Periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma: do androgen receptor (NR3C4) and nuclear survivin (BIRC5) have a prognostic significance?

Expression of nuclear receptors and glucose metabolic pathway proteins in sebaceous carcinoma: Androgen receptor and monocarboxylate transporter 1 have a key role in disease progression

Standard systemic treatments are not consistently effective for treating unresectable or advanced sebaceous carcinoma (SC). The present study investigated the pathogenic roles of nuclear receptors (NRs), glucose metabolic dysregulation and immune checkpoint proteins in SC as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets. Patients with pathologically confirmed SC between January 2002 and December 2019 at three university hospitals in South Korea were included in the present study. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded tumor tissues for glucocorticoid receptors (GR), androgen receptors (AR), estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1 and MCT4), CD147, phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) and the immune checkpoint protein, programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The results were semi-quantitatively assessed and the associations of these proteins with various clinicopathological parameters were determined. A total of 39 cases of SC comprising 19 periocular and 20 extraocular tumors were enrolled. NRs were frequently detected in the tumor nuclei, with GR having the highest frequency (89.7%), followed by AR, ER (both 51.3%) and PR (41.0%). Regarding glucose metabolism, CD147, GLUT1 and MCT1 were highly expressed at 100, 89.7 and 87.2%, respectively, whereas MCT4 and pAMPK expression levels were relatively low at 38.5 and 35.9%, respectively. Membranous expression of PD-L1 was detected in five cases (12.8%), four of which were extraocular. In the multivariate analysis, advanced stage, low AR positivity and high MCT1 expression were independent poor prognostic factors for metastasis-free survival (all P<0.05). The present results suggested that hormonal and metabolic dysregulation may be associated with the pathogenesis of SC, and that AR and MCT1 in particular may serve as prognostic indicators and potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, ~10% of SC cases exhibited PD-L1 expression within the druggable range, and these patients are expected to benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Clinicopathologic Features of Eyelid Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma Requiring Immunohistochemical Diagnosis

Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC), which requires immunohistochemical examination for a definitive diagnosis.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with a final diagnosis of eyelid SGC at Toyama University Hospital between April 2016 and April 2022 were retrospectively studied. In cases with a strong clinical suspicion of SGC, if the initial pathological diagnosis by hematoxylin-eosin staining was non-SGC, additional detailed pathology was performed, including immunostaining for adipophilin (ADP) and androgen receptor (AR).

Results

Five patients (18.5%) had a diagnosis other than SGC, including three with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), one with basal cell carcinoma, and one with Bowen disease. In these 5 cases, detailed pathology, including immunostaining for ADP and AR, was performed again, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of SGC. ADP was positive in all 5 cases, and AR was positive in 4 cases. The 3 patients diagnosed with SCC were characterized by a high Ki-67 index, active mitosis, and relatively low differentiation.

Conclusion

SGC can be pathologically diagnosed in other cancers, such as SCC and BCC. When SCC was diagnosed, it was often hypo-differentiated and required more attention. Immunostaining for ADP and AR is invaluable for confirming SGC diagnosis.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the recurrence of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma

PURPOSE

Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is a malignancy with fatal risk, high recurrence rate, and pagetoid spread. Thus, recurrence risk prediction and prompt treatment are extremely important. This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict SGC recurrence based on potential risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study to train and test a nomogram based on the clinical data of 391 patients across our hospital (304) and other grass-roots hospitals (87). After Cox regression, predictors included in the nomogram were selected, and sensitivity, specificity, concordance index (C-index), etc., were calculated to test their discrimination ability.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 4.12 years, SGC recurred in 52 (17.11%) patients. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 88.3%, 85.4%, and 81.6%, respectively. We examined five risk factors, such as lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.260; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.021-5.007), Ki67 (HR, 1.036; 95% CI, 1.020-1.052), histology differentiation degree (HR, 2.274; 95% CI, 1.063-4.865), conjunctival pagetoid infiltration (HR, 2.100; 95% CI, 1.0058-4.167), and orbital involvement (HR, 4.764; 95% CI, 1.436-15.803). The model had good discrimination in both internal and external test sets. The model had good discrimination in both internal and external test sets. The sensitivity of the internal test and external test set were 0.722 and 0.806, respectively, and specificity of the internal test and external test set were 0.886 and 0.893, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We examined the potential risk factors for eyelid SGC recurrence and constructed a nomogram, which complements the TNM system in terms of prediction, indicating that our nomogram has the potential to reach clinical significance. This nomogram has the potential to assist healthcare practitioners in promptly detecting patients who are at an elevated risk and in tailoring clinical interventions to meet their individualized needs.

