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Lasota J, Thompson LDR, Chłopek M, Kowalik A, Miettinen M. Unusual PEComa With PRCC::TFE3 Fusion Mimicking Sinonasal Tract Melanoma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2024:00129039-990000000-00183. [PMID: 38975712 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report a nasal cavity unusual perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) mimicking mucosal melanoma. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed using BenchMark Ultra and panel of antibodies. The Ion Torrent platform and Ion AmpliSeq cancer hotspot panel were utilized for DNA genotyping. Target-specific RNA libraries for the detection of fusion transcripts were constructed using Archer Universal RNA Reagent Kit v2 and Archer FusionPlex Solid Tumor panel and sequenced on the MiSeqDx instrument. RESULTS The tumor, diagnosed in 46-year-old female, was composed of spindle cells, and lacked pigmentation. Immunohistochemically, it showed a patchy HMB-45 positivity. Other melanocytic markers (S100 protein, Melan-A, SOX10) were negative. The tumor cells were weakly positive for KIT (CD117) while negative for smooth muscle actin, pancytokeratin cocktail (AE1/AE3), and synaptophysin. Diagnosis of primary sinonasal tract mucosal melanoma was favored. Additional molecular studies detected PRCC::TFE3 fusion as the sole genetic change, and suggested the diagnosis of unusual PEComa. Previously, TFE3 fusions were reported in a subset of PEComas but not in melanomas, while PRCC involvement has only been documented once in an ocular PEComa. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong nuclear TFE3 expression concordant with the molecular findings. CONCLUSIONS This report emphasis the importance of molecular testing in the differential diagnosis between PEComa and melanoma, especially when the tumor arises in a site typical of melanoma but showing an unusual morphology and immunophenotype. The detection of TFE3 fusion transcripts suggested the diagnosis of SNT PEComa, although it cannot be excluded that this and similar tumors represent a distinct diagnostic category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Lasota
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Małgorzata Chłopek
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Center
| | - Artur Kowalik
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Holycross Cancer Center
- Division of Medical Biology, Institute of Biology Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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2
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Dumitru AV, Țăpoi DA, Costache M, Ciongariu AM, Ionescu AI, Liscu HD, Alius C, Tampa M, Marin A, Furtunescu AR. Metastatic Nodular Melanoma with Angiosarcomatous Transdifferentiation-A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1323. [PMID: 39001214 PMCID: PMC11240390 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14131323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cutaneous melanomas relies mainly on histopathological analysis, which, in selected cases, can be aided by immunohistochemical evaluation of conventional melanocytic markers. Nevertheless, these malignancies, particularly in metastatic settings, may display divergent differentiation with unusual histological and immunohistochemical features. In this context, we present the case of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with typical superficial spreading melanoma who developed recurrence and metastatic lesions featuring angiosarcomatous differentiation. The diagnosis of the initial tumour and the subsequently dedifferentiated lesions was confirmed by ample immunohistochemical analysis, which included several melanocytic markers, as well as mesenchymal and vascular markers. The recurrent tumour and lymph nodes metastases were completely negative for Melan-A and PRAME, and focally positive for SOX10. Additionally, they also displayed diffuse, intense positivity for CD10 and WT1 and focal positivity for CD99, ERB, and CD31. Thus, the diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma with recurrent and metastatic divergent angiosarcomatous differentiation was established. This occurrence is particularly rare and can pose important diagnostic challenges. Therefore, in addition to presenting this highly unusual case, we also performed a comprehensive review of the literature on divergent differentiation in melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Vasile Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.V.D.); (M.C.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Iuliana Ionescu
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.I.); (H.D.L.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Colțea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horia Dan Liscu
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.I.); (H.D.L.)
- Department of Radiotherapy, Colțea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Alius
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Fourth Department of General Surgery, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (A.R.F.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Marin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Roxana Furtunescu
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (A.R.F.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Hegazy S, Kamaluddin Z, Naous R. Cytomorphology of metastatic dedifferentiated/undifferentiated melanoma to the gallbladder: A case report and review of literature. Diagn Cytopathol 2024; 52:E120-E123. [PMID: 38380948 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Dedifferentiated/undifferentiated melanoma (DM/UM) is a distinct subtype of malignant melanoma that tends to lose all melanocytic markers of differentiation. DM/UM pose major diagnostic challenges as they could be easily confused with UM sarcoma or carcinoma, thus necessitating the use of molecular studies such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for detecting melanoma-compatible mutations to confirm such diagnosis. The capability of performing NGS molecular studies on small biopsy material with confirmation of adequacy via rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has tremendous value in diagnosing DM/UM. Herein, we present the first reported case of metastatic DM/UM to the gall bladder arising in a 60-year-old female with a prior history of right knee melanoma. We also shed light on the cytomorphology of DM/UM, review the literature on such a challenging entity, and emphasize the crucial role of molecular testing in their diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Hegazy
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zarine Kamaluddin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rana Naous
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Klijanienko J, Masliah-Planchon J, Choussy O, Rougier G, Vautrin AD, Lesnik M, Badois N, Ghanem W, Klos J, Le Tourneau C, Marret G, Barnhill R, El-Naggar AK. Is Primary Poorly Differentiated Sarcomatoid Malignancy of the Parotid Gland Sarcomatoid Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Melanoma? Report of Three Unusual Cases Diagnosed by Fine-Needle Aspiration Combined with Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Analyses. Acta Cytol 2024; 68:107-120. [PMID: 38437817 DOI: 10.1159/000538070] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poorly differentiated primary sarcomatoid parotid malignancies are extremely rare. These tumors have not been consistently studied by morphology, immunohistochemistry, or molecular techniques. CASE PRESENTATION We report three unusual cases of parotid gland poorly-differentiated sarcomatoid malignancy investigated by fine-needle aspiration and studied histologically, by immunohistochemistry and molecular investigations. Aspirates showed poorly specific polymorphous sarcomatoid malignancy in all cases. Histologically, all cases were polymorphous high-grade malignancies, and additionally, one case showed epithelial structures and was finally classified as salivary carcinosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry showed classical melanocytic markers negativity but positivity for PRAME, CD10, and WT1 in all three tumors and for CD56 in two tumors, which can potentially be supportive of melanocytic origin. Although not entirely specific, molecular characterization also suggested the melanocytic lineage of these tumors. CONCLUSION Although rare, primary malignant melanoma of salivary gland was already described, but undifferentiated/dedifferentiated amelanotic forms are unknown in this localization up today. Further case reports of similar presentations are required to confirm the unequivocal primary origin of these obscure neoplasms in the parotid gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Klijanienko
- Department of Pathology and Theranostics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Olivier Choussy
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Maria Lesnik
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Badois
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Wahib Ghanem
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Jan Klos
- Department of Pathology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | | | - Gregoire Marret
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Raymond Barnhill
- Department of Pathology and Theranostics, Institut Curie, Paris, France
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Michal M. Inflammatory Rhabdomyoblastic Tumor: From a Nebulous Smooth Muscle Neoplasm to a Novel Skeletal Muscle Tumor Subtype. Surg Pathol Clin 2024; 17:65-76. [PMID: 38278608 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor is a recently introduced name for neoplasms currently included in the World Health Organization classification of soft tissue tumors under the rubric inflammatory leiomyosarcoma. Inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor is an excellent example of how surgical pathologists working in conjunction with tumor biologists can greatly improve tumor classification to the benefit of patients. Over the last 28 years, understanding of this entity has undergone a fascinating evolution. This review serves as a summary of the latest findings in inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor research and a diagnostic manual for the practicing surgical pathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Michal
- Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Plzen, Czech Republic; Bioptical Laboratory, Ltd, Plzen, Czech Republic.
