Comparison of a modified staging system with 8th edition AJCC criteria in a North American cohort of pT2/pT3 HPV-negative penile squamous cell carcinoma

The staging for pT2/pT3 penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC) has undergone major changes. Some authors proposed criteria wherein the distinction between pT2/pT3 was made using the same histopathological variables that are currently utilized to differentiate pT1a/pT1b. In this single-institution, North American study, we focused on (HPV-negative) pT2/3 pSCCs (i.e., tumors invading corpus spongiosum/corpus cavernosum), and compared the prognostic ability of the following systems: (i) AJCC (8th edition) criteria; (ii) modified staging criteria proposed by Sali et al (Am J Surg Pathol. 2020;44:1112-7). In the proposed system, pT2 tumors were defined as those devoid of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) or perineural invasion (PNI), and were not poorly differentiated; whereas pT3 showed one or more of the following: LVI, PNI, and/or grade 3. 48 pT2/pT3 cases were included (AJCC, pT2: 27 and pT3: 21; Proposed, pT2: 22 and pT3: 26). The disease-free survival (DFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) did not differ between pT2 and pT3, following the current AJCC definitions (p=0.19 and p=0.10, respectively). When the pT2/3 stages were reconstructed using the modified criteria, however, a statistically significant difference was present in both DFS and PFS between pT2 and pT3 (p=0.004 and p=0.003, respectively). The proposed staging system has the potential to improve the prognostication of pT2/pT3 tumors in pSCC. Each of these histopathologic variables has been shown to have a significant association with outcomes in pSCC, which is an advantage. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the utility of this modified staging system in patient populations from other geographic regions.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chromosomal microarray as a diagnostic tool for mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma: A validation study

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) shows significant overlap with papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), and harbor recurrent copy-number alterations (CNA). We evaluated 16 RCC with features suggestive of MTSCC using chromosomal microarrays. The cohort was comprised of 8 females and males, each, with an age range of 33-79 years (median, 59), and a tumor size range of 3.4-15.5 cm (median, 5.0). Half the tumors were high-grade (8/16, 50%) with features such as necrosis, marked cytologic atypia, and sarcomatoid differentiation, and 5/16 (31%) were high stage (≥pT3a). Three (of 16, 19%) cases had a predominant (>95%) spindle cell component, whereas 5/16 (31%) were composed of a predominant (>95%) epithelial component. Most cases (12/16, 75%) exhibited a myxoid background and/or extravasated mucin, at least focally. Twelve (of 16, 75%) cases demonstrated CNA diagnostic of MTSCC (losses of chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 22). In addition, 2 high-grade tumors showed loss of CDKN2A/B, and gain of 1q, respectively, both of which are associated with aggressive behavior. Three (of 16, 19%) cases, demonstrated nonspecific CNA, and did not meet diagnostic criteria for established RCC subtypes. One (of 16, 6%) low-grade epithelial predominant tumor (biopsy) demonstrated characteristic gains of 7, 17, and loss of Y, diagnostic of PRCC. MTSCC can be a morphologically heterogenous tumor. Our study validates the detection of characteristic chromosomal CNA for diagnostic use that may be useful in challenging cases with unusual spindle cell or epithelial predominant features, as well as in high-grade tumors.

Genomic attributes of prostate cancer across primary and metastatic noncastrate and castrate resistant disease states: a next generation sequencing study of 183 patients

Primary prostatic adenocarcinoma (pPC) undergoes genomic evolution secondary to therapy-related selection pressures as it transitions to metastatic noncastrate (mNC-PC) and castrate resistant (mCR-PC) disease. Next generation sequencing results were evaluated for pPC (n = 97), locally advanced disease (involving urinary bladder/rectum, n = 12), mNC-PC (n = 21), and mCR-PC (n = 54). We identified enrichment of TP53 alterations in high-grade pPC, TP53/RB1 alterations in HGNE disease, and AR alterations in metastatic and castrate resistant disease. Actionable alterations (MSI-H phenotype and HRR genes) were identified in approximately a fifth of all cases. These results help elucidate the landscape of genomic alterations across the clinical spectrum of prostate cancer.

Genomic analysis of spermatocytic tumors demonstrates recurrent molecular alterations in cases with malignant clinical behavior

Spermatocytic tumor (ST) is a rare type of germ cell tumor that occurs exclusively in the postpubertal testis and typically affects elderly men. Most STs are benign, but rare cases exhibit aggressive clinical behavior, often in association with transition to sarcomatoid histology. Limited molecular analyses have been performed on STs; therefore, their genomic and epigenomic features remain incompletely described. Twenty-seven samples from 25 individual patients were analyzed with a combination of DNA sequencing panels, genomic methylation profiling, SNP array, isochromosome (12p) [i(12p)] FISH, and immunohistochemistry. The series included five metastasizing tumors (three with sarcomatoid transformation, one anaplastic, and one conventional) and 20 non-metastasizing tumors (14 anaplastic and six conventional). Anaplastic tumors comprised a monomorphic population of intermediate-sized neoplastic cells, as previously described. Multiomic analyses demonstrated that there were two genomic subgroups of STs: one with diploid genomes and hotspot RAS/RAF variants and the other with global ploidy shift and absence of recurrent mutations. Relative gain of chromosome 9 was a consistent finding in both subgroups. A comparison of metastasizing and non-metastasizing cases demonstrated that aggressive behavior was associated with the acquisition of pathogenic TP53 mutations and/or relative gains of 12p/i(12p). In cases with sarcomatoid transformation, TP53 mutations seem to underlie the transition to sarcomatoid histology. Genomic methylation analysis demonstrated that aggressive cases with gains of 12p cluster closer to pure seminomas than to STs without gains of 12p. In conclusion, STs include two genomic subgroups, characterized by global ploidy shifts without recurrent mutations and diploid genomes with RAS/RAF hotspot mutations, respectively. Biologic progression was associated with relative gains of 12p and TP53 mutations. The findings in STs with relative gains of 12p suggest that they may exhibit biologic characteristics akin to those seen in germ cell neoplasia in situ-related germ cell tumors rather than non-germ cell neoplasia in situ-derived STs. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Identification of amyloidosis of the urinary tract and prostate: Opportunities for early diagnosis & intervention in systemic disease

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of different amyloid types and frequency of associated systemic amyloidosis in the urinary tract/prostate.

METHODS

We studied Congo red-positive prostate (n = 150) and urinary tract (n = 767) specimens typed by a proteomics-based method between 2008 and 2020. Clinical follow up was available for a subset (urinary tract, n = 111; prostate, n = 17). Amyloid types were correlated with various clinicopathologic features. For patients with clinical follow up, chart review was performed to establish localized versus systemic disease, frequency of initial diagnosis of amyloidosis on urinary tract/prostate specimens, presence of cardiac disease, and death from disease-related complications.

RESULTS

The most common amyloid types were AL/AH in urinary tract (479/767, 62 %) and localized ASem1 in prostate (64/150, 43 %). Urinary tract AL/AH amyloid was usually localized, but systemic AL amyloidosis occurred in both sites (urinary tract: 5/71, 7 %; prostate: 2/2, 100 %). ATTR amyloidosis was seen in over a third of cases (urinary tract: 286/767, 37 %; prostate: 55/150, 37 %). Urinary tract/prostate was the site of the initial ATTR amyloidosis diagnosis in 44/48 patients (92 %), and 38/48 (79 %) were subsequently found to have cardiac involvement. Seminal vesicle/ejaculatory duct involvement was pathognomonic for ASem1-type amyloidosis (39/39, 100 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Over 40 % of patients had systemic amyloidosis, with urinary tract/prostate often the first site in which amyloid was identified. Since early recognition of systemic amyloidosis is critical for optimal patient outcomes, there should be a low threshold to perform Congo red stain. Proteomics-based amyloid typing is recommended since treatment depends on correctly identifying the amyloid type.

Assessment of PD-L1, TROP2, and nectin-4 expression in penile squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

There is an unmet need for therapeutically relevant biomarkers for advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC). Proposed immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based biomarkers include programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), and nectin-4; however, there is a paucity of data pertaining to these biomarkers. Herein, we investigated the expression of PD-L1, TROP2, and nectin-4 in a well-annotated cohort of pSCCs.