Primary Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyebrow: A Case Report

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon but aggressive malignancy and has a specific anatomic preference for the ocular region, especially the eyelids. However, periocular SC originated from the eyebrow is rare, which may cause poorer outcomes due to a greater likelihood of orbital invasion and excessive tumor volume. In the present case, we exhibited a 68-year-old male presenting with a large solid mass in his right eyebrow region developing in ten months. Based on the patient's history, clinical conditions, orbital computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan results, a malignant tumor was suspected preliminarily. Excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of the tumor revealed SC. The patient declined the enlarged surgery recommended next and ended up with death caused by the distant metastasis of SC. The case highlighted the fact that despite its rarity, SC should be considered as a differential diagnosis of tumors located in the eyebrow region and histopathologic evaluation must be performed to reach a definite diagnosis. Ophthalmologists are supposed to have a comprehensive understanding of the clinicopathological characteristics of this disease and help patients accept the appropriate treatments promptly via properly and adequate communication if necessary.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Submandibular Gland a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objective

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the submandibular gland is extremely rare. Owing to the low morbidity and nonspecific clinical manifestations, diagnosis is commonly delayed, which increases metastasis and mortality. To date, there have been five reported cases of SC of the submandibular gland. Here, we present a new case and review the relevant literature.

Methods and Results

A 36-year-old woman presented with an enlarged left submandibular gland. Clinical features included a non-tender solitary nodular mass with normal overlying skin. There were no special findings on computed tomography or ultrasound examination except for a swollen mass in the left submandibular gland. The patient underwent surgical resection. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of SC with nerve infiltration. Immunohistochemical examination of this case showed positive staining for P63, P40, CK7, CK8/18, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. The specimen was negative for androgen receptor, CEA, S-100, CK5/6, SOX-10, SOX-11, SMA, and GCDFP-15. The KI-67 labeling index was determined to be 15%. PAS and anti-epithelial membrane antigen were positive in partial area. The patient is still undergoing follow-up, and no metastasis or recurrence has been observed for 2 months.

Conclusion

This case highlighted the fact that despite its rarity, SC should be considered as a differential diagnosis for masses located in the head and face. Early and accurate diagnosis, followed by wide surgical excision, has a favorable prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should be familiar with the clinical and pathological features of this disease.

Targeted Sequencing Revealed Distinct Mutational Profiles of Ocular and Extraocular Sebaceous Carcinomas

The biological behavior of sebaceous carcinoma (SeC) is relatively indolent; however, local invasion or distant metastasis is sometimes reported. Nevertheless, a lack of understanding of the genetic background of SeC makes it difficult to apply effective systemic therapy. This study was designed to investigate major genetic alterations in SeCs in Korean patients. A total of 29 samples, including 20 ocular SeCs (SeC-Os) and 9 extraocular SeCs (SeC-EOs), were examined. Targeted next-generation sequencing tests including 171 cancer-related genes were performed. TP53 and PIK3CA genes were frequently mutated in both SeC-Os and SeC-EOs with slight predominance in SeC-Os, whereas the NOTCH1 gene was more commonly mutated in SeC-EOs. In clinical correlation, mutations in RUNX1 and ATM were associated with development of distant metastases, and alterations in MSH6 and BRCA1 were associated with inferior progression-free survival (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed distinct genetic alterations between SeC-Os and SeC-EOs and some important prognostic molecular markers. Mutations in potentially actionable genes, including EGFR, ERBB2, and mismatch repair genes, were noted, suggesting consideration of a clinical trial in intractable cases.

Twenty-Eight Cases of Extraocular Sebaceous Carcinoma: A Correlative Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Analysis of Extraocular Sebaceous Carcinomas and Benign Sebaceous Gland Tumors

ABSTRACT

Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma (ESC) is a rare appendiceal skin tumor. In contrast to ocular sebaceous carcinoma, information about the exact cellular architecture of these lesions is scarce and the histogenesis of ESC is unknown. Here, we extend our previous study and investigate 28 extraocular carcinomas in comparison to 54 benign sebaceous tumors and 8 cases of normal sebaceous glands using a broad spectrum of antibodies against p63, several keratins, adipophilin, EMA, Ki67, androgen receptor, and mismatch repair proteins. This observational study demonstrates that p63- and K5/14-positive basaloid cells are key cells in normal sebaceous gland and in all sebaceous tumors and that these basaloid cells give rise to EMA+, adipophilin+ sebocytes, and K5/14+, K7±, K10± ductal structures. Finally, about half of ESC is associated with superficial in situ neoplasia, which provides evidence that at least part of these carcinomas arises from flat superficial in situ carcinoma. In contrast to the normal sebaceous gland, about half of all sebaceous tumors lack keratin K7. MMR protein IHC-profiles role will be discussed.

