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Kumar PP, Smith D, Key J, Dong H, Ganapathysamy A, Maranda V, Wong NKY, Fernandez ML, Kim H, Zhang G, Ewanowich C, Hopkins L, Freywald A, Postovit LM, Köbel M, Fu Y, Vizeacoumar FS, Vizeacoumar FJ, Carey MS, Lee CH. Preclinical 3D model screening reveals digoxin as an effective therapy for a rare and aggressive type of endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 188:162-168. [PMID: 38970843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.06.029] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma (DDEC) characterized by SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex inactivation is a highly aggressive type of endometrial cancer without effective systemic therapy options. Its uncommon nature and aggressive disease trajectory pose significant challenges for therapeutic progress. To address this obstacle, we focused on developing preclinical models tailored to this tumor type and established patient tumor-derived three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models of DDEC. METHODS High-throughput drug repurposing screens were performed on in vitro 3D spheroid models of DDEC cell lines (SMARCA4-inactivated DDEC-1 and ARID1A/ARID1B co-inactivated DDEC-2). The dose-response relationships of the identified candidate drugs were evaluated in vitro, followed by in vivo evaluation using xenograft models of DDEC-1 and DDEC-2. RESULTS Drug screen in 3D models identified multiple cardiac glycosides including digoxin and digitoxin as candidate drugs in both DDEC-1 and DDEC-2. Subsequent in vitro dose-response analyses confirmed the inhibitory activity of digoxin and digitoxin with both drugs showing lower IC50 in DDEC cells compared to non-DDEC endometrial cancer cells. In in vivo xenograft models, digoxin significantly suppressed the growth of DDEC tumors at clinically relevant serum concentrations. CONCLUSION Using biologically precise preclinical models of DDEC derived from patient tumor samples, our study identified digoxin as an effective drug in suppressing DDEC tumor growth. These findings provide compelling preclinical evidence for the use of digoxin as systemic therapy for SWI/SNF-inactivated DDEC, which may also be applicable to other SWI/SNF-inactivated tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Praveen Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - DuPreez Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Key
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - He Dong
- Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Vincent Maranda
- Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Nelson K Y Wong
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Hannah Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Guihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carol Ewanowich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laura Hopkins
- Division of Oncology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lynne M Postovit
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Köbel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Calgary Laboratory Services and University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yangxin Fu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frederick S Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Mark S Carey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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2
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Kihara A, Amano Y, Arai Y, Fujiwara H, Niki T. Expression of glypican-3, SALL4, and CD34 in undifferentiated endometrial carcinomas. Pathology 2024; 56:591-594. [PMID: 37872019 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Kihara
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Amano
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuta Arai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshiro Niki
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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3
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Giordano G, Ferioli E, Guareschi D, Tafuni A. Dedifferentiated Endometrial Carcinoma: A Rare Aggressive Neoplasm-Clinical, Morphological and Immunohistochemical Features. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5155. [PMID: 37958329 PMCID: PMC10647464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215155] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma is characterised by the coexistence of an undifferentiated carcinoma and a low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The low-grade component in this subtype of endometrial carcinoma is Grade 1 or 2 according to the Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grading system. The coexistence of low-grade endometrial carcinoma and solid undifferentiated carcinoma can cause diagnostic problems on histological examination. In fact, this combination can often be mistaken for a more common Grade 2 or Grade 3 endometrial carcinoma. Therefore, this subtype of uterine carcinoma can often go under-recognised. An accurate diagnosis of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is mandatory because of its poorer prognosis compared to Grade 3 endometrial carcinoma, with a solid undifferentiated component that can amount to as much as 20% of the entire tumour. The aim of this review is to provide clinical, immunohistochemical, and molecular data to aid with making an accurate histological diagnosis and to establish whether there are any findings which could have an impact on the prognosis or therapeutic implications of this rare and aggressive uterine neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Giordano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (E.F.); (A.T.)