METHODS

A single-institution pathology archive was queried for patients who had a partial or total penectomy for pSCC between January 2000 and December 2022. Whole-slide sections were stained with antibodies against PD-L1 (22C3), TROP2, and nectin-4. Expression in tumor cells was quantified using H-scores (0-300). Associations between IHC expression, human papilloma virus (HPV) status, clinicopathologic findings, and outcome parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study included 121 patients. For PD-L1, the median combined positive and H-scores were 1 and 0, respectively; 32.7 % of the cases had an H-score>0. Compared to PD-L1-negative tumors, PD-L1-positive tumors had higher pT stage and grade. The median TROP2 and nectin-4 H-scores were 230 and 140, respectively, with high TROP2 and nectin-4, defined by an H-score>200, noted in 80.7 % and 10.9 % of cases, respectively. High-risk HPV-positive cases had higher TROP2 and nectin-4 scores compared to HPV-negative cases. Patients with high TROP2 expression had significantly more disease progression, and patients with high nectin-4 expression had significantly fewer deaths due to disease.

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of TROP2 and nectin-4 in pSCC support evaluation of these markers as therapeutic targets pending validation of our findings.

Accelerating Cancer Histopathology Workflows with Chemical Imaging and Machine Learning

Histopathology has remained a cornerstone for biomedical tissue assessment for over a century, with a resource-intensive workflow involving biopsy or excision, gross examination, sampling, tissue processing to snap frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks, sectioning, staining, optical imaging, and microscopic assessment. Emerging chemical imaging approaches, including stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, can directly measure inherent molecular composition in tissue (thereby dispensing with the need for tissue processing, sectioning, and using dyes) and can use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to provide high-quality images. Here we show the integration of SRS microscopy in a pathology workflow to rapidly record chemical information from minimally processed fresh-frozen prostate tissue. Instead of using thin sections, we record data from intact thick tissues and use optical sectioning to generate images from multiple planes. We use a deep learning–based processing pipeline to generate virtual hematoxylin and eosin images. Next, we extend the computational method to generate archival-quality images in minutes, which are equivalent to those obtained from hours/days-long formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded processing. We assessed the quality of images from the perspective of enabling pathologists to make decisions, demonstrating that the virtual stained image quality was diagnostically useful and the interpathologist agreement on prostate cancer grade was not impacted. Finally, because this method does not wash away lipids and small molecules, we assessed the utility of lipid chemical composition in determining grade. Together, the combination of chemical imaging and AI provides novel capabilities for rapid assessments in pathology by reducing the complexity and burden of current workflows.

SIGNIFICANCE

Archival-quality (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), thin-section diagnostic images are obtained from thick-cut, fresh-frozen prostate tissues without dyes or stains to expedite cancer histopathology by combining SRS microscopy and machine learning.

Proteomic and Clinicopathologic Assessment of Penile Amyloidosis: A Single Institutional Review of 12 Cases

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of data on penile amyloidosis. We aimed to assess the frequency of different amyloid types in surgical specimens from the penis involved by amyloidosis and correlate relevant clinicopathologic parameters with proteomic findings.

METHODS

Since 2008, our reference laboratory has performed liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for amyloid typing. The institutional pathology archive and reference laboratory database were queried to retrospectively identify all penile surgical pathology specimens with LC-MS/MS results between January 1, 2008, and November 23, 2022. Archived H&E-stained and Congo red-stained sections were re-reviewed.

RESULTS

Twelve cases of penile amyloidosis were identified, which represented 0.35% (n = 3,456) of penile surgical specimens. AL-type amyloid was most frequent (n = 7), followed by keratin-type amyloid (n = 3) and ATTR (transthyretin)-type amyloid (n = 2). AL-type amyloid cases often showed diffuse dermal/lamina propria deposition, whereas all keratin-type amyloid cases were localized to the superficial dermis. Two cases with keratin-type amyloid had concomitant cutaneous findings (penile intraepithelial neoplasia and condyloma).

CONCLUSIONS

This series, the largest to date, demonstrates that penile amyloidosis has a heterogeneous proteomic landscape. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing ATTR (transthyretin)-type penile amyloid.

"A monument to suffering and to patience": The harrowing journey of Nabby Adams through breast cancer

In 1813, Abigail "Nabby" Adams, the daughter of the second president of the United States, John Adams (1797-1801), passed away from metastatic breast cancer. Her ordeal began in 1810, at age 44, when she discovered a lump in her right breast She consulted with Dr Benjamin Rush, one of the most prominent physicians of the time and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, which resulted in a recommendation for an immediate mastectomy. The surgery was performed at her parent's home in Quincy, Massachusetts, by Dr John Warren. The crude and painful nature of the surgical procedure was highly traumatic to Ms. Adams and her family. After a few months, she returned to her home in rural New York. Within a few months she began feeling generalized pain. When it was evident that her symptoms were the result of disseminated breast cancer, she returned to her parents' house, where she died on August 15, a mere 22 months after her surgery. Ms. Adams' suffering through the stark treatment was the result of a unique historical period, when the medical community had just recently dismissed Galen's paradigms, but still lacked a basic knowledge of the disease's nature or the ability to administer painless, safe surgical treatment.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Assessment of Prostate Cancer-Associated Crystalloids Reveals Enrichment for Growth & Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15)

Intraluminal crystalloids are a common finding within malignant prostatic acini and are infrequently identified within benign glands. The proteomic composition of these crystalloids remains poorly understood and may provide insight regarding prostate cancer pathogenesis. Laser microdissection assisted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LMD-LC-MS/MS) was performed to compare proteomic composition of corpora amylacea within benign acini (n=9), prostatic adenocarcinoma-associated crystalloids (n=8), benign (n=8), and malignant prostatic acini (n=6). The expression of candidate biomarkers was then measured in urine specimens from patients with (n=8) and without prostate cancer (n=10) using ELISA; and immunohistochemistry-based expression in adjacent prostate cancer and benign glands was assessed in 56 whole-slide sections from radical prostatectomy specimens. LMD-LC-MS/MS revealed enrichment for the C-terminal portion of growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in prostatic crystalloids. Although urinary GDF15 levels were higher in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma compared to those without (median: 1561.2 vs 1101.3, arbitrary units), this did not meet statistical significance (p=0.07). Immunohistochemistry for GDF15 revealed occasional positivity in benign glands (median H-score: 30, n=56), and diffuse positivity in prostatic adenocarcinoma (median H-score: 200, n=56, p<0.0001). No significant difference was identified within different prognostic grade groups of prostatic adenocarcinoma, or within malignant glands with large cribriform morphology. Our results show that the C-terminal portion of GDF15 is enriched in prostate cancer-associated crystalloids, and higher GDF15 expression is seen in malignant rather than benign prostatic acini. Improved understanding of the proteomic composition of prostate cancer-associated crystalloids provides the rationale for evaluating GDF15 as a urine-based biomarker of prostate cancer.

Homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutation concordance between liquid biopsy (LB) and tumor tissue by NGS in a real-world prostate cancer (PC) database

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Background: NGS to identify HRR mutations (mut) is indicated in advanced prostate cancer (aPC); samples for testing may be tissue or plasma. In a large real-world (RW) database, we determined concordance between plasma ctDNA and primary tumor tissue (PT) and/or metastatic tissue (MT) for BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM mut in PC patients (pts) who received both LB and tissue NGS any time during standard of care (SOC) management. The study objective was to assess the utility of LB to detect actionable mut in these HRR genes and demonstrate the utility of combined LB and tissue testing. Methods: We examined de-identified data from pts who had NGS using both Tempus xF (105 genes-LB) and Tempus xT (648 genes-tissue) during SOC for aPC. Analyses included 1) PT and LB and 2) MT and LB. The results from the pts’ earliest PT or MT and earliest LB were used for paired analyses. The prevalence of a pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline and/or somatic mut in BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM was reported as N (%), 95% CI. The sensitivity of the LB to identify observed HRR mut in tissue was also reported as N (%), 95% CI. Concordance between pairs was evaluated by Cohen’s kappa statistic with 95% CI. Results: HRR results are show for 1074 PC pts who had NGS performed on PT and LB and 451 PC pts with NGS on both MT and LB. In the PT and LB analysis, HRR mut were found in 6.2% (95% CI: 4.9%-7.9%) of LB and 8.8% (95% CI: 7.2%-11%) of PT. The sensitivity of LB to detect HRR mut in the PT was 53% (95% CI: 43%-64%). Cohen’s kappa statistic was 0.59, 95% CI=0.50-0.68, between PT and LB. In the MT and LB analysis, HRR mut were found in 10% (95% CI 7.8%-14%) of LB and 10% (7.6%-13%) of MT. The sensitivity of LB to detect HRR mut in the MT was 70% (95% CI: 54%-82%). Cohen’s kappa statistic was 0.65, 95% CI=0.54-0.77, between MT and LB. Conclusions: In this large RW dataset, plasma ctDNA-based analysis of BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM mut showed greater concordance between LB and MT than LB and PT, and may be used as an initial tool for HRR mut detection. When LB results are negative, further exploration with tissue-based testing may identify HRR mut to guide clinical decisions. [Table: see text]

Single patch super-resolution of histopathology whole slide images: a comparative study

Purpose

The latest generation of scanners can digitize histopathology glass slides for computerized image analysis. These images contain valuable information for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Consequently, the availability of high digital magnifications like 20 × and 40 × is commonly expected in scanning the slides. Thus, the image acquisition typically generates gigapixel high-resolution images, times as large as 100,000 × 100,000    pixels . Naturally, the storage and processing of such huge files may be subject to severe computational bottlenecks. As a result, the need for techniques that can operate on lower magnification levels but produce results on par with outcomes for high magnification levels is becoming urgent.

Approach

Over the past decade, the digital solution of enhancing images resolution has been addressed by the concept of super resolution (SR). In addition, deep learning has offered state-of-the-art results for increasing the image resolution after acquisition. In this study, multiple deep learning networks designed for image SR are trained and assessed for the histopathology domain.

Results

We report quantitative and qualitative comparisons of the results using publicly available cancer images to shed light on the benefits and challenges of deep learning for extrapolating image resolution in histopathology. Three pathologists evaluated the results to assess the quality and diagnostic value of generated SR images.

Conclusions

Pixel-level information, including structures and textures in histopathology images, are learnable by deep networks; hence improving the resolution quantity of scanned slides is possible by training appropriate networks. Different SR networks may perform best for various cancer sites and subtypes.

Deepfake Histologic Images for Enhancing Digital Pathology

A pathologist's optical microscopic examination of thinly cut, stained tissue on glass slides prepared from a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks is the gold standard for tissue diagnostics. In addition, the diagnostic abilities and expertise of pathologists is dependent on their direct experience with common and rarer variant morphologies. Recently, deep learning approaches have been used to successfully show a high level of accuracy for such tasks. However, obtaining expert-level annotated images is an expensive and time-consuming task, and artificially synthesized histologic images can prove greatly beneficial. In this study, we present an approach to not only generate histologic images that reproduce the diagnostic morphologic features of common disease but also provide a user ability to generate new and rare morphologies. Our approach involves developing a generative adversarial network model that synthesizes pathology images constrained by class labels. We investigated the ability of this framework in synthesizing realistic prostate and colon tissue images and assessed the utility of these images in augmenting the diagnostic ability of machine learning methods and their usability by a panel of experienced anatomic pathologists. Synthetic data generated by our framework performed similar to real data when training a deep learning model for diagnosis. Pathologists were not able to distinguish between real and synthetic images, and their analyses showed a similar level of interobserver agreement for prostate cancer grading. We extended the approach to significantly more complex images from colon biopsies and showed that the morphology of the complex microenvironment in such tissues can be reproduced. Finally, we present the ability for a user to generate deepfake histologic images using a simple markup of sematic labels.

Penile squamous cell carcinoma exclusive to the shaft, with a proposal for a novel staging system

Penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) originating in the shaft are rare. pT1/pT2 categories in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual (8th edition) are poorly defined for SCCs arising in the dorsal shaft as anatomic structures differ between the glans and dorsal shaft (corpus spongiosum vs dartos/Buck's fascia, respectively). We reviewed six penile SCC cases exclusive to the shaft, an unusual presentation, identified amongst 120 patients treated with penectomy. We propose a novel pT staging system for dorsal shaft tumors tailored to its anatomic landmarks, where tumors extending to Buck's fascia are considered pT2 instead of pT1. The mean age at penectomy, average duration of follow-up, and mean depth of invasion were 64 years, 45 months, and 9.8 mm, respectively. Four cases were moderately differentiated, HPV-negative SCCs of the usual type and two cases were HPV-positive basaloid and warty-basaloid carcinomas. Three cases had nodal or distant metastasis at the time of penectomy, and histologic assessment in these cases showed invasion into the Buck's fascia or deeper. According to the current AJCC system, only one of these three cases would be staged as ≥ pT2. In contrast, all three metastatic tumors would be staged as ≥ pT2 in the proposed model. At last follow-up, one patient died of disease-related complications. Based on this limited series, the proposed staging model appears to suggest better patient stratification for pT1/pT2 stages. This model incorporates Buck's fascia, which has been postulated as a pathway of tumor infiltration. Additional studies are needed to validate this model.

A contemporary guide to chromosomal copy number profiling in the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma

The routine clinical implementation of molecular methods other than fluorescence in situ hybridization in the evaluation of renal neoplasia is currently limited, as the current standard of care primarily involves a combination of morphologic and immunophenotypic analysis of such tumors. Amongst various molecular techniques, global copy number profiling using single nucleotide polymorphism-based microarrays, colloquially referred to as SNP-arrays, is being increasingly utilized to profile renal tumors, as several subtypes have characteristic recurrent patterns of copy number alterations. Recurrent copy number alterations in common tumor types include loss of chromosome 3p in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gain of chromosomes 7 and 17 in papillary RCC and multiple losses in chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 21 in chromophobe RCC. Such assays are being increasingly utilized in the clinical setting. Herein, we discuss some common clinical applications of such testing that includes high yield diagnostic and prognostic applications. Diagnostic utility includes evaluation of tumor types that are primarily defined by underlying copy number alterations, establishing the underlying subtype in high grade dedifferentiated (unclassified) renal tumors, as well as assessment of loss of heterozygosity, which is an important component in the workup for germline alterations in tumor suppressor genes. Universal adoption of these techniques across clinical laboratories will likely be significantly affected by variables such as cost, reimbursement, and turnaround time.

Renin Production by Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumors and Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and the Role of Angiotensin Signaling Inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

To profile juxtaglomerular cell tumors (JXG) and histologic mimics by analyzing renin expression; to identify non-JXG renin-producing tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets; and to define the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and patient outcomes with angiotensin signaling inhibitor (ASI) use in tumors of interest.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen JXGs and 10 glomus tumors (GTs), a histologic mimic, were evaluated for clinicopathologic features; TCGA data were analyzed to identify non-JXG renin-overexpressing tumors. An institutional registry was queried to determine the incidence of HTN, the use of ASIs in hypertensive patients, and the impact of ASIs on outcomes including progression-free survival (PFS) in a tumor type with high renin expression (clear cell renal cell carcinoma [CC-RCC] diagnosed between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012).

RESULTS

We found an association between renin production and HTN in JXG compared with GT. Analysis of TCGA data found that a subset of CC-RCCs overexpress renin relative to 29 other tumor types. Furthermore, analysis of our institutional registry revealed a high prevalence (64%) of HTN among 1203 patients treated with radical or partial nephrectomy for nonmetastatic CC-RCC. On multivariable Cox regression, patients with HTN treated with ASIs (34%) had improved PFS (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.00; P=.05) compared with patients with HTN not treated with ASIs (30%).

CONCLUSION

The identification of renin expression in a subset of CC-RCC may provide a biologic rationale for the high prevalence of HTN and improved PFS with ASI use in hypertensive patients with nonmetastatic CC-RCC.

