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Jansen P, Galetzka W, Lodde GC, Standl F, Zaremba A, Herbst R, Terheyden P, Utikal J, Pföhler C, Ulrich J, Kreuter A, Mohr P, Gutzmer R, Meier F, Dippel E, Weichenthal M, Placke JM, Landsberg J, Möller I, Sucker A, Paschen A, Hadaschik E, Zimmer L, Livingstone E, Schadendorf D, Ugurel S, Stang A, Griewank KG. Shortened progression free and overall survival to immune-checkpoint inhibitors in BRAF-, RAS- and NF1- ("Triple") wild type melanomas. Eur J Cancer 2024; 208:114208. [PMID: 39018633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.114208] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanomas lacking mutations in BRAF, NRAS and NF1 are frequently referred to as "triple wild-type" (tWT) melanomas. They constitute 5-10 % of all melanomas and remain poorly characterized regarding clinical characteristics and response to therapy. This study investigates the largest multicenter collection of tWT-melanomas to date. METHODS Targeted next-generation sequencing of the TERT promoter and 29 melanoma-associated genes were performed on 3109 melanoma tissue samples of the prospective multicenter study ADOREG/TRIM of the DeCOG revealing 292 patients suffering from tWT-melanomas. Clinical characteristics and mutational patterns were analyzed. As subgroup analysis, we analyzed 141 tWT-melanoma patients receiving either anti-CTLA4 plus anti-PD1 or anti PD1 monotherapy as first line therapy in AJCC stage IV. RESULTS 184 patients with cutaneous melanomas, 56 patients with mucosal melanomas, 34 patients with acral melanomas and 18 patients with melanomas of unknown origin (MUP) were included. A TERT promoter mutation could be identified in 33.2 % of all melanomas and 70.5 % of all tWT-melanomas harbored less than three mutations per sample. For the 141 patients with stage IV disease, mPFS independent of melanoma type was 6.2 months (95 % CI: 4-9) and mOS was 24.8 months (95 % CI: 14.2-53.4) after first line anti-CTLA4 plus anti-PD1 therapy. After first-line anti-PD1 monotherapy, mPFS was 4 months (95 %CI: 2.9-8.5) and mOS was 29.18 months (95 % CI: 17.5-46.2). CONCLUSIONS While known prognostic factors such as TERT promoter mutations and TMB were equally distributed among patients who received either anti-CTLA4 plus anti-PD1 combination therapy or anti-PD1 monotherapy as first line therapy, we did not find a prolonged mPFS or mOS in either of those. For both therapy concepts, mPFS and mOS were considerably shorter than reported for melanomas with known oncogene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jansen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn.
| | - Wolfgang Galetzka
- Institute for medical informatics, biometry and epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Georg C Lodde
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Standl
- Institute for medical informatics, biometry and epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anne Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rudolf Herbst
- Hauttumorzentrum, Helios Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Department of Dermatology, Saarland University Medical School, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Jens Ulrich
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Harzklinikum Dorothea Christiane Erxleben, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, HELIOS St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten/Herdecke, Oberhausen, Germany
| | - Peter Mohr
- Dermatological Center Buxtehude, Elbe Kliniken Buxtehude, Buxtehude, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Skin Cancer Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany & Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatooncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden Germany
| | - Edgar Dippel
- Department of Dermatology Ludwigshafen, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen am Rhein gGmbH, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Malte Placke
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Inga Möller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute for medical informatics, biometry and epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus G Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Valdez-Salazar F, Jiménez-Del Rio LA, Padilla-Gutiérrez JR, Valle Y, Muñoz-Valle JF, Valdés-Alvarado E. Advances in Melanoma: From Genetic Insights to Therapeutic Innovations. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1851. [PMID: 39200315 PMCID: PMC11351162 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081851] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in melanoma research have unveiled critical insights into its genetic and molecular landscape, leading to significant therapeutic innovations. This review explores the intricate interplay between genetic alterations, such as mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and KIT, and melanoma pathogenesis. The MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways are highlighted for their roles in tumor growth and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, this review delves into the impact of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, on melanoma progression. The tumor microenvironment, characterized by immune cells, stromal cells, and soluble factors, plays a pivotal role in modulating tumor behavior and treatment responses. Emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9, and AI-driven diagnostics are transforming melanoma research, offering precise and personalized approaches to treatment. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized mRNA vaccines, has revolutionized melanoma therapy by enhancing the body's immune response. Despite these advances, resistance mechanisms remain a challenge, underscoring the need for combined therapies and ongoing research to achieve durable therapeutic responses. This comprehensive overview aims to highlight the current state of melanoma research and the transformative impacts of these advancements on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Valdés-Alvarado
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (F.V.-S.)
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Zhu T, Zong C, Li Y, Jia S, Shi H, Tian H, Rao Y, Zhang X, Ge S, Fan X, Li Y, Jia R, Xu S. High-risk histopathologic features in local advanced conjunctival melanoma. Acta Ophthalmol 2024; 102:e851-e861. [PMID: 38420891 DOI: 10.1111/aos.16662] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify high-risk histopathologic and molecular features of local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis (DM) and disease-specific death (DSD) in conjunctival melanoma (CoM). METHODS Ninety patients with pathologically diagnosed CoM between 2008 and 2023 were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry staining of BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, CD117, PD-1 and PD-L1 was performed in 65 and 45 patients, respectively. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were conducted to identify risk factors for local recurrence, nodal metastasis, DM and DSD. RESULTS Pathologically, ulceration (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.170; 95% CI: 1.312-7.659; p = 0.01) and regression (HR: 3.196; 95% CI: 1.094-9.335; p = 0.034) were risk factors for DM. Tumour thickness ≥ 4 mm (HR: 4.889; 95% CI: 1.846-12.946; p = 0.001) and regression (HR: 4.011; 95% CI: 1.464-10.991; p = 0.007) were risk factors for DSD. For patients with tumour thickness < 4 mm, the presence of ulceration indicated a higher risk of nodal metastasis (log-rank p = 0.0011), DM (log-rank p = 0.00051) and DSD (log-rank p = 0.02). Patients with regression (+)/tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (+) had a higher risk for DM (log-rank p = 0.011) and DSD (log-rank p = 0.0032). Molecularly, the positive rate of BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, CD117, PD-1 and PD-L1 was 40.00% (26/65), 43.08% (28/65), 70.77% (46/65), 46.67% (21/45) and 28.89% (13/45), respectively. Positive BRAFV600E was identified as an independent risk factor for DM (HR: 2.533; 95% CI: 1.046-6.136, p = 0.039). The expression level of BRAFV600E was positively correlated with vascular invasion (p = 0.01), as well as the expression levels of PD-1 (p = 0.038) and PD-L1 (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS Tumour thickness ≥ 4 mm, ulceration, the coexistence of regression and TILs, and positive BRAFV600E were risk factors for poor prognosis of CoM patients. Besides, expression level of BRAFV600E was positively correlated with the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichong Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yamin Rao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Implant Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqiong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Barrutia L, Schuuring E, Rácz E, Diercks GFH, van Kempen LC. Utility and Micro-Costing Framework for TERT Promoter Mutation Analysis in Melanocytic Lesions of Uncertain Malignant Potential: A Retrospective Study in Dutch Local Clinical Practice. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1665. [PMID: 39125541 PMCID: PMC11311256 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14151665] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The 2018 WHO edition on the classification of cutaneous melanocytic tumors recognizes eight evolutionary pathways of melanoma and describes tumors of uncertain malignant potential for each. When histology and immunohistochemistry do not support a confident conclusion about its malignant potential, a window of diagnostic uncertainty is created. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter (TERTp) are highly specific for melanoma and can be used as an ancillary technique to acquire a higher level of confidence in the diagnosis. However, little is known about the cost-effectiveness of testing for TERTp mutations. The aims of this study were to determine how often knowledge of the TERTp mutation status contributed to the final diagnosis and to develop a micro-costing framework to calculate cost-effectiveness. A retrospective analysis of all cutaneous melanocytic lesions that were discussed in the Noord-Nederland Melanoma Panel from January 2021 to October 2022 was performed to identify the cases in which the preliminary histopathological diagnosis was uncertain regarding malignancy (ambiguous, likely benign, or likely malignant). For cases in which a TERTp mutation analysis was performed, the final diagnoses were collected, and it was determined whether this impacted the overall conclusion. A micro-costing framework was established to model the financial impact of introducing TERTp mutation analyses and subsequent clinical procedures. The study included 367 cases, of which 175 diagnoses of uncertain malignant potential were initially reported. TERTp mutation analysis was performed for 151/175 (86%). In 38% of these cases, a higher level of confidence regarding malignant potential was obtained. The implementation of TERTp mutation analyses for cutaneous melanocytic proliferations with uncertain malignant potential can narrow the window of diagnostic uncertainty. For the patient group with an initial uncertain diagnosis, the increased cost for molecular testing (86.145 €) was compensated by a reduced overall treatment cost (-122.304 €). A microsimulation model to determine the cost-effectiveness of TERTp mutation analysis projected an overall saving for the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Barrutia
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, Medicine and Toxicology, University of Valladolid, 47002 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ed Schuuring
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emõke Rácz
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gilles F. H. Diercks
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Léon C. van Kempen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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Nevarez AJ, Mudla A, Diaz SA, Hao N. Using deep learning to decipher the impact of telomerase promoter mutations on the dynamic metastatic morpholome. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012271. [PMID: 39078811 PMCID: PMC11288469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma showcases a complex interplay of genetic alterations and intra- and inter-cellular morphological changes during metastatic transformation. While pivotal, the role of specific mutations in dictating these changes still needs to be fully elucidated. Telomerase promoter mutations (TERTp mutations) significantly influence melanoma's progression, invasiveness, and resistance to various emerging treatments, including chemical inhibitors, telomerase inhibitors, targeted therapy, and immunotherapies. We aim to understand the morphological and phenotypic implications of the two dominant monoallelic TERTp mutations, C228T and C250T, enriched in melanoma metastasis. We developed isogenic clonal cell lines containing the TERTp mutations and utilized dual-color expression reporters steered by the endogenous Telomerase promoter, giving us allelic resolution. This approach allowed us to monitor morpholomic variations induced by these mutations. TERTp mutation-bearing cells exhibited significant morpholome differences from their wild-type counterparts, with increased allele expression patterns, augmented wound-healing rates, and unique spatiotemporal dynamics. Notably, the C250T mutation exerted more pronounced changes in the morpholome than C228T, suggesting a differential role in metastatic potential. Our findings underscore the distinct influence of TERTp mutations on melanoma's cellular architecture and behavior. The C250T mutation may offer a unique morpholomic and systems-driven advantage for metastasis. These insights provide a foundational understanding of how a non-coding mutation in melanoma metastasis affects the system, manifesting in cellular morpholome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres J. Nevarez
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Anusorn Mudla
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sabrina A. Diaz
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Nan Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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6
