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Manrique-Silva E, David ME, Maider AM, García-Casado Z, Moro R, Requena C, Través V, Virós A, Kumar R, Nagore E. Clinical, histological, and molecular differences in melanoma due to different TERT promoter mutations subtypes. A retrospective cross-sectional study in 684 melanoma patients. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:343-351. [PMID: 38153178 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13155] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Differences in survival according to the pTERT mutation subtypes (-124C > T, -146C > T, and tandem -138_139CC > TT) have been observed. The present study aimed to describe the clinical as the histopathological and molecular cutaneous melanoma features according to the presence of the three most prevalent pTERT mutation subtypes (-124C > T, -146C > T, and tandem -138_139CC > TT). A retrospective cross-sectional study including 684 patients was designed, and a Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was performed. After the PSL-DA, it was observed that the tandem -138_139CC > TT subtype differs from the other subtypes. The model demonstrated that the -124C > T and the -138_139 CC > TT subtypes were associated with fast-growing melanomas (OR 0.5, CI 0.29-0.86, p = .012) and with Breslow >2 mm (OR 0.6, CI 0.37-0.97, p = .037), compared to the -146C > T mutation. Finally, the -124C > T appeared to be more associated with the presence of TILs (non-brisk) than the -146C > T (OR 0.6, CI 0.40-1.01, p = .05). These findings confirmed that the -124C > T and the tandem -138_139 CC > TT subtypes are both highly associated with the presence of features of aggressiveness; however, only the -124C > T was highly associated with TILs. This difference could explain the worse survival rate associated with the tandem -138_139CC > TT mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Manrique-Silva
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Millán-Esteban David
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
| | - Aguerralde-Martin Maider
- Máster de Ingeniería de Análisis de Datos, Toma de Decisiones y Mejora de Procesos, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Zaida García-Casado
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ruggero Moro
- Instituto Dermatológico Dr. Alonso, Hospital Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre, Spain
| | - Celia Requena
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victor Través
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amaya Virós
- Skin Cancer and Aging Lab, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, Deutsches Krebsforschüngzentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Nagore
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", València, Spain
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2
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Huang C, Lau TWS, Smoller BR. Diagnosing Cutaneous Melanocytic Tumors in the Molecular Era: Updates and Review of Literature. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2024; 11:26-51. [PMID: 38247727 PMCID: PMC10801542 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology11010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, molecular and genomic discoveries have experienced unprecedented growth, fundamentally reshaping our comprehension of melanocytic tumors. This review comprises three main sections. The first part gives an overview of the current genomic landscape of cutaneous melanocytic tumors. The second part provides an update on the associated molecular tests and immunohistochemical stains that are helpful for diagnostic purposes. The third section briefly outlines the diverse molecular pathways now utilized for the classification of cutaneous melanomas. The primary goal of this review is to provide a succinct overview of the molecular pathways involved in melanocytic tumors and demonstrate their practical integration into the realm of diagnostic aids. As the molecular and genomic knowledge base continues to expand, this review hopes to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, offering insight into the evolving molecular landscape of cutaneous melanocytic tumors and its implications for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Huang
- Department of Pathology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | | | - Bruce R. Smoller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
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Melanoma Management: From Epidemiology to Treatment and Latest Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194652. [PMID: 36230575 PMCID: PMC9562203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is a major public health issue that claims the lives of thousands of people every year. Furthermore, the outlook for the coming years is not encouraging with increasing morbidity and mortality trends. This review aims to offer an updated overview of various aspects related to cutaneous melanoma, from epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, prevention, diagnosis and staging. Moreover, conventional treatments currently available as well as the latest advances in clinical trials regarding new drugs and/or combinations, including nanotechnology-based strategies are also reviewed. Abstract Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, whose morbidity and mortality indicators show an increasing trend worldwide. In addition to its great heterogeneity, melanoma has a high metastatic potential, resulting in very limited response to therapies currently available, which were restricted to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy for many years. Advances in knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease have allowed the development of new therapeutic classes, such as immune checkpoint and small molecule kinase inhibitors. However, despite the incontestable progress in the quality of life and survival rates of the patients, effectiveness is still far from desired. Some adverse side effects and resistance mechanisms are the main barriers. Thus, the search for better options has resulted in many clinical trials that are now investigating new drugs and/or combinations. The low water solubility of drugs, low stability and rapid metabolism limit the clinical potential and therapeutic use of some compounds. Thus, the research of nanotechnology-based strategies is being explored as the basis for the broad application of different types of nanosystems in the treatment of melanoma. Future development focus on challenges understanding the mechanisms that make these nanosystems more effective.