Lessons from histopathologic examination of nephrectomy specimens in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: cysts, angiomyolipomas, and renal cell carcinoma

Renal manifestations in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) include cysts, angiomyolipoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Unlike many hereditary predisposition syndromes, the spectrum of renal tumors in TSC patients (including both angiomyolipoma and renal cell carcinoma) is broad, with significant morphologic heterogeneity. An improved understanding of histopathologic findings in TSC patients and associated clinicopathologic correlates has significant implications not just in establishing a diagnosis of TSC, but also in the recognition of sporadic tumors occurring secondary to somatic alterations of TSC1/TSC2/MTOR pathway genes and accurate prognostication. In this review, we have discussed issues relevant to clinical management based on histopathologic findings in nephrectomy specimens from patients with TSC. This includes discussions related to screening for TSC, diagnosis of PKD1/TSC2 contiguous gene deletion syndrome, the morphologic spectrum of angiomyolipoma and renal epithelium-derived neoplasia, including the risk of disease progression.

Molecular and Immunophenotypic Correlates of Metastatic Epithelioid Angiomyolipoma Include Alterations of TP53, RB1, and ATRX

Context.—

Epithelioid angiomyolipomas (eAMLs) are rare tumors of the kidney that occur in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex or in a sporadic setting; a subset of these tumors exhibit metastatic behavior.

Objective.—

To analyze molecular profiling data to identify pathogenic alterations in rare cases of metastatic eAML, and to identify immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based surrogate markers.

Design.—

Molecular profiling data from the American Association for Cancer Research GENIE registry was accessed for 23 patients with angiomyolipomas, and 9 of 16 patients with eAMLs in our institutional registry were evaluated with next-generation sequencing. IHC was performed to screen for alterations of P53, RB, and ATRX for all 16 institutional cases.

Results.—

Combined alterations of 5 tumor-suppressor genes (TP53, ATRX, RB1, APC, and NF1) were identified using next-generation sequencing in 7 of 8 (88%) patients with metastatic disease compared to a single patient with nonmetastatic disease (RB1 variant of uncertain significance; 1 of 24, 4%). No cases with abnormal IHC results were identified in 11 patients with nonmetastatic disease compared to 3 of 5 patients with metastatic disease.

Conclusions.—

Our results show that the majority of metastatic eAMLs have mutations of 5 tumor-suppressor genes (TP53, ATRX, RB1, APC, and NF1), while these are rare in patients with nonmetastatic disease. Furthermore, IHC for P53, RB, and ATRX may serve as a screen for a subset of these alterations in resource-limited settings. These findings, if validated in larger data sets, have the potential to predict metastatic behavior in eAML.

Surveillance mammography after treatment for male breast cancer

PURPOSE

To identify the practice patterns related to use of surveillance mammography in male breast cancer (MaBC) survivors.

METHODS

Using administrative claims data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse, we identified men who underwent surgery for breast cancer during 2007-2017. We calculated the proportion of men who had at least one mammogram (a) within 13 months for all patients and (b) within 24 months amongst those who maintained their insurance coverage for at least that length of time after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with mammography within each timeframe.

RESULTS

Out of 729 total MaBC survivors, 209 (29%) underwent mammography within 13 months after surgery. Among those who had lumpectomy, 41% underwent mammography, whereas among those who had mastectomy, 27% had mammography. Amongst 526 men who maintained consistent insurance coverage for 24 months after surgery, 215 (41%) underwent mammography at least once during that 24-month period. In this cohort, the proportion who had at least one mammogram during the 24-month period was 49% after lumpectomy and 40% after mastectomy. In a multivariate logistic regression model, more recent diagnosis (2015+) and older age at diagnosis were associated with lower odds of undergoing mammography, while receipt of radiation was associated with higher odds of undergoing mammography.

CONCLUSIONS

Although recent ASCO guidelines recommend surveillance mammography after lumpectomy, a minority of MaBC survivors undergo surveillance mammography, even after lumpectomy. This is likely due to the paucity of data regarding the true benefits and harms of surveillance/screening mammography for MaBC.

Renal Neoplasia in Polycystic Kidney Disease: An Assessment of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-associated Renal Neoplasia and PKD1/TSC2 Contiguous Gene Deletion Syndrome

To determine the incidence of renal neoplasia among patients undergoing nephrectomy for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), we queried our institutional nephrectomy registry (years 2000-2020). Approximately 4% (231 of 5757) of patients who underwent nephrectomy had PKD, and 26 of these 231 patients (11.3%) had renal neoplasia. Tumors from an additional two patients with PKD were also evaluated. Patients with PKD who had tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated renal neoplasia were screened for PKD1/TSC2 contiguous gene deletion syndrome (CGS) using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. The median age of patients with PKD and renal neoplasia at nephrectomy was 54 yr. The median tumor size was 2.0 cm and the tumors were predominantly of low grade and stage. The tumors consisted of 23 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), one epithelioid angiomyolipoma, and four angiomyolipomas. The median follow-up was 59.5 mo (n = 26) and only one patient with clear cell RCC developed metastases. Two patients with angiomyolipomas had PKD1/TSC2 CGS. Our results support screening of patients with PKD and TSC-associated renal neoplasia as well as TSC patients with cystic renal disease for CGS, as identification of patients with CGS can better define the manifestation and prognosis of CGS and guide counseling regarding patterns of inheritance. PATIENT SUMMARY: We identified patients with abnormal kidney cell growth (called renal neoplasia) among those undergoing removal of kidney tissue for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and patients with a syndrome involving deletions in two genes, called PKD1/TSC2 contiguous gene deletion syndrome (CGS) at our institution. Of 231 PKD patients with removal of kidney tissue, 11.3% had renal neoplasia, and two patients with angiomyolipoma tumors had PKD1/TSC2 CGS. Detection of renal neoplasia associated with a condition called tuberous sclerosis complex in PKD may increase the identification of patients with PKD1/TSC2 CGS and guide patient counseling regarding outcomes and patterns of inheritance.

The Tsar's doctor: The selfless and devoted life of Dr Eugene Botkin

Eugene Botkin was Nicholas II's court physician from 1908 until the abolition of the monarchy. He accompanied the royal family into exile and shared their fate at Ekaterinburg in 1918. The son of a prominent St. Petersburg physician, he trained at the Universities of St. Petersburg, Berlin, and Heidelberg. As court physician, he participated in the management of the Tsarevich Alexei's hemophilia, but most of his time was spent taking care of the Tsarina's multiple psychosomatic ailments. A deep sense of duty, rendered him unable to part from the royal family during the difficult months of exile and imprisonment. During this period there were several episodes of imminent threat to his life, where despite having the opportunity to leave, he voluntarily decided to stay with the Romanovs. In up to three occasions he said his goodbyes to his children, only to find out the next day that the threat had been contained. Ironically, the last time he spoke to them he did not think they would be separated for long. In this study, we will analyze his life, in particular the events of his last days, and will explore the reasoning behind his selfless actions.

Assessment of Risk of Hereditary Predisposition in Patients With Melanoma and/or Mesothelioma and Renal Neoplasia

IMPORTANCE

In BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is frequently associated with melanoma and/or mesothelioma, while germline MITF p.E318K alterations are being increasingly reported in melanoma/RCC. Limited data exist on the co-occurrence of melanoma and/or mesothelioma with renal neoplasia and the prevalence of associated germline alterations.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of melanoma and/or mesothelioma co-occurring with renal neoplasia using our institutional nephrectomy registry and to determine the prevalence of BAP1 and MITF alterations within this cohort.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this genetic association study, medical records from 8295 patients from 1970 to 2018, renal neoplasia co-occurring with melanoma and/or mesothelioma within a single institutional nephrectomy registry was reevaluated based on contemporary histopathologic criteria and the medical records were reviewed. Data were analyzed from September 2019 to May 2021.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Identified cases were screened for BAP1 loss using immunohistochemistry; while patients with melanoma and clear cell RCC were screened for MITF p.E318K alterations. Tumors from patients with potential germline alterations were analyzed with comprehensive molecular profiling using a 514-gene next generation sequencing panel.