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4
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Dyhdalo KS, Ababneh E, Lanigan C, Bowers K, Zhang S, McKenney JK, Joehlin-Price AS. Evaluation of Lineage/Site-specific Nuclear Immunohistochemical Markers SATB2, Cyclin D1, SALL4, and BCOR in High-grade Endometrial Carcinomas. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2023; 42:443-450. [PMID: 36731037 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000922] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Poorly differentiated malignant neoplasms involving the gynecologic tract routinely include a poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma (EC) in the differential diagnosis. Some nuclear lineage/site-specific immunohistochemical markers are utilized in this diagnostic setting including SATB2, cyclin D1, SALL4, and BCOR, but their specificity and use in small samples are not clear across the spectrum of ECs. Cases of undifferentiated/dedifferentiated endometrial carcinomas (UEC/DDEC), clear cell carcinoma (CCC), uterine serous carcinoma (USC), FIGO grade 3 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC), and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) were identified and diagnoses confirmed. Whole-section immunohistochemical stains for SATB2, cyclin D1, SALL4, BCOR, and PAX8 were performed. A total of 113 cases were utilized: 15 CCC, 26 EEC, 19 UCS, 22 USC, and 31 UEC/DDEC. Cases were distributed across both low (49%) and high (51%) FIGO clinical stages. SATB2 was expressed by UCS (8/19, 42%), EEC (10/26, 38%), UEC/DDEC (11/30, 37%), and USC (6/22, 27%). Cyclin D1 was expressed by EEC (24/26, 92%), USC (17/22, 77%), UEC/DDEC (15/20 EEC component, 75%; 22/30 UEC, 73%), UCS (10/16 carcinoma, 63%; 11/19 sarcoma, 58%), and CCC (8/15, 53%). SALL4 was expressed most frequently by UEC/DDEC (12/30, 40%), but also USC (7/22, 32%), EEC (5/26, 19%), and UCS (4/16 carcinoma, 25%; 3/19 sarcoma, 16%). BCOR was expressed at low levels in 2 USC, 2 UEC/DDEC, and 2 UCS. PAX8 was generally positive but showed lower expression in UEC/DDEC (17/30, 57%) and in the sarcomatous portions of UCS (6/19, 32%). SATB2, cyclin D1, SALL4, and BCOR stain variable numbers of poorly-differentiated EC and must be carefully interpreted within morphologic and clinical context.
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5
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Davoodi Asl F, Sahraei SS, Kalhor N, Fazaeli H, Sheykhhasan M, Soleimani Moud S, Naserpour L, Sheikholeslami A. Promising effects of exosomes from menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells on endometriosis. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100788. [PMID: 37542905 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100788] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis as a non-malignant gynecological disease leads to dysregulation of numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shed light on the importance of endometrial stem cells within the menstrual blood which are involved in the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions in a retrograde manner. According to the fact that the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells are provided through paracrine functions, we used exosomes from menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) for treating endometriotic stem cells to inhibit their lesion formation tendency. Menstrual blood samples from healthy and endometriosis women were collected. Isolated MenSCs by the density-gradient centrifugation method were characterized by flow cytometry. Secreted exosomes were isolated from healthy MenSCs (NE-MenSCs) and used to treat endometriotic cells (E-MenSCs). 72 h after treatment, different mechanisms and pathways including inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis were analyzed using Real-Time PCR, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, annexin V/PI, and scratching assay. Exosome treatment significantly reduce the expression level of markers related to inflammation, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in E-MenSCs which are aberrantly expressed in endometriosis. Moreover, apoptosis was induced in E-MenSCs after treatment which was evaluated in both gene and protein levels. In this study, we give preliminary evidence for the potential of MenSCs-Exo in ameliorating endometriosis. Regarding our results, we suggest that after relevant clinical trial, MenSCs-derived exosomes can be considered as a better treatment option to improve endometriosis compared to common and conventional treatments and show their potential as a cell-free product in endometriosis repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Davoodi Asl
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Saeideh Sahraei
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Naser Kalhor
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Hoda Fazaeli
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheykhhasan
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Sanaz Soleimani Moud
- Midwifery ward, Infertility treatment center, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Leila Naserpour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Azar Sheikholeslami
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran.
