSCC) are classically divided into two pathways, HPV-associated or HPV-independent, but the effect of NOTCH1 and PIK3CA mutations in both groups is unclear. We analysed two different cohorts of vulvSCC using Hybrid Capture-based Comprehensive Genomic Profiling and identified NOTCH1 and PIK3CA mutations in 35% and 31% of 48 primary vulvSCC. In this first cohort, PIK3CA and NOTCH1 mutations were significantly correlated with HPV infection (p < 0.01). Furthermore, mutations in both genes were associated with an advanced tumor stage and poorly differentiated status (p < 0.05). PIK3CA and NOTCH1 mutations were also associated with shorter patient survival which did not reach significance. In the second cohort of 735 advanced vulvSCC from metastatic site biopsies or from sites of unresectable loco-regional disease, NOTCH1 and PIK3CA mutations were reported in 14% and 20.3%, respectively. 4 of 48 (8%) and 22 of 735 vulvSCC (3.0%) featured genomic alterations (short variants and/or copy number changes and/or rearrangements) in both NOTCH1 and PIK3CA. NOTCH1 mutations were mostly located in the extracellular EGF-like domains, were inactivating and indicated that NOTCH1 functions predominantly as a tumor suppressor gene in vulvSCC. In contrast, PIK3CA mutations favored hotspot codons 1624 and 1633 of the gene, indicating that PIK3CA acts as an oncogene in vulvar carcinogenesis. In conclusion, NOTCH1 and PIK3CA mutations are detectable in a substantial proportion of vulvSCC and are related to HPV infection and more aggressive tumor behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Choschzick
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - C Stergiou
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Gut
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Zoche
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA; SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - H Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lozar T, Keske A, Dube Mandishora RS, Yu Q, Bailey A, Xu J, Tommasino M, McGregor SM, Lambert PF, Gheit T, Fitzpatrick MB. Betapapillomaviruses in p16-Negative Vulvar Intraepithelial Lesions Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Viruses 2023; 15:1950. [PMID: 37766356 PMCID: PMC10537070 DOI: 10.3390/v15091950] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 40% of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSCC) cases are etiologically associated with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) of the alpha genera (α-HPV) that cause other anogenital cancers; however, the etiology of α-HPV-negative vSCC is poorly understood. HPVs of the beta genera (β-HPV) are risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and may be related to carcinomas originating in other cutaneous sites such as the vulva. In this study, we investigate the presence of β-HPVs, with an emphasis on p16-negative squamous lesions adjacent to vSCC. We subjected 28 vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions adjacent to vSCC for comprehensive HPV genotyping, p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry, and consensus morphology review. Selected cases were subjected to qPCR and RNA in situ hybridization. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. β-HPV DNA was detected in eight of ten p16-negative lesions and three of fourteen p16-positive high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The HPV DNA loads in vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions ranged between less than 1 HPV DNA copy per cell to more than 100 HPV DNA copies per cell. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of the association of p16-negative vulvar intraepithelial squamous lesions with detection of β-HPVs. These findings expand possible etiologic mechanisms that may contribute to p16-negative lesions of the vulva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taja Lozar
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (T.L.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aysenur Keske
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Racheal S. Dube Mandishora
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer (CIIRC), Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Medical Microbiology Unit, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Health Sciences, Harare P.O. Box A178, Zimbabwe
| | - Qiqi Yu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Adam Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | | | - Stephanie M. McGregor
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (T.L.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Tarik Gheit
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Megan B. Fitzpatrick
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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12
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Corey L, Wallbillich JJ, Wu S, Farrell A, Hodges K, Xiu J, Nabhan C, Guastella A, Kheil M, Gogoi R, Winer I, Bandyopadhyay S, Huang M, Jones N, Wilhite A, Karnezis A, Thaker P, Herzog TJ, Oberley M, Korn WM, Vezina A, Morris R, Ali-Fehmi R. The Genomic Landscape of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2023; 42:515-522. [PMID: 37131274 PMCID: PMC10417246 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell cancer (VSC) accounts for 90% of vulvar cancers. Next-generation sequencing studies of VSC imply human papillomavirus (HPV) and p53 status play separate roles in carcinogenesis and prognosis. We sought to describe the genomic landscape and analyze the immunologic profiles of VSC with respect to HPV and p53 status. A total of 443 VSC tumors underwent tumor profiling. Next-generation sequencing was performed on genomic DNA isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples. PD-L1, microsatellite instability were tested by fragment analysis, IHC, and next-generation sequencing. Tumor mutational burden-high was defined as >10 mutations per MB. HPV 16/18 positive (HPV+) status was determined using whole exome sequencing on 105 samples. Three cohorts were identified from 105 samples with known HPV: HPV+, HPV-/p53wt, and HPV-/p53mt. Where HPV and p53 status were examined, TP53 mutations were exclusive of HPV+ tumors. In all, 37% of samples were HPV+. Among the 66 HPV- tumors, 52 (78.8%) were HPV-/p53mt and 14 (21.2%) were HPV-/p53wt. The HPV-/p53wt cohort had a higher rate of mutations in the PI3KCA gene (42.9% HPV-/p53wt vs 26.3% HPV+ vs. 5.8% HPV-/p53mt, q =0.028) and alterations in the PI3K/AkT/mTOR pathway (57.1% HPV-/p53wt vs. 34.2% HPV+ vs. 7.7% HPV-/p53mt, q =0.0386) than the other 2 cohorts. Ninety-eight VSC tumors with HPV16/18 information underwent transcriptomic analysis and immune deconvolution method. No differences were observed in immune profiles. The HPV-/p53wt VSC tumors had significantly higher rates of mutations in the PI3KCA gene and alterations in the PI3K/AkT/mTOR pathway, a potential target that merits further investigation in this subgroup.
