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Wills A, Dibbern M, Frierson HF, Raghavan SS. Metastatic Undifferentiated Melanoma Mimicking a Primary Bone Tumor: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall. Am J Dermatopathol 2024; 46:170-172. [PMID: 38170737 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Undifferentiated melanoma (UM) is defined by the loss of classic morphologic and immunohistochemical melanocytic markers. Reports in the literature are rare and show that UM usually occurs as a metastasis in the setting of a known primary cutaneous melanoma. The most common mutations in UM include those involving BRAF , NRAS , and KIT , which are almost invariably present in the parent melanoma. In this study, we report a case of a primary sinonasal melanoma with metastatic UM presenting with osteoclast-like giant cells and resembling a primary bone tumor. The retention of an unusual KRAS mutation in UM that was also present in the primary lesion provided critical information for the diagnosis. Our report highlights the importance of considering mutational analysis to identify undifferentiated melanomas in patients with metastatic tumors which do not have the typical histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Wills
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Megan Dibbern
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Henry F Frierson
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Shyam S Raghavan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
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2
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Monti M, Benerini Gatta L, Bugatti M, Pezzali I, Picinoli S, Manfredi M, Lavazza A, Vanella VV, De Giorgis V, Zanatta L, Missale F, Lonardi S, Zanetti B, Bozzoni G, Cadei M, Abate A, Vergani B, Balzarini P, Battocchio S, Facco C, Turri-Zanoni M, Castelnuovo P, Nicolai P, Fonsatti E, Leone BE, Marengo E, Sigala S, Ronca R, Perego M, Lombardi D, Vermi W. Novel cellular systems unveil mucosal melanoma initiating cells and a role for PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in mucosal melanoma fitness. J Transl Med 2024; 22:35. [PMID: 38191367 PMCID: PMC10775657 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucosal Melanomas (MM) are highly aggressive neoplasms arising from mucosal melanocytes. Current treatments offer a limited survival benefit for patients with advanced MM; moreover, the lack of pre-clinical cellular systems has significantly limited the understanding of their immunobiology. METHODS Five novel cell lines were obtained from patient-derived biopsies of MM arising in the sino-nasal mucosa and designated as SN-MM1-5. The morphology, ultrastructure and melanocytic identity of SN-MM cell lines were validated by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, in vivo tumorigenicity of SN-MM1-5 was tested by subcutaneous injection in NOD/SCID mice. Molecular characterization of SN-MM cell lines was performed by a mass-spectrometry proteomic approach, and their sensitivity to PI3K chemical inhibitor LY294002 was validated by Akt activation, measured by pAkt(Ser473) and pAkt(Thr308) in immunoblots, and MTS assay. RESULTS This study reports the validation and functional characterization of five newly generated SN-MM cell lines. Compared to the normal counterpart, the proteomic profile of SN-MM is consistent with transformed melanocytes showing a heterogeneous degree of melanocytic differentiation and activation of cancer-related pathways. All SN-MM cell lines resulted tumorigenic in vivo and display recurrent structural variants according to aCGH analysis. Of relevance, the microscopic analysis of the corresponding xenotransplants allowed the identification of clusters of MITF-/CDH1-/CDH2 + /ZEB1 + /CD271 + cells, supporting the existence of melanoma-initiating cells also in MM, as confirmed in clinical samples. In vitro, SN-MM cell lines were sensitive to cisplatin, but not to temozolomide. Moreover, the proteomic analysis of SN-MM cell lines revealed that RICTOR, a subunit of mTORC2 complex, is the most significantly activated upstream regulator, suggesting a relevant role for the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in these neoplasms. Consistently, phosphorylation of NDRG1 and Akt activation was observed in SN-MM, the latter being constitutive and sustained by PTEN loss in SN-MM2 and SN-MM3. The cell viability impairment induced by LY294002 confirmed a functional role for the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in SN-MM cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these novel and unique cellular systems represent relevant experimental tools for a better understanding of the biology of these neoplasms and, as an extension, to MM from other sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Benerini Gatta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Histocompatibility Laboratory "Vittorio Mero", Department of Transfusion Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Irene Pezzali
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Picinoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, Italy
| | - Virginia Vita Vanella
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Veronica De Giorgis
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Zanatta
- Department of Pathology, Treviso Regional Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Francesco Missale