RESULTS

Of a total of 8295 patients, 93 (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.9%-1.4%) had melanoma and/or mesothelioma co-occurring with renal neoplasia (cutaneous melanoma, n = 76; uveal melanoma, n = 11; mesothelioma, n = 6). A total of 69 (74.2%) were male; 24 (25.8%) were female; median age at diagnosis of renal neoplasia was 63 years (IQR, 58-70 years) and the median duration of follow-up was 8.5 years (IQR, 5.0-14.6 years). Two patients with clear cell RCC had germline BAP1 alterations in the setting of cutaneous melanoma and mesothelioma. Two patients with hybrid oncocytic tumors had biallelic inactivation of FLCN in a setting of Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome associated with uveal melanoma and mesothelioma. Tumor-only screening of clear cell RCC associated with cutaneous (n = 53) and uveal melanoma (n = 6) led to the identification of 1 patient with a likely germline MITF p.E318K alteration. After excluding benign renal neoplasia (such as oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma), alterations of BAP1, FLCN, and MITF were identified in 5 of 81 patients (6.2%) with melanoma and/or mesothelioma and renal neoplasia. In contrast to hybrid oncocytic tumors in BHD, no unique genotype-phenotype correlations were seen for clear cell RCC with pathogenic BAP1/ MITF alterations and VHL loss of function variants. Four of 5 cases (80%) met current National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria for germline testing based on a combination of age, multifocality, histologic findings, and family history.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this genetic association study, findings support the continued use of these National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria and suggest more stringent screening may be warranted in this patient population.

Renal Neoplasia in Tuberous Sclerosis: A Study of 41 Patients

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical features and identify unique renal neoplasia subtypes and their prognostic implications in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Mayo Clinic nephrectomy registry included 37 patients with TSC diagnosed between 1970 and 2018. Four additional patients were identified from the pathology consultation and autopsy files. All available renal tumors were further characterized using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Clinicopathologic features and follow-up were obtained from the medical record. The American Association for Cancer Research Project GENIE registry was accessed using cBioPortal for molecular profiling of angiomyolipoma (AML).

RESULTS

A total of 276 renal tumors from 41 patients were analyzed. Renal tumors were classified into 9 distinct morphological subtypes, with AML predominating (238 [86%]). Interestingly, all these tumors acted in a benign fashion except one renal cell carcinoma with clear cells and fibromyomatous stroma and one epithelioid AML that metastasized. Molecular profiling studies revealed that epithelioid AMLs were enriched for alterations of TP53, RB1, and ATRX. Eight patients died of direct complications of TSC, including 3 of end-stage renal disease. To date, none have died of a renal epithelial neoplasm.

CONCLUSION

The identification of unique renal neoplasia subtypes may provide important clues to establish a diagnosis of TSC, and in the somatic setting, this finding has important implications for accurate prognostication. These tumors tend to be indolent, and only 2 of 276 tumors in our study exhibited metastatic behavior. Our results support multidisciplinary management with a focus on preservation of renal function.

The 2019 Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) White Paper on Contemporary Grading of Prostate Cancer

CONTEXT.—

Controversies and uncertainty persist in prostate cancer grading.

OBJECTIVE.—

To update grading recommendations.

DATA SOURCES.—

Critical review of the literature along with pathology and clinician surveys.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Percent Gleason pattern 4 (%GP4) is as follows: (1) report %GP4 in needle biopsy with Grade Groups (GrGp) 2 and 3, and in needle biopsy on other parts (jars) of lower grade in cases with at least 1 part showing Gleason score (GS) 4 + 4 = 8; and (2) report %GP4: less than 5% or less than 10% and 10% increments thereafter. Tertiary grade patterns are as follows: (1) replace "tertiary grade pattern" in radical prostatectomy (RP) with "minor tertiary pattern 5 (TP5)," and only use in RP with GrGp 2 or 3 with less than 5% Gleason pattern 5; and (2) minor TP5 is noted along with the GS, with the GrGp based on the GS. Global score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsies are as follows: (1) when multiple undesignated cores are taken from a single MRI-targeted lesion, an overall grade for that lesion is given as if all the involved cores were one long core; and (2) if providing a global score, when different scores are found in the standard and the MRI-targeted biopsy, give a single global score (factoring both the systematic standard and the MRI-targeted positive cores). Grade Groups are as follows: (1) Grade Groups (GrGp) is the terminology adopted by major world organizations; and (2) retain GS 3 + 5 = 8 in GrGp 4. Cribriform carcinoma is as follows: (1) report the presence or absence of cribriform glands in biopsy and RP with Gleason pattern 4 carcinoma. Intraductal carcinoma (IDC-P) is as follows: (1) report IDC-P in biopsy and RP; (2) use criteria based on dense cribriform glands (>50% of the gland is composed of epithelium relative to luminal spaces) and/or solid nests and/or marked pleomorphism/necrosis; (3) it is not necessary to perform basal cell immunostains on biopsy and RP to identify IDC-P if the results would not change the overall (highest) GS/GrGp part per case; (4) do not include IDC-P in determining the final GS/GrGp on biopsy and/or RP; and (5) "atypical intraductal proliferation (AIP)" is preferred for an intraductal proliferation of prostatic secretory cells which shows a greater degree of architectural complexity and/or cytological atypia than typical high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, yet falling short of the strict diagnostic threshold for IDC-P. Molecular testing is as follows: (1) Ki67 is not ready for routine clinical use; (2) additional studies of active surveillance cohorts are needed to establish the utility of PTEN in this setting; and (3) dedicated studies of RNA-based assays in active surveillance populations are needed to substantiate the utility of these expensive tests in this setting. Artificial intelligence and novel grading schema are as follows: (1) incorporating reactive stromal grade, percent GP4, minor tertiary GP5, and cribriform/intraductal carcinoma are not ready for adoption in current practice.

Low-Grade Oncocytic Tumor of Kidney (CK7-Positive, CD117-Negative): Incidence in a single institutional experience with clinicopathological and molecular characteristics

Low-grade oncocytic tumor of the kidney (LOT) is characterized by cytoplasmic eosinophilia and a CK7-positive/CD117-negative immunophenotype. Morphologically, they exhibit overlapping features with oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Our aim was to obtain long-term clinical follow-up data, clinicopathological and molecular characteristics, and incidence of LOT. Tissue microarrays were constructed from 574 tumors historically diagnosed as oncocytoma and surgically treated at Mayo Clinic between 1970 and 2012, and immunostained for CK7 and CD117. An extended immunophenotype was obtained on whole slide sections, along with FISH for CCND1 rearrangement status and chromosomal microarray for copy number status. In addition, two cases were retrospectively identified in a set of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated neoplasms and three more cases diagnosed on needle core biopsies were obtained during routine clinical practice. Twenty-four cases of LOT were identified among 574 consecutive tumors diagnosed as oncocytoma and treated with partial or radical nephrectomy, corresponding to an incidence of 4.18% of tumors historically diagnosed as oncocytomas, and 0.35% of 6944 nephrectomies performed between 1970 and 2012. Overall, 29 cases of LOT were identified in three clinical settings: sporadic, TSC-associated, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Multifocality was seen only in the setting of TSC and ESRD. No metastases attributable to LOT were identified (median follow-up 9.6 years). There were no recurrent arm level copy number changes detected by chromosomal microarray and all tested cases were negative for CCND1 rearrangement by FISH. LOT is an uncommon eosinophilic renal neoplasm with an indolent prognosis that constitutes ∼4% of tumors historically diagnosed as oncocytoma. The morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of this neoplasm suggest it is a distinct entity of renal neoplasia.