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6
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Wills A, Dibbern M, Frierson HF, Raghavan SS. Metastatic Undifferentiated Melanoma Mimicking a Primary Bone Tumor: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall. Am J Dermatopathol 2024; 46:170-172. [PMID: 38170737 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002622] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Undifferentiated melanoma (UM) is defined by the loss of classic morphologic and immunohistochemical melanocytic markers. Reports in the literature are rare and show that UM usually occurs as a metastasis in the setting of a known primary cutaneous melanoma. The most common mutations in UM include those involving BRAF , NRAS , and KIT , which are almost invariably present in the parent melanoma. In this study, we report a case of a primary sinonasal melanoma with metastatic UM presenting with osteoclast-like giant cells and resembling a primary bone tumor. The retention of an unusual KRAS mutation in UM that was also present in the primary lesion provided critical information for the diagnosis. Our report highlights the importance of considering mutational analysis to identify undifferentiated melanomas in patients with metastatic tumors which do not have the typical histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Wills
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Megan Dibbern
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Henry F Frierson
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Shyam S Raghavan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
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7
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Liu XL, Agostini-Vulaj D. Elusive and Aggressive: Unraveling SMARCB1/INI1-Deficient Undifferentiated Carcinoma With Rhabdoid Features Arising From the Colon: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review. Int J Surg Pathol 2024:10668969241232699. [PMID: 38378024 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241232699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated carcinomas are highly aggressive tumors with a dismal prognosis. A subset of these tumors has been associated with inactivation or mutations of the Switch/Sucrose Nonfermenting (SWI/SNF) remodeling complex. Our understanding of the relationship between the clinicopathological features and molecular profiling of SWI/SNF-deficient undifferentiated carcinoma is still evolving due to its rarity. We herein present a rare tumor of undifferentiated carcinoma with SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency arising from the colon. The histology revealed a tumor composed of sheets of discohesive, high-grade epithelioid cells with rhabdoid morphology along with anaplastic giant cells. Additionally, there was a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the background. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis supported the diagnosis of carcinoma with loss of INI1 expression, the tumor was mismatch repair protein proficient. Molecular analysis demonstrated an oncogenic KRAS mutation (p.G12D), whereas it was wild-type BRAF, and wild-type NRAS. The diagnosis of SWI/SNF-deficient undifferentiated carcinoma can be challenging. Correlation with clinical findings, in conjunction with IHC work-up and molecular analysis, is of utmost importance to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis and exclude potential mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Lucy Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Diana Agostini-Vulaj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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8
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Lorkowski SW, Dermawan JK, Rubin BP. The practical utility of AI-assisted molecular profiling in the diagnosis and management of cancer of unknown primary: an updated review. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:369-375. [PMID: 37999736 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03708-1] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) presents a complex diagnostic challenge, characterized by metastatic tumors of unknown tissue origin and a dismal prognosis. This review delves into the emerging significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in transforming the landscape of CUP diagnosis, classification, and treatment. ML approaches, trained on extensive molecular profiling data, have shown promise in accurately predicting tissue of origin. Genomic profiling, encompassing driver mutations and copy number variations, plays a pivotal role in CUP diagnosis by providing insights into tumor type-specific oncogenic alterations. Mutational signatures (MS), reflecting somatic mutation patterns, offer further insights into CUP diagnosis. Known MS with established etiology, such as ultraviolet (UV) light-induced DNA damage and tobacco exposure, have been identified in cases of dedifferentiated/transdifferentiated melanoma and carcinoma. Deep learning models that integrate gene expression data and DNA methylation patterns offer insights into tissue lineage and tumor classification. In digital pathology, machine learning algorithms analyze whole-slide images to aid in CUP classification. Finally, precision oncology, guided by molecular profiling, offers targeted therapies independent of primary tissue identification. Clinical trials assigning CUP patients to molecularly guided therapies, including targetable alterations and tumor mutation burden as an immunotherapy biomarker, have resulted in improved overall survival in a subset of patients. In conclusion, AI- and ML-driven approaches are revolutionizing CUP management by enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Precision oncology utilizing enhanced molecular profiling facilitates the identification of targeted therapies that transcend the need to identify the tissue of origin, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Wang Lorkowski
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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9
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Monti M, Benerini Gatta L, Bugatti M, Pezzali I, Picinoli S, Manfredi M, Lavazza A, Vanella VV, De Giorgis V, Zanatta L, Missale F, Lonardi S, Zanetti B, Bozzoni G, Cadei M, Abate A, Vergani B, Balzarini P, Battocchio S, Facco C, Turri-Zanoni M, Castelnuovo P, Nicolai P, Fonsatti E, Leone BE, Marengo E, Sigala S, Ronca R, Perego M, Lombardi D, Vermi W. Novel cellular systems unveil mucosal melanoma initiating cells and a role for PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in mucosal melanoma fitness. J Transl Med 2024; 22:35. [PMID: 38191367 PMCID: PMC10775657 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04784-2] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucosal Melanomas (MM) are highly aggressive neoplasms arising from mucosal melanocytes. Current treatments offer a limited survival benefit for patients with advanced MM; moreover, the lack of pre-clinical cellular systems has significantly limited the understanding of their immunobiology. METHODS Five novel cell lines were obtained from patient-derived biopsies of MM arising in the sino-nasal mucosa and designated as SN-MM1-5. The morphology, ultrastructure and melanocytic identity of SN-MM cell lines were validated by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, in vivo tumorigenicity of SN-MM1-5 was tested by subcutaneous injection in NOD/SCID mice. Molecular characterization of SN-MM cell lines was performed by a mass-spectrometry proteomic approach, and their sensitivity to PI3K chemical inhibitor LY294002 was validated by Akt activation, measured by pAkt(Ser473) and pAkt(Thr308) in immunoblots, and MTS assay. RESULTS This study reports the validation and functional characterization of five newly generated SN-MM cell lines. Compared to the normal counterpart, the proteomic profile of SN-MM is consistent with transformed melanocytes showing a heterogeneous degree of melanocytic differentiation and activation of cancer-related pathways. All SN-MM cell lines resulted tumorigenic in vivo and display recurrent structural variants according to aCGH analysis. Of relevance, the microscopic analysis of the corresponding xenotransplants allowed the identification of clusters of MITF-/CDH1-/CDH2 + /ZEB1 + /CD271 + cells, supporting the existence of melanoma-initiating cells also in MM, as confirmed in clinical samples. In vitro, SN-MM cell lines were sensitive to cisplatin, but not to temozolomide. Moreover, the proteomic analysis of SN-MM cell lines revealed that RICTOR, a subunit of mTORC2 complex, is the most significantly activated upstream regulator, suggesting a relevant role for the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in these neoplasms. Consistently, phosphorylation of NDRG1 and Akt activation was observed in SN-MM, the latter being constitutive and sustained by PTEN loss in SN-MM2 and SN-MM3. The cell viability impairment induced by LY294002 confirmed a functional role for the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in SN-MM cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these novel and unique cellular systems represent relevant experimental tools for a better understanding of the biology of these neoplasms and, as an extension, to MM from other sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Benerini Gatta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Histocompatibility Laboratory "Vittorio Mero", Department of Transfusion Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Irene Pezzali
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Picinoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, Italy
| | - Virginia Vita Vanella
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Veronica De Giorgis
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Zanatta
- Department of Pathology, Treviso Regional Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Francesco Missale
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology & Surgery Otorhinolaryngology, Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Nederlands Kanker Instituut, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Lonardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Zanetti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bozzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, Italy
| | - Moris Cadei
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Piera Balzarini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Battocchio
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-"ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia", Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Facco
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, ASST Sette-Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Mario Turri-Zanoni
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Castelnuovo
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Piero Nicolai
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ester Fonsatti
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Marengo
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Davide Lombardi
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Brescia, P.Le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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10
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Hornick JL, Plaza JA, Mentzel T, Gru AA, Brenn T. PRAME Expression Is a Useful Tool in the Diagnosis of Primary and Metastatic Dedifferentiated and Undifferentiated Melanoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:1390-1397. [PMID: 37727938 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002125] [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: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Although mostly recognized in the metastatic setting dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas are increasingly recognized as cutaneous and, less commonly, mucosal primary tumors. Their diagnosis is challenging and dependent on sampling and recognition of a conventional melanoma precursor and/or detection of a mutation in a conventional melanoma driver gene. PRAME immunohistochemistry has recently become an important ancillary tool in the separation of melanoma from benign nevi, but no comprehensive studies exist regarding its value in the detection of dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas and their separation from atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, the main differential diagnoses on sun-damaged skin. After retrieval from archival files, we performed PRAME immunohistochemistry on 11 primary and 10 metastatic dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas, 11 atypical fibroxanthomas, and 10 pleomorphic dermal sarcomas. Nuclear staining was assigned extent (ranging from 0 to 4 and reflecting the percentage of PRAME-positive tumor nuclei) and intensity scores (graded as absent, weak, moderate, and strong, with assigned scores ranging from 0 to 3) with combined scores ranging from 0 to 7. Both primary and metastatic dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas showed strong and diffuse nuclear PRAME staining with median combined scores of 7. Strong and diffuse staining was also seen in all conventional melanoma precursors except for desmoplastic melanoma. In contrast, PRAME staining in atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma was patchy and weak with median combined scores of 2. Our data emphasize the diagnostic utility of PRAME staining as a first screening tool in the detection and workup of dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas, both in the primary and metastatic settings. PRAME immunohistochemistry is particularly helpful as it is also positive in tumors without a recognizable conventional melanoma precursor and in those associated with desmoplastic melanomas, where PRAME is typically found to be negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Hornick