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology & Surgery Otorhinolaryngology, Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Nederlands Kanker Instituut, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Lonardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Zanetti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bozzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, Italy
| | - Moris Cadei
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Piera Balzarini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Battocchio
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-"ASST Spedali Civili Di Brescia", Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Facco
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, ASST Sette-Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Mario Turri-Zanoni
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Castelnuovo
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Piero Nicolai
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ester Fonsatti
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Marengo
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Davide Lombardi
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Brescia, P.Le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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Hornick JL, Plaza JA, Mentzel T, Gru AA, Brenn T. PRAME Expression Is a Useful Tool in the Diagnosis of Primary and Metastatic Dedifferentiated and Undifferentiated Melanoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:1390-1397. [PMID: 37727938 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Although mostly recognized in the metastatic setting dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas are increasingly recognized as cutaneous and, less commonly, mucosal primary tumors. Their diagnosis is challenging and dependent on sampling and recognition of a conventional melanoma precursor and/or detection of a mutation in a conventional melanoma driver gene. PRAME immunohistochemistry has recently become an important ancillary tool in the separation of melanoma from benign nevi, but no comprehensive studies exist regarding its value in the detection of dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas and their separation from atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, the main differential diagnoses on sun-damaged skin. After retrieval from archival files, we performed PRAME immunohistochemistry on 11 primary and 10 metastatic dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas, 11 atypical fibroxanthomas, and 10 pleomorphic dermal sarcomas. Nuclear staining was assigned extent (ranging from 0 to 4 and reflecting the percentage of PRAME-positive tumor nuclei) and intensity scores (graded as absent, weak, moderate, and strong, with assigned scores ranging from 0 to 3) with combined scores ranging from 0 to 7. Both primary and metastatic dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas showed strong and diffuse nuclear PRAME staining with median combined scores of 7. Strong and diffuse staining was also seen in all conventional melanoma precursors except for desmoplastic melanoma. In contrast, PRAME staining in atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma was patchy and weak with median combined scores of 2. Our data emphasize the diagnostic utility of PRAME staining as a first screening tool in the detection and workup of dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas, both in the primary and metastatic settings. PRAME immunohistochemistry is particularly helpful as it is also positive in tumors without a recognizable conventional melanoma precursor and in those associated with desmoplastic melanomas, where PRAME is typically found to be negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Hornick
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jose A Plaza
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Thomas Mentzel
- MVZ Dermatopathologie Friedrichshafen/Bodensee PartG, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Alejandro A Gru
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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4
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Gosman LM, Țăpoi DA, Costache M. Cutaneous Melanoma: A Review of Multifactorial Pathogenesis, Immunohistochemistry, and Emerging Biomarkers for Early Detection and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15881. [PMID: 37958863 PMCID: PMC10650804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an increasingly significant public health concern. Due to alarming mortality rates and escalating incidence, it is crucial to understand its etiology and identify emerging biomarkers for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifactorial etiology of CM, underscore the importance of early detection, discuss the molecular mechanisms behind melanoma development and progression, and shed light on the role of the potential biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment. The pathogenesis of CM involves a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, ultraviolet radiation exposure being the predominant environmental risk factor. The emergence of new biomarkers, such as novel immunohistochemical markers, gene mutation analysis, microRNA, and exosome protein expressions, holds promise for improved early detection, and prognostic and personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maria Gosman