Assessment of isochromosome 12p and 12p abnormalities in germ cell tumors using fluorescence in situ hybridization, single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays, and next-generation sequencing/mate-pair sequencing

The identification of isochromosome 12p [i(12p)] and 12p gains have significant clinical utility in the diagnosis of germ cell tumors (GCTs). We have summarized the results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays to identify i(12p), performed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-validated setting for 536 specimens. In addition, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project GENIE registry and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets were evaluated for chromosome 12p gains, and a limited number of cases were concurrently evaluated using FISH, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS; including mate-pair sequencing). Specimens submitted for FISH testing were frequently from potential sites of metastases (male: 70.9% and female: 69.3%), and polysomy of chromosome 12 with or without concurrent i(12p) was a frequent finding, seen in 3% (16/536) and 35% (186/536) of cases, respectively. Our analysis suggests that 12p gains are likely to be present in approximately 73% of male GCT and in 32% of female GCT (AACR GENIE, n = 555). When comparing TCGA cases of testicular GCT (n = 149) to combined cases of sarcoma, colorectal, prostate, and urothelial carcinoma (n = 1754), 12p gains had a sensitivity of 77.2% and specificity of 97.3% for GCT. Some advantages of FISH over SNP arrays/NGS include relatively lower cost, rapid turnaround time, the ability to analyze biopsy material with a limited number of tumor cells (50 cells), and the ability to distinguish i(12p) from polysomy. The ability to spatially restrict the analysis to cells of interest is critical, as specimens submitted for testing often have low tumor purity. Disadvantages include false negative results due to an inability to detect segmental gains due to FISH probe design. With the availability of numerous testing modalities, including FISH, SNP arrays, and NGS-based assays, a nuanced understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology, as has been presented in this study, may inform appropriate testing strategies.

Prostate MRI characteristics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE

Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of prostate carcinoma (PCa) associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prostate MRI of IBD patients could be expected to show a mixture of inflammation as well as higher than normal rates of PCa, which could impact interpretation and MRI performance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of prostate MRI in patients with IBD.

METHODS

3140 patients with prostate MRI were evaluated. Coexisting IBD, PI-RADS score, and pathological results of prostate lesions (clinically significant PCa [csPCa]: Gleason score [GS] 7+, Non-csPCa: benign or GS 6) were assessed. The distribution of PI-RADS scoring and pathological result was assessed by chi-square test.

RESULTS

71 patients had IBD (IBD group), whereas the remaining 3069 patients did not (Non-IBD group). The proportion of abnormal MRI (PI-RADS 3, 4 or 5) was 51 % (36/71) in IBD group and 47 % (1436/3069) in Non-IBD groups (p = 0.513). Total of 1285 patients underwent biopsy or prostatectomy. The proportion of csPCa at pathology was 35 % (12/34) in IBD group and 56 % (699/1251) in non-IBD groups (p = 0.017). The positive predictive value of abnormal MRI for csPCa was significantly lower in IBD group (39 %, 19/31) compared to Non-IBD group (63 %, 657/1047) (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The proportion of csPCa at pathology and positive predictive value of abnormal MR for csPCa were lower in patients with IBD group compared to Non-IBD group.

Practice patterns related to prostate cancer grading: results of a 2019 Genitourinary Pathology Society clinician survey

PURPOSE

To survey urologic clinicians regarding interpretation of and practice patterns in relation to emerging aspects of prostate cancer grading, including quantification of high-grade disease, cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, and impact of magnetic resonance imaging-targeted needle biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Genitourinary Pathology Society distributed a survey to urology and urologic oncology-focused societies and hospital departments. Eight hundred and thirty four responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of survey participants use quantity of Gleason pattern 4 on needle biopsy for clinical decisions, less frequently with higher Grade Groups. Fifty percent interpret "tertiary" grade as a minor/<5% component. Seventy percent of respondents would prefer per core grading as well as a global/overall score per set of biopsies, but 70% would consider highest Gleason score in any single core as the grade for management. Seventy five percent utilize Grade Group terminology in patient discussions. For 45%, cribriform pattern would affect management, while for 70% the presence of intraductal carcinoma would preclude active surveillance.

CONCLUSION

This survey of practice patterns in relationship to prostate cancer grading highlights similarities and differences between contemporary pathology reporting and its clinical application. As utilization of Gleason pattern 4 quantification, minor tertiary pattern, cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, and the incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging-based strategies evolve, these findings may serve as a basis for more nuanced communication and guide research efforts involving pathologists and clinicians.

Upgrade at excisional biopsy after a core needle biopsy diagnosis of classic lobular carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND

Management of patients with classic lobular carcinoma in situ diagnosed on core needle biopsy remains controversial, in part because of clinicopathologic overlap with atypical lobular hyperplasia. Although atypical lobular hyperplasia on core needle biopsy is observed because of its low upgrade rate (~1%), consensus is lacking for lobular carcinoma in situ. Therefore, we evaluated lobular carcinoma in situ upgrade rates.

METHODS

With institutional review board approval, we identified 90 patients (from October 2008 to December 2019) with lobular carcinoma in situ on core needle biopsy as their highest-risk lesion. We excluded patients with concurrent ipsilateral cancer. Variables associated with upgrade were assessed with logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 90 patients, 81 (90%), median age 55 y, underwent surgical excision. Indications for diagnostic core needle biopsy included mammographic calcifications (48, 53.3%), mass/distortion (28, 31.1%), and non-mass enhancement (12, 13.3%). Final surgical pathology upgraded 11 of 81 patients (13.6%, 95% CI: 7.8%-22.7%) to cancer: invasive lobular (n = 7), invasive ductal (n = 1), and ductal carcinoma in situ/pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (n = 3). Only 1 patient with invasive cancer was node-positive. Concurrent contralateral cancer (OR 4.41, 95% CI: 1.06-17.38, P = .04) and larger lesion size (OR 1.78 per 1 cm, 95% CI: 1.19-2.95, P = .005) predicted upgrade.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that, unlike atypical lobular hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ identified on core needle biopsy should be surgically excised. The high proportion of upgrades to early stage invasive lobular carcinoma underscores the value of this approach.

Abstract P4-17-08: Surveillance mammography after treatment for male breast cancer

Background: The clinical utility of routine annual mammogram after curative-intent treatment for male breast cancer is uncertain. There is potentially greater value after lumpectomy (as surveillance for ipsilateral recurrence) than mastectomy (as screening for a new contralateral cancer). The goal of this study was to assess real world use of mammography in men during the first year after lumpectomy or mastectomy to treat breast cancer.

Methods: Administrative claims data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse (a large US database that includes privately insured patients and Medicare Advantage-insured enrollees from all 50 states and of all ages and ethnic and racial groups) were used to identify men treated with breast surgery for a new diagnosis of breast cancer between 2007 and 2017. We required continuous coverage starting at least 6 months prior to the non-metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and continuing until at least 13 months after the breast surgery. Our primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who had at least one mammogram during the year (13-month period, to allow for scheduling and other logistical delays) after lumpectomy or mastectomy. Univariate and multivariate testing were performed to identify predictors of mammography (with p&lt;0.05 used as the threshold for statistical significance for both). Our secondary endpoint was the proportion with at least one mammogram within 24 months of surgery, performed in a subset who maintained their insurance coverage for at least that duration.

Results: The 13-month analysis included 730 men with a median age at diagnosis of 62 years (Range: 25 to 87 years) and a median follow-up duration of 35 months (Range: 13 to 134 months). 209 (29%) of these men underwent mammography within 13 months after surgery. The characteristics of patients who underwent mammography and those who did not are shown in Table 1. Mammography was more likely after lumpectomy than mastectomy (41% vs. 27%) and after radiation therapy (41% vs. 32% in those who did not receive radiation). In a multivariate logistic regression model, more recent diagnosis (2015+) was associated with lower odds of undergoing mammography, while receipt of radiation was associated with higher odds of undergoing mammography. In the subset of patients with two or more years of post-surgery coverage (n=527), the proportion who had at least one mammogram during that 24-month period was 49% after lumpectomy and 40% after mastectomy.

Conclusions: In this insured cohort, 73% of men did not undergo mammography within a year after mastectomy, and 59% did not within a year after lumpectomy. Mammography was less likely in patients diagnosed more recently (perhaps due to acknowledgment of the unique aspects of male breast cancer including a relatively low risk of contralateral second primary tumors), and more likely in those who received radiation. These variations in practice likely result from the paucity of evidence-based guidelines for male breast cancer survivorship care. More research is needed pertaining to whether or not mammograms improve clinical outcomes after curative intent treatment for male breast cancer.