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jose A Plaza
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Thomas Mentzel
- MVZ Dermatopathologie Friedrichshafen/Bodensee PartG, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Alejandro A Gru
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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11
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Dos Santos AF, Fazeli G, Xavier da Silva TN, Friedmann Angeli JP. Ferroptosis: mechanisms and implications for cancer development and therapy response. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:1062-1076. [PMID: 37230924 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
As cancer cells develop resistance to apoptosis, non-apoptotic cell death modalities, such as ferroptosis, have emerged as promising strategies to combat therapy-resistant cancers. Cells that develop resistance to conventional therapies or metastatic cancer cells have been shown to have increased sensitivity to ferroptosis. Therefore, targeting the regulatory elements of ferroptosis in cancer could offer novel therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we first provide an overview of the known ferroptosis regulatory networks and discuss recent findings on how they contribute to cancer plasticity. We then expand into the critical role of selenium metabolism in regulating ferroptosis. Finally, we highlight specific cases where induction of ferroptosis could be used to sensitize cancer cells to this form of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancély Ferreira Dos Santos
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Chair of Translational Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gholamreza Fazeli
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Chair of Translational Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thamara Nishida Xavier da Silva
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Chair of Translational Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - José Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Chair of Translational Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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12
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Gosman LM, Țăpoi DA, Costache M. Cutaneous Melanoma: A Review of Multifactorial Pathogenesis, Immunohistochemistry, and Emerging Biomarkers for Early Detection and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15881. [PMID: 37958863 PMCID: PMC10650804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an increasingly significant public health concern. Due to alarming mortality rates and escalating incidence, it is crucial to understand its etiology and identify emerging biomarkers for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifactorial etiology of CM, underscore the importance of early detection, discuss the molecular mechanisms behind melanoma development and progression, and shed light on the role of the potential biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment. The pathogenesis of CM involves a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, ultraviolet radiation exposure being the predominant environmental risk factor. The emergence of new biomarkers, such as novel immunohistochemical markers, gene mutation analysis, microRNA, and exosome protein expressions, holds promise for improved early detection, and prognostic and personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maria Gosman
- Doctoral School, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Saint Pantelimon Clinical Emergency Hospital, 021659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana-Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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13
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a tumor-associated antigen first identified in a melanoma patient and found to be expressed in most melanomas as well as in variable levels in other malignant neoplasms of epithelial, mesenchymal, or hematolymphoid lineage. Detection of PRAME expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue is possible by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with commercially available monoclonal antibodies. In situ and invasive melanoma frequently show a diffuse pattern of nuclear PRAME immunoreactivity which contrasts with the infrequent and typically nondiffuse staining seen in nevi. In many challenging melanocytic tumors, results of PRAME IHC and other ancillary tests correlate well, but not always: The tests are not interchangeable. Most metastatic melanomas are positive for PRAME, whereas nodal nevi are not. Numerous studies on PRAME IHC have become available in the past few years with results supporting the value of PRAME IHC as an ancillary tool in the evaluation of melanocytic lesions and providing insights into limitations in sensitivity and specificity as well as possible pitfalls that need to be kept in mind by practicing pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lezcano
- Pathologist, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Achim A Jungbluth
- Pathologist, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and
| | - Klaus J Busam
- Pathologist, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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14
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Shafi S, Shah M, Jones D, Beane JD, Oghumu S, Iwenofu OH. Comprehensive molecular profile of primary cutaneous epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma: A tumor genomically and molecularly related to malignant melanoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:678-684. [PMID: 37357966 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23185] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The histogenesis of the rare primary cutaneous epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma (PCERMS) remains unclear, with the morphological and immunophenotypic appearance of a rhabdomyosarcoma but a genomic profile consistent with sarcomatoid undifferentiated malignant melanoma (SUMM). Here, we provide comprehensive clinical, histopathological, and genomic analysis of a putative PCERMS presenting in an elderly patient. Histopathologic examination revealed an ulcerative tumefactive lesion with diffuse replacement of the dermis by sheets of malignant epithelioid cells with a rhabdoid appearance. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were strongly and diffusely positive for desmin and myogenin. Comprehensive genomic analysis with a 542 gene DNA-based sequencing panel revealed likely biallelic NF1 inactivation (mutation and deletion), TERT promoter mutation, and a high tumor mutation burden (>100 mutations/mB) with features of a UV-mutational signature, which are all genomic features that can be seen in undifferentiated malignant melanoma. This case provides evidence of a close relationship at a molecular level between PCERMS and SUMM. Molecular genomic characterization of a larger cohort of PCERMS is warranted for further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Shafi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Manan Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dan Jones
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joal D Beane
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Steve Oghumu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - O Hans Iwenofu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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15
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Warren SJ, Alomari AK. Utility of sequencing for ATP6AP1 and ATP6AP2 to distinguish between atypical granular cell tumor with junctional component and melanoma. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:1014-1019. [PMID: 37565535 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14503] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a S100+ neoplasm with atypical and malignant variants. Similar to melanocytic neoplasms, the tumors make nests and can have junctional components raising a differential diagnosis of melanoma. Nevi and melanomas may also have granular cell cytoplasm. MelanA is useful in distinguishing melanocytic from granular cell lineage, but increasingly MelanA/SOX10 negative melanomas have been recognized by correlation with molecular methods. METHODS We encountered several cases with morphologic overlap between melanoma and atypical GCT necessitating additional molecular workup. We sequenced two cases and searched our archive for similar cases of GCT with overlapping features of melanocytic lineage. RESULTS In our two index cases, we excluded melanoma driver mutations and identified frameshift or premature stop codons in ATP6AP1/2 pathognomonic of granular cell lineage. Data retrieved from Cosmic identified 24 melanomas with missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in ATP6AP1 but no frameshift or premature stop codons. Twenty-one melanomas had missense SNVs in ATP6AP2. One melanoma had a premature stop codon in ATP6AP2, but this lesion also had a melanoma-associated driver mutation NRASQ61K. We found 1 of 23 additional cases of GCT in our archives with a junctional component and no additional cases with maturation. CONCLUSIONS Atypical and malignant GCT can have histopathologic overlap with melanoma. Frameshift and premature stop codons in ATP6AP1/2 are specific for granular cell lineage, and capable of excluding melanoma, in the absence of known melanoma-associated driver mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Warren
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ahmed K Alomari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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16
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Watter H, Milkins R, Chambers C, O'Brien B. Melanoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous features: a potential diagnostic pitfall. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e256427. [PMID: 37879714 PMCID: PMC10603449 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is well-known for phenotypic plasticity, and rare cases of divergent differentiation have been described. This case report is of a tumour diagnosed as 'rhabdomyosarcoma' on the face of a man in his 80s. However, given the recent excision of an ulcerated melanoma (Breslow thickness 5.8 mm) from the same site, the more likely diagnosis would be recurrent melanoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. This highlights a rare form of divergent differentiation and a potential diagnostic pitfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Watter
- General Surgery, Queensland Health, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
- General Surgery, Hervey Bay Hospital, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Russell Milkins
- General Surgery, Hervey Bay Hospital, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Claire Chambers
- Histopathology, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Central Laboratory Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia
| | - Blake O'Brien
- Histopathology, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Central Laboratory Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia
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17
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Wiedemeyer K, Brenn T. Dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas: a practical approach to a challenging diagnosis. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:22-31. [PMID: 37001740 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Dedifferentiation, defined as the loss of cellular features of terminal differentiation resulting in a more primitive, unspecialized phenotype, is a rare phenomenon in melanoma and more commonly observed in the metastatic setting than in primary melanomas. The diagnosis of dedifferentiated melanoma poses a significant challenge, and the tumors need to be carefully sampled and worked up to identify any residual morphologic, immunohistochemical, or molecular evidence of their melanocytic lineage. This article reviews our current knowledge of the clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of these rare tumors and provides a practical diagnostic approach and discussion of the relevant differential diagnoses and associated diagnostic pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wiedemeyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2L 2K8, Canada
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2L 2K8, Canada.