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Tang Q, Hu G, Sang Y, Chen Y, Wei G, Zhu M, Chen M, Li S, Liu R, Peng Z. Therapeutic targeting of PLK1 in TERT promoter-mutant hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1703. [PMID: 38769666 PMCID: PMC11106514 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1703] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hotspot mutations in the promoter of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are the most common genetic variants in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor prognosis of the disease. However, no drug was currently approved for treating TERT promoter mutation positive HCC patients. Here, we aim to explore the potential therapeutic strategy for targeting TERT promoter mutation in HCC. METHODS The Liver Cancer Model Repository database was used for screening potential drugs to selectively suppress the growth of TERT promoter mutant HCC cells. RNA-seq, CRISPR-Cas9 technology and siRNA transfection were performed for mechanistic studies. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and the xenograft tumour models were used for cell growth detection in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were analysed by Annexin V-FITC staining and/or propidium iodide staining. RESULTS PLK1 inhibitors were remarkably more sensitive to HCC cells harbouring TERT promoter mutation than wild-type cells in vitro and in vivo, which were diminished after TERT promoter mutation was edited to the wild-type nucleotide. Comparing the HCC cells with wild-type promoter of TERT, PLK1 inhibitors specifically downregulated Smad3 to regulate TERT for inducing apoptosis and G2/M arrest in TERT mutant HCC cells. Moreover, knockout of Smad3 counteracted the effects of PLK1 inhibitors in TERT mutant HCC cells. Finally, a cooperative effect of PLK1 and Smad3 inhibition was observed in TERT mutant cells. CONCLUSIONS PLK1 inhibition selectively suppressed the growth of TERT mutant HCC cells through Smad3, thus contributed to discover a novel therapeutic strategy to treat HCC patients harbouring TERT promoter mutations. KEY POINTS TERT promoter mutation confers sensitivity to PLK1 inhibitors in HCC. The selective growth inhibition of TERT mutant HCC cells induced by PLK1 inhibitor was mediated by Smad3. Combined inhibition of PLK1 and Smad3 showed a cooperative anti-tumor effect in TERT mutant HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Tang
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guanghui Hu
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ye Sang
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yulu Chen
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guangyan Wei
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Mengke Chen
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shiyong Li
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rengyun Liu
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Manrique-Silva E, David ME, Maider AM, García-Casado Z, Moro R, Requena C, Través V, Virós A, Kumar R, Nagore E. Clinical, histological, and molecular differences in melanoma due to different TERT promoter mutations subtypes. A retrospective cross-sectional study in 684 melanoma patients. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:343-351. [PMID: 38153178 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13155] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Differences in survival according to the pTERT mutation subtypes (-124C > T, -146C > T, and tandem -138_139CC > TT) have been observed. The present study aimed to describe the clinical as the histopathological and molecular cutaneous melanoma features according to the presence of the three most prevalent pTERT mutation subtypes (-124C > T, -146C > T, and tandem -138_139CC > TT). A retrospective cross-sectional study including 684 patients was designed, and a Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was performed. After the PSL-DA, it was observed that the tandem -138_139CC > TT subtype differs from the other subtypes. The model demonstrated that the -124C > T and the -138_139 CC > TT subtypes were associated with fast-growing melanomas (OR 0.5, CI 0.29-0.86, p = .012) and with Breslow >2 mm (OR 0.6, CI 0.37-0.97, p = .037), compared to the -146C > T mutation. Finally, the -124C > T appeared to be more associated with the presence of TILs (non-brisk) than the -146C > T (OR 0.6, CI 0.40-1.01, p = .05). These findings confirmed that the -124C > T and the tandem -138_139 CC > TT subtypes are both highly associated with the presence of features of aggressiveness; however, only the -124C > T was highly associated with TILs. This difference could explain the worse survival rate associated with the tandem -138_139CC > TT mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Manrique-Silva
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Millán-Esteban David
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
| | - Aguerralde-Martin Maider
- Máster de Ingeniería de Análisis de Datos, Toma de Decisiones y Mejora de Procesos, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Zaida García-Casado
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ruggero Moro
- Instituto Dermatológico Dr. Alonso, Hospital Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre, Spain
| | - Celia Requena
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victor Través
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amaya Virós
- Skin Cancer and Aging Lab, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, Deutsches Krebsforschüngzentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Nagore
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
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El Zarif T, Machaalani M, Nawfal R, Nassar AH, Xie W, Choueiri TK, Pomerantz M. TERT Promoter Mutations Frequency Across Race, Sex, and Cancer Type. Oncologist 2024; 29:8-14. [PMID: 37462445 PMCID: PMC10769781 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter mutations have been explored, as biomarkers of improved survival for patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. We sought to investigate their prevalence by race and sex across different cancer types to inform patient selection in clinical trials. RESULTS In this observational study, 31 925 patients with cancer underwent next-generation sequencing of their tumors with 88% (27 970) patients self-reported being Whites, 7.1% (2273) Asians, and 5.3% (1682) Blacks. Examining the distribution of TERT promoter mutations by race, White patients with melanoma harbored more TERT promoter mutations than Asian and Black patients (OR = 25.83; 95%CI, 6.84-217.42; P < .001). In contrast, Asian patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) harbored more TERT promoter mutations compared to White patients (OR = 2.47; 95%CI, 1.39-4.37; P = .004). In addition, the distribution of TERT promoter mutations differed by sex. Males were enriched for TERT gene promoter mutations compared to females with melanoma (OR = 1.82; 95%CI, 1.53-2.16; P < .001), cancer of unknown primary (OR = 1.96; 95%CI, 1.43-2.69; P < .001), hepatobiliary (OR = 3.89; 95%CI, 2.65-5.69; P < .001), and thyroid cancers (OR = 1.42; 95%CI, 1.10-1.84; P = .0087), while females were more enriched for TERT promoter mutations compared to males for HNC (OR = 0.56; 95%CI, 0.39-0.81; P = .0021). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of TERT gene promoter mutations varies among patients with cancer based on race and sex. These findings inform our understanding of cancer biology and can assist in the design of future clinical trials that leverage drugs targeting TERT promoter dependencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talal El Zarif
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marc Machaalani
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rashad Nawfal
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amin H Nassar
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wanling Xie
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Pomerantz
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Yoo H, Kim HS. Clinicopathological and Prognostic Values of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ( TERT) Promoter Mutations in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma for Predicting Tumor Recurrence, Platinum Resistance and Survival. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:626-636. [PMID: 37889060 PMCID: PMC10614067 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM A small subset of patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) harbors telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) mutations. We aimed to analyze the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of TERTp-mutant OCCC and investigate whether TERTp mutations are associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with OCCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS We included 11 OCCC cases in our study. Targeted sequencing was performed with a thorough review of pathology slides and electronic medical records. RESULTS Eleven OCCCs harbored two hotspot TERTp mutations: c.1-146C>T (6/11) and c.1-124C>T (5/11). All patients (11/11) who underwent postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy experienced tumor recurrence, and eight of them were classified as platinum-resistant. TERTp-mutant OCCC showed significantly higher frequencies of postoperative recurrence and relapse within six months of chemotherapy. TERTp mutations significantly predicted disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with OCCC. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that TERTp mutations have significant prognostic value for predicting tumor recurrence, platinum resistance, and worse DFS in patients with OCCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunwoo Yoo
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Landa I, Thornton CE, Xu B, Haase J, Krishnamoorthy GP, Hao J, Knauf JA, Herbert ZT, Martínez P, Blasco MA, Ghossein R, Fagin JA. Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1163-1175. [PMID: 37478162 PMCID: PMC11193891 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are the paradigm of a cross-cancer alteration in a noncoding region. TERT promoter mutations (TPM) are biomarkers of poor prognosis in cancer, including thyroid tumors. TPMs enhance TERT transcription, which is otherwise silenced in adult tissues, thus reactivating a bona fide oncoprotein. To study TERT deregulation and its downstream consequences, we generated a Tert mutant promoter mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 engineering of the murine equivalent locus (Tert-123C>T) and crossed it with thyroid-specific BrafV600E-mutant mice. We also employed an alternative model of Tert overexpression (K5-Tert). Whereas all BrafV600E animals developed well-differentiated papillary thyroid tumors, 29% and 36% of BrafV600E+Tert-123C>T and BrafV600E+K5-Tert mice progressed to poorly differentiated cancers at week 20, respectively. Tert-upregulated tumors showed increased mitosis and necrosis in areas of solid growth, and older animals displayed anaplastic-like features, that is, spindle cells and macrophage infiltration. Murine TPM increased Tert transcription in vitro and in vivo, but temporal and intratumoral heterogeneity was observed. RNA-sequencing of thyroid tumor cells showed that processes other than the canonical Tert-mediated telomere maintenance role operate in these specimens. Pathway analysis showed that MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, as well as processes not previously associated with this tumor etiology, involving cytokine, and chemokine signaling, were overactivated. These models constitute useful preclinical tools to understand the cell-autonomous and microenvironment-related consequences of Tert-mediated progression in advanced thyroid cancers and other aggressive tumors carrying TPMs. IMPLICATIONS Telomerase-driven cancer progression activates pathways that can be dissected and perhaps therapeutically exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caitlin E.M. Thornton
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jacob Haase
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gnana P. Krishnamoorthy
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jingzhu Hao
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Zachary T. Herbert
- Molecular Biology Core Facilities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paula Martínez
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - María A. Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James A. Fagin
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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11
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Bai K, Chen X, Qi X, Zhang Y, Zou Y, Li J, Yu L, Li Y, Jiang J, Yang Y, Liu Y, Feng S, Bu H. Cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumour DNA genotyping and survival analysis in lung adenocarcinoma with leptomeningeal metastases. J Neurooncol 2023; 165:149-160. [PMID: 37897649 PMCID: PMC10638181 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04471-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The prognosis of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) remains poor. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has been proven to be abundantly present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); hence, its clinical implication as a biomarker needs to be further verified. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 35 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with LM, and matched CSF and plasma samples were collected from all patients. All paired samples underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 139 lung cancer-associated genes. The clinical characteristics and genetic profiling of LM were analysed in association with survival prognosis. RESULTS LM showed genetic heterogeneity, in which CSF had a higher detection rate of ctDNA (P = 0.003), a higher median mutation count (P < 0.0001), a higher frequency of driver mutations (P < 0.01), and more copy number variation (CNV) alterations (P < 0.001) than plasma. The mutation frequencies of the EGFR, TP53, CDKN2A, MYC and CDKN2B genes were easier to detect in CSF than in LUAD tissue (P < 0.05), possibly reflecting the underlying mechanism of LM metastasis. CSF ctDNA is helpful for analysing the mechanism of EGFR-TKI resistance. In cohort 1, which comprised patients who received 1/2 EGFR-TKIs before the diagnosis of LM, TP53 and CDKN2A were the most common EGFR-independent resistant mutations. In cohort 2, comprising those who progressed after osimertinib and developed LM, 7 patients (43.75%) had EGFR CNV detected in CSF but not plasma. Furthermore, patient characteristics and various genes were included for interactive survival analysis. Patients with EGFR-mutated LUAD (P = 0.042) had a higher median OS, and CSF ctDNA mutation with TERT (P = 0.013) indicated a lower median OS. Last, we reported an LM case in which CSF ctDNA dynamic changes were well correlated with clinical treatment. CONCLUSIONS CSF ctDNA could provide a more comprehensive genetic landscape of LM, indicating the potential metastasis-related and EGFR-TKI resistance mechanisms of LM patients. In addition, genotyping of CSF combined with clinical outcomes can predict the prognosis of LUAD patients with LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Bai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Xingtai People's Hospital, Xingtai, China
| | - Xuejiao Qi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yueli Zou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Department of General Practice, Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Lili Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiajia Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuanghao Feng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui Bu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, China.