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Tessier-Cloutier B, Kang EY, Alex D, Stewart CJR, McCluggage WG, Köbel M, Lee CH. Endometrial neuroendocrine carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma are distinct entities with overlap in neuroendocrine marker expression. Histopathology 2022; 81:44-54. [PMID: 35394077 DOI: 10.1111/his.14639] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dedifferentiated/undifferentiated endometrial carcinomas (DDEC/UDEC) frequently harbor genomic activation of SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex proteins, and can show histologic overlap with neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). This study compares the expression of neuroendocrine markers, SWI/SNF proteins and mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in DDEC/UDEC and NEC. METHODS AND RESULTS The expressions of synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56, ARID1A, ARID1B, SMARCA4, SMARCB1 and MMR proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on 44 SWI/SNF-deficient DDEC/UDEC and 15 NEC. 33 of 44 (75%) DDEC/UDEC showed expression of at least one neuroendocrine marker with 18 of 44 (41%) expressing 2 or more neuroendocrine markers, whereas all 15 NEC showed expression of at least one neuroendocrine marker with 14 of 15 (93%) expressing 2 or more neuroendocrine markers. Neuroendocrine marker expression in DDEC/UDEC was typically focal when present, with an average extent of 17%, 4% and 8% for synaptophysin, chromogranin and CD56 in the positive cases respectively, in contrast to 73%, 40% and 62% in the positive NEC cases respectively. All 15 NEC showed intact expression of SWI/SNF proteins except for 1 that showed isolated loss of ARID1A. 38 of 44 DDEC/UDEC were MMR-abnormal (34 with loss of MLH1 and PMS2, 4 with loss of PMS2 alone) whereas all NEC retained MMR protein expression. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates frequent but typically focal neuroendocrine marker expression in SWI/SNF-deficient DDEC/UDEC, while NECs typically express 2 or more neuroendocrine markers with diffuse expression in at least one marker. ARID1B, SMARCA4 and SMARCB1 immunohistochemistry can be used to aid differentiation between DDEC/UDEC and NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basile Tessier-Cloutier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eun-Young Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deepu Alex
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colin J R Stewart
- Department of Histopathology, King Edward Memorial Hospital and School for Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Köbel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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7
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Gupta I, Vranic S, Al-Thawadi H, Al Moustafa AE. Fascin in Gynecological Cancers: An Update of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225760. [PMID: 34830909 PMCID: PMC8616296 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fascin, an actin-binding protein, is upregulated in different types of human cancers. It is reportedly responsible for increasing the invasive and metastatic ability of cancer cells by reducing cell–cell adhesions. This review provides a brief overview of fascin and its interactions with other genes and oncoviruses to induce the onset and progression of cancer. Abstract Fascin is an actin-binding protein that is encoded by the FSCN1 gene (located on chromosome 7). It triggers membrane projections and stimulates cell motility in cancer cells. Fascin overexpression has been described in different types of human cancers in which its expression correlated with tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, overexpression of fascin was found in oncovirus-infected cells, such as human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), disrupting the cell–cell adhesion and enhancing cancer progression. Based on these findings, several studies reported fascin as a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target in various cancers. This review provides a brief overview of the FSCN1 role in various cancers with emphasis on gynecological malignancies. We also discuss fascin interactions with other genes and oncoviruses through which it might induce cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Gupta
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (I.G.); (S.V.); (H.A.-T.)
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Semir Vranic
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (I.G.); (S.V.); (H.A.-T.)
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Hamda Al-Thawadi
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (I.G.); (S.V.); (H.A.-T.)
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (I.G.); (S.V.); (H.A.-T.)