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13
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Okuyama K, Suzuki K, Yanamoto S. Relationship between Tumor Budding and Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041111. [PMID: 36831453 PMCID: PMC9953904 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor budding (TB), a microscopic finding in the stroma ahead of the invasive fronts of tumors, has been well investigated and reported as a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial step in tumor progression and metastasis, and its status cannot be distinguished from TB. The current understanding of partial EMT (p-EMT), the so-called halfway step of EMT, focuses on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although this evidence has been investigated, the clinicopathological and biological relationship between TB and p-EMT remains debatable. At the invasion front, previous research suggested that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important for tumor progression, metastasis, p-EMT, and TB formation in the TME. Although there is biological evidence of TB drivers, no report has focused on their organized functional relationships. Understanding the mechanism of TB onset and the relationship between p-EMTs may facilitate the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic methods, and targeted therapies for the prevention of metastasis in epithelial cancer. Thus far, major pieces of evidence have been established from colorectal cancer (CRC), due to a large number of patients with the disease. Herein, we review the current understanding of p-EMT and TME dynamics and discuss the relationship between TB development and p-EMT, focusing on CAFs, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, laminin-integrin crosstalk, membrane stiffness, enzymes, and viral infections in cancers, and clarify the gap of evidence between HNSCC and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Okuyama
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 North University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, 1600 Huron Pathway, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
- Correspondence: or
| | - Keiji Suzuki
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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14
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Thompson EF, Wong RWC, Trevisan G, Tessier-Cloutier B, Almadani N, Chen J, Cheng A, Karnezis A, McConechy MK, Lum A, Senz J, McAlpine JN, Huntsman DG, Gilks B, Jamieson A, Hoang LN. p53-Abnormal "Fields of Dysplasia" in Human Papillomavirus-Independent Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Impacts Margins and Recurrence Risk. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100010. [PMID: 36853783 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2022.100010] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal p53 (p53abn) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining patterns can be found in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN). They can also be found in the adjacent skin that shows morphology that falls short of the traditional diagnostic threshold for dVIN. Vulvectomy specimens containing human papillomavirus-independent p53abn VSCC with margins originally reported as negative for invasive and in situ disease were identified. Sections showing the closest approach by invasive or in situ neoplasia to margins were stained with p53 IHC stains. We evaluated the following: (1) detection of morphologically occult p53abn in situ neoplasia, (2) rates of margin status change after p53 IHC staining, and (3) effect of p53abn IHC staining at margins on the 2-year local recurrence rates. Seventy-three human papillomavirus-independent p53abn VSCCs were included. Half (35/73, 48%) had documented an in situ lesion in the original report. The use of p53 IHC staining identified 21 additional cases (29%) with the p53abn in situ lesions that were originally unrecognized. The histology of in situ lesions in the p53abn "field" varied and became more subtle (morphologically occult) farther away from the VSCC. Fifteen (21%) cases had a morphologically occult and previously unrecognized p53abn in situ lesion present at a resection margin, which conferred an increased risk of local recurrence (5/7 [71.4%] vs 6/22 [27.3%], P = .036). The p53abn in situ lesions at a margin were confirmed to have TP53 mutations by sequencing. p53 IHC staining identified morphologically occult p53abn in situ lesions surrounding human papillomavirus-independent VSCC. p53abn IHC staining at a margin was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of local recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Thompson
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Richard W C Wong
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Giorgia Trevisan
- Cellular Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Basile Tessier-Cloutier
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Noorah Almadani
- Department of Pathology, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Julia Chen
- Medical Undergraduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Cheng
- Genetic Pathology Evaluation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anthony Karnezis
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | | | - Amy Lum
- Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janine Senz
- Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica N McAlpine
- Gynecologic Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David G Huntsman
- Genetic Pathology Evaluation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Canexia Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Blake Gilks
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Genetic Pathology Evaluation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amy Jamieson