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China.
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12
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Liebmann A, Admard J, Armeanu-Ebinger S, Wild H, Abele M, Gschwind A, Seibel-Kelemen O, Seitz C, Bonzheim I, Riess O, Demidov G, Sturm M, Schadeck M, Pogoda M, Bien E, Krawczyk M, Jüttner E, Mentzel T, Cesen M, Pfaff E, Kunc M, Forchhammer S, Forschner A, Leiter-Stöppke U, Eigentler TK, Schneider DT, Schroeder C, Ossowski S, Brecht IB. UV-radiation and MC1R germline mutations are risk factors for the development of conventional and spitzoid melanomas in children and adolescents. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104797. [PMID: 37716236 PMCID: PMC10511785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic characterisation has led to an improved understanding of adult melanoma. However, the aetiology of melanoma in children is still unclear and identifying the correct diagnosis and therapeutic strategies remains challenging. METHODS Exome sequencing of matched tumour-normal pairs from 26 paediatric patients was performed to study the mutational spectrum of melanomas. The cohort was grouped into different categories: spitzoid melanoma (SM), conventional melanoma (CM), and other melanomas (OT). FINDINGS In all patients with CM (n = 10) germline variants associated with melanoma were found in low to moderate melanoma risk genes: in 8 patients MC1R variants, in 2 patients variants in MITF, PTEN and BRCA2. Somatic BRAF mutations were detected in 60% of CMs, homozygous deletions of CDKN2A in 20%, TERTp mutations in 30%. In the SM group (n = 12), 5 patients carried at least one MC1R variant; somatic BRAF mutations were detected in 8.3%, fusions in 25% of the cases. No SM showed a homozygous CDKN2A deletion nor a TERTp mutation. In 81.8% of the CM/SM cases the UV damage signatures SBS7 and/or DBS1 were detected. The patient with melanoma arising in giant congenital nevus (CNM) demonstrated the characteristic NRAS Q61K mutation. INTERPRETATION UV-radiation and MC1R germline variants are risk factors in the development of conventional and spitzoid paediatric melanomas. Paediatric CMs share genomic similarities with adult CMs while the SMs differ genetically from the CM group. Consistent genetic characterization of all paediatric melanomas will potentially lead to better subtype differentiation, treatment, and prevention in the future. FUNDING Found in Acknowledgement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Liebmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Admard
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sorin Armeanu-Ebinger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hannah Wild
- Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Abele
- Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Axel Gschwind
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olga Seibel-Kelemen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Seitz
- Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Bonzheim
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - German Demidov
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Sturm
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Malou Schadeck
- SYNLAB MVZ Human Genetics Freiburg GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Pogoda
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; NGS Competence Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ewa Bien
- Department of Paediatrics, Hematology, Oncology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Krawczyk
- Department of Paediatrics, Hematology, Oncology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Eva Jüttner
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Thomas Mentzel
- Dermatohistopathology Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Maja Cesen
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elke Pfaff
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michal Kunc
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stephan Forchhammer
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Dermatooncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Forschner
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Dermatooncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter-Stöppke
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Dermatooncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas K Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christopher Schroeder
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Ossowski
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ines B Brecht
- Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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13
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Cho WC, Li W, Gu J, Wang WL, Ning J, Sfamenos S, Gill P, Nagarajan P, Curry JL, Lazar AJ, Prieto VG, Torres-Cabala CA, Aung PP. Telomerase reverse transcriptase immunohistochemical expression is sensitive but not specific for TERT gene amplification in acral melanoma. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:845-851. [PMID: 37400233 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14494] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TERT gene amplification (TGA) is a mechanism of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) upregulation frequently utilized by acral melanomas (AMs). Currently, the utility of TERT immunohistochemistry (IHC) to predict TGA status in AMs is poorly documented. METHODS AMs (26 primary and 3 metastatic) and non-acral cutaneous melanomas (6 primary) were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using anti-TERT antibody to demonstrate protein expression and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess genomic copy number alteration. The relationship between TERT immunoreactivity and TGA confirmed by FISH was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS TERT expression was seen in 50% (13/26) of primary and 100% (3/3) of metastatic AMs and 50% (3/6) of primary non-acral cutaneous melanomas. TGA was found in 15% (4/26) and 67% (2/3) of primary and metastatic AMs and 17% (1/6) of non-acral cutaneous melanomas. The intensity of TERT immunoreactivity correlated with TGA (p = 0.04) and a higher TERT copy number-to-control ratio in AMs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.41 (p = 0.03). The sensitivity and specificity of TERT immunoreactivity for predicting TGA in AMs were 100% and 57%, with corresponding positive and negative predictive values of 38% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The clinical utility of TERT IHC to predict TGA status in AMs appears to be limited given its low specificity and positive predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Cheal Cho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wen Li
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jun Gu
- Cytogenetics Training Laboratory, School of Health Professions, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei-Lien Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Ning
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven Sfamenos
- Cytogenetics Training Laboratory, School of Health Professions, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pavandeep Gill
- Department of Pathology, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Priyadharsini Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan L Curry
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Victor G Prieto
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carlos A Torres-Cabala
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Phyu P Aung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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14
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Kim S, Lee C, Kim H, Yoon SO. Genetic characteristics of advanced oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma in young patients. Oral Oncol 2023; 144:106466. [PMID: 37393663 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106466] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate genetic alterations in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) based on age and the clinical significance of these alterations in young OTSCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We detected genetic alterations in 44 cases of advanced OTSCC through next-generation sequencing and analyzed and compared patients either younger or older than 45 years. Further analysis was conducted on a validation group of 96 OTSCC patients aged ≤ 45 years to examine the clinical and prognostic associations of TERT promoter (TERTp) mutations. RESULTS TP53 mutation was the most common genetic alteration in advanced OTSCC (88.6%), followed by TERTp mutation (59.1%), CDKN2A mutation (31.8%), FAT1 mutation (9.1%), NOTCH1 mutation (9.1%), EGFR amplification (18.2%), and CDKN2A homozygous deletion (4.5%). TERTp mutation was the only genetic alteration significantly enriched in young patients (81.3% in young versus 46.4% in older; P < 0.024). Within the validation group of young patients, TERTp mutation was identified in 30 cases (30/96, 31.3%) and tended to be related to both smoking and alcohol consumption (P = 0.072), higher stage (P = 0.002), more frequent perineural invasion (P = 0.094), and worse overall survival (P = 0.012) than wild type. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that TERTp mutation is more frequent in young patients with advanced OTSCC and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, TERTp mutation may serve as a prognostic biomarker for OTSCC in young patients. The findings of this study may help in developing personalized treatment strategies for OTSCC based on age and genetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehui Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyangmi Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Och Yoon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
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15
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Boutko A, Asadbeigi S, Roth A, Lampley N, Olivares S, Dittmann D, Dittmann D, Jennings L, Gerami P. TERT Promoter Mutational Analysis as an Ancillary Diagnostic Tool for Diagnostically Challenging Melanocytic Neoplasms. Am J Dermatopathol 2023; 45:289-299. [PMID: 36898007 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations (TPMs) have been shown to be common in melanoma and uncommon in benign nevi. To assess the use of TPMs as an ancillary diagnostic tool, we report the concordance of the TPM status with the final diagnosis in clinical cases with distinct differential diagnostic scenarios: dysplastic nevus versus melanoma, atypical Spitz nevus versus melanoma, atypical deep penetrating nevus (DPN) versus melanoma, and atypical blue nevus versus malignant blue nevus. In a control cohort, we found a positive TPM in 51/70 (73%) of the total melanomas with the highest frequency in vertical growth phase melanoma cases. Conversely, only 2/35 (6%) dysplastic nevi in our control cases were TPM-positive and b were severely atypical dysplastic nevi. Our clinical cohort of 257 cases had a positive TPM in 24% of cases diagnosed as melanoma and in 1% of cases with a benign diagnosis. The overall concordance of the TPM status with the final diagnosis was 86%. The TPM status had the greatest concordance (95%) with the final diagnosis in the atypical DPN versus melanoma group, with the rest of the groups ranging between 50% and 88%. Overall, our results suggest that TPMs are most useful in the differential diagnosis of atypical DPN versus melanoma. It also has some value in the differential diagnosis of atypical Spitz tumor versus melanoma and dysplastic nevus versus melanoma, whereas in our cohort, it did not contribute meaningfully to differentiating malignant blue nevus and atypical blue nevus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Boutko
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Sepideh Asadbeigi
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Andrew Roth
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Nathaniel Lampley
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - David Dittmann
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - David Dittmann
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Lawrence Jennings
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
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16
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Shi K, Zhang B, Kong BY, Zhang Y, Igartua C, Mohan LS, Quan VL, Panah E, Isales MC, Beaubier N, Taxter TJ, White KP, Zou L, Gerami P. Distinct genomic features in a retrospective cohort of mucosal, acral, and vulvovaginal melanomas. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:1051-1059. [PMID: 31306728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with sun-exposed melanomas, less is known regarding the pathogenesis of sun-protected melanomas. Sun-protected melanomas share many epidemiologic factors, but their genetic heterogeneity is not well studied. OBJECTIVE We investigated the genomic profile of acral, mucosal, and vulvovaginal melanomas. We hypothesize that mucosal melanomas, recognized for their uniquely aggressive clinical behavior, have distinct genomic features. METHODS We performed whole transcriptome messenger RNA and DNA (1711 genes) sequencing, messenger RNA expression profiling, tumor mutational burden, ultraviolet signature, and copy number variants analysis on 29 volar/digital acral, 7 mucosal, and 6 vulvovaginal melanomas. RESULTS There was significant genetic heterogeneity, particularly in acral melanomas, with 36% having BRAF alterations, whereas other melanomas had none (P = .0159). Nonzero ultraviolet signatures were more frequent in acral melanomas, suggesting greater ultraviolet involvement. Mucosal melanomas formed a distinct group with increased expression of cell cycle and proliferation genes. Various targetable aberrations were identified, such as AURKA and ERBB2, in mucosal and acral melanomas, respectively. LIMITATIONS The sample size was a small. CONCLUSION There is significant genetic heterogeneity among sun-protected melanomas. Mucosal melanomas have upregulation in cell cycle and proliferation genes, which may explain their aggressive behavior. Ultraviolet radiation plays some role in a subset of acral but not other melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Betty Y Kong
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yongzhan Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | | | - Lauren S Mohan
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Victor L Quan
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elnaz Panah
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maria Cristina Isales
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Lihua Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
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17
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Yang TT, Yu S, Ke CLK, Cheng ST. The Genomic Landscape of Melanoma and Its Therapeutic Implications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051021. [PMID: 37239381 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the skin. The genetic composition of melanoma is complex and varies among different subtypes. With the aid of recent technologies such as next generation sequencing and single-cell sequencing, our understanding of the genomic landscape of melanoma and its tumor microenvironment has become increasingly clear. These advances may provide explanation to the heterogenic treatment outcomes of melanoma patients under current therapeutic guidelines and provide further insights to the development of potential new therapeutic targets. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the genetics related to melanoma tumorigenesis, metastasis, and prognosis. We also review the genetics affecting the melanoma tumor microenvironment and its relation to tumor progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung 900, Taiwan
| | - Sebastian Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Li Khale Ke
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Municipal SiaoGang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tsung Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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18