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TERT Promoter Mutations and Telomerase in Melanoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:6300329. [PMID: 35903534 PMCID: PMC9325578 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6300329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an extremely malignant tumor with a high mortality rate and an increasing incidence with a high mutation load. The frequency of mutations in the TERT promoter exceeds the frequency of any known noncoding mutations in melanoma. A growing number of recent studies suggest that the most common mutations in the TERT promoter (ATG start site −124C>T and −146C>T) are associated with increased TERT mRNA expression, telomerase activity, telomere length, and poor prognosis. Recently, it has been shown that TERT promoter mutations are more correlated with the occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis of melanoma, as well as emerging approaches such as the therapeutic potential of chemical inhibition of TERT promoter mutations, direct telomerase inhibitors, combined targeted therapy, and immunotherapies. In this review, we describe the latest advances in the role of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase in promoting the occurrence, development, and poor prognosis of melanoma and discuss the clinical significance of the TERT promoter and telomerase in the treatment of melanoma.
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Ng MF, Simmons JL, Boyle GM. Heterogeneity in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14123030. [PMID: 35740696 PMCID: PMC9221188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14123030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that tumour heterogeneity has an imperative role in cancer development, evolution and resistance to therapy. Continuing advancements in biomedical research enable tumour heterogeneity to be observed and studied more critically. As one of the most heterogeneous human cancers, melanoma displays a high level of biological complexity during disease progression. However, much is still unknown regarding melanoma tumour heterogeneity, as well as the role it plays in disease progression and treatment response. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the importance of tumour heterogeneity in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Fong Ng
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (M.F.N.); (J.L.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Jacinta L. Simmons
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (M.F.N.); (J.L.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glen M. Boyle
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (M.F.N.); (J.L.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Andea AA. Molecular testing for melanocytic tumors: a practical update. Histopathology 2021; 80:150-165. [DOI: 10.1111/his.14570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleodor A Andea
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology Michigan Medicine University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
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Martins F, Martins C, Fernandes MS, Andrade MI, Lopes JM, Soares P, Pópulo H. TERT Promoter Mutational Status in the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma: Comparison with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Dermatology 2021; 238:507-516. [PMID: 34569488 DOI: 10.1159/000518219] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While BRAF mutations seem important for early melanomagenesis, mutations in the TERT promoter (TERTp) are related to metastasis. Yet, in conventional melanoma management, risk stratification does not depend on molecular biomarkers that can indicate the stage of progression, but rather on clinical, pathological, sentinel lymph node (SLN), and radiologic evaluation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency and prognostic impact of TERTp mutations, comparing their predictive value to those of conventional procedures in melanoma management. METHODS Mutational analysis of a series of 91 cases was performed. The correlations between TERTp and BRAF mutational status and clinicopathological features were assessed. RESULTS The mutation rate was 33% for TERTp and 30% for BRAF. There was 68% concordance between primary and metastatic samples for TERTp mutations and 92% for BRAF mutations. TERTp mutations are significantly associated with the presence of BRAF mutations, features of worse prognosis, and a reduced disease-free survival. Also, TERTp mutational status was similar to SLN biopsy as a predictive factor of cutaneous melanoma recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS The predictive value of TERTp mutations may be similar to that of SLN biopsy and its integration in the management algorithm of melanoma patients should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Martins
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - César Martins
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital de Santarém, EPE, Santarém, Portugal
| | | | | | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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LALLAS A, PASCHOU E, MANOLI SM, PAPAGEORGIOU C, SPYRIDIS I, LIOPYRIS K, BOBOS M, MOUTSOUDIS A, LAZARIDOU E, APALLA Z. Dermatoscopy of melanoma according to type, anatomic site and stage. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2021; 156:274-288. [DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.20.06784-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Vuong HG, Ngo TNM, Dunn IF. Incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of meningiomas with distant metastases at presentation. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab084. [PMID: 34345819 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Distant metastases (DM) at presentation in meningiomas is a very rare event, and the incidence and factors predicting this are uncertain. This population-based study also aimed to investigate the prognostic implication of DM at presentation and clinical parameters to prognosticate the overall survival (OS) of meningiomas presenting with DM (M1). Methods We accessed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program to search for patients who were diagnosed with meningioma between 2004 and 2016. The log-rank test was used to compare Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox regression model was utilized to evaluate the prognostic parameters of meningiomas with DM at presentation. Results The incidence of DM at presentation among all meningiomas was 0.18%. Clinical variables associated with this event were male gender, large tumor size, and WHO grade III. The presence of DM at diagnosis conferred a shorter survival in comparison to those without DM (HR = 2.015; 95% CI = 1.600-2.536). Older patient age, male gender, malignant histology, and the lesser extent of resection were independent prognostic factors that could negatively impact OS of M1 meningiomas. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not associated with an improved outcome for these patients. Conclusion Our study highlighted the clinical and prognostic factors of M1 meningiomas. These data suggest that a greater extent of resection is associated with increased OS across a nationwide analysis and emphasize the need to establish the standards of care in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Gia Vuong
- Department of Pathology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tam N M Ngo
- Faculty of Medicine, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ian F Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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Podlipnik S, Potrony M, Puig S. Genetic markers for characterization and prediction of prognosis of melanoma subtypes: a 2021 update. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2021; 156:322-330. [PMID: 33982545 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.21.06957-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this article we examined the most important genetic markers involved in melanoma susceptibility, initiation and progression, and their impact on the prognosis of the disease. Current knowledge in melanoma genetics identifies distinct pathways to the development of different melanoma subtypes characterized by specific clinico-pathological features and partially known genetic markers, modulated by high, low or absence of cumulative sun damage. The most prevalent somatic mutations are related to the activation of the MAPK pathway, which are classified into four major subtypes: BRAF mutant, NRAS mutant, NF1 mutant and triple wild type. Moreover, germinal mutations are also involved in the characterization and predictions of prognosis in melanoma. Currently, CDKN2A is seen as the main high-risk gene involved in melanoma susceptibility being mutated in around 20% of melanoma-prone families. Other high-risk susceptibility genes described include CDK4, POT1, BAP1, TERT promoter, ACD, and TERF2IP. Melanoma is one of the most genetically predisposed among all cancers in humans, and ultraviolet light from the sun is the main environmental factor. This genetic predisposition is starting to be understood, impacting not only on the risk of developing melanoma but also on the risk of developing other types of cancer, as well as on the prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Podlipnik
- Department of Dermatology, University of Barcelona, Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Unit of Melanoma, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Potrony
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Puig
- Department of Dermatology, University of Barcelona, Hospital of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - .,Unit of Melanoma, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
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Gandini S, Zanna I, De Angelis S, Palli D, Raimondi S, Ribero S, Masala G, Suppa M, Bellerba F, Corso F, Nezi L, Nagore E, Caini S. TERT promoter mutations and melanoma survival: A comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Li J, Li Z, Zhang C, Zhang C, Wang H. Male patients with TERT mutation may be more likely to benefit from immunotherapy, especially for melanoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:17288-17294. [PMID: 32915164 PMCID: PMC7521545 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Genomic mutation may be key factors for sex-biased disparities in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of treatment response. Current study has revealed that sex-based dimorphism on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancers and confirmed that male patients can benefit more from immunotherapy. However, only a subset of male patients responds well to ICIs. Therefore, biomarkers are desperately needed to identify the group of patients who may be more likely to benefit from ICIs. With the availability of the cBioPortal database, we identified that TERT mutation may serve as a sex-specific cancer biomarker and TERT mutation frequency of melanoma was higher in male patients. Notably, we found that male patients with TERT mutation may be more likely to benefit from immunotherapy (p = 0.006), especially for melanoma (p < 0.001). Therefore, our research provides a possible direction for the exploration of immunotherapy prediction biomarkers based on sex difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Zhaoyan Li
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 00032, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