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Centre, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4403-7817
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8
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Joehlin-Price A, Van Ziffle J, Hills NK, Ladwig N, Rabban JT, Garg K. Molecularly Classified Uterine FIGO Grade 3 Endometrioid Carcinomas Show Distinctive Clinical Outcomes But Overlapping Morphologic Features. Am J Surg Pathol 2021; 45:421-429. [PMID: 33021522 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
FIGO grade 3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is a heterogenous group of tumors with variable molecular and clinicopathologic characteristics but is treated clinically as a single entity. There is a need for additional objective markers to help guide management. The aim of this study was to evaluate a cohort of FIGO grade 3 EEC to validate the prognostic impact of molecular classification using POLE mutation (POLE-mut) analysis and immunohistochemistry for p53 and mismatch repair proteins. A secondary aim was to assess for any morphologic or immunophenotypic correlates among the molecular groups. Ninety-five cases of FIGO grade 3 EEC who underwent a hysterectomy at our institution were identified. Ten tumors (11%) harbored POLE-mut, 35 tumors (37%) showed mismatch repair deficiency, 18 tumors (19%) showed aberrant p53 staining (p53-ab), and 26 cases (27%) lacked all of these findings and were classified as no specific molecular profile. Six separate cases harbored >1 abnormality (multiple classifier), 5 of which had POLE-mut. The POLE-mut group and multiple classifier group showed excellent clinical outcomes, the p53-ab group showed the worst clinical outcomes and the 2 remaining groups showed intermediate prognosis. While the POLE-mut tumors showed a statistically significant enrichment for morphologic features including serous-like atypia and lymphocytic infiltrates, these findings were seen across all 4 molecular groups. There was no correlation between molecular grouping and tumor immunophenotypic findings, but overall 18% and 24% of tumors were completely negative for PAX-8 and estrogen receptor, respectively. Five CTNNB1 mutations were identified, 3 of which occurred in the context of a POLE-mut (including 1 multiple classifier case with MLH1/PMS2 loss). Thus our study corroborates the prognostic impact of molecular classification of high-grade endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus, achieved by readily available immunohistochemical stains in addition to POLE-mut analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy K Hills
- Neurology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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9
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Bennett JA, Oliva E. Undifferentiated and dedifferentiated neoplasms of the female genital tract. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 38:137-151. [PMID: 33323288 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Undifferentiated neoplasms in the female gynecologic tract comprise two main groups-undifferentiated carcinoma, most common in the endometrium and ovary, and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma, although tumors with an undifferentiated appearance may occur in all gynecologic organs. Their differential diagnosis is broad and generous sampling, careful morphological evaluation, judicious use of immunohistochemistry, and in many cases, molecular testing is often essential in the diagnostic work-up. As some of these neoplasms fail to respond to conventional chemotherapy regimens and/or radiation therapy, targeted therapy may be valuable in treating these highly aggressive tumors, thus the importance of precise diagnosis. In this review we discuss the clinicopathological features of undifferentiated carcinoma, dedifferentiated carcinoma, and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma, followed by a comprehensive analysis of morphological mimickers. Finally, we briefly review ovarian and lower genital tract tumors with an undifferentiated histological appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Bennett
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Esther Oliva
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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10
