1
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Folpe AL, Tetzlaff MT, Billings SD, Torres-Mora J, Borowsky AD, Santiago TC, Ameline B, Baumhoer D. Superficial Neurocristic EWSR1::FLI1 Fusion Tumor: A Distinctive, Clinically Indolent, S100 Protein/SOX10-Positive Neoplasm. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100537. [PMID: 38866368 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
It is now understood that identical gene fusions may be shared by different entities. We report a distinctive neoplasm of the skin and subcutis, harboring the Ewing sarcoma-associated EWSR1::FLI1 fusion but differing otherwise from Ewing sarcoma. Slides and blocks for 5 cutaneous neoplasms coded as other than Ewing sarcoma and harboring EWSR1::FLI1 were retrieved. Immunohistochemical and molecular genetic results were abstracted from reports. Methylation profiling was performed. Clinical information was obtained. The tumors occurred in 4 men and 1 woman (median: 25 years of age; range: 19-69 years) and involved the skin/subcutis of the back (2), thigh, buttock, and chest wall (median: 2.4 cm; range: 1-11 cm). Two tumors were present "years" before coming to clinical attention. The lesions were multinodular and circumscribed and consisted of nests of bland, round cells admixed with hyalinized collagenous bands containing spindled cells. Hemorrhage and cystic change were often present; necrosis was absent. All were diffusely S100 protein/SOX10-positive; 4 of 5 were CD99-negative. One tested case was strongly positive for NKX2.2. A variety of other tested markers were either focally positive (glial fibrillary acidic protein, p63) or negative. Molecular genetic results were as follows: EWSR1 exon 7::FLI1 exon 8, EWSR1 exon 11::FLI1 exon 5, EWSR1 exon 11::FLI1 exon 6, EWSR1 exon 7::FLI1 exon 6, and EWSR1 exon 10::FLI1 exon 6. Methylation profiling (3 cases) showed these to form a unique cluster, distinct from Ewing sarcoma. All patients underwent excision with negative margins; one received 1 cycle of chemotherapy. Clinical follow-up showed all patients to be alive without disease (median: 17 months; range: 11-62 months). Despite similar gene fusions, the morphologic, immunohistochemical, epigenetic, and clinical features of these unique EWSR1::FLI1-fused neoplasms of the skin and subcutis differ substantially from Ewing sarcoma. Interestingly, EWSR1 rearrangements involved exons 10 or 11, only rarely seen in Ewing sarcoma, in a majority of cases. Superficial neurocristic EWSR1::FLI1 fusion tumors should be rigorously distinguished from true cutaneous Ewing sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Folpe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Michael T Tetzlaff
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Steven D Billings
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jorge Torres-Mora
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Baptiste Ameline
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Baumhoer
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Basel Research Centre for Child Health, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Daruish M, Ambrogio F, Colagrande A, Marzullo A, Alaggio R, Trilli I, Ingravallo G, Cazzato G. Kinase Fusions in Spitz Melanocytic Tumors: The Past, the Present, and the Future. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2024; 11:112-123. [PMID: 38390852 PMCID: PMC10885070 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology11010010] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, particular interest has developed in molecular biology applied to the field of dermatopathology, with a focus on nevi of the Spitz spectrum. From 2014 onwards, an increasing number of papers have been published to classify, stratify, and correctly frame molecular alterations, including kinase fusions. In this paper, we try to synthesize the knowledge gained in this area so far. In December 2023, we searched Medline and Scopus for case reports and case series, narrative and systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational studies-either longitudinal or historical, case series, and case reports published in English in the last 15 years using the keywords spitzoid neoplasms, kinase fusions, ALK, ROS1, NTRK (1-2-3), MET, RET, MAP3K8, and RAF1. ALK-rearranged Spitz tumors and ROS-1-rearranged tumors are among the most studied and characterized entities in the literature, in an attempt (although not always successful) to correlate histopathological features with the probable molecular driver alteration. NTRK-, RET-, and MET-rearranged Spitz tumors present another studied and characterized entity, with several rearrangements described but as of yet incomplete information about their prognostic significance. Furthermore, although rarer, rearrangements of serine-threonine kinases such as BRAF, RAF1, and MAP3K8 have also been described, but more cases with more detailed information about possible histopathological alterations, mechanisms of etiopathogenesis, and also prognosis are needed. The knowledge of molecular drivers is of great interest in the field of melanocytic diagnostics, and it is important to consider that in addition to immunohistochemistry, molecular techniques such as FISH, PCR, and/or NGS are essential to confirm and classify the different patterns of mutation. Future studies with large case series and molecular sequencing techniques are needed to allow for a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the role of fusion kinases in the spitzoid tumor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maged Daruish
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Dorchester DT1 2JY, UK
| | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Colagrande
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Marzullo