- Doctoral School, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Saint Pantelimon Clinical Emergency Hospital, 021659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana-Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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5
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Warren SJ, Alomari AK. Utility of sequencing for ATP6AP1 and ATP6AP2 to distinguish between atypical granular cell tumor with junctional component and melanoma. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:1014-1019. [PMID: 37565535 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a S100+ neoplasm with atypical and malignant variants. Similar to melanocytic neoplasms, the tumors make nests and can have junctional components raising a differential diagnosis of melanoma. Nevi and melanomas may also have granular cell cytoplasm. MelanA is useful in distinguishing melanocytic from granular cell lineage, but increasingly MelanA/SOX10 negative melanomas have been recognized by correlation with molecular methods. METHODS We encountered several cases with morphologic overlap between melanoma and atypical GCT necessitating additional molecular workup. We sequenced two cases and searched our archive for similar cases of GCT with overlapping features of melanocytic lineage. RESULTS In our two index cases, we excluded melanoma driver mutations and identified frameshift or premature stop codons in ATP6AP1/2 pathognomonic of granular cell lineage. Data retrieved from Cosmic identified 24 melanomas with missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in ATP6AP1 but no frameshift or premature stop codons. Twenty-one melanomas had missense SNVs in ATP6AP2. One melanoma had a premature stop codon in ATP6AP2, but this lesion also had a melanoma-associated driver mutation NRASQ61K. We found 1 of 23 additional cases of GCT in our archives with a junctional component and no additional cases with maturation. CONCLUSIONS Atypical and malignant GCT can have histopathologic overlap with melanoma. Frameshift and premature stop codons in ATP6AP1/2 are specific for granular cell lineage, and capable of excluding melanoma, in the absence of known melanoma-associated driver mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Warren
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ahmed K Alomari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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6
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Watter H, Milkins R, Chambers C, O'Brien B. Melanoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous features: a potential diagnostic pitfall. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e256427. [PMID: 37879714 PMCID: PMC10603449 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is well-known for phenotypic plasticity, and rare cases of divergent differentiation have been described. This case report is of a tumour diagnosed as 'rhabdomyosarcoma' on the face of a man in his 80s. However, given the recent excision of an ulcerated melanoma (Breslow thickness 5.8 mm) from the same site, the more likely diagnosis would be recurrent melanoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. This highlights a rare form of divergent differentiation and a potential diagnostic pitfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Watter
- General Surgery, Queensland Health, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
- General Surgery, Hervey Bay Hospital, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Russell Milkins
- General Surgery, Hervey Bay Hospital, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
| | - Claire Chambers
- Histopathology, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Central Laboratory Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia
| | - Blake O'Brien
- Histopathology, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Central Laboratory Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia
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7
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Wiedemeyer K, Brenn T. Dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas: a practical approach to a challenging diagnosis. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:22-31. [PMID: 37001740 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Dedifferentiation, defined as the loss of cellular features of terminal differentiation resulting in a more primitive, unspecialized phenotype, is a rare phenomenon in melanoma and more commonly observed in the metastatic setting than in primary melanomas. The diagnosis of dedifferentiated melanoma poses a significant challenge, and the tumors need to be carefully sampled and worked up to identify any residual morphologic, immunohistochemical, or molecular evidence of their melanocytic lineage. This article reviews our current knowledge of the clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of these rare tumors and provides a practical diagnostic approach and discussion of the relevant differential diagnoses and associated diagnostic pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wiedemeyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2L 2K8, Canada
| | - Thomas Brenn
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2L 2K8, Canada.