- Gynecologic Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn N Hoang
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Genetic Pathology Evaluation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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15
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Hopkins MR, Palsgrove DN, Ronnett BM, Vang R, Lin J, Murdock TA. Molecular Analysis of HPV-independent Primary Endometrial Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals TP53 and CDKN2A Comutations : A Clinicopathologic Analysis With Re-evaluation of Diagnostic Criteria. Am J Surg Pathol 2022; 46:1611-1622. [PMID: 36069815 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent primary endometrial squamous cell carcinoma (PESCC) is a rare but aggressive subtype of endometrial carcinoma for which little is known about the genomic characteristics. Traditional criteria have restricted the diagnosis of PESCC to cases without any cervical involvement. However, given that modern ancillary techniques can detect HPV and characteristic genetic alterations that should identify the more common mimics in the differential diagnosis, including endometrial endometrioid carcinoma with extensive squamous differentiation and HPV-associated primary cervical squamous cell carcinoma, those criteria may benefit from revision. To further characterize PESCC, we identified 5 cases of pure squamous cell carcinoma dominantly involving the endometrium that had the potential to be PESCC: 1 case involving only the endometrium and 4 cases with some involvement of the cervix. Clinicopathologic features were assessed and immunohistochemical analysis (p16, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and p53), HPV RNA in situ hybridization (high-risk and low-risk cocktails and targeted probes for 16 and 18), and molecular studies were performed. All tumors showed aberrant/mutation-type p53 expression, were negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and p16, and had no detectable HPV. Per whole-exome sequencing, 4 of the 5 tumors demonstrated comutations in TP53 and CDKN2A (p16). Four patients died of disease within 20 months (range, 1 to 20 mo; mean, 9 mo), and 1 patient had no evidence of disease at 38 months. PESCC represents a unique, clinically aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer with TP53 and CDKN2A comutations. This characteristic profile, which is similar to HPV-independent squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, is distinct from endometrioid carcinoma with extensive squamous differentiation and HPV-associated primary cervical squamous cell carcinoma and can be used to distinguish PESCC from those mimics even when cervical involvement is present. Diagnostic criteria for PESCC should be relaxed to allow for cervical involvement when other pathologic features are consistent with, and ancillary techniques are supportive of classification as such.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey Lin
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
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16
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HPV-independent, p53-wild-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: a review of nomenclature and the journey to characterize verruciform and acanthotic precursor lesions of the vulva. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1317-1326. [PMID: 35437330 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas and their precursors are currently classified by the World Health Organization based on their association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV independent lesions often harbor driver alterations in TP53, usually seen in the setting of chronic vulvar inflammation. However, a group of pre-invasive vulvar squamous lesions is independent from both HPV and mutant TP53. The lesions described within this category feature marked acanthosis, verruciform growth and altered squamous maturation, and over the last two decades several studies have added to their characterization. They have a documented association with verrucous carcinoma and conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, suggesting a precursor role. They also harbor recurrent genomic alterations in several oncogenes, mainly PIK3CA and HRAS, indicating a neoplastic nature. In this review, we provide a historical perspective and a comprehensive description of these lesions. We also offer an appraisal of the terminology used over the years, going from Vulvar Acanthosis with Altered Differentiation and Verruciform Lichen Simplex Chronicus to Differentiated Exophytic Vulvar Intraepithelial Lesion and Vulvar Aberrant Maturation, the latter term having been recently proposed by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases. In line with the recognition of these lesions by the 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Tumours as a neoplastic precursor, we herein propose the term HPV-independent, p53-wild-type verruciform acanthotic Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (HPVi(p53wt) vaVIN), which better conveys not only the pathology but also the neoplastic nature and the biologic risk inherent to these uncommon and challenging lesions. We outline strict morphologic and immunohistochemical criteria for its diagnosis and distinction from mimickers. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 should be performed routinely in the diagnostic work-up of these lesions, and the morphologic alternative term vaVIN should be reserved for instances in which p16/HPV/p53 status is unknown. We also discuss management considerations and the need to further explore precursors within and beyond the spectrum of verruciform acanthotic vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.