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18
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Lehman JS, Erickson LA. Emerging concepts in dermatopathology: a special issue of neoplastic, inflammatory, and special-site dermatopathology and important practice considerations. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:1-4. [PMID: 37562500 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
This special issue of Human Pathology, highlighting updates in dermatopathology, represents a carefully curated collection of articles written by authors invited for their respective areas of expertise. This issue covers a range of important topics in neoplastic, inflammatory, or special-site dermatopathology, with an emphasis on "high-stakes" or emerging diagnoses or those that would be otherwise encountered infrequently by most practicing pathologists. In addition, topics important in clinical practice, including considerations relating to skin of color and cognitive bias in dermatopathology, are addressed. Throughout this issue, authors have incorporated scientific advances and recent literature to help pathologists tackle these difficult areas in dermatopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Lehman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA; Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Lori A Erickson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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19
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Papke DJ. Mesenchymal Neoplasms of the Liver. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:609-634. [PMID: 37536892 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal neoplasms of the liver can be diagnostically challenging, particularly on core needle biopsies. Here, I discuss recent updates in neoplasms that are specific to the liver (mesenchymal hamartoma, undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma, calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor), vascular tumors of the liver (anastomosing hemangioma, hepatic small vessel neoplasm, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, angiosarcoma), and other tumor types that can occur primarily in the liver (PEComa/angiomyolipoma, inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, EBV-associated smooth muscle tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, malignant rhabdoid tumor). Lastly, I discuss metastatic sarcomas to the liver, as well as pitfalls presented by metastatic melanoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Papke
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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20
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Cammareri C, Beltzung F, Michal M, Vanhersecke L, Coindre JM, Velasco V, Le Loarer F, Vergier B, Perret R. PRAME immunohistochemistry in soft tissue tumors and mimics: a study of 350 cases highlighting its imperfect specificity but potentially useful diagnostic applications. Virchows Arch 2023; 483:145-156. [PMID: 37477762 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry is currently used in pathology for the assessment of melanocytic neoplasms; however, knowledge of its expression patterns in soft tissue tumors is limited. PRAME immunohistochemistry (clone QR005) was assessed on whole tissue sections of 350 soft-tissue tumors and mimics (> 50 histotypes). PRAME immunoreactivity was evaluated as follows: 0 "negative" (0% positive cells); 1+ (1-25% positive cells); 2+ (26-50% positive cells); 3+ (51-75% positive cells), and 4+ "diffuse" (> 75% positive cells). PRAME was expressed in 111 lesions (0 benign, 6 intermediate malignancy, and 105 malignant), including fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (2/4, 0 diffuse), NTRK-rearranged spindle cell neoplasm (2/4, 0 diffuse), atypical fibroxanthoma (1/7, 0 diffuse), Kaposi sarcoma (1/5, 0 diffuse), myxoid liposarcoma (11/11, 9 diffuse), synovial sarcoma (11/11, 6 diffuse), intimal sarcoma (7/7, 5 diffuse), biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (3/3, 1 diffuse), angiosarcoma (10/15, 6 diffuse), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (9/12, 4 diffuse), pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (2/3, 2 diffuse), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (2/6, 0 diffuse), embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (7/7, 4 diffuse), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (2/12, 1 diffuse), leiomyosarcoma (2/15, 1 diffuse), clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (1/10, 0 diffuse), low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (1/5, 0 diffuse), Ewing sarcoma (2/10, 1 diffuse), CIC-rearranged sarcoma (8/8, 4 diffuse), BCOR-sarcoma (2/5, 1 diffuse), melanoma (20/20, 14 diffuse), and thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (5/5, all diffuse). All tested cases of spindle cell lipoma, dedifferentiated/pleomorphic liposarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, solitary fibrous tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma, nodular fasciitis, myxofibrosarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, atypical vascular lesion, hemangioma, lymphangioma, vascular malformation, papillary endothelial hyperplasia, GIST, gastrointestinal clear-cell sarcoma, malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor, neurofibroma, schwannoma, granular cell tumor, alveolar soft part sarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, myoepithelioma, ossifying fibromyxoid tumor, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, PEComa, dermatofibroma, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, and chordoma were negative. PRAME shows imperfect specificity in soft-tissue pathology but may serve as a diagnostic adjunct in selected differential diagnoses that show contrasting expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Cammareri
- University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fanny Beltzung
- Department of Pathology, Bordeaux University Hospital, UMR 1312 Inserm, Bordeaux, France
| | - Michael Michal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Plzen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Bioptical Laboratory Ltd., Plzen, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jean-Michel Coindre
- University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Valérie Velasco
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - François Le Loarer
- University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM U1218, ACTION, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Béatrice Vergier
- University of Bordeaux, Talence, France
- Department of Pathology, Bordeaux University Hospital, UMR 1312 Inserm, Bordeaux, France
| | - Raul Perret
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France.
- INSERM U1218, ACTION, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France.
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21
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Kasago IS, Chatila WK, Lezcano CM, Febres-Aldana CA, Schultz N, Vanderbilt C, Dogan S, Bartlett EK, D'Angelo SP, Tap WD, Singer S, Ladanyi M, Shoushtari AN, Busam KJ, Hameed M. Undifferentiated and Dedifferentiated Metastatic Melanomas Masquerading as Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Mutational Signature Analysis and Immunotherapy Response. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100165. [PMID: 36990277 PMCID: PMC10698871 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100165] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The distinction between undifferentiated melanoma (UM) or dedifferentiated melanoma (DM) from undifferentiated or unclassifiable sarcoma can be difficult and requires the careful correlation of clinical, pathologic, and genomic findings. In this study, we examined the utility of mutational signatures to identify patients with UM/DM with particular attention as to whether this distinction matters for treatment because the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma has dramatically improved with immunologic therapy, whereas durable responses are less frequent in sarcomas. We identified 19 cases of UM/DM that were initially reported as unclassified or undifferentiated malignant neoplasm or sarcoma and submitted for targeted next-generation sequencing analysis. These cases were confirmed as UM/DM by harboring melanoma driver mutations, UV signature, and high tumor mutation burden. One case of DM showed melanoma in situ. Meanwhile, 18 cases represented metastatic UM/DM. Eleven patients had a prior history of melanoma. Thirteen of 19 (68%) of the tumors were immunohistochemically completely negative for 4 melanocytic markers (S100, SOX10, HMB45, and MELAN-A). All cases harbored a dominant UV signature. Frequent driver mutations involved BRAF (26%), NRAS (32%), and NF1 (42%). In contrast, the control cohort of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) of deep soft tissue exhibited a dominant aging signature in 46.6% (7/15) without evidence of UV signature. The median tumor mutation burden for DM/UM vs UPS was 31.5 vs 7.0 mutations/Mb (P < .001). A favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was observed in 66.6% (12/18) of patients with UM/DM. Eight patients exhibited a complete response and were alive with no evidence of disease at the last follow-up (median 45.5 months). Our findings support the usefulness of the UV signature in discriminating DM/UM vs UPS. Furthermore, we present evidence suggesting that patients with DM/UM and UV signatures can benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel S Kasago
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Walid K Chatila
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Cecilia M Lezcano
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Chad Vanderbilt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Snjezana Dogan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Edmund K Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sandra P D'Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - William D Tap
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Samuel Singer
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Klaus J Busam
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Meera Hameed
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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22
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Hench J, Mihic-Probst D, Agaimy A, Frank S, Meyer P, Hultschig C, Simi S, Alos L, Balamurugan T, Blokx W, Bosisio F, Cappellesso R, Griewank K, Hadaschik E, van Kempen LC, Kempf W, Lentini M, Mazzucchelli L, Rinaldi G, Rutkowski P, Schadendorf D, Schilling B, Szumera-Cieckiewicz A, van den Oord J, Mandalà M, Massi D. Clinical, histopathological and molecular features of dedifferentiated melanomas: An EORTC Melanoma Group Retrospective Analysis. Eur J Cancer 2023; 187:7-14. [PMID: 37098294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.03.032] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dedifferentiated melanoma (DedM) poses significant diagnostic challenges. We aimed to investigate the clinical, histopathological and molecular features of DedM. Methylation signature (MS) and copy number profiling (CNP) were carried out in a subgroup of cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective series of 78 DedM tissue samples from 61 patients retrieved from EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) Melanoma Group centres were centrally reviewed. Clinical and histopathological features were retrieved. In a subgroup of patients, genotyping through Infinium Methylation microarray and CNP analysis was carried out. RESULTS Most patients (60/61) had a metastatic DedM showing most frequently an unclassified pleomorphic, spindle cell, or small round cell morphology akin to undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma, rarely associated with heterologous elements. Overall, among 20 successfully analysed tissue samples from 16 patients, we found retained melanoma-like MS in only 7 tissue samples while a non-melanoma-like MS was observed in 13 tissue samples. In two patients from whom multiple specimens were analysed, some of the samples had a preserved cutaneous melanoma MS while other specimens exhibited an epigenetic shift towards a mesenchymal/sarcoma-like profile, matching the histological features. In these two patients, CNP was largely identical across all analysed specimens, in line with their common clonal origin, despite significant modification of their epigenome. CONCLUSIONS Our study further highlights that DedM represents a real diagnostic challenge. While MS and genomic CNP may help pathologists to diagnose DedM, we provide proof-of-concept that dedifferentiation in melanoma is frequently associated with epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Hench