Table 1: Patient characteristics associated with receipt of mammogram within first 13 months after male breast cancer surgeryUnivariate AnalysisMultivariate AnalysisNo Mammogram (N=521)Mammogram (N=209)P-value, chi-square testOdds Ratio (OR) and 95% CIP-value for ORAge Group:0.1225-4966 (12.7%)32 (15.3%)Reference50-64216 (41.5%)98 (46.9%)0.99 (0.60, 1.63)0.9665-74112 (21.5%)44 (21.1%)0.87 (0.48, 1.57)0.6575+127 (24.4%)35 (16.7%)0.57 (0.30, 1.07)0.08Census Region:0.52Midwest138 (26.5%)59 (28.2%)ReferenceNortheast97 (18.6%)47 (22.5%)1.10 (0.68, 1.78)0.69South223 (42.8%)79 (37.8%)0.74 (0.49, 1.11)0.15West63 (12.1%)24 (11.5%)0.83 (0.47, 1.47)0.51Year of diagnosis:0.072007-2010126 (24.2%)65 (31.1%)Reference2011-2014199 (38.2%)82 (39.2%)0.80 (0.54, 1.20)0.292015+196 (37.6%)62 (29.7%)0.63 (0.41, 0.96)0.03Elixhauser Category:0.250148 (28.4%)69 (33.0%)Reference1-2218 (41.8%)74 (35.4%)0.85 (0.56, 1.28)0.433+155 (29.8%)66 (31.6%)1.18 (0.75, 1.87)0.47Surgery Type:0.005Lumpectomy55 (10.6%)38 (18.2%)ReferenceMastectomy466 (89.4%)171 (81.8%)1.57 (0.97, 2.55)0.07Chemotherapy:0.79No301 (57.8%)123 (58.9%)ReferenceYes220 (42.2%)86 (41.1%)0.79 (0.54, 1.16)0.23Radiation:0.02No355 (68.1%)124 (59.3%)ReferenceYes166 (31.9%)85 (40.7%)1.51 (1.03, 2.20)0.03

Citation Format: Siddhartha Yadav, Lindsey Sangaralingham, Stephanie R. Payne, Karthik V. Giridhar, Tina J. Hieken, Judy C. Boughey, Robert W. Mutter, John R. Hawse, Rafael E. Jimenez, Rachel A. Freedman, Sadia Choudhery, Fergus J. Couch, Celine M. Vachon, Nilay Shah, Roberto A. Leon-Ferre, Kathryn J. Ruddy. Surveillance mammography after treatment for male breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-17-08.

Male breast cancer in the United States: Treatment patterns and prognostic factors in the 21st century

BACKGROUND

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease for which there is limited understanding of treatment patterns and prognostic factors.

METHODS

Men with TNM stage I to stage III breast cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 in the National Cancer Data Base were included. Trends in treatment modalities were described using the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and estimated using Joinpoint software for the analysis of trends. Kaplan-Meier curves and the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to compare survival between subgroups and to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS

A total of 10,873 MBC cases were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 64 years. Breast-conserving surgery was performed in 24% of patients, and 70% of patients undergoing breast conservation received radiotherapy. Approximately 44% of patients received chemotherapy, and 62% of patients with estrogen receptor-positive disease received endocrine therapy. Oncotype DX was ordered in 35% of patients with lymph node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative tumors. During the study period, there was a significant increase in the rates of total mastectomy, contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, radiotherapy after breast conservation, ordering of Oncotype DX, and the use of endocrine therapy (P < .05). On multivariate analysis, factors found to be associated with worse overall survival were older age, black race, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, high tumor grade and stage of disease, and undergoing total mastectomy. Residing in a higher income area; having progesterone receptor-positive tumors; and receipt of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy were associated with better overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lack of prospective randomized trials in patients with MBC, the results of the current study demonstrated that the treatment of this disease has evolved over the years. These findings further the understanding of the modern treatment and prognosis of MBC, and identify several areas for further research.

Incidence of succinate dehydrogenase and fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma based on immunohistochemical screening with SDHA/SDHB and FH/2SC

Mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHX) enzyme subunits commonly lead to a loss of function of the holoenzyme complex, and germline SDHX mutations lead to a genetic predisposition to SDH-deficient neoplasms, including renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Similarly, loss-of-function alterations of fumarate hydratase (FH) leads to a genetic predisposition to hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC)-associated RCC. Loss of FH leads to an accumulation of fumarate and aberrantly high levels of S-(2-succino)-cysteine (2SC). Subtype-specific consecutively diagnosed renal cell neoplasms were selected for the study and cases were not otherwise selected based on clinicopathologic features. Tissue microarrays were constructed from 1009 renal cell neoplasms (papillary: 400, clear cell: 203, chromophobe: 87, oncocytomas [original diagnosis]: 273, unclassified: 46) and these cases were immunostained for SDHA/SDHB to screen for SDH loss. A smaller subset (n = 730; oncocytomas, papillary and unclassified RCCs) were screened for FH-deficiency using immunohistochemistry for FH/2SC. Loss of SDHA/SDHB was seen in three of 273 tumors originally diagnosed as oncocytomas (1.1%). Diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic 2SC staining, with retained FH expression was seen in one case (suggestive of dysfunctional FH protein), while absent FH was seen in 3 cases (2/400 papillary RCCs, 0.5% and 2/46 unclassified RCCs, 4.35%). No aberrant FH/2SC expression was noted in 273 cases originally diagnosed as oncocytomas. SDH-deficient RCCs were identified only in the cases originally diagnosed as oncocytomas (1.1%), while FH-deficient RCCs were identified in the papillary (0.5%) and unclassified RCC cohorts (4.35%). These results can help guide immunohistochemistry-based screening strategies for these tumors.

Evolution of androgen receptor variant (ARV) profiles in serial metastatic solid and liquid biopsies in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with abiraterone acetate/ prednisone (AA/P)

e16559

Background: ARVs that develop early during treatment with abiraterone acetate/ prednisone (AA/P) may play a role in treatment resistance. We evaluated metastatic site and whole blood mRNA expression of full-length AR (AR-FL) and ARVs to characterize treatment-emergent ARVs (TE-ARVs) from men with mCRPC pre- and post- 12 weeks of AA/P collected in a prospective clinical trial (NCT#01953640). Methods: RNAseq performed on paired metastatic site biopsy (n = 40) and whole blood (n = 25) passed quality control. Reads were aligned to the GRCh38 reference genome with the spliced-alignment TopHat2 package. AR-FL or ARVs were detected if ≥ 2 splice reads aligned to unique splice junctions for AR-FL, AR-8, AR-45, AR-23, AR-V3, AR-V5V6, AR-V7, AR-V8, AR-V9, AR-V10, AR-V12, AR-V13, and AR-V14, and normalized to splice reads per million (SRPM). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed on AR-FL and AR-Vs with ≥1 SRPM for association with time to treatment change (TTTC). Results: In metastatic site biopsies post-AA/P, the average number of splice reads was 27,376,541 (range 7,753,998 to 62,456,773). The median number of ARVs detected was 2 (range 0-8), with a total of total of 110 ARVs identified (Table). Dynamic shifts in ARV profiles were observed post-AAP, with 41 TE-ARVs identified in 17 unique patients. The most common TE-ARV was AR-8 (n = 8), followed by AR-45 (n = 5), AR-23 (n = 5), and AR-V7 (n = 4). The presence of AR-V7 post-AAP was adversely associated with TTTC (hazard ratio 2.46, p = 0.013). The identification of early TE- ARV was not associated with TTTC. In whole blood samples, post-AA/P detection of AR-FL was low (n = 3) and no ARVs were detected. Conclusions: No specific patterns were observed in ARV profiles obtained in the metastatic biopsies after 12 weeks of treatment with AA/P. Clinical trial information: 01953640. [Table: see text]

Abstract P6-19-05: Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with male breast cancer: The Mayo Clinic experience

Background:

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare, and usually managed by extrapolation from female breast cancer. We report on the characteristics and survival outcomes of MBC patients from Mayo Clinic Rochester (MCR).

Methods:

Medical records of MBC patients treated at MCR during a 25-year period (1990-2015) were reviewed. Demographic variables, tumor characteristics, recurrences, and overall survival (OS) were collected. Progression free survival (PFS) and OS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression was used to identify predictors of OS.

Results:

One hundred sixty-seven patients were included in the final analysis, with a median follow-up of 58 months after diagnosis. Baseline characteristics are presented in Table 1. Eighty percent of patients with ER-positive tumors received endocrine therapy. Among men with stage I-III disease, approximately 90% underwent mastectomy, and 44% received adjuvant chemotherapy.