Androgen receptor expression in epidermal and adnexal tumours

INTRODUCTION

Androgen receptor (AR) immunohistochemistry is used in general pathology and in dermatopathology, particularly for sebaceous tumours. The goal of this study was to quantify AR expression in benign and malignant epidermal tumours and adnexal tumours.

METHODS

We studied AR expression in 301 skin lesions using standard immunohistochemistry and compared 10 trichoblastomas, 10 sebaceomas and 10 hidradenomas using 5 markers (cytokeratin 7 and 8, PHLDA1, BerEp4 and AR).

RESULTS

The rates of AR expression were: 22% in basal cell carcinomas, 3% in squamous cell carcinomas, 92% in sebaceous tumours, 10% in follicular tumours and 22% in sweat gland tumours. Benign sebaceous tumours were AR+ in 97% of cases. Only 12% of sebaceous carcinomas showed no AR staining. The immunohistochemical profiles of the comparative study were as follows: sebaceoma: AR+, CK7-, CK8-, PHLDA1-, BerEp4-; hidradenoma: AR-, CK7+, CK8+, PHLDA1+, BerEp4+; trichoblastoma: AR-, CK7-, CK8-, PHLDA1+, BerEp4+.

DISCUSSION

AR staining was positive in 92% of sebaceous tumours, including sebaceomas, in some cases indicative of Muir-Torre syndrome. AR staining is therefore highly sensitive for the diagnosis of sebaceous tumours, but it is non-specific and is best used in combination with other antibodies, notably anti-CK8 and PHLDA1, particularly to distinguish sebaceoma from hidradenoma or trichoblastoma.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the eyelid is a rare, aggressive malignancy associated with high rates of recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Provide a collective analysis of clinical presentations, management techniques, and outcomes, and compare outcomes of common treatment methods.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Observational studies reporting management and outcomes of SC of the eyelid were included. Patient and clinical data were extracted, and meta-analysis of proportions was performed.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred thirty-three subjects were included with a mean age of 65.2 years and 803 (60.2%) women. Of 647 initial diagnoses reported, 277 (42.8%) were correct, and the mean diagnostic delay was 14.7 months (range 8.5-34.8). The tumor location was reported in 1,246 subjects and involved the upper eyelid in 780 (62.6%), lower eyelid in 409 (32.8%), and 57 (4.8%) involved both. Overall rates of recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality were 15.9%, 12.1%, and 6.2%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in wide local excision (WLE) versus Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid is more common in women, on the upper eyelid, and is frequently misdiagnosed initially. Rate of recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality were similar in subjects managed with WLE versus MMS.

Sebaceous carcinoma: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

Sebaceous carcinoma usually occurs in adults older than 60 years, on the eyelid, head and neck, and trunk. In this Review, we present clinical care recommendations for sebaceous carcinoma, which were developed as a result of an expert panel evaluation of the findings of a systematic review. Key conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for diagnosis, first-line treatment, radiotherapy, and post-treatment care. For diagnosis, we concluded that deep biopsy is often required; furthermore, differential diagnoses that mimic the condition can be excluded with special histological stains. For treatment, the recommended first-line therapy is surgical removal, followed by margin assessment of the peripheral and deep tissue edges; conjunctival mapping biopsies can facilitate surgical planning. Radiotherapy can be considered for cases with nerve or lymph node involvement, and as the primary treatment in patients who are ineligible for surgery. Post-treatment clinical examination should occur every 6 months for at least 3 years. No specific systemic therapies for advanced disease can be recommended, but targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being developed.