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Irma Trilli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
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3
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Chatzopoulos K, Syrnioti A, Linos K. Spitz Melanocytic Tumors: A Fascinating 75-Year Journey. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:195. [PMID: 38397186 PMCID: PMC10887813 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020195] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last 75 years, our understanding of Spitz lesions has undergone substantial evolution. Initially considered a specific type of melanoma, the perception has shifted towards recognizing Spitz lesions as a spectrum comprising Spitz nevi, Spitz melanocytomas, and Spitz melanomas. Spitz lesions are known for posing a significant diagnostic challenge regarding the distinction between benign neoplasms displaying atypical traits and melanomas. A comprehensive understanding of their molecular basis and genomic aberrations has significantly improved precision in classifying and diagnosing these challenging lesions. The primary aim of this review is to encapsulate the current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and distinct clinicopathologic characteristics defining this intriguing set of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Chatzopoulos
- Department of Pathology, Aristotle University, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonia Syrnioti
- Department of Pathology, Aristotle University, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Linos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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4
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Urso C. Spitz Tumors and Melanoma in the Genomic Age: A Retrospective Look at Ackerman's Conundrum. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5834. [PMID: 38136379 PMCID: PMC10741987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245834] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
After 25 years, "Ackerman's conundrum", namely, the distinction of benign from malignant Spitz neoplasms, remains challenging. Genomic studies have shown that most Spitz tumors harbor tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase fusions, including ALK, ROS1, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, BRAF and MAP3K8, or some mutations, such as HRAS and MAP3K8. These chromosomal abnormalities act as drivers, initiating the oncogenetic process and conferring basic bio-morphological features. Most Spitz tumors show no additional genomic alterations or few ones; others harbor a variable number of mutations, capable of conferring characteristics related to clinical behavior, including CDKN2A deletion and TERT-p mutation. Since the accumulation of mutations is gradual and progressive, tumors appear to form a bio-morphologic spectrum, in which they show a progressive increase of clinical risk and histological atypia. In this context, a binary classification Spitz nevus-melanoma appears as no longer adequate, not corresponding to the real genomic substrate of lesions. A ternary classification Spitz nevus-Spitz melanocytoma-Spitz melanoma is more adherent to the real neoplastic pathway, but some cases with intermediate ambiguous features remain difficult to diagnose. A prognostic stratification of Spitz tumors, based on the morphologic and genomic characteristics, as a complement to the diagnosis, may contribute to better treatment plans for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Urso
- Dermatopathology Study Center of Florence, I-50129 Florence, Italy
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5
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Donati M, Nosek D, Olivares S, Lemahieu J, Loontiens S, Mansour B, Gerami P, Kazakov DV. Spitz tumor with RAF1 fusion: A report of 3 cases. Ann Diagn Pathol 2023; 67:152215. [PMID: 37856952 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2023.152215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Spitz tumors are melanocytic neoplasms morphologically characterized by spindled and/or epithelioid cells and specific stromal and epidermal changes associated with mutually exclusive fusion kinases involving ALK, ROS1, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, MET and RET, BRAF and MAP3K8 genes or, less commonly, HRAS mutation. RAF1 fusions have been recently detected in cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms, including conventional melanoma, congenital nevus and BAP-1 inactivated tumors. We report herewith three Spitz neoplasms with a RAF1 fusion, including a previously reported CTDSPL::RAF1 fusion and two novel PPAP2B::RAF1 and ATP2B4::RAF1 fusions. Two cases were classified as Spitz nevus, while the remaining neoplasm was classified as Spitz melanoma at the time of the diagnosis, given 9p21 homozygous deletion and positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. We suggest that RAF1 fused melanocytic neoplasms can represent a novel subgroup of Spitz tumors, with a RAF1 fusion representing an oncogenic driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Donati
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniel Nosek
- Department of Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Siebe Loontiens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Molecular Diagnostics Ghent University Hospital (MDG), Ghent, Belgium; CRIG, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Boulos Mansour
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Israelitico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dmitry V Kazakov
- IDP Institut für Dermatohistopathologie, Pathologie Institut Enge, Zürich, Switzerland
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6