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Mihic-Probst
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephan Frank
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Meyer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claus Hultschig
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Simi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Alos
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Willeke Blokx
- Department of Pathology, Division of Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Bosisio
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Klaus Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Leon C van Kempen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Werner Kempf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Lentini
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Mazzucchelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Gaetana Rinaldi
- Sezione di Oncologia, Dipartimento di Discipline Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Stomatologiche (Di.Chir.On.S.), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Szumera-Cieckiewicz
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario Mandalà
- University of Perugia, Unit of Medical Oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Massi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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23
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Agaimy A. The many faces of Atypical fibroxanthoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2023; 40:S0740-2570(23)00071-0. [PMID: 37438163 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is an uncommon, primary dermal neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis, typically originating in the sun-damage skin of the head and neck of the elderly. Since first description in 1958, ∼3000 cases have been reported in the literature. However, the disease is underreported as the neoplasm is considered a standard diagnosis in the last decades. On the other hand, many earlier reports likely have included non-AFX mimics or aggressive pleomorphic dermal sarcomas. In contrast to its alarming high-grade histology, AFX behaves indolently with rare recurrences/ metastatic rate of <2%. The overall 10- and 20-year disease-specific survival rates are ∼ 100% and 98%, respectively. Histologically, AFX displays undifferentiated pleomorphic spindle cell morphology akin to undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a feature that was the basis of the abandoned historical terminology "MFH of skin". However, in contrast to other undifferentiated sarcomatoid neoplasms, AFX is notorious for its highly variable histology with a plethora of patterns, underlining a wide differential diagnosis. Notably, spindle cell, keloid-like, pleomorphic, epithelioid, rhabdoid, clear cell, foamy cell, granular cell, bizarre cell, pseudoangiomatous, inflammatory, osteoclast-rich, and many others have been recognized with varying frequencies. Immunohistochemically, AFX is characterized by nonspecific profile with block-type expression of CD10 and aberrant p53 pattern and lack of pankeratin and other lineage-specific epithelial, mesenchymal, melanocytic and hematolymphoid markers. Sarcomatoid melanoma, spindle cell carcinoma and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma are major considerations. Distinction of AFX from pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is arbitrary and is based on presence of ≥ 1 of four unfavorable histological features: more than minimal subcutaneous involvement, coagulative necrosis, lymphovascular invasion and perineurial invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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24
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Țăpoi DA, Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu AA, Dumitru AV, Ciongariu AM, Furtunescu AR, Marin A, Costache M. Primary Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Cutaneous Melanomas-A Review on Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features with Emphasis on Prognosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9985. [PMID: 37373134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129985] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cutaneous melanoma is usually straightforward based on these malignancies' histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Nevertheless, melanomas can imitate various other neoplasms, sometimes lacking the expression of conventional melanocytic markers and expressing non-melanocytic ones. Furthermore, divergent differentiation is more often encountered in metastatic melanomas and is still poorly described in primary cutaneous melanomas, and little is known about these patients' prognosis and therapeutic approach. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas, and we discuss the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular profiles of undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas to understand these peculiar lesions better and improve their diagnostic algorithm. In addition to this, we also discuss how different genetic mutations may influence prognosis and become potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuța-Augustina Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Vasile Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Roxana Furtunescu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Marin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Dermawan JK, DiNapoli SE, Sukhadia P, Mullaney KA, Gladdy R, Healey JH, Agaimy A, Cleven AH, Suurmeijer AJ, Dickson BC, Antonescu CR. Malignant undifferentiated epithelioid neoplasms with MAML2 rearrangements: A clinicopathologic study of seven cases demonstrating a heterogenous entity. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:191-201. [PMID: 36344258 PMCID: PMC9908836 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Among mesenchymal tumors, MAML2 gene rearrangements have been described in a subset of composite hemangioendothelioma and myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (MIFS). However, we have recently encountered MAML2-related fusions in a group of seven undifferentiated malignant epithelioid neoplasms that do not fit well to any established pathologic entities. The patients included five males and two female, aged 41-71 years old (median 65 years). The tumors involved the deep soft tissue of extremities (hip, knee, arm, hand), abdominal wall, and the retroperitoneum. Microscopically, the tumors consisted of solid sheets of atypical epithelioid to histiocytoid cells with abundant cytoplasm. Prominent mitotic activity and necrosis were present in 4 cases. In 3 cases, the cells displayed hyperchromatic nuclei or conspicuous macronucleoli, and were admixed with background histiocytoid cells and a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), the neoplastic cells had a nonspecific phenotype. On targeted RNA sequencing, MAML2 was the 3' partner and fused to YAP1 (4 cases), ARHGAP42 (2 cases), and ENDOD1 (1 case). Two cases with YAP1::MAML2 harbored concurrent RAF kinase fusions (RBMS3::RAF1 and AGK::BRAF, respectively). In 2 cases with targeted DNA sequencing, mutations in TP53, RB1 and PTEN were detected in 1 case, and PDGFRB mutations, CCNE1 amplifications and CDKN2A/2B deletion were detected in another case, which showed strong and diffuse PDGFRB expression by IHC. Of the 4 cases with detailed clinical history (median follow-up period 8 months), three developed distant metastatic disease (one of which died of disease); one case remained free of disease 3 years following surgical excision. In conclusion, we describe a heterogeneous series of MAML2-rearranged undifferentiated malignant epithelioid neoplasms, a subset of which may overlap with a recently described MIFS variant with YAP1::MAML2 fusions, further expanding the clinicopathologic spectrum of mesenchymal neoplasms with recurrent MAML2 gene rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine K. Dermawan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara E. DiNapoli
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Purvil Sukhadia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kerry A. Mullaney
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Gladdy
- Department of Surgery, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John H. Healey
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arjen H. Cleven
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J.H. Suurmeijer
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brendan C. Dickson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cristina R. Antonescu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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26
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Li Y, Li D, Wang J, Tang J. Epithelioid and spindle rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 rearrangement in abdominal wall: a distinctive entity with poor prognosis. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 36998041 PMCID: PMC10061849 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-023-01330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelioid and spindle rhabdomyosarcoma (ES-RMS) with TFCP2 rearrangement is a recently discovered rare variant of rhabdomyosarcoma composed of epithelioid and spindle cells, because it shows extraordinarily adverse prognosis and is easily misdiagnosed as other epithelioid or spindle cell tumors. METHODS A rare case of ES-RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement was presented and English literatures in Pubmed online up to 01 July 2022 were gathered by two authors for a systematic review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. CASE PRESENTATION/RESULTS We report a case of ES-RMS in an early 30s-years-old female, the neoplastic cells are remarkably immunoreactive with CK(AE1/AE3), and partially with ALK protein. Unexpectedly, the tumor shows TFCP2 rearrangement with coexistence of increased copy numbers of EWSR1 and ROS1 gene and MET gene mutation. Besides, Next-generation sequencing for genetic mutational profiling revealed frequent MET exon14 mutations in chromosome 7, most of which are C > T nonsynonymous SNV, and exon42 of ROS1 in chromosome 6 showed frequent G > T mutation up to 57.54%. In addition, neither MyoD1 mutation nor gene fusions were detected. Moreover, the patient shows high tumor mutational burden (TMB) up to 14.11 counts/Mb. Finally, as many cases of ES-RMS including our case had local progression or metastasis, we find, similar to epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma (median survival time is 10 month), ES-RMS shows a more aggressive behavior and adverse prognosis (median survival time is 17 month) than spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (median survival time is 65 month) according previous studies. CONCLUSIONS ES-RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement is a rare malignant tumor and easily confused with other epithelioid or spindle cell tumors, it may harbor additional gene alteration in addition to TFCP2 rearrangement, such as MET mutation, increased copy numbers of EWSR1 and ROS1 gene, high TMB. Most importantly, it may show very poor outcome with extensive metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310000, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310000, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ministry of scientific research and discipline construction, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinlong Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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27
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Rothrock AT, Hameed N, Cho WC, Nagarajan P, Ivan D, Torres-Cabala CA, Prieto VG, Curry JL, Aung PP. BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry as a useful tool in the diagnosis of melanomas with ambiguous morphologies and immunophenotypes. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:223-229. [PMID: 36377266 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14359] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We report three melanoma cases in which BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry (IHC) was valuable for diagnosis. Patient 1: In a patient with a history of primary melanoma on the chest and metastatic melanoma to right breast after undergoing multiple local and systemic therapies, a lung metastasis exhibited chondroid differentiation, aberrant myofibroblastic marker expression, and rare pancytokeratin positivity, without melanocytic marker expression. Patient 2: After targeted and immunotherapy for primary melanoma on the scalp as well as regional and distant metastatic melanoma, an omental metastasis showed CDX2-positive glandular structures that were negative for melanocytic markers. It was initially misdiagnosed as primary gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. Patient 3: A patient with history of melanoma showing epithelioid morphology on the right thigh presented with multiple soft tissue nodules on skin, lymph nodes and internal organs after being lost to follow-up for 4 years. A biopsy specimen from the right thigh showed spindled cells with scattered pancytokeratin cocktail positivity and ambiguous staining for melanocytic markers. For melanomas with ambiguous morphologies and/or immunophenotypes in each of the three patients, BRAF V600E expression by IHC was maintained in both primary and metastatic melanoma specimens examined. These cases highlight the utility of BRAF V600E IHC in the diagnosis of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimi T Rothrock