Sebaceous carcinoma: controversies and their evidence for clinical practice

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a potentially aggressive malignancy of periocular or extraocular skin. It arises sporadically or is associated with Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS). Here, we review three controversial clinical conundra related to the diagnosis and treatment of SC and offer evidence-based recommendations. First, following a diagnosis of SC, deciding which patients to screen for MTS can be challenging. The Mayo MTS Risk Score is a clinical score that incorporates the key cutaneous findings in MTS but relies heavily on personal and family history that may not be available at the time of SC diagnosis, especially in young patients. Young patients, who have extraocular SC and are suspected to have MTS though do not meet criteria by Mayo MTS Risk Score, should have their tumors tested using immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair proteins. Second, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used in periocular SC to evaluate nodal disease. Patient selection is critical for SLNB. Periocular SC stage ≥ T2c (by American Joint Commission on Cancer, 8th edition) may be considered for SLNB given positivity rates over fifteen percent in expert hands. Lastly, treatment of metastatic SC is an area of active investigation. When possible, tumor profiling may be used to select targeted agents. Future research into these three key questions is needed.

Immunohistochemical expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis in eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma predicts a worse prognosis

Purpose:

Overexpression of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins have been demonstrated in a variety and of solid tumors including melanomas and nonmelanomas skin cancers. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an inhibitor of apoptosis which prevents apoptosis by inhibiting caspases 9, 7, and 3. The prognostic value of XIAP in sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) remains unexplored.

Methods:

The immunohistochemical expression of XIAP was evaluated in 29 SGC cases.

Results:

The cytoplasmic overexpression of XIAP was detected in 62% SGC cases. XIAP expression was found to be significantly associated with advanced age, large tumor size, and with reduced disease-free survival (P = 0.0174). XIAP expression and advance tumor Grade III emerged as significant risk factors on univariate analysis. On stepwise multivariate analysis, both increased cytoplasmic XIAP expression and high tumor grade were found to be significantly associated with recurrence. Patients with low XIAP immunoexpression had a longer disease-specific survival than those with high expression in the 5-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates at the immunohistochemical level that XIAP is overexpressed in SGC and that high expression could be of biological significance in the development of eyelid SGC. Our finding suggests that up-regulation of XIAP may aggravate tumor metastasis in SGC.

Sebaceous lesions of the skin

Sebaceous differentiation is commonly seen in cutaneous neoplasms, both in the context of lesions showing predominantly sebaceous differentiation (e.g., sebaceous adenoma, sebaceoma and sebaceous carcinoma), or as more focal sebaceous components in neoplasms with other primary lines of differentiation. Sebaceous changes can also be a component of benign cystic lesions or epidermal tumours, and sebaceous hyperplasia is commonly encountered. This review is intended to provide an overview of the cutaneous lesions with sebaceous differentiation, with a particular emphasis on facilitating histological diagnosis of neoplasms. In addition, the role of immunohistochemical studies is outlined, as well as the evaluation of potential cases of Muir-Torre syndrome.

Topics in histopathology of sweat gland and sebaceous neoplasms

This article reviews several topics regarding sweat gland and sebaceous neoplasms. First, the clinicopathological characteristics of poroid neoplasms are summarized. It was recently reported that one-fourth of poroid neoplasms are composite tumors and one-fourth are apocrine type lesions. Recent progress in the immunohistochemical diagnosis of sweat gland neoplasms is also reviewed. CD117 can help to distinguish sweat gland or sebaceous tumors from other non-Merkel cell epithelial tumors of the skin. For immunohistochemical differential diagnosis between sweat gland carcinoma (SGC) other than primary cutanesous apocrine carcinoma and skin metastasis of breast carcinoma (SMBC), a panel of antibodies may be useful, including p63 (SGC⁺ , SMBC^- ), CK5/6 (SGC⁺ , SMBC^- ), podoplanin (SGC⁺ , SMBC^- ) and mammaglobin (SGC^- , SMBC⁺ ). Comparison of antibodies used for immunohistochemical diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma (SC) suggests that adipophilin has the highest sensitivity and specificity. Some authors have found that immunostaining for survivin, androgen receptor and ZEB2/SIP1 has prognostic value for ocular SC, but not extraocular SC. In situ SC is rare, especially extraocular SC, but there have been several recent reports that actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease are the source of invasive SC. Finally, based on recent reports, classification of sebaceous neoplasms into three categories is proposed, which are sebaceoma (a benign neoplasm with well-defined architecture and no atypia), borderline sebaceous neoplasm (low-grade SC; an intermediate tumor with well-defined architecture and nuclear atypia) and SC (a malignant tumor with invasive growth and evident nuclear atypia).