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Ludzik J, Becker AL, Latour E, Lee C, Witkowski A. Dermoscopic features associated with 3-GEP PLA: LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT expression in suspicious pigmented lesions. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13323. [PMID: 37083005 PMCID: PMC10234169 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Utilization of dermoscopy and novel molecular triage technologies augments visual triage of pigmented skin lesions, promoting early detection of melanoma. One emerging in vivo genomic test, 3-GEP pigmented lesion assay (3-GEP PLA) aids in pigmented lesion triage by noninvasively detecting the presence of three genes associated with melanoma: LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT. The purpose of our retrospective case-control study was to identify dermoscopic features uniquely associated with the presence of LINC00518, PRAME, or TERT in the stratum corneum as determined by 3-GEP PLA testing. Images of suspicious pigmented lesions that had undergone 3-GEP PLA testing and received a definitive positive or negative result (n = 393) were evaluated for the presence of specific clinical and dermoscopic features associated with melanoma. We found that asymmetry of color was a significant predictor for PRAME expression (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6-34.5, p = 0.004), blue color and negative pigment network were significant predictors for LINC00518 expression (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-5.5, p = 0.014 and adjusted OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.6-16.9, p = 0.010, respectively), and atypical polymorphous vessels present in a pigmented skin lesion were a significant predictor for TERT promoter mutations (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.3-23.4, p = 0.022). The results presented suggest a hierarchy in the significance of these dermoscopic features and may help guide evaluation and management of pigmented skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Ludzik
- Department of DermatologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Alyssa L. Becker
- Department of DermatologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
- John A. Burns School of MedicineUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
| | - Emile Latour
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Knight Cancer InstituteOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Claudia Lee
- University of California Riverside School of MedicineRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexander Witkowski
- Department of DermatologyOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
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19
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Landa I, Thornton CEM, Xu B, Haase J, Krishnamoorthy GP, Hao J, Knauf JA, Herbert ZT, Blasco MA, Ghossein R, Fagin JA. Telomerase reactivation induces progression of mouse Braf V600E -driven thyroid cancers without telomere lengthening. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.24.525280. [PMID: 36747657 PMCID: PMC9900760 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.24.525280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT ) gene are the paradigm of a cross-cancer alteration in a non-coding region. TERT promoter mutations (TPMs) are biomarkers of poor prognosis in several tumors, including thyroid cancers. TPMs enhance TERT transcription, which is otherwise silenced in adult tissues, thus reactivating a bona fide oncoprotein. To study TERT deregulation and its downstream consequences, we generated a Tert mutant promoter mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 engineering of the murine equivalent locus (Tert -123C>T ) and crossed it with thyroid-specific Braf V600E -mutant mice. We also employed an alternative model of Tert overexpression (K5-Tert). Whereas all Braf V600E animals developed well-differentiated papillary thyroid tumors, 29% and 36% of Braf V600E +Tert -123C>T and Braf V600E +K5-Tert mice progressed to poorly differentiated thyroid cancers at week 20, respectively. Braf+Tert tumors showed increased mitosis and necrosis in areas of solid growth, and older animals from these cohorts displayed anaplastic-like features, i.e., spindle cells and macrophage infiltration. Murine Tert promoter mutation increased Tert transcription in vitro and in vivo , but temporal and intra-tumoral heterogeneity was observed. RNA-sequencing of thyroid tumor cells showed that processes other than the canonical Tert-mediated telomere maintenance role operate in these specimens. Pathway analysis showed that MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, as well as processes not previously associated with this tumor etiology, involving cytokine and chemokine signaling, were overactivated. Braf+Tert animals remained responsive to MAPK pathway inhibitors. These models constitute useful pre-clinical tools to understand the cell-autonomous and microenvironment-related consequences of Tert-mediated progression in advanced thyroid cancers and other aggressive tumors carrying TPMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin EM Thornton
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacob Haase
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gnana P. Krishnamoorthy
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jingzhu Hao
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Knauf
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zachary T Herbert
- Molecular Biology Core Facilities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - María A Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - James A Fagin
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Oh KS, Mahalingam M. Melanoma and Glioblastoma-Not a Serendipitous Association. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:00125480-990000000-00051. [PMID: 36624550 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we came across a patient with malignant melanoma and primary glioblastoma. Given this, we parsed the literature to ascertain the relationship, if any, between these 2 malignancies. We begin with a brief overview of melanoma and glioma in isolation followed by a chronologic overview of case reports and epidemiologic studies documenting both neoplasms. This is followed by studies detailing genetic abnormalities common to both malignancies with a view to identifying unifying genetic targets for therapeutic strategies as well as to explore the possibility of a putative association and an inherited cancer susceptibility trait. From a scientific perspective, we believe we have provided evidence favoring an association between melanoma and glioma. Future studies that include documentation of additional cases, as well as a detailed molecular analyses, will lend credence to our hypothesis that the co-occurrence of these 2 conditions is likely not serendipitous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Shing Oh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | - Meera Mahalingam
- Dermatopathology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VA-Integrated-Service-Network-1 (VISN1), West Roxbury, MA
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21
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Nie X, Shang J, Wang W. TERT genetic polymorphism rs2736100 is associated with an aggressive manifestation of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Front Surg 2023; 9:1019180. [PMID: 36704521 PMCID: PMC9871626 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1019180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives TERT rs2736100 genetic polymorphism is commonly found in human malignancies, indicating its key role in cancer cell transformation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the functional TERT rs2736100 genetic polymorphism on the outcomes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective study on the relationship between rs2736100 and clinicopathological outcomes of PTC in 500 patients (378 females and 122 males) aged 43.8 ± 11.4 years (range 15-74 years) with a median follow-up of 60 months (range, 1-455 months). Results TERT rs2736100 genetic polymorphism (TG/GG vs. TT) was significantly associated with several high-risk clinicopathological features such as tumor spread, extrathyroidal extension, central/lateral lymph node metastases, and Stage T III or IV disease. However, in Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, the rs2736100 mutation was unrelated to overall disease-free survival with a log-rank value of p > 0.05. In Cox-regression analyses, the overall survival rate of recurrence/neo-metastasis was related to a larger tumor size, younger age, and tumor spread but unrelated to the rs2736100 mutation. Conclusions and significance TERT rs2736100 genetic polymorphism mutation is more likely to manifest with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics but cannot worsen prognosis in PTC.
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22
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Hasanau TN, Pisarev EP, Kisil OV, Zvereva ME. The TERT Promoter: A Key Player in the Fight for Cancer Cell Immortality. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:S21-S38. [PMID: 37069112 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792314002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The review describes the role of telomeres and telomerase in tumor progression, as well as various mechanisms of the activation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in CNS tumors and other cancers. The main mechanism of TERT activation involves acquisition of somatic mutations by the TERT gene promoter (TERTp). The article presents information on the TERTp structure and transcription factors directly interacting with TERTp and regulating its transcription. The prospects of using the mutational status of TERTp as a prognostic marker of CNS malignancies and other tumors with a common profile of TERTp mutations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsimur N Hasanau
- Natural Compounds Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Eduard P Pisarev
- Natural Compounds Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Olga V Kisil
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Moscow, 119021, Russia
| | - Maria E Zvereva
- Natural Compounds Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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23
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Wagstaff W, Mwamba RN, Grullon K, Armstrong M, Zhao P, Hendren-Santiago B, Qin KH, Li AJ, Hu DA, Youssef A, Reid RR, Luu HH, Shen L, He TC, Haydon RC. Melanoma: Molecular genetics, metastasis, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1608-1623. [PMID: 36157497 PMCID: PMC9485270 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a common cancer and cases have steadily increased since the mid 70s. For some patients, early diagnosis and surgical removal of melanomas is lifesaving, while other patients typically turn to molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapies as treatment options. Easy sampling of melanomas allows the scientific community to identify the most prevalent mutations that initiate melanoma such as the BRAF, NRAS, and TERT genes, some of which can be therapeutically targeted. Though initially effective, many tumors acquire resistance to the targeted therapies demonstrating the need to investigate compensatory pathways. Immunotherapies represent an alternative to molecular targeted therapies. However, inter-tumoral immune cell populations dictate initial therapeutic response and even tumors that responded to treatment develop resistance in the long term. As the protocol for combination therapies develop, so will our scientific understanding of the many pathways at play in the progression of melanoma. The future direction of the field may be to find a molecule that connects all of the pathways. Meanwhile, noncoding RNAs have been shown to play important roles in melanoma development and progression. Studying noncoding RNAs may help us to understand how resistance - both primary and acquired - develops; ultimately allow us to harness the true potential of current therapies. This review will cover the basic structure of the skin, the mutations and pathways responsible for transforming melanocytes into melanomas, the process by which melanomas metastasize, targeted therapeutics, and the potential that noncoding RNAs have as a prognostic and treatment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Wagstaff
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rimel N. Mwamba
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Karina Grullon
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mikhayla Armstrong
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Piao Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Bryce Hendren-Santiago
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kevin H. Qin
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alexander J. Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Daniel A. Hu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Andrew Youssef
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Le Shen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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24
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Chang GA, Robinson E, Wiggins JM, Zhang Y, Tadepalli JS, Schafer CN, Darvishian F, Berman RS, Shapiro R, Shao Y, Osman I, Polsky D. Associations between TERT Promoter Mutations and Survival in Superficial Spreading and Nodular Melanomas in a Large Prospective Patient Cohort. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2733-2743.e9. [PMID: 35469904 PMCID: PMC9509439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Survival outcomes in melanoma and their association with mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene TERT promoter remain uncertain. In addition, few studies have examined whether these associations are affected by a nearby common germline polymorphism or vary on the basis of melanoma histopathological subtype. We analyzed 408 primary tumors from a prospective melanoma cohort for somatic TERT-124[C>T] and TERT-146[C>T] mutations, the germline polymorphism rs2853669, and BRAFV600 and NRASQ61 mutations. We tested the associations between these variants and clinicopathologic factors and survival outcomes. TERT-124[C>T] was associated with thicker tumors, ulceration, mitoses (>0/mm2), nodular histotype, and CNS involvement. In a multivariable model controlling for the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, TERT-124[C>T] was an independent predictor of shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.58, P = 0.001) and overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.47, P = 0.029). Patients with the germline variant and TERT-124[C>T]-mutant melanomas had significantly shorter recurrence-free survival than those lacking either or both sequence variants (P < 0.04). The impact of the germline variant appeared to be more pronounced in superficial spreading than in nodular melanoma. No associations were found between survival and TERT-146[C>T], BRAF, or NRAS mutations. These findings strongly suggest that TERT-124[C>T] mutation is a biomarker of aggressive primary melanomas, an effect that may be modulated by rs2853669.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Chang
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Robinson
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer M Wiggins
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yilong Zhang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Merck, Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jyothirmayee S Tadepalli
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christine N Schafer
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Farbod Darvishian
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Russell S Berman
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard Shapiro
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Iman Osman
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Polsky
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA; Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA.