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Hagstrom M, Dhillon S, Fumero-Velázquez M, Olivares S, Gerami P. A reappraisal of the epidemiology of Spitz neoplasms in the molecular era: A retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:1185-1191. [PMID: 37567480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.08.005] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that Spitz neoplasms occur primarily in younger patients, leading pathologists to shy away from diagnosing a benign Spitz neoplasm in the elderly. With the advent of genomic sequencing, there is a need for reappraisal of the epidemiology of Spitz neoplasms in the modern molecular era. OBJECTIVE We aim to reassess the epidemiology of Spitz neoplasms incorporating next-generation sequencing. METHODS We looked at 53,814 non-Spitz neoplasms and 1260 Spitz neoplasms including 286 Spitz neoplasms with next-generation sequencing testing and collected various epidemiologic data. RESULTS In our general pool of cases, the proportion of Spitz neoplasm cases occurring is relatively the same in each of the first 4 decades of life with a precipitous drop in the fifth decade. In assessing a group of genomically verified cases of Spitz neoplasms, the drop was much less significant and up to 20% of all Spitz neoplasm cases occurred in patients over 50 years of age. LIMITATIONS Limitations included the number of genetically verified Spitz neoplasm cases available and a possible bias as to which cases undergo genomic testing. CONCLUSION Genomic verification may allow more confident diagnosis of Spitz neoplasms in patients over 50 years of age and avoid melanoma overdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hagstrom
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Soneet Dhillon
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Mónica Fumero-Velázquez
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
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7
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Roy SF, Milante R, Pissaloux D, Tirode F, Bastian BC, Fouchardière ADL, Yeh I. Spectrum of Melanocytic Tumors Harboring BRAF Gene Fusions: 58 Cases With Histomorphologic and Genetic Correlations. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100149. [PMID: 36841436 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100149] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
We report a series of 58 melanocytic tumors that harbor an activating fusion of BRAF, a component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. Cases were diagnosed as melanocytic nevus (n = 12, 21%), diagnostically ambiguous favor benign (n = 22, 38%), and diagnostically ambiguous concerning for melanoma (n = 12, 21%) or melanoma (n = 12, 21%). Three main histopathologic patterns were observed. The first pattern (buckshot fibrosis) was characterized by large, epithelioid melanocytes arrayed as single cells or "buckshot" within marked stromal desmoplasia. The second pattern (cords in whorled fibrosis) demonstrated polypoid growth with a whorled arrangement of cords and single melanocytes within desmoplasia. The third pattern (spindle-cell fascicles) showed fascicular growth of spindled melanocytes. Cytomorphologic features characteristic of Spitz nevi were observed in most cases (n = 50, 86%). Most of the cases (n = 54, or 93%) showed stromal desmoplasia. Histomorphology alone was not sufficient in distinguishing benign from malignant melanocytic tumors with BRAF fusion gene because the only histopathologic features more commonly associated with a diagnosis of malignancy included dermal mitoses (P = .046) and transepidermal elimination of melanocytes (P = .013). BRAF fusion kinases are targetable by kinase inhibitors and, thus, should be considered as relevant genetic alterations in the molecular workup of melanomas. Recognizing the 3 main histopathologic patterns of melanocytic tumors with BRAF fusion gene will aid in directing ancillary testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon F Roy
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Riza Milante
- Department of Dermatology, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Department of Biopathology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5286, INSERM U1052, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Tirode
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5286, INSERM U1052, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Boris C Bastian
- Department of Dermatology, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Pathology, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Arnaud de la Fouchardière
- Department of Biopathology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5286, INSERM U1052, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Iwei Yeh
- Department of Dermatology, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Pathology, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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8
