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Wong RWC, Talia KL, McCluggage WG. Gastric-type glandular lesions of the female genital tract excluding the cervix: emerging pathological entities. Histopathology 2024; 85:20-39. [PMID: 38477341 DOI: 10.1111/his.15174] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the last two decades or so, a spectrum of benign, premalignant and malignant cervical glandular lesions exhibiting gastric differentiation has been described, with gastric-type adenocarcinoma representing the most common human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent cervical adenocarcinoma. More recently, limited literature has reported a variety of gastric-type glandular lesions at other sites within the female genital tract and, as in the cervix (the most common site for these lesions), a spectrum of benign, premalignant and malignant lesions has been proposed. We provide an update and review of the emerging spectrum of gastric-type glandular lesions at female genital tract sites other than the cervix. In the endometrium, putative gastric-type glandular lesions include mucinous metaplasia of gastric-type, atypical mucinous proliferation of gastric-type and gastric-type adenocarcinoma. Similarly in the vagina, gastric-type adenosis, atypical adenosis and adenocarcinoma have been described. There have also been occasional reports of gastric-type lesions involving the ovary and fallopian tube. We provide guidance on how to recognise gastric-type lesions morphologically and immunophenotypically and stress that sometimes these lesions occur at more than one site within the female genital tract (synchronous/multifocal gastric-type lesions of the female genital tract), sometimes in association with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W-C Wong
- Department of Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Karen L Talia
- Department of Pathology, Royal Children's Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
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Jin WM, Zhu Y, Cai ZQ, He N, Yu ZQ, Li S, Yang JY. Progress of Clinical Studies Targeting Claudin18.2 for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2024:10.1007/s10620-024-08435-4. [PMID: 38769225 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Claudin18.2 is a tight junction protein, highly selective, generally expressed only in normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells, which can effectively maintain the polarity of epithelial and endothelial cells, thus effectively regulating the permeability and conductance of the paracellular pathway. Abnormal expression of Claudin18.2 can occur in various primary malignant tumors, especially gastrointestinal tumors, and even in metastatic foci. It regulates its expression by activating the aPKC/MAPK/AP-1 pathway, and therefore, the Claudin18.2 protein is a pan-cancer target expressed in primary and metastatic lesions in human cancer types. Zolbetuximab (IMAB362), an antibody specific for Claudin18.2, has been successfully tested in a phase III clinical trial, and the results of the study showed that combining Zolbetuximab with chemotherapy notably extends patients' survival and is expected to be a potential first-line treatment for patients with Claudin18.2(+)/HER-2(-) gastric cancer. Here, we systematically describe the biological properties and oncogenic effects of Claudin18.2, centering on its clinical-pathological aspects and the progress of drug studies in gastric cancer, which can help to further explore its clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Mei Jin
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Cai
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Na He
- Department of General, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiong Yu
- Department of Respiratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Yuan Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Nishio H, Matsuda R, Iwata T, Yamagami W. Gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: clinical features and future directions. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:516-520. [PMID: 38366663 PMCID: PMC11075765 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyae019] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of gastric-type mucinous carcinoma of the uterine cervix (GAS) has been accepted worldwide because of its aggressive clinical behaviour and the absence of high-risk human papilloma virus infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 classification divides cervical tumours into two categories: human papilloma virus-associated and human papilloma virus-independent. Hence, GAS is now classified as an human papilloma virus-independent gastric type. Because clinical studies have reported that GAS is refractory to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, especially at an advanced stage, and has aggressive features with widespread dissemination to unusual sites, such as the omentum, peritoneum and distant organs, it is urgent to establish new treatment strategies by comparing the molecular profiles of human papilloma virus-associated adenocarcinomas. A series of genetic mutations characteristic to GAS encourage the development of future treatment strategies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Risa Matsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Iwata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Sun Y, Lin W, Zou Q, Zheng W, Zhang H, Zhou F. Gastric Type Endocervical Adenocarcinoma With Concurrent High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: A Clinicopathologic Study of Three Patients. Int J Surg Pathol 2024:10668969241241637. [PMID: 38562048 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241241637] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigate gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), a prominent HPV-independent adenocarcinoma, and its coexistence with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) through the examination of three such tumors. METHODS In this study, we conducted an in-depth review of three patients with gastric-type ECA, each associated with high-risk HPV infection as detected on Pap smears. We detailed the clinical and pathological features of each patient and utilized RNAscope for high-risk HPV testing to ascertain HPV status in both gastric-type ECA and HSIL components. Immunohistochemistry with p16, p53, and other biomarkers was also applied. RESULTS The gastric-type ECA component, characterized by well-differentiated glands with abundant, clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm, distinct cellular borders, and pale nuclei with conspicuous nucleoli, tested negative for both p16 and high-risk HPV, unlike the concurrent HSIL components which were positive. Additionally, two tumors showed aberrant p53 protein expression in the gastric-type ECA areas, and elevated carbohydrate antigen19-9 levels were noted in two patients. Treatment consisted of total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, supplemented by chemotherapy and/or radiation, with disease-free intervals of 24, 12, and 40 months post-treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION This study highlights the critical need for meticulous diagnostic protocols that combine morphological examination, immunohistochemistry, and HPV RNA in situ hybridization. The rarity of gastric-type ECA coexisting with HPV infection underscores the necessity for continuous research and vigilant monitoring in the field of gynecological oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Sun