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25
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Ding L, Gosh A, Lee DJ, Emri G, Huss WJ, Bogner PN, Paragh G. Prognostic biomarkers of cutaneous melanoma. PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE 2022; 38:418-434. [PMID: 34981569 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Melanomas account for only approximately 4% of diagnosed skin cancers in the United States but are responsible for the majority of deaths caused by skin cancer. Both genetic factors and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure play a role in the development of melanoma. Although melanomas have a strong propensity to metastasize when diagnosed late, melanomas that are diagnosed and treated early pose a low mortality risk. In particular, the identification of patients with increased metastatic risk, who may benefit from early adjuvant therapies, is crucial, especially given the advent of new melanoma treatments. However, the accuracy of classic clinical and histological variables, including the Breslow thickness, presence of ulceration, and lymph node status, might not be sufficient to identify such individuals. Thus, there is a need for the development of additional prognostic melanoma biomarkers that can improve early attempts to stratify melanoma patients and reliably identify high-risk subgroups with the aim of providing effective personalized therapies. METHODS In our current work, we discuss and assess emerging primary melanoma tumor biomarkers and prognostic circulating biomarkers. RESULTS Several promising biomarkers show prognostic value (eg, exosomal MIA (ie, melanoma inhibitory activity), serum S100B, AMLo signatures, and mRNA signatures); however, the scarcity of reliable data precludes the use of these biomarkers in current clinical applications. CONCLUSION Further research is needed on several promising biomarkers for melanoma. Large-scale studies are warranted to facilitate the clinical translation of prognostic biomarker applications for melanoma in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ding
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Buffalo General Medical Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Alexandra Gosh
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Delphine J Lee
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gabriella Emri
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Wendy J Huss
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Paul N Bogner
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Gyorgy Paragh
- Department of Dermatology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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26
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Zaremba A, Meier F, Schlein C, Jansen P, Lodde G, Song M, Kretz J, Möller I, Stadtler N, Livingstone E, Zimmer L, Hadaschik E, Sucker A, Schadendorf D, Griewank K. Clinical and pathological characteristics of familial melanoma with germline TERT promoter variants. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2022; 35:573-586. [PMID: 35912549 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Around 10% of melanoma occur in patients with a suspected familial predisposition. TERT promoter mutations are the most common somatic hotspot mutations in human cancers. However, only two families with germline mutations have been identified to date. We present detailed histological, clinical and molecular pathologic analyses of affected patients and details of newly identified individuals in one of these previously reported families. TERT (NM_198253.3) Chr.5:1,295,161T>C (c.-57 T>C) promoter variants were detected in all melanoma-affected (n=18) and one non-diseased family member. Median age at diagnosis was 30 years (n=18, range 16-46 years, 2 unknown). While most primary melanoma arose on the upper extremities (n=7, 21%) and were superficial spreading melanoma (SSM, n=8, 24%), many primary melanoma also originated from non UV-exposed mucosal (n=2, 6%) and acral (n=4, 12%) locations. One SSM sample harboured a Chr.5:1,295,228C>T TERT promoter region in addition to the germline Chr.5:1,295,161T>C variant, arguing additional pathway activation can support tumor pathogenesis. Patients treated with BRAF inhibitor and/or immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) showed responses, although of limited duration. One mucosal melanoma harboured both a KIT copy number gain and an activating c.1727 p.Leu576Pro mutation. Following modest response to ICI, subsequent KIT inhibitor (imatinib) therapy demonstrated an ongoing complete pathological response (currently 7 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Schlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Jansen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Lodde
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mingxia Song
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Kretz
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inga Möller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadine Stadtler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
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27
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TERT Promoter Mutations and Telomerase in Melanoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:6300329. [PMID: 35903534 PMCID: PMC9325578 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6300329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an extremely malignant tumor with a high mortality rate and an increasing incidence with a high mutation load. The frequency of mutations in the TERT promoter exceeds the frequency of any known noncoding mutations in melanoma. A growing number of recent studies suggest that the most common mutations in the TERT promoter (ATG start site −124C>T and −146C>T) are associated with increased TERT mRNA expression, telomerase activity, telomere length, and poor prognosis. Recently, it has been shown that TERT promoter mutations are more correlated with the occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis of melanoma, as well as emerging approaches such as the therapeutic potential of chemical inhibition of TERT promoter mutations, direct telomerase inhibitors, combined targeted therapy, and immunotherapies. In this review, we describe the latest advances in the role of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase in promoting the occurrence, development, and poor prognosis of melanoma and discuss the clinical significance of the TERT promoter and telomerase in the treatment of melanoma.
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28
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Dobre EG, Constantin C, Neagu M. Skin Cancer Research Goes Digital: Looking for Biomarkers within the Droplets. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071136. [PMID: 35887633 PMCID: PMC9323323 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071136] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer, which includes the most frequent malignant non-melanoma carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma, BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma, SCC), along with the difficult to treat cutaneous melanoma (CM), pose important worldwide issues for the health care system. Despite the improved anti-cancer armamentarium and the latest scientific achievements, many skin cancer patients fail to respond to therapies, due to the remarkable heterogeneity of cutaneous tumors, calling for even more sophisticated biomarker discovery and patient monitoring approaches. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), a robust method for detecting and quantifying low-abundance nucleic acids, has recently emerged as a powerful technology for skin cancer analysis in tissue and liquid biopsies (LBs). The ddPCR method, being capable of analyzing various biological samples, has proved to be efficient in studying variations in gene sequences, including copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations, DNA methylation, circulatory miRNome, and transcriptome dynamics. Moreover, ddPCR can be designed as a dynamic platform for individualized cancer detection and monitoring therapy efficacy. Here, we present the latest scientific studies applying ddPCR in dermato-oncology, highlighting the potential of this technology for skin cancer biomarker discovery and validation in the context of personalized medicine. The benefits and challenges associated with ddPCR implementation in the clinical setting, mainly when analyzing LBs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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29
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Mushtaq I, Bhat GR, Rah B, Besina S, Zahoor S, Wani MA, Shah MA, Bashir S, Farooq M, Rather RA, Afroze D. Telomere Attrition With Concomitant hTERT Overexpression Involved in the Progression of Gastric Cancer May Have Prognostic and Clinical Implications in High-Risk Population Group From North India. Front Oncol 2022; 12:919351. [PMID: 35912187 PMCID: PMC9326504 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.919351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic instabilities exacerbated by the dysfunction of telomeres can lead to the development of cancer. Nearly 90% of all human malignancies are linked with telomere dysregulation and overexpression of telomerase, an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of telomeric DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes. The burden of gastric cancer continues to inflict a deterring impact on the global health scenario, accounting for over one million new cases in 2020. The disease is asymptomatic in its early stages of progression, which is attributed to the poor prognosis and overall surge in mortality rate worldwide. Exploiting telomere physiology can provide extensive mechanistic insight into telomere-associated gastric cancer progression and its use as a target in a variety of therapeutic interventions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical implications of c-Myc, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, and telomere length in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 57 gastric cancer cases and adjacent controls were included in the study. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression levels of c-Myc and hTERT. The relative telomere length was measured by MMQPCR using the Cawthon method. Our results indicated that the shorter telomere and increased hTERT expression were associated with gastric cancer progression. The study also highlighted the role of short telomeres and increased expression of hTERT in gastric cancer progression and its association with various etiological risk factors, transcriptional activators, and overall survival among the ethnic Kashmiri population of North India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifra Mushtaq
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Bilal Rah
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Syed Besina
- Department of Pathology, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Sheikh Zahoor
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Muneer A. Wani
- Department of General Surgery, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Mubashir A. Shah
- Department of General Surgery, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Sadaf Bashir
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Muzamil Farooq
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Rafiq A. Rather
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
- *Correspondence: Dil Afroze,
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30
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Diefenbach RJ, Lee JH, Stewart A, Menzies AM, Carlino MS, Saw RPM, Stretch JR, Long GV, Scolyer RA, Rizos H. Anchored Multiplex PCR Custom Melanoma Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA. Front Oncol 2022; 12:820510. [PMID: 35494035 PMCID: PMC9039342 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.820510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of melanoma mutations using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a potential alternative to using genomic DNA from invasive tissue biopsies. To date, mutations in the GC-rich TERT promoter region, which is commonly mutated in melanoma, have been technically difficult to detect in ctDNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels. In this study, we developed a custom melanoma NGS panel for detection of ctDNA, which encompasses the top 15 gene mutations in melanoma including the TERT promoter. We analyzed 21 stage III and IV melanoma patient samples who were treatment-naïve or on therapy. The overall detection rate of the custom panel, based on BRAF/NRAS/TERT promoter mutations, was 14/21 (67%) patient samples which included a TERT C250T mutation in one BRAF and NRAS mutation negative sample. A BRAF or NRAS mutation was detected in the ctDNA of 13/21 (62%) patients while TERT promoter mutations were detected in 10/21 (48%) patients. Co-occurrence of TERT promoter mutations with BRAF or NRAS mutations was found in 9/10 (90%) patients. The custom ctDNA panel showed a concordance of 16/21 (76%) with tissue based-detection and included 12 BRAF/NRAS mutation positive and 4 BRAF/NRAS mutation negative patients. The ctDNA mutation detection rate for stage IV was 12/16 (75%) and for stage III was 1/5 (20%). Based on BRAF, NRAS and TERT promoter mutations, the custom melanoma panel displayed a limit of detection of ~0.2% mutant allele frequency and showed significant correlation with droplet digital PCR. For one patient, a novel MAP2K1 H119Y mutation was detected in an NRAS/BRAF/TERT promoter mutation negative background. To increase the detection rate to >90% for stage IV melanoma patients, we plan to expand our custom panel to 50 genes. This study represents one of the first to successfully detect TERT promoter mutations in ctDNA from cutaneous melanoma patients using a targeted NGS panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell J Diefenbach
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny H Lee
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Stewart
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander M Menzies
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matteo S Carlino