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Hagstrom M, Fumero-Velázquez M, Dhillon S, Olivares S, Gerami P. An update on genomic aberrations in Spitz naevi and tumours. Pathology 2023; 55:196-205. [PMID: 36631338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.12.001] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spitz neoplasms continue to be a diagnostic challenge for dermatopathologists and are defined by distinctive morphological and genetic features. With the recent advancements in genomic sequencing, the classification, diagnosis, and prognostication of these tumours have greatly improved. Several subtypes of Spitz neoplasms have been identified based on their specific genomic aberrations, which often correlate with distinctive morphologies and biological behaviour. These genetic driver events can be classified into four major groups, including: (1) mutations [HRAS mutations (with or without 11p amplification) and 6q23 deletions]; (2) tyrosine kinase fusions (ROS1, ALK, NTRK1-3, MET and RET); (3) serine/threonine kinase fusions and mutations (BRAF, MAP3K8, and MAP2K1); and (4) other rare genomic aberrations. These driver genomic events are hypothesised to enable the initial proliferation of melanocytes and are often accompanied by additional genomic aberrations that affect biological behaviour. The discovery of theses genomic fusions has allowed for a more objective definition of a Spitz neoplasm. Further studies have shown that the majority of morphologically Spitzoid appearing melanocytic neoplasms with aggressive behaviour are in fact BRAF or NRAS mutated tumours mimicking Spitz. Truly malignant fusion driven Spitz neoplasms may occur but are relatively uncommon, and biomarkers such as homozygous 9p21 (CDKN2A) deletions or TERT-p mutations can have some prognostic value in such cases. In this review, we discuss the importance and various methods of identifying Spitz associated genomic fusions to help provide more definitive classification. We also discuss characteristic features of the various fusion subtypes as well as prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hagstrom
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mónica Fumero-Velázquez
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Soneet Dhillon
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shantel Olivares
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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9
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Takai T, Sudo T, Kajimoto K, Goto K. Reconsideration of the pathogenic significance of kinase gene fusion in melanocytic tumors based on a case of melanoma with non-in-frame BICD1::BRAF fusion. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:185-187. [PMID: 36335561 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Takai
- Department of Dermatology, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sudo
- Section of Translational Research, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan
| | | | - Keisuke Goto
- Department of Dermatology, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Itabashi Central Clinical Laboratory, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital, Sunto, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Dermato-Oncology/Dermatology, National Hospital Organization Kagoshima Medical Center, Kagoshima, Japan
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10
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Moran JMT, Le LP, Nardi V, Golas J, Farahani AA, Signorelli S, Onozato ML, Foreman RK, Duncan LM, Lawrence DP, Lennerz JK, Dias-Santagata D, Hoang MP. Identification of fusions with potential clinical significance in melanoma. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1837-1847. [PMID: 35871080 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Though uncommon in melanoma, gene fusions may have therapeutic implications. Next generation sequencing-based clinical assays, designed to detect relevant gene fusions, mutations, and copy number changes, were performed on 750 melanomas (375 primary and 375 metastases) at our institution from 2014-2021. These included 599 (80%) cutaneous, 38 (5%) acral, 11 (1.5%) anorectal, 23 (3%) sinonasal, 27 (3.6%) eye (uveal/ conjunctiva), 11 (1.5%) genital (vulva/penile), and 41 (5.5%) melanomas of unknown primary. Sixteen fusions (2%) were detected in samples from 16 patients: 12/599 (2%) cutaneous, 2/38 (5%) acral, 1/9 (11%) vulva, 1/23(4.3%) sinonasal; and 12/16 (75%) fusions were potentially targetable. We identified two novel rearrangements: NAGS::MAST2 and NOTCH1::GNB1; and two fusions that have been reported in other malignancies but not in melanoma: CANT1::ETV4 (prostate cancer) and CCDC6::RET (thyroid cancer). Additional fusions, previously reported in melanoma, included: EML4::ALK, MLPH::ALK, AGAP3::BRAF, AGK::BRAF, CDH3::BRAF, CCT8::BRAF, DIP2B::BRAF, EFNB1::RAF1, LRCH3::RAF1, MAP4::RAF1, RUFY1::RAF1, and ADCY2::TERT. Fusion positive melanomas harbored recurrent alterations in TERT and CDKN2A, among others. Gene fusions were exceedingly rare (0.2%) in BRAF/RAS/NF1-mutant tumors and were detected in 5.6% of triple wild-type melanomas. Interestingly, gene rearrangements were significantly enriched within the subset of triple wild-type melanomas that harbor TERT promoter mutations (18% versus 2%, p < 0.0001). Thirteen (81%) patients were treated with immunotherapy for metastatic disease or in the adjuvant setting. Six of 12 (50%) patients with potentially actionable fusions progressed on immunotherapy, and 3/6 (50%) were treated with targeted agents (ALK and MEK inhibitors), 2 off-label and 1 as part of a clinical trial. One patient with an AGAP3::BRAF fusion positive melanoma experienced a 30-month long response to trametinib. We show that, detecting fusions, especially in triple wild-type melanomas with TERT promoter mutations, may have a clinically significant impact in patients with advanced disease who have failed front-line immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob M T Moran
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Long P Le
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valentina Nardi
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josephine Golas
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander A Farahani
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvia Signorelli
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maristela L Onozato
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruth K Foreman
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lyn M Duncan
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald P Lawrence
