Childhood sarcomas: fine-needle aspiration cytopathology with an emphasis on the use of molecular studies

INTRODUCTION

In children and adolescents, most sarcoma subtypes have a simple karyotype with a single genetic alteration; cytologic findings combined with ancillary testing can lead to a specific diagnosis. The goal of this study was to review the use of fine-needle aspiration in conjunction with immunohistochemistry and molecular studies as a part of an integrated, multidisciplinary diagnostic workup for bone and soft tissue sarcomas in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched for cases aged ≤18 years old with a malignant bone or soft tissue tumor that had corresponding cytology specimens from 3 institutions. Clinical data, cytologic findings and diagnoses, histologic diagnoses, and ancillary testing were documented.

RESULTS

Of 99 cases, 55% were male with a mean age of 12 years. Ninety-four cases (95%) had a specific histologic diagnosis, and 84 cases (85%) were primary neoplasms. Ninety-four cases (95%) had a malignant cytologic diagnosis, and 71 cases (72%) had a specific cytologic diagnosis concordant with the histologic diagnosis. Among primary tumors with a specific histologic diagnosis, a specific cytologic diagnosis was made in 63 cases (79%). After excluding osteosarcoma, 74% of the tumors (n = 50) had molecular studies. Specific genetic alterations supporting a definitive diagnosis were found in 42 cases (84%), the majority of which were demonstrated using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (n = 33, 79%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that fine-needle aspiration in conjunction with core needle biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular studies allowed cytopathologists to accurately classify sarcomas in a pediatric age group.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy for Benign and Malignant Bone Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic yield and accuracy of both image-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle biopsy and evaluate the benefit of performing fine-needle biopsy in addition to CNB in patients with suspected benign and malignant bone tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was performed on March 10, 2021, to determine whether fine-needle aspiration (FNA) plays any role when performed alone or in combination with CNB. The included studies were aggregated for the pooled estimates of diagnostic yield and histologic accuracy of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of bone tumors. Twenty-nine studies published between 1996 and 2021 were included.

RESULTS

When all patients with bone tumors were included, the rates of diagnostic yield and accuracy of FNA and CNB were 88.5% and 82.5% and 91.4% and 92.7%, respectively; the rates of both the methods combined were 96.5% and 94.1%, respectively; and for the lytic subgroup, the rates of diagnostic yield and accuracy of CNB and both the methods combined were 94.3% and 100% and 98.9% and 90.4%, respectively. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis showed that core biopsy alone outperformed fine-needle biopsy alone in all categories of benign and malignant tumors. Additionally, the diagnostic yield was improved when FNA was used in addition to CNB for lytic bone lesions.

Diagnostic yield and accuracy of paediatric image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of deep organ tumours

Background

Paediatric tumour cytological diagnosis by image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has not gained wide acceptance despite increasing publications advocating the procedure.

Objective

The primary aim was an audit of the diagnostic yield and accuracy of paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE at a single institution. Evaluation of safety was a secondary aim.

Method

Details of consecutive cases of paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE for suspected non-benign deep-seated lesions performed from 01 January 2014 to 30 April 2020 were retrieved from the institutional radiology and laboratory databases. Diagnostic yield and accuracy were evaluated using clinico-pathological-radiological correlation and/or subsequent histological specimen diagnosis correlation. Complications and the frequency of key radiological features potentially affecting yield and accuracy were described.

Results

Of 65 cases retrieved, cytology showed malignancy in 52, benign features in five and one indeterminate diagnosis; seven samples were insufficient for cytological assessment. Of the 65 cases, 58 had subsequent formal histological diagnosis. The overall diagnostic yield was 98.5%, with 94.5% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value, 75.0% negative predictive value and 95.3% diagnostic accuracy. All cases (n = 26) demonstrating restricted diffusion on MRI yielded adequate samples and cyto-histopathological correlation.

Conclusion

Paediatric image-guided FNAB with ROSE has a relatively high diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy in the diagnosis of deep-seated tumours. The relatively low negative predictive value may reflect insufficient samples obtained from cystic and/or benign lesions. Sampling from areas of restricted MRI diffusion may enhance diagnostic yield.

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy with on-site cytology-immediate diagnosis in pediatric oncology

BACKGROUND

Accurate and swift tissue diagnosis is extremely important for the timely initiation of treatment in pediatric oncology. In our department, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-guided CNB) is used for tissue diagnosis. In 2016, we added on-site cytology, allowing for an immediate primary diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed our performance in terms of safety and accuracy for CNBs and on-site cytology.

METHODS

All pediatric biopsies performed in our hospital between February 2016 and December 2020, were included. Patient clinical, procedural and follow-up data were collected. CNB pathology and cytology results were compared to the final pathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

We included 71 patients for which 72 biopsies with on-site touch imprint (TI) cytology were performed; the average latency time to biopsy was 1 day. Altogether, we had 61 tumors, (58 malignant, 3 benign) and 11 other lesions. On-site cytology diagnosed 58 malignant tumors, 3 benign tumors and 11 non-tumor tissues. The cytologist correctly differentiated tumor from inflammation in all cases, and diagnosed the precise tumor type in 57 cases, with an accuracy of 94% for final diagnosis. We had no complications related to the procedure or sedation.