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17
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The Drivers, Mechanisms, and Consequences of Genome Instability in HPV-Driven Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194623. [PMID: 36230545 PMCID: PMC9564061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cells infected with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) can accumulate DNA damage and eventually transform into HPV-driven cancers. Genome instability, or the progressive accumulation of DNA alterations (e.g., mutations), in HPV-infected cells is directly induced by the HPV genes and indirectly promoted by HPV infection through the consequences of chronic infection maintenance, increased cell growth, and accumulation of damaging mutations in genes that themselves affect genome instability. While the HPV genome typically exists as a separate entity within cells, genome instability increases the chances of HPV integrating within the host (human) genome, which is common in HPV-induced cancers. The DNA regions surrounding HPV integrations are unstable and can undergo complex alterations that affect both human and HPV genes. This review discusses HPV-dependent and -independent drivers and mechanisms of genome instability in HPV-driven cancers, both globally and around sites of HPV integration, and describes the changes induced in the tumour genome. Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative driver of cervical cancer and a contributing risk factor of head and neck cancer and several anogenital cancers. HPV’s ability to induce genome instability contributes to its oncogenicity. HPV genes can induce genome instability in several ways, including modulating the cell cycle to favour proliferation, interacting with DNA damage repair pathways to bring high-fidelity repair pathways to viral episomes and away from the host genome, inducing DNA-damaging oxidative stress, and altering the length of telomeres. In addition, the presence of a chronic viral infection can lead to immune responses that also cause genome instability of the infected tissue. The HPV genome can become integrated into the host genome during HPV-induced tumorigenesis. Viral integration requires double-stranded breaks on the DNA; therefore, regions around the integration event are prone to structural alterations and themselves are targets of genome instability. In this review, we present the mechanisms by which HPV-dependent and -independent genome instability is initiated and maintained in HPV-driven cancers, both across the genome and at regions of HPV integration.
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18
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Guerrero J, Trias I, Veloza L, del Pino M, Garcia A, Marimon L, Diaz-Mercedes S, Rodrigo-Calvo MT, Alós S, Ajami T, Parra-Medina R, Martinez A, Reig O, Ribal MJ, Corral-Molina JM, Ordi J, Ribera-Cortada I, Rakislova N. HPV-negative Penile Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PeIN) With Basaloid Features. Am J Surg Pathol 2022; 46:1071-1077. [PMID: 35297786 PMCID: PMC9281510 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001885] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Most human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent penile squamous cell carcinomas (PSCCs) originate from an intraepithelial precursor called differentiated penile intraepithelial neoplasia, characterized by atypia limited to the basal layer with marked superficial maturation. Previous studies in vulvar cancer, which has a similar dual etiopathogenesis, have shown that about one fifth of HPV-independent precursors are morphologically indistinguishable from high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), the precursor of HPV-asssociated carcinomas. However, such lesions have not been described in PSCC. From 2000 to 2021, 55 surgical specimens of PSCC were identified. In all cases, thorough morphologic evaluation, HPV DNA detection, and p16, p53, and Ki-67 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed. HPV-independent status was assigned based on both negative results for p16 IHC and HPV DNA. Thirty-six of the 55 PSCC (65%) were HPV-independent. An intraepithelial precursor was identified in 26/36 cases (72%). Five of them (19%) had basaloid features, morphologically indistinguishable from HPV-associated HSIL. The median age of the 5 patients was 74 years (range: 67 to 83 y). All 5 cases were p16 and DNA HPV-negative. Immunohistochemically, 3 cases showed an abnormal p53 pattern, and 2 showed wild-type p53 staining. The associated invasive carcinoma was basaloid in 4 cases and the usual (keratinizing) type in 1. In conclusion, a small proportion of HPV-independent PSCC may arise on adjacent intraepithelial lesions morphologically identical to HPV-associated HSIL. This unusual histologic pattern has not been previously characterized in detail in PSCC. p16 IHC is a valuable tool to identify these lesions and differentiate them from HPV-associated HSIL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Veloza
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marta del Pino
- Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic-the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona
| | | | - Lorena Marimon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona
| | | | | | | | | | - Rafael Parra-Medina
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute, Health Sciences University Foundation, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Antonio Martinez
- Department of Pathology
- The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Reig
- Institute of Hematologic and Oncologic Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona
- The August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Jaume Ordi
- Department of Pathology
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona
| | | | - Natalia Rakislova
- Department of Pathology
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona
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