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jochen K Lennerz
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dora Dias-Santagata
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mai P Hoang
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Clark HE, Huang YYM, Vance GH, Alomari AK. Fatal melanoma with a novel MYO5A-BRAF fusion and small associated conventional nevus: A case report and review of literature. J Cutan Pathol 2022; 49:808-812. [PMID: 35596628 PMCID: PMC9545590 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Kinase fusions play an important role in the pathogenesis of Spitz neoplasms and occasionally non-Spitz neoplasms. We report a case of a 19-year-old woman with a growing nodule on the scalp, morphologically consistent with a diagnosis of melanoma with epithelioid features arising in association with small nevus. This tumor aggressively metastasized and failed to respond to immunotherapy. Next-generation sequencing of a metastatic focus revealed an MYO5A-BRAF kinase fusion with a low mutational burden and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of the primary melanoma showed similar results. FISH testing of the associated nevus failed because of technical reasons. MYO5A has rarely been reported as the fusion partner with BRAF-rearranged melanocytic tumors. Moreover, this case raises speculations and contributes to the growing literature on the pathogenesis, nomenclature, and tumorigenic pathways in kinase-fusion melanomas. The patient succumbed to disease, which is in concordance with some literature suggesting aggressive behavior of BRAF fusion melanomas with TERT promoter mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuan Yu Michael Huang
- Department of DermatologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Gail H. Vance
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA,Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Ahmed K. Alomari
- Department of DermatologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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12
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Cheng TW, Ahern MC, Giubellino A. The Spectrum of Spitz Melanocytic Lesions: From Morphologic Diagnosis to Molecular Classification. Front Oncol 2022; 12:889223. [PMID: 35747831 PMCID: PMC9209745 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.889223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spitz tumors represent a distinct subtype of melanocytic lesions with characteristic histopathologic features, some of which are overlapping with melanoma. More common in the pediatric and younger population, they can be clinically suspected by recognizing specific patterns on dermatoscopic examination, and several subtypes have been described. We now classify these lesions into benign Spitz nevi, intermediate lesions identified as “atypical Spitz tumors” (or Spitz melanocytoma) and malignant Spitz melanoma. More recently a large body of work has uncovered the molecular underpinning of Spitz tumors, including mutations in the HRAS gene and several gene fusions involving several protein kinases. Here we present an overarching view of our current knowledge and understanding of Spitz tumors, detailing clinical, histopathological and molecular features characteristic of these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W. Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Madeline C. Ahern
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alessio Giubellino
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Alessio Giubellino,
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13
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Goto K, Pissaloux D, Fraitag S, Amini M, Vaucher R, Tirode F, de la Fouchardière A. RASGRF1-rearranged Cutaneous Melanocytic Neoplasms With Spitzoid Cytomorphology: A Clinicopathologic and Genetic Study of 3 Cases. Am J Surg Pathol 2022; 46:655-663. [PMID: 34799483 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spitz neoplasms, according to 2018 WHO Blue Book, are morphologically defined by spindled and/or epithelioid melanocytes and genetically by either HRAS mutations or kinase gene fusions. The terminology "spitzoid" refers to lesions with similar morphology but with alternate or undefined genetic anomalies. Herein, we present 3 melanocytic neoplasms with a spitzoid cytomorphology, variable nuclear atypia, and harboring undescribed fusions involving RASGRF1. Two cases presented as unpigmented papules on the heel of a 26-year-old female (case 1) and the forearm of a 13-year-old boy (case 2). They were classified as low-grade melanocytomas (WHO 2018). The third case appeared as a pigmented ulcer on the sole of a 72-year-old female (case 3) that displayed diagnostic features of an invasive melanoma (Breslow thickness 6 mm, Clark level V). A wide skin reexcision identified an epidermotropic metastasis, and sentinel lymph node biopsy displayed multiple subcapsular metastatic deposits. RNA sequencing revealed CD63::RASGRF1, EHBP1::RASGRF1, and ABCC2::RASGRF1 fusions in cases 1 to 3, respectively. They were confirmed by a RASGRF1 break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization technique. Translocations of RASGRF1, a gene coding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor but not a kinase, have rarely been reported in tumors. While all these cases showed spitzoid cytomorphology, it is too early to tell if they are true Spitz neoplasms as currently defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Goto
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital
- Department of Pathology, Itabashi Central Clinical Laboratory
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital, Sunto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Osaka International Cancer Institute