CONCLUSION

US-guided CNB with on-site TI cytology for suspected malignancy in the pediatric population is highly available, safe, and accurate, with real-time diagnosis in most cases. This accelerated diagnostic route has a huge impact on patient care.

Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy for Tissue Diagnosis in Pediatric Oncology: 16-Year Experience With 597 Biopsies

OBJECTIVE. Percutaneous imaging-guided core needle biopsies (CNBs) for cancer diagnosis in pediatric patients are gaining interest because of their availability, lower rate of complications, and high diagnostic power compared with traditional surgical biopsies. Nevertheless, their precise role in the diagnostic algorithm of pediatric oncology is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to report our accumulated 16-year experience with CNB; discuss the availability, safety, and diagnostic accuracy of the procedure and the adequacy of ancillary testing; and compare our findings with the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Pediatric ultrasound-guided CNBs performed in our hospital between November 2003 and December 2019 were retrospectively studied. Data collection included demographics, clinical and procedural parameters, complications, and final diagnosis. RESULTS. A total of 597 biopsies were performed in 531 patients (132 performed in known oncologic patients and 465 performed to establish diagnosis). The median time between the biopsy request and the procedure was 1 day. Of 432 biopsies performed in patients with malignancies, 12 (2.8%) had false-negative results. In 165 cases of benign pathologic findings, all had true-negative results. Ancillary testing was adequate in all malignant cases. Overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates were 97.2%, 100%, and 98.0%, respectively. Five biopsies (0.8%) resulted in complications, including one major bleed and one track seeding. CONCLUSION. Our experience shows that ultrasound-guided CNB for suspected malignancy in pediatric patients has a high safety profile, availability, and accuracy rate compared with surgical biopsy. Our fast-track strategy enables early initiation of designated therapy and has the potential to become the procedure of choice.

Needle Biopsy Adequacy in the Era of Precision Medicine and Value-Based Health Care

CONTEXT.—

Needle biopsy of diseased tissue is an essential diagnostic tool that is becoming even more important as precision medicine develops. However, the capability of this modality to efficiently provide samples adequate for diagnostic and prognostic analysis remains quite limited relative to current diagnostic needs. For physicians and patients, inadequate biopsy frequently leads to diagnostic delay, procedure duplication, or insufficient information about tumor biology leading to delay in treatment; for health systems, this results in substantial incremental costs and inefficient use of scarce specialized diagnostic resources.

OBJECTIVE.—

To review current needle biopsy technology, devices, and practice with a perspective to identify current limitations and opportunities for improvement in the context of advancing precision medicine.

DATA SOURCES.—

PubMed searches of fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy devices and similar technologies were made generally, by tissue site, and by adequacy as well as by health economics of these technologies.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Needle biopsy adequacy can be improved by recognizing the importance of this diagnostic tool by promoting common criteria for needle biopsy adequacy; by optimizing needle biopsy procedural technique, technologies, clinical practice, professional education, and quality assurance; and by bundling biopsy procedure costs with downstream diagnostic modalities to provide better accountability and incentives to improve the diagnostic process.

Generation of patient-derived tumor xenografts from percutaneous tumor biopsies in children with bone sarcomas

One of the limitations of performing percutaneous biopsies in patients with bone sarcomas is the small amount of tumor that can be obtained for research purposes. Here, we describe our experience developing patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) using percutaneous tumor biopsies in children with bone sarcomas. We generated 14 bone sarcoma PDXs from percutaneous tumor biopsies. We also developed eight bone sarcoma PDXs from surgical resection of primary bone tumors and pulmonary metastases. A multidisciplinary team approach was critical to establish an accurate diagnosis and to provide adequate tumor samples for PDX generation.

Determining the Optimal Number of Core Needle Biopsy Passes for Molecular Diagnostics

PURPOSE

The number of core biopsy passes required for adequate next-generation sequencing is impacted by needle cut, needle gauge, and the type of tissue involved. This study evaluates diagnostic adequacy of core needle lung biopsies based on number of passes and provides guidelines for other tissues based on simulated biopsies in ex vivo porcine organ tissues.

METHODS

The rate of diagnostic adequacy for pathology and molecular testing from lung biopsy procedures was measured for eight operators pre-implementation (September 2012-October 2013) and post-implementation (December 2013-April 2014) of a standard protocol using 20-gauge side-cut needles for ten core biopsy passes at a single academic hospital. Biopsy pass volume was then estimated in ex vivo porcine muscle, liver, and kidney using side-cut devices at 16, 18, and 20 gauge and end-cut devices at 16 and 18 gauge to estimate minimum number of passes required for adequate molecular testing.

RESULTS

Molecular diagnostic adequacy increased from 69% (pre-implementation period) to 92% (post-implementation period) (p < 0.001) for lung biopsies. In porcine models, both 16-gauge end-cut and side-cut devices require one pass to reach the validated volume threshold to ensure 99% adequacy for molecular characterization, while 18- and 20-gauge devices require 2-5 passes depending on needle cut and tissue type.

CONCLUSION

Use of 20-gauge side-cut core biopsy needles requires a significant number of passes to ensure diagnostic adequacy for molecular testing across all tissue types. To ensure diagnostic adequacy for molecular testing, 16- and 18-gauge needles require markedly fewer passes.