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robyn P M Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Stretch
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Rizos
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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31
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Momeni-Boroujeni A, Yousefi E, Gupta S, Benayed R, Berger MF, Ladanyi M, Monroe R, Kim J, Jungbluth A, Weigelt B, Park KJ. Evaluation of TERT mRNA expression using RNAscope®: A potential histopathologic diagnostic and prognostic tool. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 233:153892. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Valiga AA, Fuller CG, Doyle JA, Lee JB. Sarcomatoid Dedifferentiated Melanoma: The Diagnostic Role of Next-Generation Sequencing. Am J Dermatopathol 2022; 44:282-286. [PMID: 34726188 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sarcomatoid dedifferentiated melanoma (SDDM) represents a diagnostic challenge as this cutaneous spindle cell melanoma lacks expression of classic melanocytic markers including S100, SOX10, Melan-A, HMB45, and MITF. The expression of the emerging melanoma marker preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) in SDDM is largely unknown. In this article, a case of SDDM arising in association with a nodular melanoma is highlighted. A 65-year-old man presented with a several week history of an ulcerated lesion on the right medial knee. A shave biopsy of the lesion revealed a biphasic neoplasm, which consisted of a centrally located poorly differentiated spindle cell component and an adjacent nodular component consisting of atypical melanocytes arranged in nests and fascicles. While the nodular component stained for S100, SOX10, and Melan-A, the spindle cell component failed to stain for these conventional melanocytic markers, only staining diffusely for CD10 and faintly for CD68. Both components stained for PRAME diffusely albeit less intensely within the spindle cell component. Next-generation DNA sequencing assay of the microdissected biphasic components revealed a shared mutation of NRAS. The results of the PRAME immunohistochemical stain and next-generation DNA sequencing assay facilitated in establishing the diagnosis of SDDM in association with nodular melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Valiga
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Collin G Fuller
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Jason B Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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33
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Kang SY, Kim DG, Kim H, Cho YA, Ha SY, Kwon GY, Jang KT, Kim KM. Direct comparison of the next-generation sequencing and iTERT PCR methods for the diagnosis of TERT hotspot mutations in advanced solid cancers. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:25. [PMID: 35135543 PMCID: PMC8827275 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter region have been proposed as novel mechanisms for the transcriptional activation of telomerase. Two recurrent mutations in the TERT promoter, C228T and C250T, are prognostic biomarkers. Herein, we directly compared the commercially available iTERT PCR kit with NGS-based deep sequencing to validate the NGS results and determine the analytical sensitivity of the PCR kit.
Methods Of the 2032 advanced solid tumors diagnosed using the TruSight Oncology 500 NGS test, mutations in the TERT promoter region were detected in 103 cases, with 79 cases of C228T, 22 cases of C250T, and 2 cases of C228A hotspot mutations. TERT promoter mutations were detected from 31 urinary bladder, 19 pancreato-biliary, 22 hepatic, 12 malignant melanoma, and 12 other tumor samples. Results In all 103 TERT-mutated cases detected using NGS, the same DNA samples were also tested with the iTERT PCR/Sanger sequencing. PCR successfully verified the presence of the same mutations in all cases with 100% agreement. The average read depth of the TERT promoter region was 320.4, which was significantly lower than that of the other genes (mean, 743.5). Interestingly, NGS read depth was significantly higher at C250 compared to C228 (p < 0.001). Conclusions The NGS test results were validated by a PCR test and iTERT PCR/Sanger sequencing is sensitive for the identification of the TERT promoter mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Young Kang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, #81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Deok Geun Kim
- Department of Clinical Genomic Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, #81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea.,Center of Companion Diagnostics, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Ah Cho
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yun Ha
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, #81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Ghee Young Kwon
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, #81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Kee-Taek Jang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, #81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea.
| | - Kyoung-Mee Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, #81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea. .,Department of Clinical Genomic Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. .,Center of Companion Diagnostics, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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34
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Anorectal and Genital Mucosal Melanoma: Diagnostic Challenges, Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Opportunities of Rare Melanomas. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010150. [PMID: 35052829 PMCID: PMC8773579 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal melanomas (MM) are rare tumors, being less than 2% of all diagnosed melanomas, comprising a variegated group of malignancies arising from melanocytes in virtually all mucosal epithelia, even if more frequently found in oral and sino-nasal cavities, ano-rectum and female genitalia (vulva and vagina). To date, there is no consensus about the optimal management strategy of MM. Furthermore, the clinical rationale of molecular tumor characterization regarding BRAF, KIT or NRAS, as well as the therapeutic value of immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, has not yet been deeply explored and clearly established in MM. In this overview, focused on anorectal and genital MM as models of rare melanomas deserving of a multidisciplinary approach, we highlight the need of referring these patients to centers with experts in melanoma, anorectal and uro-genital cancers treatments. Taking into account the rarity, the poor outcomes and the lack of effective treatment options for MM, tailored research needs to be promptly promoted.
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35
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Wan S, Liu X, Hua W, Xi M, Zhou Y, Wan Y. The role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations in prognosis in bladder cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:1495-1504. [PMID: 33938397 PMCID: PMC8806350 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1915725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations have been recognized as a common genetic event in bladder cancer (BC). Many studies have found the high TERT promoter mutations' prevalence in BC recurrence patients which may make the TERT promoter mutations become a potential prognosis prediction of BC. We performed a systematic search in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science in January 2021. The aspects of evaluation, methods, validation, and results were used to evaluate the included studies' quality. We reviewed two of the most common mutations in types of TC, C288T and C250T and their relationship with prognosis of BC. Eight studies contained 1382 cases were enrolled in our study. The percentage of TERT promoter mutations in these cases was 62.5%. A statistically significant association was detected between TERT promoter mutation and recurrence (HR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.53-2.68, p < 0.001). However, TERT promoter mutation was not significant associated with overall survival (HR: 1.077, 95% CI: 0.674-1.718, p = 0.757). No significant heterogeneities were observed (I2 = 47.5%, P = 0.064; I2 = 58.7%, p = 0.120, respectively). Bladder cancer patients with TERT promoter mutations take a higher risk of recurrence. TERT promoter mutations may become a potential prediction factor for bladder cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Wan
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Hua
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Xi
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueping Wan
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
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Tarazón E, de Unamuno Bustos B, Murria Estal R, Pérez Simó G, Sahuquillo Torralba A, Simarro J, Palanca Suela S, Botella Estrada R. MiR-138-5p Suppresses Cell Growth and Migration in Melanoma by Targeting Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121931. [PMID: 34946880 PMCID: PMC8701232 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests the existence of a miRNA regulatory network involving human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (hTERT), with miR-138-5p playing a central role in many types of cancers. However, little is known about the regulation of hTERT expression by microRNA (miRNAs) in melanocytic tumors. Here, we investigated the effects of miR-138-5p in hTERT regulation in melanoma cells lines. In vitro studies demonstrated higher miR-138-5p and lower hTERT messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in human epidermal melanocytes, compared with melanoma cell lines (A2058, A375, SK-MEL-28) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) observing a negative correlation between them. A2058 melanoma cells were selected to be transfected with miR-138-5p mimic or inhibitor. Using luciferase assay, hTERT was identified as a direct target of this miRNA. Overexpression of miR-138-5p detected by Western blot revealed a decrease in hTERT protein expression (p = 0.012), and qPCR showed a reduction in telomerase activity (p < 0.001). Moreover, suppressions in cell growth (p = 0.035) and migration abilities (p = 0.015) were observed in A2058-transfected cells using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry, respectively. This study identifies miR-138-5p as a crucial tumor suppressor miRNA involved in telomerase regulation. Targeting it as a combination therapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapies could be used in advanced melanoma treatment; however, more preclinical studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Tarazón
- Dermatology and Tisular Regeneration Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.T.); (B.d.U.B.); (R.M.E.); (A.S.T.); (R.B.E.)
| | - Blanca de Unamuno Bustos
- Dermatology and Tisular Regeneration Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.T.); (B.d.U.B.); (R.M.E.); (A.S.T.); (R.B.E.)
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Murria Estal
- Dermatology and Tisular Regeneration Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.T.); (B.d.U.B.); (R.M.E.); (A.S.T.); (R.B.E.)
| | - Gema Pérez Simó
- Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (G.P.S.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Service of Clinical Analysis, University Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Sahuquillo Torralba
- Dermatology and Tisular Regeneration Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.T.); (B.d.U.B.); (R.M.E.); (A.S.T.); (R.B.E.)
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Simarro
- Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (G.P.S.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Service of Clinical Analysis, University Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarai Palanca Suela
- Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (G.P.S.); (J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Service of Clinical Analysis, University Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-9612-44586
| | - Rafael Botella Estrada
- Dermatology and Tisular Regeneration Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (E.T.); (B.d.U.B.); (R.M.E.); (A.S.T.); (R.B.E.)
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Association of Melanoma-Risk Variants with Primary Melanoma Tumor Prognostic Characteristics and Melanoma-Specific Survival in the GEM Study. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4756-4771. [PMID: 34898573 PMCID: PMC8628692 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate pathway studies have identified low-penetrant genetic variants associated with cutaneous melanoma. We investigated the association of melanoma-risk variants with primary melanoma tumor prognostic characteristics and melanoma-specific survival. The Genes, Environment, and Melanoma Study enrolled 3285 European origin participants with incident invasive primary melanoma. For each of 47 melanoma-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we used linear and logistic regression modeling to estimate, respectively, the per allele mean changes in log of Breslow thickness and odds ratios for presence of ulceration, mitoses, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We also used Cox proportional hazards regression modeling to estimate the per allele hazard ratios for melanoma-specific survival. Passing the false discovery threshold (p = 0.0026) were associations of IRF4 rs12203592 and CCND1 rs1485993 with log of Breslow thickness, and association of TERT rs2242652 with presence of mitoses. IRF4 rs12203592 also had nominal associations (p < 0.05) with presence of mitoses and melanoma-specific survival, as well as a borderline association (p = 0.07) with ulceration. CCND1 rs1485993 also had a borderline association with presence of mitoses (p = 0.06). MX2 rs45430 had nominal associations with log of Breslow thickness, presence of mitoses, and melanoma-specific survival. Our study indicates that further research investigating the associations of these genetic variants with underlying biologic pathways related to tumor progression is warranted.