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Nadia Hameed
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Woo Cheal Cho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Priyadharsini Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Doina Ivan
- Department of Pathology, 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
| | - Victor G Prieto
- 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
| | - Phyu P Aung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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28
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Lowe L. Metastatic melanoma and rare melanoma variants: a review. Pathology 2023; 55:236-244. [PMID: 36641376 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The histopathological diagnosis of melanoma is fraught with potential pitfalls. In the setting of cutaneous metastatic melanoma, it is important to recognise the various histological patterns that can be encountered from the more common to the rare, including epidermotropic, folliculotropic, naevoid, and blue naevus-like. In addition, melanoma is notorious for phenotypic plasticity. Thus, there are many different subtypes and cytomorphological variations that can be difficult to recognise as melanoma, particularly in the recurrent or metastatic setting. Select melanoma variants including primary dermal, clear cell, plasmacytoid, signet ring cell, small cell, myxoid, rhabdoid, and dedifferentiated melanoma will be discussed, in addition to composite melanocytic neoplasms. This review is intended to remind the practitioner of key concepts of metastatic disease and select rare melanoma variants, while providing practical guidelines for accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Lowe
- Pathology and Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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29
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Short EL, Logan SJ, Thangaiah JJ, Folpe AL. Metastatic melanoma involving a genetically confirmed angiofibroma of soft tissue: A previously unreported type of tumor-to-tumor metastasis. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:220-222. [PMID: 36428265 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14366] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-to-tumor metastases are an uncommon phenomenon and are very rare in the context of malignant melanoma. This case report describes a 73-year-old male who underwent an excision of a melanoma from his forehead. Six months later, he developed metastatic disease, including metastasis to a genetically confirmed angiofibroma of soft tissue of the abdominal wall. Angiofibroma of soft tissue is a relatively recently described benign fibrovascular soft tissue tumor, and there appear to be no previous reports of it being a recipient tumor for a metastasis. Awareness of the phenomenon of tumor-to-tumor metastasis and of the distinctive morphologic and molecular genetic features of angiofibroma are critical to avoid misdiagnosis of this very rare event as "dedifferentiated" melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Short
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Suzanna J Logan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Andrew L Folpe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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30
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Lam GT, Prabhakaran S, Sorvina A, Martini C, Ung BSY, Karageorgos L, Hickey SM, Lazniewska J, Johnson IRD, Williams DB, Klebe S, Malone V, O'Leary JJ, Jackett L, Brooks DA, Logan JM. Pitfalls in Cutaneous Melanoma Diagnosis and the Need for New Reliable Markers. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:49-60. [PMID: 36477449 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with the development of advanced stage disease resulting in a high rate of patient mortality. Accurate diagnosis of melanoma at an early stage is essential to improve patient outcomes, as this enables treatment before the cancer has metastasised. Histopathologic analysis is the current gold standard for melanoma diagnosis, but this can be subjective due to discordance in interpreting the morphological heterogeneity in melanoma and other skin lesions. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is sometimes employed as an adjunct to conventional histology, but it remains occasionally difficult to distinguish some benign melanocytic lesions and melanoma. Importantly, the complex morphology and lack of specific biomarkers that identify key elements of melanoma pathogenesis can make an accurate confirmation of diagnosis challenging. We review the diagnostic constraints of melanoma heterogeneity and discuss issues with interpreting routine histology and problems with current melanoma markers. Innovative approaches are required to find effective biomarkers to enhance patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang T Lam
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarita Prabhakaran
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alexandra Sorvina
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carmela Martini
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ben S-Y Ung
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Litsa Karageorgos
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shane M Hickey
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joanna Lazniewska
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ian R D Johnson
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Desmond B Williams
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sonja Klebe
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Surgical Pathology, SA Pathology at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Pathology, The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louise Jackett
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jessica M Logan
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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31
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Mennens F, Van Herck Y, Sciot R, Vanden Bempt I, Boecxstaens V, Garmyn M, Bechter O. Melanoma cell plasticity poses diagnostic challenges: a case series. Melanoma Res 2022; 32:428-439. [PMID: 36125893 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000852] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Phenotype switching is an emerging concept in melanoma research and deals with the cancer cell plasticity. In this paper, we present five cases of patients with metastatic malignant melanoma where the tumor underwent dramatic morphological and immunohistochemical changes thereby mimicking other types of malignancies. The diagnosis of melanoma in all these cases was based on the mutational profile of the tumor assessed by next-generation sequencing compared to the primary lesion or local regional lymph nodes. These cases highlight the importance of thorough diagnostic measures in patients with metastatic melanoma who show progressive disease and where basic pathological assessment shows a diagnostic discrepancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Garmyn
- Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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32
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Hrycaj SM, Szczepanski JM, Zhao L, Siddiqui J, Thomas DG, Lucas DR, Patel RM, Harms PW, Bresler SC, Chan MP. PRAME expression in spindle cell melanoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, and other cutaneous sarcomatoid neoplasms: a comparative analysis. Histopathology 2022; 81:818-825. [PMID: 36102613 PMCID: PMC9828653 DOI: 10.1111/his.14797] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of spindle cell/sarcomatoid melanoma may be challenging due to frequent loss of expression of melanocytic marker(s) and histomorphologic resemblance to various mesenchymal tumours, particularly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST). Overexpression of PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) supports a diagnosis of melanoma when evaluating challenging melanocytic tumours. PRAME expression in MPNST and other cutaneous sarcomatoid neoplasms, however, has not been well characterised. We aimed to determine the utility of PRAME immunostain in distinguishing spindle cell melanoma from MPNST and other sarcomatoid mimics. PRAME expression was scored by extent (0 to 4+) and intensity (0 to 3) of staining. A strong positive correlation was observed between the extent and intensity scores (r = 0.84). An extent score of 4+, defined by staining in 76-100% of tumour cells, was seen in 56% (23/41) of spindle cell melanomas, 18% (7/38) of MPNSTs, 15% (4/27) of cutaneous sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 33% (5/15) of poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcomas, 12% (4/33) of atypical fibroxanthomas (AFXs), 4% (1/25) of pleomorphic dermal sarcomas (PDSs), and none (0/16) of the high-grade cutaneous leiomyosarcomas. A significant difference was found between spindle cell melanoma and all other examined sarcomatoid neoplasms except angiosarcoma. While diffuse (and often strong) PRAME expression is more frequently observed in spindle cell melanoma than MPNST, sarcomatoid SCC, AFX, PDS, and high-grade leiomyosarcoma, its limited sensitivity and specificity caution against its use as a standalone diagnostic marker. PRAME may complement other epigenetic or lineage-specific markers and should only be used as part of an immunohistochemical panel when evaluating these sarcomatoid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lili Zhao
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Javed Siddiqui
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | | | - David R Lucas
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Rajiv M Patel
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Paul W Harms
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Scott C Bresler
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - May P Chan
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
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33
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Kaczorowski M, Chłopek M, Kruczak A, Ryś J, Lasota J, Miettinen M. PRAME Expression in Cancer. A Systematic Immunohistochemical Study of >5800 Epithelial and Nonepithelial Tumors. Am J Surg Pathol 2022; 46:1467-1476. [PMID: 35973038 PMCID: PMC9588667 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is considered a useful marker in the differential diagnosis between malignant melanoma and its melanocytic mimics. Recently PRAME expression was documented in nonmelanocytic tumors, but much of the data are based on mRNA studies. This investigation evaluated PRAME expression in the spectrum of normal tissues and >5800 human tumors using immunohistochemistry and EP461 monoclonal antibody. In normal tissues, PRAME was expressed in the testis and proliferative endometrium. In tumors, PRAME was variably expressed in malignancies of different lineages. Among epithelial tumors, >50% of PRAME-positive lesions were found among endometrial carcinomas (82%), uterine serous carcinomas (82%), uterine carcinosarcomas (60%), ovarian clear cell carcinomas (90%), ovarian serous carcinomas (63%), adenoid cystic carcinomas (81%), seminomas (78%), thymic carcinomas (75%), and basal cell carcinomas (62%). In mesenchymal and neuroectodermal malignancies, PRAME was frequently expressed in synovial sarcoma (71%), myxoid liposarcoma (76%), neuroblastoma (61%) and metastatic melanoma (87%). Also, PRAME was consistently expressed in 4 melanomas that lacked all melanoma markers including S100 protein and SOX10 but harbored typical for melanoma BRAF or NRAS driver mutations. However, strong and diffuse PRAME immunoreactivity was seen in many types of nonmelanocytic poorly differentiated carcinomas and sarcomas. Based on this study, PRAME is a relatively unspecific immunohistochemical marker, which limits its use in diagnostic surgical pathology. However, immunohistochemistry is a reliable and unexpensive method useful in detecting PRAME-positive malignancies for potential immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kaczorowski