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Busca A, Parra-Herran C, Nofech-Mozes S, Djordjevic B, Ismiil N, Cesari M, Nucci MR, Mirkovic J. Undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma arising in the background of high-grade endometrial carcinoma - Expanding the definition of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma. Histopathology 2020; 77:769-780. [PMID: 32557836 DOI: 10.1111/his.14186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dedifferentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma (DEC) is defined by the coexistence of undifferentiated carcinoma with low-grade (FIGO grade 1 or 2) endometrioid carcinoma. Few cases of DEC arising in the background of high-grade carcinoma (DEC-HG) have been reported, however, this phenomenon is poorly characterized. In this study we describe the morphologic, immunohistochemical and clinico-pathologic characteristics of DEC-HG. 18 DECs were diagnosed at our institution between 2008-2019, and in 11 (61%), the undifferentiated component was associated with high-grade carcinoma (8 endometrioid FIGO grade 3, 2 with ambiguous features, 1 serous). The remaining 7 (39%) represented DEC-LG (3 FIGO grade 1 and 4 FIGO grade 2). 7/11 (64%) patients with DEC-HG presented with advanced stage (FIGO stage III/IV), whereas most with DEC-LG (6/7, 86%) were stage I. On follow up, 2 patients in the DEC-HG group died of disease and 2 had progressive disease within 2 months of surgery. There was only one recurrence in the DEC-LG, 6 months post-surgery. The DEC component in both groups showed similar morphology and immunophenotype, with predominantly focal or complete loss of expression of pan-keratin, EMA, E-cadherin, CK8/18, PAX8 and ER. The DEC component in the DEC-HG group had wild-type p53 expression in 8/11 (73%) cases, loss of MLH1 and PMS2 in 6/11 (55%) and loss of SMARCA4 in 3/9 (33%). Although numbers are small, we show that DEC-HG is a previously under-recognized phenomenon, with morphologic and immunophenotypic similarities to DEC-LG, which supports expanding the definition of DEC to include DEC-HG. DEC-HG may be more aggressive than DEC-LG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Busca
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Carlos Parra-Herran
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sharon Nofech-Mozes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bojana Djordjevic
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nadia Ismiil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mathew Cesari
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Marisa R Nucci
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jelena Mirkovic
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Science Center, Toronto, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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11
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Overexpression of Sal-like protein 4 in head and neck cancer: epigenetic effects and clinical correlations. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:631-641. [PMID: 32240499 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), an embryonic stem cell factor, has been reported to play an essential role in embryogenesis and oncogenesis. As yet, however, the expression and role of this transcription factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been established. METHODS We assessed SALL4 mRNA expression in a well-characterised dataset of 230 HNSCC samples (test cohort 110 cases and validation cohort 120 cases). We also transfected HNSCC cells (FaDu and UM-SCC-6) with SALL4 siRNA and assessed its effects on proliferation and expression of specific epigenetic factors in order to uncover the role of SALL4 in HNSCC. RESULTS Overexpression of SALL4 was detected in tumour samples of both cohorts. HNSCC cells treated with SALL4 siRNA showed a reduction in growth and a decrease in DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) expression. In the patient cohorts, SALL4 overexpression was found to significantly correlate with disease recurrence (p < 0.001) and SALL4 methylation status (p = 0.002). We also found that DNMT3A was significantly upregulated upon SALL4 upregulation (p < 0.001). High expression levels of SALL4 correlated with decreases in disease-free survival (DFS) rates (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that SALL4 expression served as an independent prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio: 2.566, 95% confidence interval: 1.598-4.121; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that SALL4 upregulation correlates with HNSCC tumour aggressiveness and an adverse patient outcome. Our findings also indicate that DNMT3A may synergistically contribute to the regulatory effects of SALL4. Our findings provide insight into SALL4-mediated HNSCC development via epigenetic modulation.