The 5-year locoregional and distant recurrence rates for patients with stage I-III disease were 4.4% and 21.5%, respectively. The 5-year PFS and OS for patients with stage I-III disease were 65.5% and 80.1%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis assessing predictors of OS in patients with stage I-III disease, older age (HR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.09), stage II (HR 11.06; 95% CI: 3.84 – 31.85) or stage III disease (HR 14.74; 95% CI (3.99 – 54.45), and omission of surgery (HR 45.33; 95% CI: 3.97 – 517.32) were associated with poorer OS, while endocrine therapy (HR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.51) was associated with better OS. ER, PR, HER2 and grade were not independently prognostic.

The median OS for stage IV patients was 10 months, though this 11-man cohort was too small to allow assessment of prognostic factors in advanced male breast cancer.

Conclusions:

MBC remains an understudied condition. Prognostic factors in this stage I-III disease are consistent with those identified in other MBC retrospective cohorts. Prospective studies are needed to better understand the unique clinical features of MBC, and to improve outcomes, particularly for advanced disease.

Table 1:Baseline characteristics N=167  Median age at diagnosis (Years)64.4  Ethnicity/Race: Caucasian131 (78.4%)African American4 (2.4%)Other or unknown32 (19.2%)  Overall AJCC 7th edition stage: Stage I39 (23.4%)Stage II80 (47.9%)Stage III32 (19.2%)Stage IV11 (6.6%)Unknown5 (3.0%)  Grade: 18 (4.8%)247 (28.1%)3101 (60.5%)Unknown12 (7.1%)  ER status: Negative8 (4.8%)Positive153 (91.6%)Unknown6 (3.6%)  PR status: Negative17 (10.2%)Positive141 (84.4%)Unknown9 (5.4%)  HER-2 status: Negative70 (41.9%)Positive12 (7.2%)Unknown85 (50.9%)

Citation Format: Yadav S, Leon-Ferre RA, Jimenez RE, Hawse JR, Hieken TJ, Couch FJ, Boughey JC, Ruddy KJ. Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with male breast cancer: The Mayo Clinic experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-19-05.

Genome-wide analysis of metastases to reveal association of pathway activation with abiraterone acetate/prednisone (AA/P) primary resistance and cell cycle proliferation pathway activation with response duration in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

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Background: Genomic aberrations associated with resistance/response to AA/P are not known. In a prospective study we assessed whole-exome/RNA-seq based aberrations in CRPC metastatic biopsies for identifying molecular markers associated with primary resistance and response duration. Methods: Sequencing of metastatic biopsies was performed for analyzing molecular aberrations that predict primary resistance (defined as progression at 12-weeks of therapy (non-responders) using PSA, RECIST, bone scan criteria per PCWG2). Gene network analysis was performed in genes mutated more frequently in non-responders and in genes differentially expressed between non-responders and responders using a “risk ratio” (RR) of ≥2. Cox regression models with multiple gene network pathways were used for determining association with time to treatment change (TTTC). Results: Of 92 enrolled pts 82 had complete whole-exome, RNA-seq & 12-week outcome data available for analysis. At 12-weeks 33/82 had progressed. Using a RR of ≥2, 113 genes were more frequently mutated in non-responders & 292 in responders. In non-responders, gene network analysis revealed frequent mutations in Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes; frequent deletion of negative regulators of Wnt pathway ( DKK4, SFRP2, LRP6). Gene expression analyses revealed significantly reduced expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors and increased expression levels of cell cycle proliferation (CCP) genes in non-responders. Median study follow up was 32 months during which time 58/82 pts progressed and switched treatments. Median TTTC was 10.1 months (IQR:4.4-24.1). In multivariate analysis CCP scores of ≥50 predicted shorter TTTC (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.17-3.80; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In metastases Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation is associated with primary AA/P resistance and increased CCP with acquired drug resistance. These findings offer molecular based predictive biomarkers in CRPC stage treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT#01953640.

Prognostic significance of lymphatic, vascular and perineural invasion for bladder cancer patients treated by radical cystectomy

In radical cystectomy specimens with bladder cancer, lymphatic and vascular invasion are often reported as 'angiolymphatic' or 'lymphovascular' invasion, terms that combine the findings of tumour within simple endothelial-lined lymphatic spaces and tumour within muscle-lined blood vessels. It is unclear if these patterns of invasion have different prognostic significance. In addition, there are conflicting data regarding the significance of lymphatic, vascular and perineural invasion in patients with bladder cancer. Herein, we studied 1504 patients treated by radical cystectomy for bladder cancer at our institution and followed for a mean of 10.6 years. Cases were re-reviewed by a urological pathologist for lymphatic invasion defined as tumour within a non-muscle-lined endothelial-lined lymphatic space, vascular invasion defined as tumour in a muscle-lined blood vessel, and perineural invasion defined as tumour within the perineural sheath. Associations of clinical and pathological features with bladder cancer death were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models and summarised with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic and vascular invasion but not perineural invasion were significantly associated with cancer specific survival (p<0.0001 and p=0.02, respectively). There was a significant association of lymphatic and vascular invasion but not perineural invasion with involved regional lymph nodes (p<0.0001 and p=0.004, respectively). In patients with metastasis to regional lymph nodes, lymphatic invasion remained significantly associated with outcome (p=0.02). The frequency of lymphatic and vascular invasion varied amongst histological subtypes of bladder cancer. Vascular and lymphatic invasion should be clearly defined and reported for radical cystectomy specimens containing bladder cancer.

Abstract A05: Developing patient derived xenograft (PDX) models for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) during CYP17 inhibitor therapy

Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a deadly disease with a poor prognosis. Treatment options for CRPC patients involve taxanes or newly developed drugs targeting the androgen pathway or androgen synthesis, including CYP17 inhibitors. However, response to therapy varies dramatically among patients, which might be due, in part, to tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, understanding of the genomic landscape of CRPC would be important to help achieve better outcomes by developing personalized therapies. One challenge contributing to our lack of therapies for CRPC is a paucity of clinically relevant animal models predictive of response to therapy in human patients. The Prostate Cancer Medically Optimized Genome Enhanced Therapy (PROMOTE) study is a Mayo Clinic prospective trial designed for patients with metastatic CRPC who are treated with abiraterone acetate, a CYP17 inhibitor, over a 12 week period. Fresh tissue from metastatic lesions, primarily bone metastases, was obtained by needle core biopsy before and 12 weeks after initiating abiraterone acetate treatment. The samples were submitted for DNA and RNA sequencing and were also used to generate patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. PDX models were developed by injecting biopsy samples subcutaneously or under the renal capsule in male non-obese diabetic (NOD)/severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) or NOD/SCID/IL-2γ-receptor null (NSG) mice implanted with 25mg testosterone pellets at the time of tissue implantation and 2 months later. Baseline samples from 103 unique patients as well as second samples from 61 patients post abiraterone acetate treatment were injected into approximately 600 mice. Of the samples for which pathology is currently available, 31% of the biopsies injected into mice were confirmed to include tumor tissue, which may be compared with a figure of 37.5% of samples sent for sequencing. Thus far, we have established 8 PDX models, four from baseline and four from post treatment samples. Seven models were derived from metastatic bone lesions, and one model from a liver metastasis. The tumor tissue in each model was expanded into a second of generation of mice and harvested when the tumors grew. No tumor was expanded more than four times. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of xenograft tissue from different “generations” of xenograft expansion is ongoing and will be compared with similar data for the original biopsy. The evaluation of treatment response after exposure of these PDX models to different therapies including CYP19 inhibitors, AR blockers and taxanes is ongoing. These PDX models provide a tool for future drug testing and for studying mechanisms of resistance to therapy in CRPC.

Citation Format: Fang Xie, Manish Kohli, Yin Ping, Rafael E. Jimenez, Richard M. Weinshilboum, Liewei Wang. Developing patient derived xenograft (PDX) models for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) during CYP17 inhibitor therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Patient-Derived Cancer Models: Present and Future Applications from Basic Science to the Clinic; Feb 11-14, 2016; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(16_Suppl):Abstract nr A05.