- Departments of Pathology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wanrun Lin
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qiuqin Zou
- Departments of Pathology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- Departments of Pathology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Departments of Pathology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Nishio S. Current status and molecular biology of human papillomavirus-independent gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the cervix. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1106-1113. [PMID: 36759334 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the findings of clinical studies on gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the cervix to date, outline the molecular biological features identified in recent studies, and discusses the future therapeutic strategies. Gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the cervix is a new classification in the World Health Organization 2014 classification. The World Health Organization 2020 classification further divides cervical tumors into two categories: human papillomavirus-associated and human papillomavirus-independent. Thus, gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the cervix is now classified as a human papillomavirus-independent gastric type. Clinical studies have reported that gastric adenocarcinoma of the cervix is refractory to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and it is desirable to elucidate its molecular biological mechanism. A series of gene mutations characteristic to the gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the cervix encourage the development of future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Nishio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
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Wang F, Yang Y, Du X, Zhu X, Hu Y, Lu C, Sui L, Zhao H, Song K, Yao Q. Claudin18.2 as a potential therapeutic target for primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas and metastatic ovarian mucinous carcinomas from upper gastrointestinal primary tumours. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:44. [PMID: 36639622 PMCID: PMC9837907 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of ovarian mucinous carcinomas are metastatic tumours derived from nonovarian primary cancers, typically gastrointestinal neoplasms. Therapy targeting claudin18.2 might be used in gastric, gastroesophageal junction and pancreatic cancers with high expression of claudin18.2. In this study, we aimed to profile the expression of claudin18.2 in primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma (POMC) and metastatic gastrointestinal mucinous carcinoma (MGMC). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to detect claudin 18.2 expression in whole tissue sections of ovarian mucinous carcinomas, including 32 POMCs and 44 MGMCs, 23 of which were derived from upper gastrointestinal primary tumours and 21 of which were derived from lower gastrointestinal primary tumours. Immunohistochemical studies for claudin18.2, SATB2, PAX8, CK7 and CK20 were performed in all 76 cases. RESULTS Among 76 primary and metastatic mucinous carcinomas, claudin18.2 was expressed in 56.6% (43/76) of cases. MGMCs from the upper gastrointestinal tract, including 22 derived from primary stomach tumours and one derived from a pancreas tumour, were positive for claudin 18.2 in 69.5% (16/23) of cases. MGMCs from the lower gastrointestinal tract, including 10 derived from primary appendiceal cancer and 11 derived from colorectal cancers, showed no claudin18.2 expression (0/21). The expression rate of claudin18.2 in primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms, including 22 primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas and 10 primary ovarian borderline mucinous tumours, was 84.4% (27/32). The common immunophenotypic characteristics of POMCs, upper gastrointestinal tract-derived MGMCs, and lower gastrointestinal tract-derived MGMCs were claudin18.2 + /PAX8 + /SATB2- (17/32), claudin18.2 + /PAX8-/SATB2- (16/23) and claudin18.2-/PAX8-/SATB2 + (19/21), respectively. CONCLUSION Claudin18.2 is highly expressed in POMCs and MGMCs derived from upper gastrointestinal tract primary tumours; therefore, claudin18.2-targeted therapy might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for POMCs and MGMCs from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujun Wang
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China ,Department of Gynecology, Junan County People’s Hospital, Junan, 276600 Shan Dong China
| | - Yao Yang
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266011 Shan Dong China
| | - Xiuzhen Du
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Yanjiao Hu
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Changyu Lu
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Lei Sui
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Han Zhao
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Kejuan Song
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
| | - Qin Yao
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003 Shan Dong China
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Wang DW, Zhang WH, Danil G, Yang K, Hu JK. The role and mechanism of claudins in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1051497. [PMID: 36620607 PMCID: PMC9818346 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1051497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are a tetraspan membrane protein multigene family that plays a structural and functional role in constructing tight junctions. Claudins perform crucial roles in maintaining cell polarity in epithelial and endothelial cell sheets and controlling paracellular permeability. In the last two decades, increasing evidence indicates that claudin proteins play a major role in controlling paracellular permeability and signaling inside cells. Several types of claudins are dysregulated in various cancers. Depending on where the tumor originated, claudin overexpression or underexpression has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell growth, metabolism, metastasis and cell stemness. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is one of the most important functions of claudin proteins in disease progression. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that explain why claudin proteins are so important to tumorigenesis and progression have not been determined. In addition, claudins are currently being investigated as possible diagnostic and treatment targets. Here, we discuss how claudin-related signaling pathways affect tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and treatment sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Wen Wang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Han Zhang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Galiullin Danil