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Chłopek
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna Kruczak
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Poland
| | - Janusz Ryś
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Poland
| | - Jerzy Lasota
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Paver E, Aivazian K, Maclean F, Long GV, Spillane AJ, Wilmott JS, Scolyer RA. Utility of next generation sequencing for differentiating malignant PEComa from metastatic melanoma. Pathology 2022; 55:555-560. [PMID: 36400594 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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35
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Cilento MA, Kim C, Chang S, Farshid G, Brown MP. Three cases of BRAF-mutant melanoma with divergent differentiation masquerading as sarcoma. Pathologica 2022; 114:217-220. [PMID: 35775707 PMCID: PMC9248244 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-771] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an important cause of skin cancer related death throughout the world, particularly in Europe, the United States, and Australia. Rarely melanoma undergoes divergent differentiation to simulate the full morphologic and immunohistochemical features of other malignancies, notably sarcoma. However, such cases retain the molecular signatures of melanoma, including BRAF gene mutations. Gene mutation analysis of tumour DNA, now standard practice for all melanomas of stage III or above, may establish the diagnosis of melanoma in some advanced malignancies of unknown lineage. A prior history of melanoma or risk factors for melanoma may be the first clue that an advanced malignancy represents metastatic melanoma. Recognition of this presentation of melanoma can allow a patient to access well-tolerated life-prolonging therapies such as targeted therapy, inhibiting the BRAF/MEK pathway, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Cilento
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Chankyung Kim
- SA Pathology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Sean Chang
- SA Pathology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Gelareh Farshid
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.,SA Pathology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Michael P Brown
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
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Tzanavaris K, Pettas E, Thermos G, Georgaki M, Piperi E, Nikitakis NG. Base of tongue metastasis of cutaneous malignant melanoma with rhabdoid and neuroendocrine features: Report of a rare case and review of the literature. Head Neck Pathol 2022; 16:1230-1241. [PMID: 35524032 PMCID: PMC9729478 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-022-01437-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) represents a highly aggressive cancer associated with overall poor prognosis. Various anatomic sites can be affected, including the oral cavity and the oropharynx. It may mimic other entities by assuming a variety of clinical appearances and exhibiting a plethora of microscopic variations. Herein, we present a case of a 63-year-old male with a MM metastasizing to the base of tongue, which developed 5 years after the original diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous MM of the chest and heralded its relapse; subsequently, neurological symptoms developed as a result of metastasis to the brain. Diagnostic challenges were encountered, as the tongue lesion clinically masqueraded as a pedunculated reactive lesion and microscopically displayed unusual rhabdoid and neuroendocrine features. Tumor cells expressed S-100, HMB-45, Melan-A, and SOX-10, while most cells with rhabdoid morphology were also positive for myogenin and Myo-D1. Chromogranin and synaptophysin positivity was further noticed in a subset of cells, suggestive of focal neuroendocrine differentiation. Molecular investigation revealed mutations for the BRAF V600E gene. Divergent differentiation of tumor cells may cause diagnostic pitfalls necessitating thorough immunohistochemical analysis. The presence of rhabdoid features and neuroendocrine differentiation are very uncommon, while their co-existence is extremely rare. Better characterization of such microscopic variations in MMs with evaluation of their potential biologic significance is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Efstathios Pettas
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology and Hospital Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigorios Thermos
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology and Hospital Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Georgaki
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology and Hospital Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Piperi
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology and Hospital Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos G. Nikitakis
- Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology and Hospital Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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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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Ferreira I, Arends MJ, Weyden L, Adams DJ, Brenn T. Primary de‐differentiated, trans‐differentiated and undifferentiated melanomas: overview of the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular spectrum. Histopathology 2021; 80:135-149. [PMID: 34958502 DOI: 10.1111/his.14545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Ferreira
- Experimental Cancer Genetics Wellcome Sanger Institute Wellcome Genome Campus Cambridge UK
- Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels Belgium
| | - Mark J Arends
- Division of Pathology Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre Edinburgh UK
| | - Louise Weyden
- Experimental Cancer Genetics Wellcome Sanger Institute Wellcome Genome Campus Cambridge UK
| | - David J Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics Wellcome Sanger Institute Wellcome Genome Campus Cambridge UK
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Division of Pathology Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre Edinburgh UK
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
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Ferreira I, Droop A, Edwards O, Wong K, Harle V, Habeeb O, Gharpuray-Pandit D, Houghton J, Wiedemeyer K, Mentzel T, Billings SD, Ko JS, Füzesi L, Mulholland K, Prusac IK, Liegl-Atzwanger B, de Saint Aubain N, Caldwell H, Riva L, van der Weyden L, Arends MJ, Brenn T, Adams DJ. The clinicopathologic spectrum and genomic landscape of de-/trans-differentiated melanoma. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:2009-2019. [PMID: 34155350 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation are rare and only poorly understood phenomena in cutaneous melanoma. To study this disease more comprehensively we have retrieved 11 primary cutaneous melanomas from our pathology archives showing biphasic features characterized by a conventional melanoma and additional areas of de-/trans-differentiation as defined by a lack of immunohistochemical expression of all conventional melanocytic markers (S-100 protein, SOX10, Melan-A, and HMB-45). The clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings were recorded and follow-up was obtained. The patients were mostly elderly (median: 81 years; range: 42-86 years) without significant gender predilection, and the sun-exposed skin of the head and neck area was most commonly affected. The tumors were deeply invasive with a mean depth of 7 mm (range: 4-80 mm). The dedifferentiated component showed atypical fibroxanthoma-like features in the majority of cases (7), while additional rhabdomyosarcomatous and epithelial transdifferentiation was noted histologically and/or immunohistochemically in two tumors each. The background conventional melanoma component was of desmoplastic (4), superficial spreading (3), nodular (2), lentigo maligna (1), or spindle cell (1) types. For the seven patients with available follow-up data (median follow-up period of 25 months; range: 8-36 months), two died from their disease, and three developed metastases. Next-generation sequencing of the cohort revealed somatic mutations of established melanoma drivers including mainly NF1 mutations (5) in the conventional component, which was also detected in the corresponding de-/trans-differentiated component. In summary, the diagnosis of primary cutaneous de-/trans-differentiated melanoma is challenging and depends on the morphologic identification of conventional melanoma. Molecular analysis is diagnostically helpful as the mutated gene profile is shared between the conventional and de-/trans-differentiated components. Importantly, de-/trans-differentiation does not appear to confer a more aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Ferreira
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alastair Droop
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Olivia Edwards
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kim Wong
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Victoria Harle
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Omar Habeeb
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand
| | | | - Joseph Houghton
- Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Katharina Wiedemeyer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Thomas Mentzel
- Dermatopathology Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | | | - Jennifer S Ko
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Laszlo Füzesi
- Center for Pathology, Robert-Weixler-Straße 48a, Kempten, Germany
| | | | - Ivana Kuzmic Prusac
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Split and Split University School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger
- Diagnostic and Research Centre for Molecular Biomedicine, Diagnostic and Research Centre for Pathology, Translational Sarcoma Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Subunit Sarcoma, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nicolas de Saint Aubain
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Helen Caldwell
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura Riva
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louise van der Weyden
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark J Arends
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh, UK.
- The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - David J Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
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Cazzato G, Lospalluti L, Colagrande A, Cimmino A, Romita P, Foti C, Demarco A, Arezzo F, Loizzi V, Cormio G, Sablone S, Resta L, Rossi R, Ingravallo G. Dedifferentiated Melanoma: A Diagnostic Histological Pitfall-Review of the Literature with Case Presentation. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2021; 8:494-501. [PMID: 34698090 PMCID: PMC8544555 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology8040051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiated melanoma is a particular form of malignant melanoma with a progressive worsening of the patient's clinical outcome. It is well known that melanoma can assume different histo-morphological patterns, to which specific genetic signatures correspond, sometimes but not always. In this review we address the diagnostic difficulties in correctly recognizing this entity, discuss the major differential diagnoses of interest to the dermatopathologist, and conduct a review of the literature with particular attention and emphasis on the latest molecular discoveries regarding the dedifferentiation/undifferentiation mechanism and more advanced therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Lucia Lospalluti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (C.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Anna Colagrande
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Antonietta Cimmino
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Paolo Romita
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (C.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Caterina Foti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (C.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Aurora Demarco
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (C.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Section of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Section of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Section of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Sablone
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Bari Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Resta
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.I.)