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8
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Wicks MN, Glinka M, Hill B, Houghton D, Sharghi M, Ferreira I, Adams D, Din S, Papatheodorou I, Kirkwood K, Cheeseman M, Burger A, Baldock RA, Arends MJ. The Comparative Pathology Workbench: Interactive visual analytics for biomedical data. J Pathol Inform 2023; 14:100328. [PMID: 37693862 PMCID: PMC10491844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100328] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathologists need to compare histopathological images of normal and diseased tissues between different samples, cases, and species. We have designed an interactive system, termed Comparative Pathology Workbench (CPW), which allows direct and dynamic comparison of images at a variety of magnifications, selected regions of interest, as well as the results of image analysis or other data analyses such as scRNA-seq. This allows pathologists to indicate key diagnostic features, with a mechanism to allow discussion threads amongst expert groups of pathologists and other disciplines. The data and associated discussions can be accessed online from anywhere in the world. The Comparative Pathology Workbench (CPW) is a web-browser-based visual analytics platform providing shared access to an interactive "spreadsheet" style presentation of image and associated analysis data. The CPW provides a grid layout of rows and columns so that images that correspond to matching data can be organised in the form of an image-enabled "spreadsheet". An individual workbench can be shared with other users with read-only or full edit access as required. In addition, each workbench element or the whole bench itself has an associated discussion thread to allow collaborative analysis and consensual interpretation of the data. The CPW is a Django-based web-application that hosts the workbench data, manages users, and user-preferences. All image data are hosted by other resource applications such as OMERO or the Digital Slide Archive. Further resources can be added as required. The discussion threads are managed using WordPress and include additional graphical and image data. The CPW has been developed to allow integration of image analysis outputs from systems such as QuPath or ImageJ. All software is open-source and available from a GitHub repository.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N. Wicks
- Edinburgh Pathology & Centre for Comparative Pathology, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Michael Glinka
- Edinburgh Pathology & Centre for Comparative Pathology, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Bill Hill
- Department of Computer Science, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Derek Houghton
- Department of Computer Science, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mehran Sharghi
- Department of Computer Science, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ingrid Ferreira
- Edinburgh Pathology & Centre for Comparative Pathology, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shahida Din
- Edinburgh IBD Unit Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Irene Papatheodorou
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kathryn Kirkwood
- Pathology Department, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael Cheeseman
- Edinburgh Pathology & Centre for Comparative Pathology, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Albert Burger
- Department of Computer Science, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard A. Baldock
- Edinburgh Pathology & Centre for Comparative Pathology, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Mark J. Arends
- Edinburgh Pathology & Centre for Comparative Pathology, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
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9
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Hench J, Mihic-Probst D, Agaimy A, Frank S, Meyer P, Hultschig C, Simi S, Alos L, Balamurugan T, Blokx W, Bosisio F, Cappellesso R, Griewank K, Hadaschik E, van Kempen LC, Kempf W, Lentini M, Mazzucchelli L, Rinaldi G, Rutkowski P, Schadendorf D, Schilling B, Szumera-Cieckiewicz A, van den Oord J, Mandalà M, Massi D. Clinical, histopathological and molecular features of dedifferentiated melanomas: An EORTC Melanoma Group Retrospective Analysis. Eur J Cancer 2023; 187:7-14. [PMID: 37098294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dedifferentiated melanoma (DedM) poses significant diagnostic challenges. We aimed to investigate the clinical, histopathological and molecular features of DedM. Methylation signature (MS) and copy number profiling (CNP) were carried out in a subgroup of cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective series of 78 DedM tissue samples from 61 patients retrieved from EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) Melanoma Group centres were centrally reviewed. Clinical and histopathological features were retrieved. In a subgroup of patients, genotyping through Infinium Methylation microarray and CNP analysis was carried out. RESULTS Most patients (60/61) had a metastatic DedM showing most frequently an unclassified pleomorphic, spindle cell, or small round cell morphology akin to undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma, rarely associated with heterologous elements. Overall, among 20 successfully analysed tissue samples from 16 patients, we found retained melanoma-like MS in only 7 tissue samples while a non-melanoma-like MS was observed in 13 tissue samples. In two patients from whom multiple specimens were analysed, some of the samples had a preserved cutaneous melanoma MS while other specimens exhibited an epigenetic shift towards a mesenchymal/sarcoma-like profile, matching the histological features. In these two patients, CNP was largely identical across all analysed specimens, in line with their common clonal origin, despite significant modification of their epigenome. CONCLUSIONS Our study further highlights that DedM represents a real diagnostic challenge. While MS and genomic CNP may help pathologists to diagnose DedM, we provide proof-of-concept that dedifferentiation in melanoma is frequently associated with epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Hench