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Central Research Laboratory, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
| | - Kun Yang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian-Kun Hu
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Jian-Kun Hu,
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Fadare O. Mucinous Proliferations of the Uterine Corpus: Comprehensive Appraisal of an Evolving Spectrum of Neoplasms. Adv Anat Pathol 2022; 29:275-296. [PMID: 35499137 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000348] [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
A variety of endometrial lesions may contain mucinous cells. Herein, the author reviews the literature on the classification and clinicopathologic significance of uterine corpus proliferations with a significant mucinous component, assesses the 2020 World Health Organization classification of such lesions, and presents a diagnostic framework. The key epithelial mucinous lesions include mucinous metaplasia, atypical mucinous glandular proliferation and mucinous carcinoma. Each of these categories are classifiable into "usual" and gastrointestinal subtypes, the latter being indicative of intestinal (presence of goblet cells) and/or gastric-type (abundant, pale eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm and well-defined cell borders) morphology. It has been proposed that at least focal expression of gastrointestinal immunohistochemical markers be required for all gastrointestinal type lesions, and for gastrointestinal type atypical mucinous glandular proliferation and carcinoma, minimality or absence of estrogen receptor expression, and the absence of an endometrioid component. Mucinous carcinomas of the usual type, in which >50% of the tumor is comprised of a mucinous component, are the most common. Morphologic subtypes include mucinous carcinoma with microglandular features and mucinous carcinoma with signet rings (signet ring carcinoma). Endometrioid carcinomas with a less than a 50% mucinous component are classified as endometrioid carcinoma with mucinous differentiation. Several studies have directly compared endometrioid and mucinous carcinomas, the latter presumably of the usual type, with respect to patient outcomes after treatment. All have found no difference in overall and disease free survival between these groups. However, three major studies have found mucinous carcinomas to be associated with a higher risk of lymph node metastases. Nineteen cases of mucinous carcinoma of the gastrointestinal type have been reported, and the limited data on their follow-up after primary treatment suggests that this subtype is more clinically aggressive and should accordingly be classified separately from mucinous carcinomas of the usual type. The morphologic spectrum of mucinous carcinoma of the gastrointestinal type is unclear and continues to evolve. Mucinous change, which may sometimes be extensive, may also be associated with papillary proliferation of the endometrium, adenomyoma of the endocervical type, atypical, and typical adenomyomas. In a curettage or biopsy, intestinal type mucinous epithelium may be indicative of any of the gastrointestinal lesions mentioned above, but may also represent samplings of uterine teratomas, yolk sac tumors, genital and extragenital adenocarcinomas with intestinal differentiation, or low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms that secondarily involve the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwole Fadare
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
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Du X, Hu Y, Ji X, Sui L, Zheng Q, Song K, Lv T, Chen Y, Zhao H, Dai S, Zhao P, Yao Q. Membranous and nuclear staining of CLDN18 in HPV-independent and HPV-associated endocervical adenocarcinomas. Cancer Med 2022; 12:1441-1450. [PMID: 35861118 PMCID: PMC9883430 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5029] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A classification system for endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) based on high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) status has been established; however, the immunohistochemical markers distinguishing HPV-independent and HPV-associated ECAs have not been fully described. Here, we aimed to characterize ECA immunopathological features. METHODS We evaluated the immunohistochemical profile of CLDN18, CDX2, PAX8, p16, p53, and CEA in 60 ECAs comprising 10 HPV-independent ECAs and 50 HPV-associated ECAs. Both the membranous and nuclear expression levels of CLDN18 were analyzed. RESULTS Membranous CLDN18 (CLDN18 [M]) was found to be expressed in the mucinous epithelium of all HPV-independent ECAs, including eight gastric-type ECAs (G-ECAs), one endometrioid ECA, and one clear cell ECA, but no nuclear CLDN18 (CLDN18 [N]) expression was detected in HPV-independent ECAs. Among HPV-associated ECAs, CLDN18 (M) expression levels in intestinal-type (I-ECAs) and usual-type ECAs (U-ECAs) were significantly different from those in invasive stratified mucin-producing (iSMILE) carcinomas (p = 0.036). Positive CLDN18 (M) staining was present in 55.6% (5/9) of intestinal-type and 39.4% (13/33) of usual-type ECAs and was not present in iSMILE ECAs. Silva pattern C cancers expressed higher levels of CLDN18 (M) than Silva pattern A and B cancers (p = 0.004), whereas the CLDN18 (N) expression levels in cancers showing Silva pattern A were significantly higher than those in cancers exhibiting Silva patterns B and C (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Membranous CLDN18 is expressed in ECAs and is particularly frequently expressed in HPV-independent ECAs, and membranous CLDN18 expression has potential as a therapeutic target. Nuclear staining of CLDN18 is a new immunohistochemical marker for diagnosing Silva pattern A HPV-associated ECAs and is associated with a good prognosis. Further studies should investigate the therapeutic and prognostic significance of membranous and nuclear CLDN18 expression and develop a related test that can be implemented in the clinical evaluation of ECAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhen Du
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Yanjiao Hu
- Department of PathologyThe affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Lei Sui
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Qingmei Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Kejuan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Teng Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Yulong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of PathologyThe affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Shuzhen Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of PathologyThe affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
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