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12
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Höhn AK, Brambs CE, Opitz S, Erber R, Hartmann A, Horn LC. [Un- and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma : A rare entity with a wide range of differential diagnosis]. DER PATHOLOGE 2019; 40:609-618. [PMID: 31578630 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-019-00670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinomas (ECs) are composed of undifferentiated EC and a FIGO grade 1 or 2 endometrioid carcinoma. The undifferentiated component represents a malignant epithelial neoplasm with no obvious differentiation and immunohistochemical loss of PAX8, E‑cadherin and focal expression of EMA and/or CK18 and the predominant presence of nuclear staining for INI1 (SMARCB1) and BRG1 (SMARCA4). The main differential diagnoses include poorly differentiated endometrioid EC, neuroendocrine carcinoma, lymphoma, plasmocytoma, high-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas, undifferentiated uterine sarcomas (UUS), carcinosarcomas, and metastases to the endometrium. The histogenesis is not yet fully understood and molecular data are still limited. Some tumors represent a loss of MHL1 and PMS2 staining due to MLH1-promotor methylation. Rare cases are associated with Lynch syndrome or POLE mutation. The un- or dedifferentiated EC represents a high-grade endometrial carcinoma that requires extended surgery and indicates a poor prognosis. In cases with mismatch repair protein deficiency or POLE mutation, immuno-oncological treatment with checkpoint inhibitors are a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Höhn
- Institut für Pathologie, Arbeitsgruppe Mamma‑, Gynäko- & Perinatalpathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - C E Brambs
- Frauenklinik des Klinikums rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - S Opitz
- Institut für Pathologie, Arbeitsgruppe Mamma‑, Gynäko- & Perinatalpathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - R Erber
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - A Hartmann
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - L-C Horn
- Institut für Pathologie, Arbeitsgruppe Mamma‑, Gynäko- & Perinatalpathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
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Sarcomatous Transformation in Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Endometrial Carcinoma: An Underrecognized Phenomenon and Diagnostic Pitfall. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2019; 39:485-492. [DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Zhao X, Fan Y, Lu C, Li H, Zhou N, Sun G, Fan H. PCAT1 is a poor prognostic factor in endometrial carcinoma and associated with cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:274-281. [PMID: 31136293 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important modulators of cancer progression, among which prostate cancer-associated transcript 1 (PCAT1) has been shown to be an oncogene in several tumors. However, the clinical significance and biological function of PCAT1 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) remain unclear. In this study, we used 89 EC tissues and HEC-1B, Ishikawa, RL95-2 and AN3CA EC cell lines. We found elevated expression levels of PCAT1 in EC tissues and cell lines using reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). The prognostic value of PCAT1 was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis. The results showed that higher PCAT1 expression was positively correlated with FIGO stage, myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, and a shorter overall survival. A series of functional assays showed that the knockdown of PCAT1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PCAT1 (siPCAT1) suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but promoted apoptosis. Western blot analysis further showed that B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), vimentin and N-cadherin were downregulated, but E-cadherin and Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad) were upregulated in PCAT1-silenced EC cells. Taken together, our results underscore the oncogenic role of PCAT1 in EC and show that PCAT1 may be a potential therapeutic target in EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou city, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Zhou L, Ye M, Xue F, Lu E, Sun LZ, Zhu X. Effects of dynein light chain Tctex-type 3 on the biological behavior of ovarian cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5925-5938. [PMID: 31308737 PMCID: PMC6612992 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s205158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate dynein light chain Tctex-type 3 (DYNLT3) protein expression in ovarian epithelial lesions and explore the effects and related mechanisms of DYNLT3 in terms of the biological behavior of ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, expression of the DYNLT3 protein in ovarian epithelial lesions was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the prognostic value of DYNLT3 mRNA expression in ovarian cancer patients was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Then, the mRNA and protein expression of DYNLT3 in IOSE80 normal ovarian epithelial cells and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting respectively, and the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells after DYNLT3 over-expression and under-expression were investigated by CCK-8 assays and immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assays and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of the proliferation-related proteins PCNA and Ki-67 and the invasion- and migration-related proteins Ezrin, Fascin, MMP2 and MMP9 in cells was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS The protein expression of DYNLT3 gradually increased during the progression of ovarian epithelial lesions, and was related to the development of ovarian cancer. High expression of DYNLT3 mRNA was related to poor overall survival and progression free survival, especially in serous ovarian cancer patients. In addition, overexpression of DYNLT3 promoted SKOV3 cell proliferation, invasion and migration. The corresponding results were also verified by a DYNLT3 knockdown assay. Moreover, DYNLT3 increased cell proliferation, which was related to Ki-67 