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Kavuncuoglu A, Durmaz CD, Gokoz O, Uner A, Kosemehmetoglu K. Undifferentiated Melanoma Resembling Undifferentiated Round Cell Sarcoma: The Diagnostic Power of Molecular Melanoma Signature. Int J Surg Pathol 2021; 30:346-349. [PMID: 34617795 DOI: 10.1177/10668969211052238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Melanomas presenting in primary or metastatic sites with a poorly differentiated histology comprise dedifferentiated (DM) and undifferentiated melanomas (UM), the latter consisting purely of undifferentiated cells and totally lacking immunophenotypic features of melanoma. These entities have a wide morphological spectrum including round cell sarcoma-like features which pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Here we present a case of UM with morphological and immunohistochemical features resembling undifferentiated round cell sarcoma, whose diagnosis could only be established after proper integration of clinical and molecular data. This diagnostically challenging case, fulfilling the previously proposed diagnostic criteria by Agaimy et al, expands the clinicopathological spectrum of DM/UM, highlights the essence of molecular signature, and further emphasizes the importance of patient's history in any morphological setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ceren Damla Durmaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, 37515Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozay Gokoz
- Department of Pathology, 37515Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Uner
- Department of Pathology, 37515Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Thway K, Fisher C. Undifferentiated and dedifferentiated soft tissue neoplasms: Immunohistochemical surrogates for differential diagnosis. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:170-186. [PMID: 34602314 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas (USTS) are described in the current World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours as those showing no identifiable line of differentiation when analyzed by presently available technologies. This is a markedly heterogeneous group, and the diagnosis of USTS remains one of exclusion. USTS can be divided into four morphologic subgroups: pleomorphic, spindle cell, round cell and epithelioid undifferentiated sarcomas, with this combined group accounting for up to 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas. As molecular advances enable the stratification of emerging genetic subsets within USTS, particularly within undifferentiated round cell sarcomas, other groups, particularly the category of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS), still remain difficult to substratify and represent heterogeneous collections of neoplasms often representing the common morphologic endpoints of a variety of malignant tumors of various (mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal) lineages. However, recent molecular developments have also enabled the identification and correct classification of many tumors from various lines of differentiation that would previously have been bracketed under 'UPS'. This includes pleomorphic neoplasms and dedifferentiated neoplasms (the latter typically manifesting with an undifferentiated pleomorphic morphology) of mesenchymal (e.g. solitary fibrous tumor and gastrointestinal stromal tumor) and non-mesenchymal (e.g. melanoma and carcinoma) origin. The precise categorization of 'pleomorphic' or 'undifferentiated' neoplasms is critical for prognostication, as, for example, dedifferentiated liposarcoma typically behaves less aggressively than other pleomorphic sarcomas, and for management, including the potential for targeted therapies based on underlying recurrent molecular features. In this review we focus on undifferentiated and dedifferentiated pleomorphic and spindle cell neoplasms, summarizing their key genetic, morphologic and immunophenotypic features in the routine diagnostic setting, and the use of immunohistochemistry in their principal differential diagnosis, and highlight new developments and entities in the group of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khin Thway
- Sarcoma Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom; Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Rd, London, SW3 6JB, United Kingdom.
| | - Cyril Fisher
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Rd, London, SW3 6JB, United Kingdom; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2GW, United Kingdom
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Agaimy A. Pleomorphic (giant cell) carcinoma revisited: A historical perspective and conceptual reappraisal. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:187-192. [PMID: 34583859 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The term pleomorphic "giant cell" carcinoma was coined by Sommers and Meissner in 1954 for a pancreatic carcinoma variant showing a "sarcoma-like transformation" and characterized by an admixture of undifferentiated cells with striking variation in size and shape. Based on the predominant cell type, four patterns were recognized: spindle cell (sarcomatoid), pleomorphic "giant cell", osteoclastic giant cell-rich, and anaplastic round cell. These four basic patterns frequently coexisted within same tumor, albeit to a significantly variable extent. Follow-up series further characterized the entity, expanded its topographic distribution to include almost all organ systems, and illustrated its morphological and phenotypic homology among different organs. Although resemblance of the neoplastic cells to rhabdomyoblasts was already pointed out by Stout in 1958, the term "rhabdoid" (introduced in 1978 for specific kidney tumors) was not used for carcinomas until 1993. Review of the old and recent literature indicates pleomorphic "giant cell" carcinoma is not an entity but a morphological pattern in the spectrum of undifferentiated (anaplastic) and sarcomatoid carcinoma that can originate in any organ, either in a pure form or as a dedifferentiated carcinoma component. These tumors fall into two major categories: a monomorphic (variable admixture of small or larger "gemistocyte-like" rhabdoid cells and epithelioid cells) and a pleomorphic (bizarre large polygonal, spindled, or multinucleated malignant cells) subtype. The few available genetic studies suggest close association of the monomorphic type with SWI/SNF pathway defects, while bizarre-looking pleomorphic tumors usually harbor complex and heterogeneous genetic alterations. Most tumors dominated by the pleomorphic "giant cell" pattern are extremely aggressive, resulting in death, soon after diagnosis, irrespective of treatment modalities. This review gives an historical account on the evolution of the pleomorphic "giant cell" carcinoma concept with special reference to their relationship to SWI/SNF complex alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany.
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44
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Agaimy A, Hartmann A, Trpkov K, Hes O. Undifferentiated and dedifferentiated urological carcinomas: lessons learned from the recent developments. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:152-162. [PMID: 34579992 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Loss of the morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics of a neoplasm is a well-known phenomenon in surgical pathology and occurs across different tumor types in almost all organs. This process may be either partial, characterized by transition from well differentiated to undifferentiated tumor component (=dedifferentiated carcinomas) or complete (=undifferentiated carcinomas). Diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma is significantly influenced by the extent of sampling. Although the concept of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated carcinoma has been well established for other organs (e.g. endometrium), it still has not been fully defined for urological carcinomas. Accordingly, undifferentiated/ dedifferentiated genitourinary carcinomas are typically lumped into the spectrum of poorly differentiated, sarcomatoid, or unclassified (NOS) carcinomas. In the kidney, dedifferentiation occurs across all subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but certain genetically defined RCC types (SDH-, FH- and PBRM1- deficient RCC) seem to have inherent tendency to dedifferentiate. Histologically, the undifferentiated component displays variable combination of four patterns: spindle cells, pleomorphic giant cells, rhabdoid cells, and undifferentiated monomorphic cells with/without prominent osteoclastic giant cells. Any of these may occasionally be associated with heterologous mesenchymal component/s. Their immunophenotype is often simple with expression of vimentin and variably pankeratin or EMA. Precise subtyping of undifferentiated (urothelial versus RCC and the exact underlying RCC subtype) is best done by thorough sampling supplemented as necessary by immunohistochemistry (e.g. FH, SDHB, ALK) and/ or molecular studies. This review discusses the morphological and molecular genetic spectrum and the recent develoments on the topic of dedifferentiated and undifferentiated genitourinary carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kiril Trpkov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Alberta Precision Labs and University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ondrej Hes
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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Yousef S, Joy C, Velaiutham S, Maclean FM, Harraway J, Gill AJ, Vargas AC. Dedifferentiated melanoma with MDM2 gene amplification mimicking dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Pathology 2021; 54:371-374. [PMID: 34420795 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.05.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samer Yousef
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, NSW, Australia.
| | - Christopher Joy
- Department of Cytogenetics, Sullivan Nicolades Pathology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Fiona M Maclean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, NSW, Australia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - James Harraway
- Department of Cytogenetics, Sullivan Nicolades Pathology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia; NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ana Cristina Vargas
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, NSW, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Agaimy A, Daum O, Michal M, Schmidt MW, Stoehr R, Hartmann A, Lauwers GY. Undifferentiated large cell/rhabdoid carcinoma presenting in the intestines of patients with concurrent or recent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of 14 cases indicates an unusual pattern of dedifferentiated metastases. Virchows Arch 2021; 479:157-167. [PMID: 33506327 PMCID: PMC8298222 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated carcinoma metastatic to the bowel is uncommon in surgical pathology practice and might be confused with primary gastrointestinal carcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and others. We present 14 cases of uni- (n = 9) or multifocal (n = 5) undifferentiated large cell/rhabdoid carcinoma presenting in the bowel of patients with concurrent (n = 9) or recent (diagnosed 1 to 25 months earlier; median, 4) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients were 6 females and 8 males, aged 52 to 85 years. Primary NSCLC was verified histologically in 10 cases and by imaging in 4. The undifferentiated histology was present in the lung biopsy in 4/10 patients (as sole pattern in 3 and combined with adenocarcinoma in 1) and was limited to the intestinal metastases in the remainder. PDL1 was strongly expressed in 7/9 cases (CPS: 41 to 100). Loss of at least one SWI/SNF subunit was detected in 7/13 cases (54%). SMARCA2 loss (n = 6) was most frequent and was combined with SMARCA4 loss in one case. PBRM1 loss was observed in one tumor. Successful molecular testing of 11 cases revealed BRAF mutations in 4 (3 were non-V600E variants), KRAS mutations in 3, and wildtype in 4. None had EGFR mutations. Analysis of 4 paired samples revealed concordant KRAS (2) and BRAF (1) mutations or wildtype (1). Our study indicates that undifferentiated carcinoma within the intestines of patients with concurrent/recent NSCLC represents dedifferentiated metastasis from the NSCLC. Recognition of this unusual presentation is cardinal to avoid misdiagnosis with inappropriate therapeutic and prognostic implications.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biopsy
- Carcinoma, Large Cell/chemistry
- Carcinoma, Large Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Large Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/chemistry
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/secondary
- Cell Dedifferentiation
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Humans
- Intestinal Neoplasms/chemistry
- Intestinal Neoplasms/genetics
- Intestinal Neoplasms/secondary
- Lung Neoplasms/chemistry
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
- Mutation
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Prognosis
- Rhabdoid Tumor/chemistry
- Rhabdoid Tumor/genetics
- Rhabdoid Tumor/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Ondrej Daum
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Michal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mona W Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Stoehr
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gregory Y Lauwers
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology and Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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