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka
- Department of Dermatology, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi, Japan
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Departments of Biopathology
- Sword University Claude Bernard Lyon I, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon
| | - Sylvie Fraitag
- Department of Pathology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital
- Department of Pathology, Paris Hospitals - Public Assistance, Paris, France
| | | | - Richard Vaucher
- Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Center Léon Bérard
| | - Franck Tirode
- Departments of Biopathology
- Sword University Claude Bernard Lyon I, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon
| | - Arnaud de la Fouchardière
- Departments of Biopathology
- Sword University Claude Bernard Lyon I, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon
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14
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Dal Pozzo CA, Cappellesso R. The Morpho-Molecular Landscape of Spitz Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084211. [PMID: 35457030 PMCID: PMC9030540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spitz neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of melanocytic proliferations with a great variability in the histological characteristics and in the biological behavior. Thanks to recent discoveries, the morpho-molecular landscape of Spitz lineage is becoming clearer, with the identification of subtypes with recurrent features thus providing the basis for a more solid and precise tumor classification. Indeed, specific mutually exclusive driver molecular events, namely HRAS or MAP2K1 mutations, copy number gains of 11p, and fusions involving ALK, ROS, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, MET, RET, MAP3K8, and BRAF genes, correlate with distinctive histological features. The accumulation of further molecular aberrations, instead, promotes the increasing malignant transformation of Spitz neoplasms. Thus, the detection of a driver genetic alteration can be achieved using the appropriate diagnostic tests chosen according to the histological characteristics of the lesion. This allows the recognition of subtypes with aggressive behavior requiring further molecular investigations. This review provides an update on the morpho-molecular correlations in Spitz neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Dal Pozzo
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy;
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, University Hospital of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8217962
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15
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Kervarrec T, Pissaloux D, Tirode F, Samimi M, Jacquemus J, Castillo C, de la Fouchardière A. Morphologic features in a series of 352 Spitz melanocytic proliferations help predict their oncogenic drivers. Virchows Arch 2021; 480:369-382. [PMID: 34761304 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spitz nevi are indolent melanocytic tumors arising preferentially during and after childhood. Over the last decades, recurrent oncogenic drivers, sparsely detected in melanoma, were identified in Spitz melanocytic proliferations. Therefore, the detection of such drivers appears as a relevant diagnostic tool to distinguish both entities. Interestingly, morphologic features might correlate with the oncogenic drivers. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the performances of previously identified morphological criteria to predict the presence of specific drivers. In total, 352 Spitz melanocytic proliferations either with a genetically identified oncogenic driver or investigated for ALK, ROS1, and NTRK1 overexpression by immunohistochemistry were enrolled in the present study. The microscopic features of the cases were assessed blindly with regards to the molecular status and, performances of previously described morphological criteria to predict the molecular status were assessed applying the likelihood-ratio test (LHR). Overall, an oncogenic driver was identified in 76% of the cases (n = 268/352). No microscopic features allowed the reliable prediction of ROS1- and NTRK1-overexpressing cases. By contrast, a plexiform pattern can contribute to the recognition of ALK-overexpressing cases (LHR(+) = 6.14). Importantly, the pseudo-schwannoma variant was highly suggestive of NTRK3-rearranged cases (LHR(+) = 43). Moreover, atypical/malignant tumor (LHR(+) = 5.18), severe cellular atypia (LHR(+) = 5.07), and p16 loss (LHR(+) = 14) contribute to the recognition of MAP3K8-rearranged cases, while the presence of a sheet-like architecture (LHR(+) = 5.39) and a marked fibrosis of the stroma (LHR(+)=5.06) were predictive of BRAF-fused tumors. To conclude, our study confirms ALK-overexpressing, NTRK3-, MAP3K8-, and BRAF-rearranged cases harbored distinct morphologic features allowing their microscopic recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France. .,Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France. .,Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus team, INRA UMR 1282 ISP, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS, 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Tirode
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS, 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus team, INRA UMR 1282 ISP, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Christine Castillo
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Cypath Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Arnaud de la Fouchardière
- Department of Biopathology, Center Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS, 5286, Lyon, France
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