expression. Besides, DYNLT3 enhanced cell invasion and migration through regulating Ezrin, but not Fascin, MMP2 or MMP9. CONCLUSION DYNLT3 exerts pro-tumoral effects on ovarian cancer through promoting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, possibly via regulating the protein expression of Ki-67 and Ezrin. DYNLT3 may be a potential prognostic predictor in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou325027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou325027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou325027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ermei Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou325027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou325027, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang X, Yu M. Undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma: A selected immunohistochemical panel including PAX-8 and E-cadherin for aiding distinction from other endometrial carcinomas. Ann Diagn Pathol 2019; 39:36-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Franceschi T, Durieux E, Morel AP, de Saint Hilaire P, Ray-Coquard I, Puisieux A, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M. Role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition factors in the histogenesis of uterine carcinomas. Virchows Arch 2019; 475:85-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-019-02532-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Undifferentiated Endometrial Carcinomas: Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2018; 28:1271-1277. [PMID: 30036218 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0000000000001302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma (UEC) represents a recently recognized and rare diagnosis that is commonly misclassified on histopathologic evaluation. These cancers account for less than 10% of carefully reviewed series of endometrial cancers from academic medical centers. We reviewed a single-institutional experience with the management of UEC focusing on clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment outcomes. METHODS The medical records of all patients treated for histologically proven endometrial carcinoma between 2007 through 2016 were reviewed. Analysis was limited to 24 consecutive patients with histologically proven endometrial carcinomas that had at least a component of undifferentiated carcinoma on central pathology review. All patients were initially treated by definitive surgical resection. Grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas treated over the same period were used as a control group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival outcomes. RESULTS The median age at diagnosis was 66 years (range, 37-74 years). Ten patients presented with locally advanced or metastatic disease (42%). Fifteen patients (63%) received adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, 12 patients (50%) received adjuvant pelvic external beam radiation, and 10 patients (42%) received adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy. With a median follow-up of 14 months (range, 0.5-115 months), 4 patients (21%) had developed disease recurrence and/or progression, 2 patients (11%) had died of disease, and 1 patient died of treatment complications. Twelve patients (63%) were alive with no evidence of disease at last contact. Outcomes were comparable to those with grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Our data are consistent with prior studies demonstrating that UEC represents a rare clinical entity characterized by high rates of locally advanced disease at presentation. However, survival outcomes appear to be comparable to other high-grade endometrial cancers. Further studies investigating optimal adjuvant therapy in these patients are warranted.
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Yiğit S, Ekinci N, Hayrullah L, Öcal İ, Bezircioğlu İ. Dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma; clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of five cases. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2018; 19:132-136. [PMID: 29545232 PMCID: PMC6085529 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.2017.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma is a recently defined uterine tumor composed of low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. Herein, we present clinicopathologic, morphologic, and immunohistochemical features of 5 cases of dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Material and Methods: All cases which were diagnosed as mixed endometrial adenocarcinoma (endometrioid+undifferentiated carcinoma) or dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma between January 2008 and December 2014 were retrieved from the archives of our institution’s pathology department. Results: The median age of the patients was 58 years. Polypoid growth pattern was seen in 3 patients and 2 were diagnosed at advanced stage. All patients received either external radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy or an appropriate combination according to the stage. Only one patient died of the disease. Microscopically, there was a sharp demarcation between the two tumor components. The undifferentiated carcinoma component was composed of diffuse sheets of monomorphic cells lacking any differentiation. Focal pleomorphism and rhabdoid features were also noted. The undifferentiated carcinoma component was variably positive for PAX-8, cytokeratin, EMA, estrogen receptor, and neuroendocrine markers. Conclusion: Misdiagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma in dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma as grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma is not uncommon. The recognition of morphologic and immunohistochemical features of this newly described entity is crucial because it alters treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyran Yiğit
- Department of Pathology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Neşe Ekinci
- Department of Pathology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Leyla Hayrullah
- Department of Pathology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - İrfan Öcal
- Department of Pathology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - İncim Bezircioğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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