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Cho WC, Wang WL, Milton DR, Ingram DR, Nagarajan P, Curry JL, Ivan D, Lazar AJ, Hwu WJ, Prieto VG, Torres-Cabala CA, Aung PP. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein Expression Is More Frequent in Acral Lentiginous Melanoma Than in Other Types of Cutaneous Melanoma. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:842-850. [PMID: 33053175 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0330-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Molecularly distinct from cutaneous melanomas arising from sun-exposed sites, acral lentiginous melanomas (ALMs) typically lack ultraviolet-signature mutations, such as telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations. Instead, ALMs show a high degree of copy number alterations, often with multiple amplifications of TERT, which are associated with adverse prognosis. The prognostic value of TERT protein expression in acral melanomas, however, is not established. OBJECTIVE.— To evaluate the frequency and pattern of TERT immunoreactivity and assess the potential utility of TERT expression as a prognostic indicator in ALMs. DESIGN.— TERT expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in a series of 57 acral and nonacral melanocytic lesions, including 24 primary and 6 metastatic ALMs. Clinical outcome in patients with ALMs by TERT expression was assessed. RESULTS.— TERT expression was more frequent in ALMs than in nonlentiginous acral melanomas and nonacral cutaneous melanomas, and was absent in acral nevi (P = .01). When present, TERT expression in ALMs was cytoplasmic and more intense than TERT expression in other melanocytic lesions (P = .05) with a higher H-score (P = .01). There was a trend toward decreased overall survival in patients with ALMs with TERT immunoreactivity, but it did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, no correlation was found between TERT expression and disease-specific survival in patients with ALMs. CONCLUSIONS.— Although TERT protein expression was frequently detected in both primary and metastatic ALMs, TERT immunoreactivity in ALMs did not correlate with survival in our study. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to elucidate the prognostic value of TERT expression in ALMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Cheal Cho
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Wei-Lien Wang
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.,Translational Molecular Pathology (Wang, Ingram, Lazar), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Denái R Milton
- Biostatistics (Milton), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Davis R Ingram
- Translational Molecular Pathology (Wang, Ingram, Lazar), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Priyadharsini Nagarajan
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Jonathan L Curry
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Doina Ivan
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.,Translational Molecular Pathology (Wang, Ingram, Lazar), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.,Melanoma Medical Oncology (Lazar), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. Torres-Cabala and Aung contributed equally to this work
| | - Wen-Jen Hwu
- Genomic Medicine (Hwu), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Victor G Prieto
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.,Dermatology (Curry, Ivan, Prieto, Torres-Cabala), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Carlos A Torres-Cabala
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.,Dermatology (Curry, Ivan, Prieto, Torres-Cabala), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Phyu P Aung
- From the Departments of Pathology (Cho, Wang, Nagarajan, Curry, Ivan, Lazar, Prieto, Torres-Cabala, Aung), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
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Giubellino A, Nelson AC, He Y, Munro SA, Song KY, Glitza Oliva IC, Torres-Cabala C. Molecular characterization of biphenotypic epithelioid and plexiform melanoma with deep penetrating nevus-like features. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 35:229-237. [PMID: 34633770 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a relevant hallmark of melanoma due to the high mutation burden and immunogenicity commonly encountered. Heterogeneity at the histologic level frequently corresponds to heterogeneity at the molecular level. A better understanding of this feature of malignancy can help refine the development of predictive biomarkers and to define more effective targeted therapies. Here, we describe a case of melanoma displaying a dual phenotype: a DPN-like/plexiform portion in conjunction with a conventional epithelioid morphology. Molecular studies revealed shared BRAF and PTEN mutations in both components but a CTNNB1 mutation was exclusively found in the DPN-like area of the tumor, consistent with the distinct morphology observed. There was considerable heterogeneity in sequence variants identified in the two regions. Gene expression analysis highlighted differentially regulated genes between the two histologies, including a relevant cluster of genes in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family and related signaling pathways upregulated in the DPN-like/plexiform area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Giubellino
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Andrew C Nelson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yuyu He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah A Munro
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kyu Young Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Isabella C Glitza Oliva
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carlos Torres-Cabala
- Department of Pathology, Dermatopathology Section, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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40
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Martins F, Martins C, Fernandes MS, Andrade MI, Lopes JM, Soares P, Pópulo H. TERT Promoter Mutational Status in the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma: Comparison with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Dermatology 2021; 238:507-516. [PMID: 34569488 DOI: 10.1159/000518219] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While BRAF mutations seem important for early melanomagenesis, mutations in the TERT promoter (TERTp) are related to metastasis. Yet, in conventional melanoma management, risk stratification does not depend on molecular biomarkers that can indicate the stage of progression, but rather on clinical, pathological, sentinel lymph node (SLN), and radiologic evaluation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency and prognostic impact of TERTp mutations, comparing their predictive value to those of conventional procedures in melanoma management. METHODS Mutational analysis of a series of 91 cases was performed. The correlations between TERTp and BRAF mutational status and clinicopathological features were assessed. RESULTS The mutation rate was 33% for TERTp and 30% for BRAF. There was 68% concordance between primary and metastatic samples for TERTp mutations and 92% for BRAF mutations. TERTp mutations are significantly associated with the presence of BRAF mutations, features of worse prognosis, and a reduced disease-free survival. Also, TERTp mutational status was similar to SLN biopsy as a predictive factor of cutaneous melanoma recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS The predictive value of TERTp mutations may be similar to that of SLN biopsy and its integration in the management algorithm of melanoma patients should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Martins
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - César Martins
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital de Santarém, EPE, Santarém, Portugal
| | | | | | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Yu Y, Fan D, Song X, Zakeri K, Chen L, Kang J, McBride S, Tsai CJ, Dunn L, Sherman E, Katabi N, Dogan S, Cracchiolo J, Cohen M, Boyle JO, Lee M, Valero C, Wang J, Wong R, Morris L, Riaz N, Lee N. TERT Promoter Mutations Are Enriched in Oral Cavity Cancers and Associated With Locoregional Recurrence. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:PO.20.00515. [PMID: 34381934 DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are prognostic in many cancers and have been observed in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). However, the role of TERT promoter mutations in HPV-negative HNSCCs remains poorly understood in these cancers, which have increased risk for locoregional failure (LRF). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively identified patients who were diagnosed with HNSCC between July 1, 2004, and October 12, 2017, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and whose tumors underwent next-generation sequencing using the MSK-IMPACT panel. Patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were excluded. Cumulative incidence of LRF, patterns of failure, and overall survival were measured. RESULTS We identified 117 patients with SCC of the oral cavity (OSCC), larynx, hypopharynx, or HPV-negative oropharynx whose tumors underwent next-generation sequencing. Sequencing was performed on 95 tumors that were obtained after recurrence and 22 that were obtained before recurrence. TERT promoter mutations were enriched in OSCC compared with laryngopharyngeal cancers (81.1% v 7.0%; P < .001), which was the largest genetic difference between these anatomic disease subsites. TERT promoter mutations were associated with LRF in OSCCs (Gray's test, P < .001) and in the overall cohort (Gray's test, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, TERT promoter mutations were associated with an increased risk for LRF (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.47 to 5.42; P = .0019), independent of oral cavity primary site and TP53 mutation status. CONCLUSION TERT promoter status is associated with the cumulative incidence of LRF and patterns of failure. TERT promoter mutations may define a subset of OSCCs with unique pathogenesis that is associated with an increased risk of LRF. Validation in prospective cohorts is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Dan Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Xinmao Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Kaveh Zakeri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Linda Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jung Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Sean McBride
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - C Jillian Tsai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Lara Dunn
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Eric Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Nora Katabi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Snjezana Dogan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Marc Cohen
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jay O Boyle
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Mark Lee
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Cristina Valero
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jingming Wang
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Richard Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Luc Morris
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Nancy Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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42
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Xiao M, Tang N, Yan Y, Li Z, Shi S, He S, Chen Z, Cao K, Chen J, Zhou J, Chen X. Knockdown of enhancer of rudimentary homolog expression attenuates proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of melanoma cells. Melanoma Res 2021; 31:309-318. [PMID: 34193803 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Early stage or localized melanoma can be surgically resected with satisfactory outcome, whereas advanced malignant melanoma responds to treatment poorly and has a negative prognosis even after surgery, radiotherapy and other comprehensive treatments. Gene therapy targeting various biological signaling pathways has become an increasingly popular area in melanoma research. However, for gene therapy success, it is important to reveal the molecular mechanisms of melanoma tumorigenesis and development. The present study examined the effects of downregulating enhancer of rudimentary homolog (ERH) expression on the proliferation, metastasis and cell cycle of melanoma cells. ERH expression levels in melanoma tissues and cells were determined. Then, ERH gene expression in melanoma cell lines was downregulated or overexpressed by the lentiviral RNA interference technique. Furthermore, we performed cell counting kit-8, clone formation, scratch, transwell migration, subcutaneous tumorigenesis and venous metastasis assays as well as carried out flow cytometry analysis to explore the effects of ERH expression on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and metastasis. We found that ERH expression in melanoma tissues and cells was markedly higher than in normal melanin nevus. Suppressing ERH expression by RNA interference in melanoma A375, WM35 and SK28 cell lines inhibited their proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. The cell cycle was also found to be blocked in the G1 phase. However, the metastatic properties of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo remained largely unaltered by ERH knockdown. Our results show that ERH expression is increased in melanoma. Meanwhile, the proliferation and cell cycle transformation abilities are impaired potentially by downregulating the ERH expression in melanoma cells. Therefore, targeting ERH might serve as a novel therapeutic approach for malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzhang Xiao
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha
- Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde
| | - Ningning Tang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha
- Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Plastic surgery
| | | | | | - Siqi He
- Department of Plastic surgery
| | | | - Ke Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha
| | | | | | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China. Changsha, Hunan, China