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Mihic-Probst
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephan Frank
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Meyer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claus Hultschig
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Simi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Alos
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Willeke Blokx
- Department of Pathology, Division of Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Bosisio
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Klaus Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Leon C van Kempen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Werner Kempf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Lentini
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Mazzucchelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Gaetana Rinaldi
- Sezione di Oncologia, Dipartimento di Discipline Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Stomatologiche (Di.Chir.On.S.), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Szumera-Cieckiewicz
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario Mandalà
- University of Perugia, Unit of Medical Oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Massi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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10
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Țăpoi DA, Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu AA, Dumitru AV, Ciongariu AM, Furtunescu AR, Marin A, Costache M. Primary Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Cutaneous Melanomas-A Review on Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features with Emphasis on Prognosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9985. [PMID: 37373134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cutaneous melanoma is usually straightforward based on these malignancies' histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Nevertheless, melanomas can imitate various other neoplasms, sometimes lacking the expression of conventional melanocytic markers and expressing non-melanocytic ones. Furthermore, divergent differentiation is more often encountered in metastatic melanomas and is still poorly described in primary cutaneous melanomas, and little is known about these patients' prognosis and therapeutic approach. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas, and we discuss the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular profiles of undifferentiated/dedifferentiated cutaneous melanomas to understand these peculiar lesions better and improve their diagnostic algorithm. In addition to this, we also discuss how different genetic mutations may influence prognosis and become potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Antonia Țăpoi
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuța-Augustina Gheorghișan-Gălățeanu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Vasile Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Roxana Furtunescu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Marin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Costache
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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11
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Gambichler T, Horny K, Mentzel T, Stricker I, Tannapfel A, Scheel CH, Behle B, Quast DR, Lee YP, Stücker M, Susok L, Becker JC. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the breast with neoplastic fever: case report and genomic characterization. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1465-1471. [PMID: 35501497 PMCID: PMC10020307 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary breast sarcomas are extraordinary rare, in particular undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). UPS with neoplastic fever (UPS-NF) of the breast has not been reported yet. Here, we present an extended UPS-NF of the breast including its comprehensive molecular workup. METHODS A 58-year-old female presented with general malaise, fever spikes, weight loss, and a massively swollen left breast. C-reactive protein and blood leucocytes were significantly increased. However, repeated blood cultures and smears were all sterile. Histopathology of the abscess-forming tumor revealed an undifferentiated malignancy with numerous of tumor giant cells as well as spindle-shaped cells with nuclear pleomorphism and hyperchromasia. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated partial, patchy desmin staining and weak heterogonous neuron-specific enolase immunoreactivity of tumor cells, but a focal staining for Melan-A. RESULTS Neither common melanoma driver mutations nor an ultraviolet mutational signature was detected by whole genome sequencing. Using FISH and RT-PCR we also excluded translocations characteristic for clear cell sarcoma. Thus, the diagnosis of inflammatory UPS-NF of the breast was considered highly probable. Despite a complete mastectomy, the tumor recurred after only three months. This recurrence was treated with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab based on the primary tumor's TPS score for PD-L1 of 30%. After an initial response, however, the tumor was progressive again. CONCLUSION We describe here the first case of UPS-NF of the breast, which shows great clinical and histopathologic resemblances to previously reported UPS-NF of other anatomic localizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, Christian Hospital Unna, Unna, Germany.