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Li H, Li J, Zhang C, Zhang C, Wang H. TERT mutations correlate with higher TMB value and unique tumor microenvironment and may be a potential biomarker for anti-CTLA4 treatment. Cancer Med 2020; 9:7151-7160. [PMID: 32810393 PMCID: PMC7541140 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently changed therapeutic paradigms for patients across multiple cancer types. However, current biomarkers cannot accurately predict responses to ICIs. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutations lead to an aberrant upregulation of TERT expression, and ultimately allow telomere maintenance, thus supporting immortalization of cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate whether the TERT mutation is a potential predictor of ICI treatment across all cancer types. TERT mutations positively correlated with a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) value, neoantigen load, and tumor purity. Lymphocyte infiltration, macrophage regulation, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) response, and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) response which was representative immune‐expression signatures, all had higher signature scores in the TERT mutation group. Activated CD4 T cell, naïve B cell, activated dendritic cell, M0 macrophage, M1 macrophage, neutrophil, resting NK cell, and plasma cells all had relatively higher immune scores in the TERT mutation group, whereas Th series cells, memory B cell, resting mast cells, monocytes, and activated NK cells had lower immune scores. Notably, in the subgroup analysis of monotherapy and combination ICI treatment, only in the anti‐cytotoxic‐T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (anti‐CTLA4) group, patients with TERT mutations had a better prognosis, especially for melanoma. Therefore, TERT mutations were closely related to a higher TMB value and unique tumor microenvironment, which may be the reason that TERT mutations may be a potential biomarker for anti‐CTLA4 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Motaparthi K, Kim J, Andea AA, Missall TA, Novoa RA, Vidal CI, Fung MA, Emanuel PO. TERT and TERT promoter in melanocytic neoplasms: Current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 47:710-719. [PMID: 32202662 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Located on chromosome locus 5p15.33, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT or hTERT) encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase which permits lengthening and preservation of telomeres following mitosis. Mutations in TERT promoter (TERT-p) upregulate expression of TERT, allowing survival of malignant cells and tumor progression in wide variety of malignancies including melanoma. The objective of this review is to examine the roles of TERT and TERT-p in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognostication of cutaneous melanoma. METHODS All studies of TERT or TERT-p in cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms with the following inclusion criteria were reviewed: publication date between 2010 and 2019, English language, and series of ≥3 cases were reviewed for evidence supporting the role of TERT in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis. Studies with <3 cases or focused primarily on mucosal or uveal melanocytic tumors were excluded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION TERT-p mutations are frequent in chronic and non-chronic sun damage melanoma and correlate with adverse prognosis, inform pathogenesis, and may provide diagnostic support. While TERT-p mutations are uncommon in acral melanoma, TERT copy number gains and gene amplification predict reduced survival. Among atypical spitzoid neoplasms, TERT-p mutations identify biologically aggressive tumors and support the diagnosis of spitzoid melanoma. TERT-p methylation may have prognostic value in pediatric conventional melanoma and drive tumorigenesis in melanoma arising within congenital nevi. Finally, TERT-p mutations may aid in the differentiation of recurrent nevi from recurrent melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Motaparthi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jinah Kim
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, California
| | - Aleodor A Andea
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tricia A Missall
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Roberto A Novoa
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Claudia I Vidal
- Dermatology Center of Southern Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Maxwell A Fung
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Patrick O Emanuel
- Laboratorio Recavarren Emanuel, Clínica Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- IGENZ Molecular Laboratory, Auckland, New Zealand
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TERT Promoter Mutations Differently Correlate with the Clinical Outcome of MAPK Inhibitor-Treated Melanoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040946. [PMID: 32290374 PMCID: PMC7226422 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance is a major challenge in the management of mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor (MAPKi)-treated metastatic melanoma. Tumor genetic alterations can cause MAPK pathway reactivation, leading to lack of response and poor outcome. Characterization of the mutational profile in patients with melanoma might be crucial for patient-tailored treatment choices. Mutations in the promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (TERTprom) lead to increased TERT expression and telomerase activity and are frequent in BRAFV600 mutant melanoma. Reportedly, TERTprom, and BRAFV600 mutations cooperate in driving cancer progression and aggressiveness. We evaluated the effect of the TERTprom status on the clinical outcome in 97 MAPKi-treated melanoma patients. We observed that patients with the c.-146C > T mutation showed a significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those carrying the c.-124C > T mutation and a two-fold increased risk of progression (median 5.4 vs. 9.5 months; hazard ratio (HR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.2; p = 0.013). This trend was also observed for the overall survival (OS); melanoma patients with the c.-146C > T mutation showed a poorer prognosis compared to those with the c.-124C > T mutation (median 13.3 vs. 25.5 months; HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.3, p = 0.023). Our results disclose a different correlation of the two TERTprom mutations with MAPKi-treated melanoma patient outcome, highlighting a different impact of the pathway blockade.
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