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Rachakonda S, Hoheisel JD, Kumar R. Occurrence, functionality and abundance of the TERT promoter mutations. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1852-1862. [PMID: 34313327 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Telomere shortening at chromosomal ends due to the constraints of the DNA replication process acts as a tumor suppressor by restricting the replicative potential in primary cells. Cancers evade that limitation primarily through the reactivation of telomerase via different mechanisms. Mutations within the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene represent a definite mechanism for the ribonucleic enzyme regeneration predominantly in cancers that arise from tissues with low rates of self-renewal. The promoter mutations cause a moderate increase in TERT transcription and consequent telomerase upregulation to the levels sufficient to delay replicative senescence but not prevent bulk telomere shortening and genomic instability. Since the discovery, a staggering number of studies have resolved the discrete aspects, effects and clinical relevance of the TERT promoter mutations. The promoter mutations link transcription of TERT with oncogenic pathways, associate with markers of poor outcome and define patients with reduced survivals in several cancers. In this review, we discuss the occurrence and impact of the promoter mutations and highlight the mechanism of TERT activation. We further deliberate on the foundational question of the abundance of the TERT promoter mutations and a general dearth of functional mutations within noncoding sequences, as evident from pan-cancer analysis of the whole-genomes. We posit that the favorable genomic constellation within the TERT promoter may be less than a common occurrence in other noncoding functional elements. Besides, the evolutionary constraints limit the functional fraction within the human genome, hence the lack of abundant mutations outside the coding sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg D Hoheisel
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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44
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Ma Y, Xia R, Ma X, Judson-Torres RL, Zeng H. Mucosal Melanoma: Pathological Evolution, Pathway Dependency and Targeted Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:702287. [PMID: 34350118 PMCID: PMC8327265 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.702287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare melanoma subtype that originates from melanocytes within sun-protected mucous membranes. Compared with cutaneous melanoma (CM), MM has worse prognosis and lacks effective treatment options. Moreover, the endogenous or exogenous risk factors that influence mucosal melanocyte transformation, as well as the identity of MM precursor lesions, are ambiguous. Consequently, there remains a lack of molecular markers that can be used for early diagnosis, and therefore better management, of MM. In this review, we first summarize the main functions of mucosal melanocytes. Then, using oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) as a model, we discuss the distinct pathologic stages from benign mucosal melanocytes to metastatic MM, mapping the possible evolutionary trajectories that correspond to MM initiation and progression. We highlight key areas of ambiguity during the genetic evolution of MM from its benign lesions, and the resolution of which could aid in the discovery of new biomarkers for MM detection and diagnosis. We outline the key pathways that are altered in MM, including the MAPK pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, cell cycle regulation, telomere maintenance, and the RNA maturation process, and discuss targeted therapy strategies for MM currently in use or under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Ma
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronghui Xia
- Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuhui Ma
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert L Judson-Torres
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Hanlin Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Liszkay G, Mátrai Z, Czirbesz K, Jani N, Bencze E, Kenessey I. Predictive and Prognostic Value of BRAF and NRAS Mutation of 159 Sentinel Lymph Node Cases in Melanoma-A Retrospective Single-Institute Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133302. [PMID: 34209415 PMCID: PMC8268142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the prognostic role of sentinel lymph node status (SLN) in melanoma patients, a statistical comparison was performed with the application of already known prognostic factors, mutational occurrence of BRAF and NRAS in the primary tumor, as well as disease outcome. METHODS Our retrospective single-center study involved 159 melanoma cases, who underwent SLN biopsy. The following clinico-pathological data were collected: age, gender, location of primary tumor, Breslow thickness, ulceration degree, histological subtype, mitosis count, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, regression signs, mutations of BRAF and NRAS of the primary tumors, and SLN status. RESULTS From the studied clinico-pathological factors, only Breslow thickness increased the risk of SLN positivity (p = 0.025) by multivariate analysis, while neither BRAF nor NRAS mutation of the primary tumor proved to be a predictor of the SLN status. While the NRAS-mutant subgroup showed the most unfavorable outcome for progression-free and distant metastasis-free survival, their rate of positive SLNs proved to be relatively lower than that of patient groups with BRAF mutation and double-wild-type phenotypes. CONCLUSION Similarly to the importance of SLN positivity, NRAS mutation of the primary tumor proved to be an independent prognostic factor of progression. Therefore, despite negative SLN, this NRAS-mutant subgroup of patients still requires closer monitoring to detect disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Liszkay
- Department of Dermato-Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-224-8600; Fax: +36-1-224-8620
| | - Zoltán Mátrai
- Department of Breast and Sarcoma Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Kata Czirbesz
- Department of Dermato-Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Nóra Jani
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (N.J.); (E.B.)
| | - Eszter Bencze
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (N.J.); (E.B.)
| | - István Kenessey
- National Cancer Registry, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Guhan S, Klebanov N, Tsao H. Melanoma genomics: a state-of-the-art review of practical clinical applications. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:272-281. [PMID: 34096042 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Our collective understanding of melanoma genomics has rapidly expanded in the past decade, bringing great promise to patients affected with the most severe and aggressive cases of melanoma. In this review, we present the practical clinical impact of genetics and genomics on modern melanoma diagnosis and treatment. Characterization of somatic driver mutations, which can be used to distinguish different subtypes of melanoma such as nonacral cutaneous melanoma (NACM), desmoplastic melanoma (DM), acral melanoma (AM), mucosal melanoma (MM) and uveal melanoma (UM), has led to the development of many targeted therapies against these tumours. Although targeted therapies exist for certain mutations, such as BRAF and KIT, other genotypes respond to newer-generation immune therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Epigenetics also plays a critical role in melanoma pathogenesis and drug resistance, holding promise for new treatment avenues. In this review, special attention is placed on clinical trials and translational research, especially novel genomic tests aimed to benefit patients on an individualized level in the current emerging era of personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Guhan
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - N Klebanov
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - H Tsao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Podlipnik S, Potrony M, Puig S. Genetic markers for characterization and prediction of prognosis of melanoma subtypes: a 2021 update. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2021; 156:322-330. [PMID: 33982545 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.21.06957-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this article we examined the most important genetic markers involved in melanoma susceptibility, initiation and progression, and their impact on the prognosis of the disease. Current knowledge in melanoma genetics identifies distinct pathways to the development of different melanoma subtypes characterized by specific clinico-pathological features and partially known genetic markers, modulated by high, low or absence of cumulative sun damage. The most prevalent somatic mutations are related to the activation of the MAPK pathway, which are classified into four major subtypes: BRAF mutant, NRAS mutant, NF1 mutant and triple wild type. Moreover, germinal mutations are also involved in the characterization and predictions of prognosis in melanoma. Currently, CDKN2A is seen as the main high-risk gene involved in melanoma susceptibility being mutated in around 20% of melanoma-prone families. Other high-risk susceptibility genes described include CDK4, POT1, BAP1, TERT promoter, ACD, and TERF2IP. Melanoma is one of the most genetically predisposed among all cancers in humans, and ultraviolet light from the sun is the main environmental factor. This genetic predisposition is starting to be understood, impacting not only on the risk of developing melanoma but also on the risk of developing other types of cancer, as well as on the prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Podlipnik
- Department of Dermatology, University of Barcelona, Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Unit of Melanoma, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Potrony
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Puig
- Department of Dermatology, University of Barcelona, Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - .,Unit of Melanoma, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
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Wang WL, Gokgoz N, Samman B, Andrulis IL, Wunder JS, Demicco EG. RNA expression profiling reveals PRAME, a potential immunotherapy target, is frequently expressed in solitary fibrous tumors. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:951-960. [PMID: 33009490 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-00687-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Solitary fibrous tumors are a type of translocation-associated sarcoma with up to 30% rates of metastasis and poor response to conventional chemotherapy. Other translocation-associated sarcomas have been shown to display elevated expression of various cancer-testis antigens which may render them susceptible to immunotherapy strategies such as cancer vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapy. After an RNA sequencing assay brought the cancer-testis antigen Preferentially Expressed Antigen In Melanoma (PRAME) to our attention as possibly being upregulated in aggressive TERT promoter-mutated solitary fibrous tumors, we used tissue microarrays to asses PRAME expression in a large series of previously characterized solitary fibrous tumors, with correlation to various clinicopathologic features, as well as with tumor-infiltrating macrophages and the associated signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα)-CD47 regulatory checkpoint. We found that PRAME was expressed in 165/180 solitary fibrous tumors, with high expression seen in 58%, irrespective of TERT promoter status. Elevated PRAME expression was more frequent in primary intrathoracic solitary fibrous tumors and correlated with older age at primary diagnosis. Elevated PRAME was also associated with features suggestive of immune evasion, including lower numbers of antigen-presenting CD163+ and CD68+ macrophages, and expression of the "don't eat me" receptor CD47 on tumor cells. Taken together, these features suggest that strategies targeting PRAME with or without concomitant SIRPα-CD47 axis inhibition may represent a potential future therapeutic option in aggressive solitary fibrous tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lien Wang
- Departments of Pathology & Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nalan Gokgoz
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bana Samman
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Irene L Andrulis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jay S Wunder
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University of Toronto Musculoskeletal Oncology Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth G Demicco
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Gandini S, Zanna I, De Angelis S, Palli D, Raimondi S, Ribero S, Masala G, Suppa M, Bellerba F, Corso F, Nezi L, Nagore E, Caini S. TERT promoter mutations and melanoma survival: A comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Therapeutic targeting of FOS in mutant TERT cancers through removing TERT suppression of apoptosis via regulating survivin and TRAIL-R2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022779118. [PMID: 33836600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022779118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) has long been pursued as a direct therapeutic target in human cancer, which is currently hindered by the lack of effective specific inhibitors of TERT. The FOS/GABPB/(mutant) TERT cascade plays a critical role in the regulation of mutant TERT, in which FOS acts as a transcriptional factor for GABPB to up-regulate the expression of GABPB, which in turn activates mutant but not wild-type TERT promoter, driving TERT-promoted oncogenesis. In the present study, we demonstrated that inhibiting this cascade by targeting FOS using FOS inhibitor T-5224 suppressed mutant TERT cancer cells and tumors by inducing robust cell apoptosis; these did not occur in wild-type TERT cells and tumors. Mechanistically, among 35 apoptotic cascade-related proteins tested, the apoptosis induced in this process specifically involved the transcriptional activation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) and inactivation of survivin, two key players in the apoptotic cascade, which normally initiate and suppress the apoptotic cascade, respectively. These findings with suppression of FOS were reproduced by direct knockdown of TERT and prevented by prior knockdown of TRAIL-R2. Further experiments demonstrated that TERT acted as a direct transcriptional factor of survivin, up-regulating its expression. Thus, this study identifies a therapeutic strategy for TERT promoter mutation-driven cancers by targeting FOS in the FOS/GABPB/(mutant) TERT cascade, circumventing the current challenge in pharmacologically directly targeting TERT itself. This study also uncovers a mechanism through which TERT controls cell apoptosis by transcriptionally regulating two key players in the apoptotic cascade.
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