| | - Kai Horny
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, DKTK Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, West German Cancer Center, Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Ingo Stricker
- Institute of Pathology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Christina H Scheel
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bertold Behle
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel R Quast
- Diabetes Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yi-Pei Lee
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Markus Stücker
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Laura Susok
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, DKTK Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, West German Cancer Center, Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Li Y, Li D, Wang J, Tang J. Epithelioid and spindle rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 rearrangement in abdominal wall: a distinctive entity with poor prognosis. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 36998041 PMCID: PMC10061849 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-023-01330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelioid and spindle rhabdomyosarcoma (ES-RMS) with TFCP2 rearrangement is a recently discovered rare variant of rhabdomyosarcoma composed of epithelioid and spindle cells, because it shows extraordinarily adverse prognosis and is easily misdiagnosed as other epithelioid or spindle cell tumors. METHODS A rare case of ES-RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement was presented and English literatures in Pubmed online up to 01 July 2022 were gathered by two authors for a systematic review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. CASE PRESENTATION/RESULTS We report a case of ES-RMS in an early 30s-years-old female, the neoplastic cells are remarkably immunoreactive with CK(AE1/AE3), and partially with ALK protein. Unexpectedly, the tumor shows TFCP2 rearrangement with coexistence of increased copy numbers of EWSR1 and ROS1 gene and MET gene mutation. Besides, Next-generation sequencing for genetic mutational profiling revealed frequent MET exon14 mutations in chromosome 7, most of which are C > T nonsynonymous SNV, and exon42 of ROS1 in chromosome 6 showed frequent G > T mutation up to 57.54%. In addition, neither MyoD1 mutation nor gene fusions were detected. Moreover, the patient shows high tumor mutational burden (TMB) up to 14.11 counts/Mb. Finally, as many cases of ES-RMS including our case had local progression or metastasis, we find, similar to epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma (median survival time is 10 month), ES-RMS shows a more aggressive behavior and adverse prognosis (median survival time is 17 month) than spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (median survival time is 65 month) according previous studies. CONCLUSIONS ES-RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement is a rare malignant tumor and easily confused with other epithelioid or spindle cell tumors, it may harbor additional gene alteration in addition to TFCP2 rearrangement, such as MET mutation, increased copy numbers of EWSR1 and ROS1 gene, high TMB. Most importantly, it may show very poor outcome with extensive metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310000, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310000, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ministry of scientific research and discipline construction, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinlong Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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13
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Hrycaj SM, Szczepanski JM, Zhao L, Siddiqui J, Thomas DG, Lucas DR, Patel RM, Harms PW, Bresler SC, Chan MP. PRAME expression in spindle cell melanoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, and other cutaneous sarcomatoid neoplasms: a comparative analysis. Histopathology 2022; 81:818-825. [PMID: 36102613 PMCID: PMC9828653 DOI: 10.1111/his.14797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of spindle cell/sarcomatoid melanoma may be challenging due to frequent loss of expression of melanocytic marker(s) and histomorphologic resemblance to various mesenchymal tumours, particularly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST). Overexpression of PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) supports a diagnosis of melanoma when evaluating challenging melanocytic tumours. PRAME expression in MPNST and other cutaneous sarcomatoid neoplasms, however, has not been well characterised. We aimed to determine the utility of PRAME immunostain in distinguishing spindle cell melanoma from MPNST and other sarcomatoid mimics. PRAME expression was scored by extent (0 to 4+) and intensity (0 to 3) of staining. A strong positive correlation was observed between the extent and intensity scores (r = 0.84). An extent score of 4+, defined by staining in 76-100% of tumour cells, was seen in 56% (23/41) of spindle cell melanomas, 18% (7/38) of MPNSTs, 15% (4/27) of cutaneous sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 33% (5/15) of poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcomas, 12% (4/33) of atypical fibroxanthomas (AFXs), 4% (1/25) of pleomorphic dermal sarcomas (PDSs), and none (0/16) of the high-grade cutaneous leiomyosarcomas. A significant difference was found between spindle cell melanoma and all other examined sarcomatoid neoplasms except angiosarcoma. While diffuse (and often strong) PRAME expression is more frequently observed in spindle cell melanoma than MPNST, sarcomatoid SCC, AFX, PDS, and high-grade leiomyosarcoma, its limited sensitivity and specificity caution against its use as a standalone diagnostic marker. PRAME may complement other epigenetic or lineage-specific markers and should only be used as part of an immunohistochemical panel when evaluating these sarcomatoid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lili Zhao
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Javed Siddiqui
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | | | - David R Lucas
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Rajiv M Patel
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Paul W Harms
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Scott C Bresler
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - May P Chan
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA,Department of DermatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
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